Golden Triangle India

Day

Itinerary

1

Delhi

Meet and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Delhi, The capital of Republic of India, Delhi is a bustling metropolis and a city of almost 17 million inhabitants. Delhi is a near perfect blend of the ancient and the modern and is seamlessly divided into two parts - Old & New Delhi. Old Delhi is part of the city that was designed by the Mughals and New Delhi was designed majorly during English rule and also known as “Lyutens” Delhi. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Hotel: Hotel Surya or similar          

2

Delhi  

After breakfast proceed for the visit of Old Delhi – visit the resplendent “mosque of Friday” - Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan - whose best work is the Taj Mahal. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful devotees. After visit of Jama Masjid Walk through the colorful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Street"). Drive past the Red Fort - a majestic Fort and an erstwhile seat of power - which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and its arts. Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.<> Lunch during sightseeing. In the afternoon visit Humayun tomb, Qutub Minar - the pride of Delhi. The Construction of this tall minaret was commenced by Muslim ruler, Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1192 and completed by Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. After visit proceed for tour of “Lyutens” Delhi - named after the leading British architect Sir Edwin Landseer Lyutens. Drive past some of magnificent monuments designed by him such as India Gate and Viceroy's House - now known as the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President Palace).  Hotel: Hotel Surya or similar (B/L)         

3

Delhi – Jaipur

After breakfast, tour to Jaipur. The City of Victory was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The architect who formalized the city’s plans on the Shilpa Shastra, the epic Hindu treatise on architecture, mixed it with the sublimity of the Mughal and Jain influences of those times. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honour of the visit by Prince Albert. On arrival at Jaipur, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and free for independent activities. Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur or similar (B/L)  

4

Jaipur

We start our day with an excursion to Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Enroute you will stop at the Palace of Winds (HAWA MAHAL) for a photo opportunity. Amber Fort, set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh the fort was made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. Holding a history as old as seven centuries, this place vibrates with its legendary past. In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of city visiting City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. City Palace is a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture.  Also visit Jantar Mantar or Royal Astronomical Observatory. This observatory is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. Each instrument has a specific purpose and gives an accurate reading Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur or similar (B/L)              

5

Jaipur – Bharatpur

After buffet breakfast at the hotel, we depart to Bharatpur.  After check-in at the hotel visit the Bharatpur Bird sanctuary- Keoladeo National Park. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area. Rest of the day at leisure. Hotel: Laxmi Vilas Palace or similar (B/L)               

6

Bharatpur – Agra

After leisurely breakfast at the hotel we drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri on the way. Fatehpur Sikri, built during the second half of the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It offers a unique example of Architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).  After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue your drive to Agra. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Afternoon includes a guided sightseeing tour of Agra City covering Agra Fort.  Agra Fort, was where the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfilment of his life’s dream - the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife. The fort is really a city within a city. Hotel: Crystal Sarovar Premiere or similar (B/L)              

7

Agra – Delhi

Early morning visit to The Taj Mahal perfect in its symmetry, is a monument to the love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1631. It took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete this poignant mausoleum that blends subtlety with grandeur, and a massive overall design with immaculately intricate execution. On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this. After experiencing an unforgettable moment of Taj Mahal, return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon we drive to Delhi for our last night. Hotel: Hotel Surya or similar (B/L)             

8

Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel ends our tour. Transfer to the airport. (B)