Duration : 06 Days
Places to Visit : Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur
DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI:
You are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to Hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 02 Drive DELHI to AGRA (4 hours)
0700 hours: after an early breakfast, depart on the four-hour drive to Agra. On arrival check in at The Hotel.
In the afternoon visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna river, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is a mausoleum on the left bank of the Jamuna, built by empress Nur Jehan in memory of her father. Though small, it is perfectly proportioned and regarded as the forerunner to the Taj Mahal, being the first Mughal building all in white marble. The highlight of your trip will probably be a visit to the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight at The Hotel.
DAY 03 Drive AGRA to JAIPUR (6 hours)
After breakfast, depart on the six-hour drive to Jaipur. An hour out of Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques. A variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many schools were employed.
Afternoon check in at the hotel and time to have a rest in the pool or visit colorful market of Jaipur. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04 At JAIPUR
In the morning visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - panels of alabaster, fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning. Elephants carry you up the ramparts of the fort.
Afternoon you will be busy with the city tour of Jaipur, one of the best planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. A picnic lunch is provided. On the way to the hotel, visit the City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur. It stands on one of the main streets, a curious building, elaborate and fanciful, built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design. Rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Jantar Mantar observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. Evening back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 05 Drive JAIPUR to DELHI (6 hours)
Continue on the five -hour drive to Delhi. Check in at the hotel. Afternoon a guided tour of the capital would be an advantage, includes, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, India Gate, President house, Qutub minar. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 06 DEPARTURE DELHI
You will be transferred to the international airport to connect flight for your onward destination.