Day 01: Arrival /
Delhi 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 HotelDay
02: Delhi Morning,
we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as
Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the Qutab Minar 72 meters high
and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron
Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500
years. Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government
buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main
shopping district of the capital.
Later we cross the city
and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to 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. Visit the Red Fort
(1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra)
to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and
nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and
thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Overnight
at HotelDay 03: Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)Following
a leisurely breakfast we will drive to Agra along one of the India's
finest freeways. Upon arrival check into your hotel .
Afternoon
we proceed on a guided tour of massive Agra Fort. The elegant
buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and
Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze
of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo
the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other
magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian
architects.
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the
most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree
of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and
once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are
real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how
many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations
are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty
of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sun set
we visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built
for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its
construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in
pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable.
Overnight
at HotelDay 04: Agra / Fathehpur Sikri
/ Jaipur (245 Kms)After
breakfast we drive to Jaipur, stopping at deserted Capital City of
Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly
preserved city at the height of the empire's splendour. The city
divided into religious and secular parts has interesting
well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue our ride to Jaipur.
Upon
arrival at Jaipur check into your hotel
Afternoon, we
explore the unending shopping options of Jaipur. 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 (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.
Overnight at HotelDay 05:
Jaipur This
morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal
Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of
this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry
wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the
palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake,
and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where
Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our guide
will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with
its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings
that delight today's visitors as they did their former royal
residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the
Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with
semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the
main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled
royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593
stone screens.
Following lunch we proceed on a tour Of
City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the
old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The
centre of the palace is a seven storied building called Chandra
Palace, with fine vies over the gardens and the city. The palace
lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid.
The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from
invading armies and animals that lived in jungles which surrounded
the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an
astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate
predictions till date. The Palace Of Winds, a five-storied structure
of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed
windows overlooking the main street of the old city.
Overnight
at HotelDay 06: Jaipur / Delhi (270
Kms) Delhi / Departure Morning is at
leisure for your independent activities.
Later we will
drive to Delhi along one of the India's finest freeways
A
Home Visit & a Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: Upon
arrival in Delhi, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home
experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight
into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian
hospitality and home made Indian food.
After dinner
transfer to the International airport to board your flight back
home.