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| DAY 01 – Arrive Delhi |
| Arrive Delhi
Met upon arrival with a traditional garlanding greeting. Transfer to
the hotel where check in assistance will be provided. Overnight at hotel. |
| DAY 02 – in Delhi |
| Delhi stands
as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the
Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of
seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th
centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors which
have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the
grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can
express such a profusion of architectural styles. After breakfast proceed on a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from
Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you
along the ceremonial avenue, Rajghat, past the imposing India Gate
and Parliament House. Also visit a local temple. |
| Day 03 – DELHI / Agra |
| Morning
after breakfast, drive to Agra ( aprox 5 hours drive ). Upon arrival
in Agra, check in to hotel.
At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city's origins are dim but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. This evening leave for a half day tour of the famed Taj Mahal – the undisputed symbol of art and love. The beautiful Taj needs no introduction and is probably one of India’s most extraordinary monuments. Also visit the impressive Agra Fort where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Overnight at Hotel. |
| DAY 04 – Agra / JAIPUR |
| After
breakfast, leave for Jaipur by road. On the way you will visit
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by
Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of
this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after
it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are
still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the
court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
Afterwards continue your journey on to Jaipur, once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs." Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centres for shopping in India -- especially with regard to textiles, jewellery, stones carpets, etc. Check-in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel. |
| DAY 05 – IN JAIPUR |
| Known as the
"Pink City", Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state
of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well planned and
laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will
witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms
during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.
After breakfast depart the hotel for a half day excursion to Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. In the afternoon venture back into
the city, this time on a city tour. This afternoon you will visit
the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of
traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent
with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury
of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle
scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar
(an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo
visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder
with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with
latticed screens, domes and spires. |
| DAY 06 – JAIPUR / Delhi |
| Depart Delhi This morning after breakfast, drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Upon arrival in Delhi. Afternoon free for independent activities or shopping. Later in the evening transfer to the airport in time for the international flight to your onward destination. ( no accommodation in Delhi on this day ). |
