Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive DELHI

On arrival at the DELHI International Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building and transfer you to your hotel. Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. In time the city conceals within its bosom annals of civilisations that flourished for more than three thousand years. Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India; an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying 'You are Welcome'. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

In DELHI

Morning: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199. This minaret stands tall at an impressive height of 73 metres. One more work of wonder to be seen here is an iron pillar that still remains unrusted; the Humayun's Tomb, built in the 16th century as a memorial to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Its design inspired the Taj Mahal; and later, drive past the India Gate, a majestic arch, 42 metre high war memorial in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the First World War; the Rashtrapati Bhawan, built by the British with a blend of Mughal and Western culture, now the official residence of the President of India; the Government Secretariat buildings and Parliament House, an impressive collonaded building which houses the two houses of Parliament. Afternoon: Continue with sightseeing tour of Old Delhi - Shahjahanabad. Visit the Jama Masjid, built as the mosque of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan's capital city in 1658; thereafter, "Cycle-rickshaw ride" from the mosque to the fort through the by-lanes and bazaars of the old city; the Red Fort, the 17th century fortress of Emperor Shahjahan, and later, proceed to Raj Ghat, the serene memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of Yamuna river. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

DELHI - JAIPUR (235 kms)

Morning: Drive to JAIPUR. Afternoon: On arrival, check into the hotel. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Ji, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharaja’s are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one. Rest of the day, sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Visit Jantar Mantar (Observatory). The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemeredes; the famous palace of Jaipur which is popularly known as The City Palace was built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh II in early 18th century, but a lot of changes and additions were made to the original structure by his successors. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

In JAIPUR

Morning: Excursion to Amber Fort-Palace. En route stop by at Hawa Mahal for a photo session. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. The Amber Fort-Palace is set in a picturesque location 11km away from Jaipur. It presents a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Raja Man Singh built the Amber Fort in the 16th century (the construction of the fort was started in 1592). It is built in red sandstone and white marble. The palace complex of the Amber fort has very attractive apartments. This complex was built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. The most fascinating way to reach the Amber fort is on "elephant back". This is truly a royal experience. Return to the base will be by jeep. Afternoon: At leisure for independent activities or shopping. (The vehicle will be at your disposal.) Towards evening: Visit the Nahargarh Fort (6km north of Jaipur). Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber. The legend also have it that it was named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince whose spirit would destroy the construction and not allow its progress further. So after a tantrik prayer to the spirit it agreed to leave on condition that the fort is named after him. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Ram Singh II has uniquely a cluster of 12 identical suites for queens and at the head is a suite for the king himself. The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate frescos as well as toilets and kitchen hearths. It was used by members of the royal family for excursion in summers and is now even a favoured picnic spot. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5

JAIPUR - Peharsar - Fatehpur Sikri - AGRA (240 kms)

Morning: Drive to AGRA. En route stop by at Peharsar village (150 kms). There is an interesting story about how the village got its name. Two generals of Sultan Mahmud** conquered the village in the space of three hours or what is a "Pehar" and hence the name Peharsar. On arrival, we will take you on a "camel-cart ride" through the village to experience life in rural India, followed by lunch at the Chandra Mahal Haveli which was originally built in the 1860s by the Shia nobility that came to live here, and is now a Heritage Hotel. Later, proceed to Fatehpur Sikri (53 kms). Fatehpur Sikri (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. It was built in honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. It is regarded as Emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals. Thereafter, continue to Agra (37 kms). Towards evening: On arrival, check into the hotel. Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh. It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana or Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous second century A.D. geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475 A.D.) whose Fort, Badalgarh, stood on or near the site of the present Fort. However, the 12th century A.D. Persian poet Salman writes of a desperate assault on the fortress of Agra, then held by one King Jaipal, by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. It was ruled by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Overnight at the hotel. **Sultan Mahmud, meaning Mahmud of Ghazni (971-1030) who was the first sultan of the Ghaznavid dynasty in Afghanistan. Mahmud is chiefly remembered as the plunderer of India. Between 1000 and 1026 he mounted at least 17 raids against India. His most important expedition was against the temple of Somnath (Gujarat) in 1025. It is estimated that Mahmud took from India jewels, gold, and silver in excess of 3 billion dinars, in addition to hundreds of thousands of slaves.

Day 6

AGRA - DELHI (205 kms) / Next Destination

Morning: Sightseeing tour of Agra city, visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around 1648. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is generally considered as the principal designer of Taj Mahal. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India. Afternoon: Drive to DELHI. Evening: On arrival, transfer to the city center for any last minute shopping. Later, we will transfer you to the International Airport in time to connect the flight back home.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

English speaking local guide in each city

Exclusions -

All expenses which are not mentioned in Inclusion.