Day 6 Barli
This morning explore the village of Barli by bullock cart. As you make your way through the narrow streets you will receive a friendly greeting from all the inhabitants, especially the children. You can see traditional potters and shoe makers at work, visit a local temple, and see the memorials to local rulers. This provides a great insight into the traditional lifestyles still followed by people throughout rural India.

In the afternoon enjoy a cookery class, learning about India’s many spices and putting your new-found knowledge in to practice as you prepare a series of mouth-watering dishes!

Day 7 Barli – Jaipur
A morning drive to Jaipur.

In the afternoon head out of town to the magnificent Amber Fort. This sits high on a bluff with wonderful views over the hills around. The fort is huge and beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and delicate paintings. There are lots of nooks and crannies that the children will be able to explore. The fort is also very popular with local families and Indian tourists so you will probably receive lots of requests to have your pictures taken. This is an interesting reverse of the normal tourist experience!

Day 8 Jaipur 
This morning rise early (before the worst of the traffic, and also when it is cool) for a cycling tour of the backstreets of Jaipur. This is fascinating as you will be cycling around whilst the city is coming alive. Children run errands in the street and market stalls are getting set up for the day. You will ride past all of the main sites including Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal, a beautiful pink sandstone building where the royal women could watch the world go by without themselves being seen. The ride lasts around 2-3 hours and you will be back at your hotel for a late breakfast.

In the afternoon take an excursion to Elefantastic. This is a wonderful centre where you have the chance to learn all about Indian elephants. You will be able to feed, wash and take a short walk alongside an elephant, before observing them interacting and playing – if the hose is involved you might get sprayed! This is an amazing experience that is very popular with children of all ages (as well as adults!).

Day 9 Jaipur – Ranthambore
After breakfast it’s a 4-hour drive to Sawai Madhopur, near Ranthambore National Park. In the afternoon visit the magnificent old Ranthambore Fort, now populated only by monkeys. It is situated on a rocky outcrop with breath-taking views over the forest and national park below. You may feel like you have seen enough forts, but this is entirely different. The building is completely in ruins and is a fabulous place for the children to climb at will and explore endless hidden corridors and towers.

We could also arrange a safari this afternoon to maximise your chances of seeing a tiger.

Note: Ranthambore is closed from July to the end of September. During these months we will arrange a slightly amended itinerary.

Day 10 Ranthambore
Today you have morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park. This park is one of the few places in India where there is a good chance of seeing a tiger so keep your eyes peeled! There are also leopard, nilgai, wild boar, hyena, bear and many different types of deer which will maintain the excitement if the tigers prove elusive.

Day 11 Ranthambore – Karauli
After breakfast drive through rural Rajasthan to the small rural town of Karauli where you will stay in a Maharaja’s residence. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.

Day 12 Karauli
A full day to explore Karauli. This is not a place frequented by most travellers to India, but is all the more rewarding for that. The village hosts a fascinating and lively bazaar full of handicrafts, stone carvings, colourful bangles and handmade wooden toys. This is a great place for children to hone their haggling skills. There is a wonderful City Palace, a treasure trove of beautiful architecture. Here you probably won’t see another tourist and can get lost for hours in the small passages and lavishly painted rooms.

In the morning take a walking tour of the town and later ride a camel cart through the narrow market streets.

Day 13 Karauli – Agra
After breakfast depart for the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. This is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. The children will enjoy an e-rickshaw around the reserve, which is great fun.

From here continue to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by the Moghul Emperor Akhbar nearly 500 years ago, the city was abandoned only 15 years after completion because of a lack of water supply. It is immaculately preserved.

It is then a short drive on to Agra.

Day 14 Agra
In the early morning visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. It is magical to see this monument at dawn when it is at its quietest and most serene. We do not usually include a guide at the Taj; instead we find the most successful way for children to get the most out of their visit is to rent an audio-guide. You can take your time to explore and then return to your hotel for a late breakfast.

The rest of the morning is free for you to relax. Alternatively we can arrange for you to visit a nearby sanctuary which houses rescued dancing bears.

In the afternoon take a city tour, first visiting Agra Fort. This colossal structure sits on the edge of the Yamuna River just upstream from the Taj. Shah Jehan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, spent the last 12 years of his life here under house arrest. From the balcony of his rooms he could stare across the river at the Taj, which he built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Later cross the River Yamuna and visit Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb – better known as the Baby Taj. You will also visit Mehtab Bagh, a formally laid out Moghul garden which offers stupendous views of the Taj Mahal, especially around sunset.

In the evening take the train back to Delhi for your final night.

Day 15 Delhi
Transfer to the airport in time for your international flight.