BOOK NOW at www.imaginative-traveller.com or CALL 0845 287 0769INDIA81The Taj & Wildlife 8 days Visit the most impressive sites and discover India's wildlife.Combine a visit to the glorious Taj Mahal in Agra and the magical 'pink city' of Jaipur. We drive in search of the magnificent Bengal tiger and many of India's other exotic wildlife in the country's most famous and most stunningly beautiful nature reserve, complete with lakes and fortresses. Trip InfoDeparture DatesGroup size: Maximum 15.Grade: Culture Easy / Wildlife Easy.Transport: Bus, Open 4WD vehicles, Taxi.Accommodation: 2 nights safari lodge, 5 nights hotels/guesthouses.Other: Please note that Ranthambore National Park is closed July-September inclusive. During this time, we visit the neighbouring Mansingh Sanctuary.Start Day: Saturday End Day: SaturdayTour code: GITWStart FinishStart Finish201115-Jan 22-Jan12-Feb 19-Feb12-Mar 19-Mar09-Apr 16-Apr07-May 14-May04-Jun 11-Jun03-Sep 10-Sep24-Sep 01-Oct22-Oct 29-Oct19-Nov 26-Nov17-Dec 24-Dec201214-Jan 21-Jan11-Feb 18-Feb10-Mar 17-Mar07-Apr 14-Apr05-May 12-May02-Jun 09-JunItineraryDay 1 / Delhi Your trip starts today in Delhi. No activities are planned, but arrive early if you can; there's plenty to see and do in this magical city. Day 2 / Agra - Taj Mahal An early morning express train takes us to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. This magnificent icon was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved second wife. A visit to this amazing 17th century marble mausoleum and testament to love is truly breathtaking. Day 3-4 / Jaipur Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, is home to many regal monuments reflecting the glory days of the maharajas. We pay homage at the impressively ornate Amber Fort and later explore the City Palace, the beautiful Palace of the Winds and the bazaars and backstreets of the Old City. Day 5-6 / Ranthambore National Park We travel by train to one of India's premier wildlife reserves and search for the magnificent Royal Bengal tiger. Along the way, we encounter numerous animals, including cheeky monkeys known as langurs, as well as various antelope such as blackbuck and nilgai. Day 7-8 / Delhi We travel by train back to Delhi for the end of our Indian adventure. Book some post-tour accommodation so you can further explore this varied, vibrant capital.

For detailed departures, itineraries and prices please visit our website82India / NepalItineraryThe Road to Kathmandu 13 days This is one of the great overland journeys.From Delhi we head to Jaipur, the lively capital of Rajasthan, before shifting gear to explore a charming rural village and stay in a centuries-old palace. We marvel at the world's most famous Mughal icon, the Taj Mahal, then head to the holy city of Varanasi, where pilgrims bathe in the holy water of the Ganges. Over the border in Nepal, we search for exotic wildlife on elephant-back, before reaching the famed Himalayan city of Kathmandu. We enjoy a cycling tour around the birthplace of Lord Siddharta Gautama - the original Lord Buddha. Going from temple to temple, it's not hard to feel the tranquillity of this special place.Trip InfoDeparture DatesDay 1 / Delhi Arrive at anytime in Delhi. If you've time before the group meets in the evening, explore Connaught Place and Chandi Chowk, the city's oldest market. Or simply wander one of the world's mighty metropolises in wonder. Day 2-3 / Jaipur Explore the capital of Rajasthan, a vibrant city where modern life jostles against centuries of history. Visit the Amber Fort and enjoy a walk around Jaipur, stopping off to check out the Palace of the Winds. There is time to revel in Jaipur's other great highlights: the City Palace, and the old markets, where you can pick up some fantastic souvenirs. Day 4 / Tordi Garh A small, traditional and friendly village that sees few tourists, Tordi Garh is set amongst several old temples and a crumbling fort. Explore and stay overnight in the town's 16th century palace. Day 5 / Agra Bask in the romance and beauty of the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the world's most impressive testaments to love and India's most renowned and striking monument. Day 6-8 / Varanasi Take the overnight train from Agra to the holy city of Varanasi. Here, pilgrims flock to the ghats along the great Ganges river to bathe. Experience this spectacle at dawn on a dawn river cruise. Day 9 / Lumbini The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini exudes a special spirit all its own; we explore the area on bikes. We then spend the night in a charming jungle lodge. Day 10-11 / Chitwan National Park We travel to the village of Sauraha by Chitwan National Park. Next day we go on safari on elephant back or by dugout canoe in search of exotic wildlife, including the elusive Royal Bengal tiger and the Indian rhinoceros. Day 12-13 / Kathmandu Arriving in Kathmandu, there's plenty of time to explore, shop or relax, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Nepalese capital, perhaps starting in its cultural heart: Durbar Square. Our tour ends the following morning. Additional post-tour accommodation is available on request. Group size: Maximum 16.Grade: Culture Moderate / Wildlife Easy.Transport: Bicycle rickshaw, Boat, Bus, Elephant, Local bus, On foot, Sleeper train, Taxi.Accommodation: 7 nights hotels/guesthouses, 3 nights jungle lodge, 1 night historic hotel, 1 night overnight train.Start Day: Saturday End Day: Thursday Tour code: GIRKNEWStart FinishStart Finish201108-Jan 20-Jan05-Feb 17-Feb05-Mar 17-Mar02-Apr 14-Apr30-Apr 12-May28-May 09-Jun25-Jun 07-Jul23-Jul 04-Aug20-Aug 01-Sep17-Sep 29-Sep15-Oct 27-Oct12-Nov 24-Nov10-Dec 22-Dec201207-Jan 19-Jan04-Feb 16-Feb03-Mar 15-Mar31-Mar 12-Apr28-Apr 10-May26-May 07-Jun