Day 1: New Delhi: You will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport/Railway Station, you would be transferred to your hotel. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Indian hospitality can be savored immediately as one arrives at the hotel. Relax with a non-alcoholic welcome drink following which proceed to check in at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel DAY 2: New Delhi: After leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a full day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. You will first visit Old Delhi The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past theRed Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199.. Then visit Humayun’s tomb built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan the President’s residence. Evening at Dilli Haat. Overnight at the hotel. DAY 3: New Delhi-Agra: After buffet breakfast in the hotel you will be driven from Delhi to Agra (204 KMS/ 4.30 HRS). AGRA Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel. After lunch visit Agra Fort , an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions and shopping. Overnight at the Hotel at Agra. Day: 4: Agra – Taj Mahal Tour and Jaipur. After break fast in the morning you will proceed fore tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding pieceofarchitecture. Come back to your hotel for lunch and check out. You will be transferred to Jaipur by Car enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. (240 KMS / 5 HRS), the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its buildings in near perfect condition. After your visit continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur proceed for check in at your hotel. Evening at Leisure and overnight at the Hotel. The pink city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city. Day 5: Jaipur: After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. An elephant will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (Subject to availability). Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Come back to your hotel after your visit. Afternoon you will proceed to the city tour of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Return to Hotel and get ready for a memorable evening at Chowki Dhani. An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground & includes the entertainment by folk dancers & musicians. Today the nameof ChokhiDhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture throughout the country. Later drive back to hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. Day:6 Jaipur-New Delhi Airport/Railway Station: After breakfast and as per your departure schedule from New Delhi you will be transferred back to New Delhi airport/Railway Station. Tour ends – pleasant memories remain! |