India Golden Triangle with Agra (IN-TLI-03) - 6 Days

Arrive in Delhi, meet your guide & transfer to the Hotel Jaypee Siddharth or Park . Dinner and overnight in Delhi. (D)

This morning take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj. Then discover the modern city of New Delhi. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold dome, still in active worship; take a Photo stop at India Gate, originally known as the ‘All India War Memorial’, a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War; drive past President’s House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi. Later this afternoon, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

This morning, witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal, sparkling in the glittering rays of the Indian sun. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Also, visit the splendid Agra Fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Option to watch a classic Theatre Performance: This evening, you have the option to watch a live theatre performance, introducing you to the story of the Taj Mahal. Watch the spectacular performance – “Mohabbat the Taj – The saga of love”, staging the largest replica of the Taj Mahal, and presenting the legend of love that created this magnificent mausoleum ($50 PP Gold Class)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur – the pink hued capital city of Rajasthan. This city of erstwhile Rajput Maharajas, is built in 9 rectangular sectors symbolising 9 divisions of the universe, as per Indian cosmology. En route to Jaipur, 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. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. Later explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping.

Today, explore the princely city of Jaipur, starting with a morning excursion to Amber Fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. An elephant ride (subject to availability) will help you ascend to this hilltop fort; alternatively, you may also choose to climb or drive up to the fort. 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.
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. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking ($75 PP min. 2)

After breakfast, drive back Delhi international airport. Option for Hot Air Balloon Flight & Village Safari: Early morning, you have the option to enjoy a hot air balloon flight over the pink city of Jaipur, giving you the opportunity to float above forts and palaces and village settlements beneath ($380 PP)

Option for Elephant Safari with high tea: Today you have the option to embark on a short drive to Dera Amer for a fascinating elephant safari in the forest alongside an old fort, followed by high tea ($170 PP min. 2)