Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Late evening arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Jaypee Siddharth Hotel (Standard Room) (No Meals)
Day 2 : Delhi
cycle rickshaws
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
guided tour of New Delhi
New Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. It is also a municipality and district in Delhi and serves as the seat of Government of Delhi. Here, we will be visiting many fascinating sights such as Humayun’s Tomb (1586) - a bright testament to the brilliant craftsmanship of the Mughal architect & their creativity. The Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the perfect tower in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. We will continue our discoveries, with a drive through the Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart, the soul, and main shopping district of the capital. We will also witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.
guided tour of Old Delhi
Old Delhi is one of the best places to observe the great colossal of cultural and social convergence of old and new. In one corner you might witness a group of oldies sharing their past experiences, sometimes laughing (perhaps over a joke on their spouses!!) - all happy within themselves. In the opposite corner, you might see a bunch of youngsters singing new and old Bollywood songs – Time somehow stands still in the streets of Old Delhi. Besides, on the tour, we will visit the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Later, we will visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Following breakfast, we will proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi.
Later, we will set out for a guided tour of Old Delhi.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Overnight at Jaypee Siddharth (Standard Room) (B)
Day 3 : Delhi / Agra (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Agra Fort
One of the major highlights of the city of Agra - the magnificent Agra Fort is the symbol of power, strength and valor, as it stands today in full glory. Built by Emperor Akbar, it narrates the fascinating tales of the Mughal Empire as well as its glorious past. Besides, this imposing fort has a wonderful mixture of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles that will engage you and enthrall you.
Mehtab Bagh
The Moonlight Garden was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden - on the other side of the river. In 1652 Aurangzeb wrote to his father telling of a visit to 'the blessed tomb' and commenting that 'the Mahtab Garden was completely inundated and has lost its charm, but soon it will regain its verdancy. The octagonal pool and the pavilion around it are in splendid condition.' The Mahtab Bagh was lost under the mud but re-excavated in the 1990s. Originally, the garden was planted with fragrant flowers and used in the cool of the night as a place from which to view the Taj Mahal reflected in the octagonal pool and in the river.
After breakfast, we will drive to Agra along one of India’s finest freeways
Upon arrival in Agra, check into your Hotel
After rest & relaxation, we ride to the massive Agra Fort.
Later in the afternoon, we will visit Mehtab Bagh.
SUGGESTED OPTIONAL ACTIVITY:
You have an option to experience a Heritage walk of Old Agra
Overnight at Hotel Crystal Sarovar Premier, Agra (Premium Taj View Room) (B)
Day 4 : Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur (245 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive) (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Fatehpur Sikri
Once the thriving capital of the Mughals for 10 years, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar during the 16th century. A perfect city with a unique architectural opulence that was divided into religious and secular parts, all in a constructive style with well-sculpted buildings.
Jaipur
The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amer who ruled from 1688 to 1758.The construction of the city began in 1727 and took four years to complete the major roads, offices, and palaces. The city was divided into nine blocks, two of which contained the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public.Jaipur has many cultural sites like Jawahar Kala Kendra formed by Architect Charles Correa and Ravindra Manch. Government Central Museum hosts several arts and antiquities. There is a government museum at Hawa Mahal and an art gallery at Viratnagar. There are statues depicting Rajasthani culture around the city.
Taj Mahal
Nominated amongst the 7 wonders of the world and with the highest number of votes, the Taj has this amazing aura about it, and, quite rightly so. No matter how much you have heard about the place, or, no matter how high your expectation be, the actual viewing always exceeds the most ambitious expectation. There is absolute perfection in symmetry. Not a stone is out of place or out of balance. Then, talk about the detailed inlay work of semi precious stones. You could look at a small flower with 64 petals - each petal is a precious stone, and, so are the hair thin veins that separate each petal. Of course, all this arrives in a gigantic size!
Shahpura House
The “House” unveils the rich tradition of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan with its long-winded courtyards, kind fountains, mirrored pools, and gardens. Moreover, the rooms are fully loaded with all the essential and modern amenities, as well as personalized service keeping in mind leisure as well as corporate travelers. Also, the timeless artifacts of the “House” take you into the era of royals; while the evenings are livened up by the customized candle light dinner setup on the rooftop (on request). The local musicians and dancers add to your colorful Rajasthan experience while you savor the delicious Rajasthani cuisines and specialty desserts.
Shopping Options
An essential starting point for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing and we will be exploring the process from start to finish in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists here to tailor make outfits to your design and size. We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur - its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry. Kundan ( an art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy. The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent bottles are also available.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world.
After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to Jaipur stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into Shahpura House.
After, rest & relaxation we will explore the unending Shopping Options of Jaipur along with our Guide.
SUGGESTED OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
You have an option to experience an Elephant Safari through local villages on the outskirts of Jaipur.
Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room) (B)
Day 5 : Jaipur
Amber Fort on a painted Elephant
The grandeur of Amber Fort is simply mesmerizing, to say the least. Set on the dry & aging Aravali Hills that overlooks the Maota Lake at its forefront. Once in a lifetime experience, where we ride up to this hilltop palace on a painted elephant, passing through the aged main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered many years ago. Besides, our city guide will describe the history of this architectural masterpiece that dazzles the present visitors same as like it happened with the former royal people who resides there.
Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds
Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds is a classical example of Rajput art & architecture which was built in 1799. It was made up of a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows. Indeed, they were so ahead of their time in envisioning such an architectural wonder which even modern day architects would find hard to compete with.
City Palace
A perfect blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, the City Palace & Observatory, is in the heart of the old city which occupies the whole central grid. This beautiful palace has seven gates that were built with a vision for protection from violating armies and animals that lived in jungles at that time. The other attraction is the Solar Observatory - an astronomical masterpiece that is known to predict right and is just as accurate as time.
Jaipur
The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the Raja of Amer who ruled from 1688 to 1758.The construction of the city began in 1727 and took four years to complete the major roads, offices, and palaces. The city was divided into nine blocks, two of which contained the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public.Jaipur has many cultural sites like Jawahar Kala Kendra formed by Architect Charles Correa and Ravindra Manch. Government Central Museum hosts several arts and antiquities. There is a government museum at Hawa Mahal and an art gallery at Viratnagar. There are statues depicting Rajasthani culture around the city.
Shahpura House
The “House” unveils the rich tradition of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan with its long-winded courtyards, kind fountains, mirrored pools, and gardens. Moreover, the rooms are fully loaded with all the essential and modern amenities, as well as personalized service keeping in mind leisure as well as corporate travelers. Also, the timeless artifacts of the “House” take you into the era of royals; while the evenings are livened up by the customized candle light dinner setup on the rooftop (on request). The local musicians and dancers add to your colorful Rajasthan experience while you savor the delicious Rajasthani cuisines and specialty desserts.
This morning we visit Amber Fort on a painted Elephant, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs.
Then, we will visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a semi-octagonal structure.
Afternoon, we will proceed on a tour of the City Palace & Observatory
We will also visit the temple of Govind Dev Ji
SUGGESTED OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
You have an option to experience a Cuisine walk & a traditional Meal with an Indian family.
Overnight at Shahpura House (Suite Room) (B)
