Golden Triangle of India: Signature

Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the hotel for the remainder of the day or explore this bustling capital city on your own.

Delhi is the capital of modern India. It has also been the capital of at least seven previous civilizations as well as the British Raj, and each have left behind a trail of monuments.

 

Let’s tour Humayun’s Tomb - one of the best preserved Mughal monuments and best example of Mughal architecture in India, Qutab Minar - the world’s tallest brick tower, and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. As we travel through both Old and New Delhi, don’t forget to add photographs of Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House), Parliament House and India Gate to your album.

 

Experience a busy & bustling local bazaar with a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk. Followed by our group Namaste dinner.

 

Breakfast       Welcome Dinner

Departing Delhi, we make our way to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire.

 

Our first stop here is the the Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb that is a Mughal era mausoleum, often described as a "jewel box" or the "Baby Tāj".  This tomb has often been regarded as the inspiration for the Tāj Mahal.

 

Later we visit the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631. The Taj Mahal is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols.  Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Taj!

 

Breakfast

Another must-see is a sunrise view (sleep in is an option) of Taj from the lesser known, and less crowded, Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) just across the river.  Experience a breathtaking photo-op with a fully symmetrical view of the Taj Mahal! After breakfast, our next stop is the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. This is our chance to size up the Itmad-ud-Daula tomb that is a Mughal era mausoleum, often described as a "jewel box" or the "Baby Tāj".  This tomb has often been regarded as the inspiration for the Tāj Mahal. Later we visit marble Inlay workshop run by local craftsmen who maintains the Taj mahal. 

 

Breakfast

En route to Jaipur we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has been deserted for over four centuries after it was allegedly abandoned due to a lack of water. Thanks to the very durable red sandstone from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri remains well-preserved and a fascinating place to explore.

 

Marvel at an AD800-AD900 century step well, Chand Baori, in the village of Abhaneri.  The structure of Chand Baori was intended to conserve as much water as possible in the dessert state. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface.  It was used as a community gathering place for locals during periods of intense heat. One side of the well has a pavilion and resting room for the royals. Chand Baori has been used as filming locations including Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

 

Visit Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO world heritage site and the largest of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the early 18th century.

 

We proceed for a photo op at Hawa Mahal, a palace so named because it was essentially a high screen wall built so the women of the royal household could observe street festivals while remaining unseen from the outside.

 

Continue to City Palace that is an imposing blend of traditional Rajput and Mughal architecture.  It is a vast palace complex occupying nearly one-seventh of the Pink City.  It was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings.  It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons).

 

Later we have a Cooking Demonstration with local flavors & styles followed by dinner.

 

 Breakfast      Cooking Demo & Dinner

We travel to the stunning 16th century Amber Fort - a sprawling Rajput construction, perched on a hillside overlooking the dusty plains below, regal palaces, sleepy villages, and stone carved temples.  Reaching its summit on a jeep, we enjoy a tour of the fort's well-preserved interior grounds.

 

Continue to Sheesh Mahal, "Palace of Mirrors" which takes its name from the reflective glass tiles that embellish the interior.

 

On our way, enjoy the sight of Jal Mahal (Water Palace), a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake.

 

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or walk around the local bazzar.

 

We spend the evening at Chokhi Dhani (a Rajasthani cultural village) to enjoy traditional performances of dancers & acrobats, snack stalls, paintings, costumes and tasty Rajasthani thali cuisine at this Rajasthani cultural village.

 

Breakfast        Chokhi Dhani  Dinner

After breakfast, depart from Jaipur airport for your flight to Delhi or other India international airport.

 

The tour comes to an end. To provide an ample buffer, you are advised to schedule your international flight home to depart in the afternoon or evening or 8 pm (or later) from your departing international airport. Bon voyage!

 

 

Breakfast