Delhi
Located on the banks of river Yamuna, Delhi has two parts: New Delhi (the national capital) and Old Delhi. It is a city of contrasts with an architecture ranging from 10th century Hindu-Rajputana through 17th century Mughal to 20th century British architecture. It is not uncommon to see cars, tongas (horse carriages) and rickshaws on the same road. New Delhi was built by the British and that is reflected in its architecture. Old Delhi is over 2500 years old and was the captial city of the Mughal empire. It is dominated by the grand bazaar of Chandni Chowk and by the Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India. Another popular sight is the Old Red Fort.
5 nights - The Golden Triangle
From Delhi
for
5
nights
Day
1
to Day
6
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Tonight, arrive Delhi the capital city of India. After a traditional Indian welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay
Superior: Le Meridien (5 stars) Deluxe: The Oberoi (5 stars)
Day 2: Day in Delhi
Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin!
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, 'Silver street', one of the largest trading centres of India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India's freedom from the British Raj; visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi
Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the worlds tallest minaret; Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold tomb, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the second world war; drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen?s Delhi
Optional Option for Home Hosted Dinner: This evening you have the option to learn more about local lifestyle and culture of India with dinner at an Indian home. Spend time talking to your hosts and learn about their way of life. You may also opt for a unique opportunity to step inside an Indian kitchen and learn the age old art of Indian culinary delights. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking (at extra charge)
Superior: Le Meridien (5 stars) Deluxe: The Oberoi (5 stars)
Day 3: Delhi to Agra
After breakfast, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel and freshen up.
This afternoon, visit the Agra fort, lying across the River Yamuna, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.
Then, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. You may wish to stay at the Taj Mahal, to see the glistening white marble beauty by sunset.
Optional
Superior: Jaypee Palace (5 stars) Deluxe: Oberoi Amarvilas (5 stars)
Day 4: Agra to Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City', was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D.
En route to Jaipur, make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son.
Continue drive to Jaipur and upon arrival, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Optional
Superior: Marriott (5 stars) Deluxe: Oberoi Rajvilas (5 stars)
Day 5: Day in Jaipur
This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.
This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its various museums where you can see a beautiful collection of Mughal costumes, weapons and miniature paintings. Then visit the fascinating Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, which is the largest stone observatory in the world. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.
Optional:
Option for Elephant Safari with Breakfast / High Tea: Embark on a short drive to Dera Amer for a fascinating elephant safari, followed by a scrumptious breakfast (or Evening High Tea) at Dera Amer (at supplement charge).
Superior: Marriott (5 stars) Deluxe: Oberoi Rajvilas (5 stars)
Day 6: Jaipur to Delhi - DEPARTURE
This morning drive back to Delhi.
Optional
Continue drive to Delhi and upon arrival, you will be transferred to international airport to board your flight back home.
Included:
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Not Included:
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone, fax, internet, beverages, camera / video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
