Highlights of India Tour – IHR9
Soak up the breathtaking architecture and urban vibe in Delhi, marvel at the testament to love at the famous Taj Mahal, view the colorful forts of Jaipur and the palaces of Udaipur as you take in the highlights of India tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 New Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. You will be warmly welcomed and chauffeured to your hotel to rest up for your India tour.
Afternoon tour will take you through New Delhi, past Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and the Old Secretariat. Stop at Humayun’s Tomb, which was the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent. The complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 followed by visit to Qutub Minar the world’s tallest brick minaret.
The narrow alleys of Old Delhi hold secrets of the Mughal rule and the wide avenues and imperial buildings of New Delhi are reminiscent of The British Raj. An ancient city which has risen from a combination of eight settlements and where every crumbling wall has a story to tell, Delhi has been considered forever the seat of power, from the past to the present.
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 2 New Delhi
This morning commence your private guided tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (closed Mondays), take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, once the grandest of markets in India. Even though today Chandni Chowk appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character. In Chandni Chowk you will visit the Jama Masjid, the Friday congregational mosque, known as the largest and most glorious mosque in India. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor; Shahjahan built it in the year 1656 AD.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 3 Agra
Early this morning you will be driven to Agra. The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. Agra is where Emperor Shah Jahan engraved his immortal love for his Empress in marble, the Taj Mahal. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work.
Visit Agra Fort in red sandstone, was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan’s time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj.
Sunset visit to Taj Mahal, said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world. The Taj Mahal is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy. Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 4 Jaipur
This morning drive to Fatehpur Sikri, situated 26 miles west of Agra, built at the orders of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. While Akbar himself was illiterate, he took a keen interest in literature, architecture, and the arts. He is also reputed to be a very tolerant ruler, and the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blended both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style. One of the buildings even reflects the new syncretistic faith founded by Akbar, Din-e-ilahi, which though very short-lived remains a matter of controversy.
Transfer to Bharatpur Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express to Jaipur. (Depart at 1620 and arrive at 1920 hrs). Jaipur was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh; modernity and tradition exist side by side. The walled city, vibrant with colours, houses the City Palace, an astronomical observatory and a bustling bazaar where artisans fashion puppets, silver jewellery, lac bangles and other handicrafts in their workshops. At a short distance is the Amber Fort Palace at Amber.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 5 Jaipur
This morning visit the stunning Amber Fort built all in white marble and red sandstone. Amber Fort is located 11 km from Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery.
Later proceed on a city tour of Jaipur, visiting City Palace, Observatory tower and Hawa Mahal. The City Palace, a wonderful combination of Mughal and Rajput forms of architecture, is now partly a museum housing miniature paintings, manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weapons, giving invaluable insight into Jaipur’s royal past. Some of the instruments at the astronomical observatory are still used today to forecast the weather and the turns of nature. Evening shopping at local bazaar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 6 Udaipur
This morning you will board flight for Delhi with connecting flight for Udaipur.
Delicate, feminine and elegant, Udaipur is known by many names – City of Sunrise, Jewel of Mewar and City of Lakes. Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Here, adorning the banks of Lake Pichola and standing witness to the historic City Palace. Undoubtedly one of India’s most romantic cities, Udaipur nestles between the glassy waters of its famous lakes and the ancient Aravalli Hills. Although it is one of Rajasthan’s largest cities, modern Udaipur manages to retain a charming small town vibe.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 7 Udaipur
Take in City Palace in Udaipur, built by the Maharana Udai Singh. It is located on the east bank of the Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its complex. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in the Rajputana Agency and its last capital. The Palace was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Enjoy exclusive evening boat ride at Lake Pichola.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 8 Udaipur
Visit Eklingji and Nagda Temples this morning. Eklingji, the city dotted with temples, is 45 minutes drive to the North of Udaipur. It is a complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and marble. The temple was built in 734 AD, to propagate the blessings of Lord Shiva. Eklingji and Nagda temples are architectural marvels.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel
Day 9 Delhi Depart
Morning is at leisure. Afternoon you will be transferred to airport to board flight for Delhi at 1605, arriving at 1815. On arrival, transfer to International Airport to connect to your onward flight.
