INDIA
Explore this architecturally diverse and beautiful country filled with palaces, fort, temples, ancient ruins with deep rooted history, culture and religion. A festival is almost celebrated everyday. From the golden triangle, Rajastan discovery, gem of Kashmir, backwaters of Kerala, Goa beach haven, wildlife sanctuary… so much to be explored. Enjoy your own personal customized trip with a driver and local guide.
6 Days Golden Triangle covering Delhi - Agra - Jaipur
Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Hotel check-in is at 12.00 noon. Assistance on arrival by the Tour Master's Representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Delhi
An enduring Capital City, Delhi had seen aeons of history. This morning we drive past the markers of Lutyens-Baker Delhi in the Presidential Palace, the imposing North & South Blocks, the circular pillared House of Parliament and the War Memorial of India Gate. We visit the 72.5 meter tall Qutab Minar, a memorial of victory and an accessory to the adjoining Quwwatu'l Islam (Might of Islam) Mosque, symbolic of victory. The mosque was built between 1192-1198 AD. In the court-yard stands a rust-free iron pillar, raised originally as a standard of Lord Vishnu by Chandra Gupta, a ruler in the 4th century. In the afternoon we tour the prominent monuments left by the Mughal rulers. The Red Fort stands on the eastern edge of the old walled city, opposite the marketing street of Chandni Chowk (silver square). The palaces within the Fort are mostly in marble, along what was once the river front. About a mile west of the Fort is the Jamma Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan during 1651-56 AD. It is the largest in India. We visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of India was cremated after being ruthlessly shot by an assassin. Drive past the Purana Quila, citadel of the second Mughal emperor Humayun. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Delhi - Agra
Early morning check-out from the hotel drive to Agra. Enroute you may stop briefly to see the tomb of the third Mughal emperor Akbar at Sikandra located within spacious gardens. On arrival check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon we will visit the Taj Mahal, raised to the endless love of a man for his woman. The vastness of geometric perfection and balance with design, together with the finesse of the rich inlay work with semi precious stones in white marble is executed with great skill.
It marks the most developed stage of Mughal architecture. The designer is believed to be Ustad Ahmad Lahori. It is the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan. The Agra Fort, which lies on the bend of the river Yamuna. Built by Akbar over 1565-73 AD,it was successively occupied and added to by Jehangir and Shah Jahan. The prominent edifices inside are Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, the vineyard Anguri Bagh, the ornamental bath Shish Mahal and Masumman Burj where Shah Jahan died a captive of his son Aurangzeb, passing his last days gazing misty eyed where his beloved lay entombed in the Taj Mahal. On his death, he was buried there too, on her right for all eternity. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 Agra - Jaipur
This morning we leave for Jaipur, city of jewels and the "Pink City" of Rajasthan. Enroute lie the imperial ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, chiseled of red-sandstone, with its many halls, gates and palaces.Their design combine several regional elements of regional architecture with that of Central Asia and Iran. It has many fine monuments. Fatehpur Sikri was raised by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as a city expressing his ideals and vision, where he carried out experiments in art and architecture. Continue onto Jaipur and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05 Jaipur
The morning begins with a ride on a caparisoned elephant up to the Amber Fort established in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh of the Kachhawa dynasty, and expanded by his descendants. On the way we shall see one of the best known sights of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal. Within the fort are ornate palaces, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces that recall the glory and wealth of Amber's association with the Mughals. Raja Man Singh was the Commander-in-Chief of Akbar's army, and Mirza Raja Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur,was a powerful ally of Jehangir.
We return to the City Palace. The Museum houses textiles, arms, carpets, paintings and manuscripts, and other artistic paraphernalia. Across the walls is the Royal Astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. Its precision is a unique achievement for the early 18 century. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 Jaipur - Delhi - Departure
The morning checkout early from your hotel and leave for Delhi in time to connect to your late evening flight to depart India. Bon Voyage