City of Love & the City of Lakes {India - Golden Triangle Tour}
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 spiralling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with several beautiful parks.
Day 01. Upon arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will receive you and transfer you to your Hotel Le Meridian. Day free at the hotel or a visit to Connaught Palace area - Dinner on your own - Stay in Delhi.
Day 02. After buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a combined sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. The tour of Old Delhi – also known as “walled city” will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; Following which you will visit the Red Fort- the red sandstone marble, The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Further, you will be enjoying the tour to Imperial Delhi i.e. New Delhi - which reflects the legacy the British left behind will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3 m while at the top floor it is2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India.
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 Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s residence.
An Alternate tour plan to visit Old Delhi in a very special manner can be added. When one goes back to a 400 years old period where everything still seems to be working in the same old fashion i.e. at ‘Chandni Chowk’ bazaar. You can enjoy a visit to the Khari Baoli spice market, colourful & interesting narrow by-lanes of Old Delhi, Rickshaw ride in Chandani Chowk, etc. {Journey will be by Metro Train i.e. ‘Patel Chowk’ for 10 minutes. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03. After a leisurely buffet breakfast, you will be driven from Delhi to Agra (204 Kms/ 4.30 Hrs). Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel.
Agra in terms of ambience 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 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 - each one a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era.
In the evening drive to the backside of the Taj Mahal from the Mehtab Bagh at sunset time. The rare sight of Taj from the fields with the river in the front is simply magical. Stay in Agra.
Day 04. Today morning before your breakfast you will be enjoying the Sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. 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 the 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 astounding. Return to your hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon you will proceed for the sightseeing tour, Agra Fort. Agra Fort, which is 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.
An optional visit to Sikandra – {Akbar's tomb} is possible.
If interested you can enjoy your evening appreciating the live love saga of the Taj Mahal in Kalakriti Cultural Center. Mesmerizing dances, melodious music and the heart-touching story of Queen Mumtaz and Emperor Shahjahan will make you speechless. The show performed live by the professional artist is as exciting as visiting the Taj Mahal.
Day 05. After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Jaipur (290 KMS/ 6 HRS), en route stop at Fatehpur Sikri the abandoned citadel of Akbar the Great. Have lunch on the way.
Later, take the detour to visit Chand Baori Step Well in Abhaneri village which the natives once used to harvest rainwater. Continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check-in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 06. 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. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 16th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks Moat Lake.
An elephant will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (On a Subject to availability). Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
While coming back you will stop and see Jal Mahal (Water Palace}, Later the `Palace of Winds, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings-on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving - through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, and courtyards, decorative art, and carved doorways.
The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armouries, costumes, carpets, and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built after 1727 AD, and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07. Today after early breakfast you will be driving to Udaipur {this will be a very long drive of 8 hours through some rural parts of Rajasthani villages}. Arrive at Udaipur – Dinner, and overnight at the hotel.
Day 08. Breakfast at the hotel and your day today starts with a visit to the Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. Later you will be visiting The City Palace also adorns your itinerary. This grand palace complex was completed nearly 400 years and narrates the history of Mewar.
Your next destination is Saheliyon Ki Bari, a major garden adorned with fountains and kiosks of ancient times. After some moments of relaxation, take a beautiful boat ride on enchanting Lake Pichola to enjoy bliss views sprawling around. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 09. After early breakfast, you will leave for Udaipur airport to catch a flight for your onward journey to Goa /Mumbai/Delhi or you can drive down to Ahmedabad to catch an international flight back home.