INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Arrive Delhi by international flight. Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel

Overnight stay.

Today sightseeing of Delhi.

In Old Delhi visit the Jama Masjid, the great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, with a courtyard capable of holding 25000 devotees. Enjoy a rickshaw ride inChandni Chowk, winding through the labyrinthine lanes of the “moonlight place” glimpsing tiny shops crammed with spices and trinkets. Drive past the magnificent 17th century Red Fort, symbolizing the sovereignty of India and finally stop at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom;India Gate, the 42-m high free-standing arch, designed by Lutyens, built in 1931 dedicated to 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The interesting Bangla Sahib Sikh temple which feeds thousands of people every day through its huge community kitchen.  Drive past the Presidential Building, the official residence of President of India.

Overnight stay.

Today morning drive to Jaipur and on arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or explore Jaipur market on their own.

Overnight stay.

Morning breakfast, later excursion to Amber fort with Elephant joy ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort not only look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.

In Jaipur city visit Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Overnight stay.

Morning after breakfast leave Jaipur by surface for Agra  (5hours drive)enrtoute visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the ‘Ghost City’ including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

Post visit continue drive to Agra and check in at hotel.

Overnight stay.

Today morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal which is living example of greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Mughal emperor Shahjehan built her this memorial.  20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stones.(Taj Mahal remains closed every Friday)

After visit return to hotel for breakfast .

Later, visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India.  Built in the 11th century, era marked by invasions and battles, this red stone-fortified castle was the site of the India Rebellion of 1857.

Overnight stay.

Morning after breakfast leave Agra by surface for New Delhi airport (approx. 4 ½ Hrs) to board flight for onward destination.