# | Itinerary | Program |
---|---|---|
1 | Arrival to Delhi | Meeting and greetings on arrival and Delhi’s international airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay. Program subject to arrival time. |
2 | Delhi |
After breakfast proceed for full day tour of Old and New Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, The Great Mosque of Old Delhi was both the largest and the final architectural extravagance of emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25 thousands people. Take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi. The colorful shopping bazaar just opposite another sights, the Red Fort (Lal Quila). The red sandstone walls extends for 2 km and vary in height from 18 to 33 meters. Continue to visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi after his assassination in 1948. Transfer to New Delhi and visit Qutab Minar, the 73 meters high tower. The Qutab Minar itself is a soaring tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. Also visit the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Built in the 16th century by wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, this is a wonderful early example of Mughal architecture. Drive past India Gate (War Memorial), President’s House, which was once the Viceroy’s Palace, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings. |
3 | Delhi to Agra, drive |
Morning drive to Agra in around 4-5 hours. Check in to the hotel. Afternoon visit the world-famous Taj Mahal built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned gray overnight. Also visit Agra Fort, constructed by Emperor Akbar in 1695 on the banks of the Yamuna River. Initially the fort was a military structure, but during Shah Jahan’s reign it had partially become a palace. Also visit to Itmad-ud-Daula dubbed as “Baby Taj”. Smaller tomb of Mughal's nobleman built from the white marble was early precursor of much more monumental Taj Mahal. Rest day in leisure. |
4 | Agra to Jaipur |
After early breakfast, proceed to Jaipur by car. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the cultural and imperial capital built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. On the way also visit interesting stepwell Chand Baori built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty between 800 and 900 AD. The state of Rajasthan is extremely arid, and the design and final structure of Chand Baori was intended to conserve as much water as possible. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 Celsius degrees cooler than at the surface, and Chand Baori was used for community gathering. Arrive to Jaipur and check into the hotel. Rest of the afternoon free to relax. |
5 | Jaipur |
Morning visit to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1728. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Afternoon sightseeing tour Jaipur city, including Maharajah’s City Palace — which occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace now houses a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings and weapons. Also visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory, next to the entrance of the City Palace, begun by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy was even more notable than his prowess as warrior and before commencing construction, he sent scholars abroad to study foreign observatories. |
6 | Jaipur to Delhi | After relaxed breakfast at hotel in Jaipur, drive to Delhi and check into the hotel. Rest of the day free for independent activities. |
7 | Departure from Delhi | Transfer to the Airport in time to board onward flight. |