Heritage Trail with Bharatpur Birds

After breakfast, set out on a guided morning exploration of Old Delhi, the historic core of the city dating back to the Mughal era. Begin with a visit to Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest and most impressive mosques, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. From here, experience the lively atmosphere of Chandni Chowk on a bicycle rickshaw ride, weaving through narrow streets lined with spice traders, traditional jewellery shops, and age-old bazaars. Drive past the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of India’s Mughal past.
Later, visit Gandhi Smriti, the former home of Mahatma Gandhi and the site where his life came to a close in January 1948. Preserved as a national memorial, the residence displays personal artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that reflect Gandhi’s ideals of peace, simplicity, and non-violence. A walk through the quiet rooms and tranquil gardens offers a deeply reflective and moving experience.
Continue to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi’s most significant Sikh temples, instantly recognisable by its striking golden dome. Open to people of all faiths, the gurudwara is renowned for its welcoming spirit. Witness the Langar, the community kitchen where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to thousands of visitors each day, a living expression of Sikh principles of equality and selfless service.
After lunch, explore Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of early Mughal architecture. Built in the 16th century and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the monument is widely regarded as the architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal and serves as the final resting place for several Mughal emperors.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, offering a relaxed introduction to the flavours of Indian cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, set off for Agra on a comfortable drive of around four hours. Often called the city of white marble, Agra is renowned for its Mughal heritage and is home to one of the world’s most iconic monuments, the Taj Mahal. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The afternoon is free to relax, refresh, or explore at your own pace.
As evening approaches, enjoy a specially arranged live cultural performance lasting approximately 75 minutes. This beautifully staged show narrates the timeless love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, set against the splendour of the Mughal era. Through music, dance, and dramatic storytelling, the performance also pays tribute to the master craftsmen whose skill and dedication over 22 years gave birth to the Taj Mahal an enduring symbol of love admired across the world. After the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Start the day in the quiet hours before sunrise with an early-morning visit to the Taj Mahal. As dawn breaks, watch the monument slowly emerge in soft pastel tones, its marble surface changing colour with the rising sun. Experiencing the Taj at this serene hour, before the crowds arrive, is widely considered the most magical way to appreciate its elegance and harmony.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then continue your discovery of Agra with a visit to the majestic Agra Fort. Built primarily of red sandstone by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and later enhanced by Shah Jahan, this vast fortress once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. Walk through ornate palaces, peaceful courtyards, and grand halls that once hosted royal ceremonies and imperial audiences, while enjoying views across the Yamuna River toward the Taj Mahal.
After lunch, gain insight into Agra’s centuries-old artistic traditions with a visit to a local marble inlay workshop. Here, master craftsmen demonstrate the delicate technique of embedding semi-precious stones into marble, the same skill used to decorate the Taj Mahal. The visit offers a fascinating look at this intricate art form and an opportunity to purchase an authentic handcrafted keepsake.

MealsL: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, travel onward to Bharatpur, a charming town best known for the celebrated Keoladeo National Park and the historic Lohagarh Fort dating back to the 18th century. The journey offers a pleasant transition from Agra’s Mughal monuments to one of India’s most important natural sanctuaries.
Keoladeo National Park, also widely referred to as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s finest birding destinations. Spread across a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and marshes, the park supports an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. It is home to hundreds of bird species, along with fish, reptiles, and amphibians, and plays a vital role as a winter haven for thousands of migratory birds arriving from distant regions.
Originally developed as a royal waterfowl reserve, the area was later protected as a national park, ensuring the preservation of its delicate ecosystem. Visitors can explore the sanctuary by jeep or traditional cycle rickshaw, allowing for a relaxed and intimate experience amid the park’s rich wildlife. The peaceful setting makes it a favourite among nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatching enthusiasts.
On arrival in Bharatpur, check in to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a jeep excursion to a nearby village, offering a glimpse into everyday rural life. Meet local residents, observe traditional customs, and experience the warmth and hospitality that define village communities in this region.
The evening is free to unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Begin the day in the cool morning hours with a gentle bicycle rickshaw safari through Keoladeo National Park. This peaceful ride offers an intimate way to observe the sanctuary’s diverse birdlife and serene wetlands as the park comes alive at sunrise. After the excursion, return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast.
Later, depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. En route, stop to visit Abhaneri, home to the extraordinary Chand Baori stepwell. Built centuries ago to harvest and conserve rainwater, this monumental structure descends dramatically into the earth with its precise tiers of steps forming striking geometric patterns. One of the deepest and most impressive stepwells in India, Chand Baori stands as a remarkable example of ancient engineering and artistic vision, where practicality and beauty blend seamlessly.
Continue onward to Jaipur, carrying with you a glimpse of India’s rural landscapes and architectural heritage along the way.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Begin your morning with a thrilling jeep ascent to Amber Fort, a magnificent hilltop stronghold dating back to the late 16th century. As you explore the fort, wander through expansive courtyards, beautifully decorated halls, and chambers adorned with delicate lattice screens, vibrant murals, and intricate mirror work fine examples of the artistry and elegance of Rajput architecture.
Leaving Amber, drive through Jaipur’s historic old city, where pink-hued streets and bustling markets reflect the city’s royal heritage. Pause for photographs at the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, famous for its honeycomb façade designed to allow royal women to observe street life unseen.
Continue to the City Palace, an impressive complex that remains the residence of Jaipur’s royal family. Visit the museum to view an exceptional collection of royal costumes, weapons, and artefacts, offering insight into the city’s regal past. You will also have time to browse Jaipur’s renowned gemstone jewellery and traditional hand printed textiles, both deeply rooted in local craftsmanship.
Next, explore Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most remarkable astronomical observatories. Built in the 18th century, its giant stone instruments demonstrate the advanced scientific knowledge of the era. Later, visit the sacred Galta Ji complex, often referred to as the Monkey Temple, set amidst scenic hills and natural water springs that create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savour authentic flavours of Rajasthani cuisine. In the afternoon, stop at the picturesque Jal Mahal, or Water Palace, for photo opportunities as the palace appears to float gracefully on Man Sagar Lake.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, wet out on a comfortable five to six hours drive from Jaipur to Delhi. Upon reaching Delhi, check in at your hotel and take the remainder of the day at leisure perfect for unwinding and refreshing after the journey.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today marks the conclusion of your journey with us. At the appointed time, a Discover India representative will assist with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
Guests opting to extend their stay will seamlessly continue into the next phase of their travel adventure.