8 Day India Golden Triangle | Five Star Adventure

Delhi

After breakfast proceed for fuIl day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Introduction of Delhi starts with Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad): visiting Red Fort (Photo Stop), Jama Mosque, Chandni Chowk on a Rickshaw Ride, Spice Market and Raj Ghat. In the 17th century, the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, made his capital in Shahjahanabad, the area that broadly covers present-day Old Delhi, also called the walled city.

Jama Mosque is the largest and most well-known mosque in India. It is flanked by Red fort on one side and old city Chandni Chowk on another side. Built by Shah Jahan in 17th century, Jama Masjid is one of the most crowded destinations in Delhi for pilgrims and tourists. It is a great place of Muslim pilgrimage. There are three entrances to the Courtyard- on the East, North and South. Since the mosque is laid on a hillock, the steps climbing up to this are steep. The eastern gate has 774 steps.

Note: It is not recommended to visit Jama Mosque on Fridays due to immense crowd during the prayers.

Chandni Chowk is the oldest market places of Old Delhi. The origin of Chandni Chowk dates back to the Mughal era in Indian history. According to legends, Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and was designed by Jahanara-Emperor Shah Jahan's favorite daughter. Today this market is considered to be one of the busiest markets in the world.

Raj Ghat lies on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. It also houses two museums dedicated to Gandhi. At the Gandhi Memorial Museum, you can catch a documentary on the life of this noble soul and the philosophy of the Sarvodaya Movement.

Later, you will visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Lutyen’s Delhi and Humayun’s Tomb.

The British Empire established their capital in New Delhi with much fanfare in 1911. King Edward of Britain came to Delhi and designated the leading British Architect, Edward Lutyen’s, with the task of building the new capital in Delhi. Lutyen’s Delhi primarily consists of the administrative area of the capital, India Gate and the Viceroy’s House (which is now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan). A visit to Delhi is incomplete without going to Lutyen’s Delhi which one can say, is the place where the Central Government of India currently resides and works from.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is located near the main Connaught Place. It has developed into a center of pilgrimage for thousands of people every day. People from various religions, castes and places visit this holy place. A bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh of Amber (Jaipur) is now the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The 8th Guru Sri Har Kishan Ji had been here as a guest of Raja Jai Singh. He left for his heavenly abode on October 6, 1661 AD.

Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. This magnificent garden tomb was bui lt in 1565, nine years after the death of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, by his widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure are garden squares with walkways, water channels and a mausoleum with a double dome in the center. Humayun’s Tomb is often considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal owing to the stylistic similarity of its structures.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Leela Ambience Hotel

Delhi - Agra

After breakfast at the hotel, travel by road to Agra.

Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as one of the tourist destination in India. The city is known for its superb inlay work on marble by craftsmen supposedly with a lineage dating back to the Mughals. Agra’s handicrafts also include carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Upon arrival in Agra, you will be transfered to your hotel.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra

Agra

Early this morning you will visit the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World that symbolizes the love of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting place. Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. It was completed in 1653 AD, it is believed that it took nearly 22 years to complete the grandeur palace. There are 22 small domes over the Taj Mahal, denoting the same. To experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, it needs to be viewed at different times of the day and year. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. The time for the sunrise visit of Taj Mahal during winters may vary depending upon the weather / fog conditions.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later you will visit Agra Fort.

The Agra Fort is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. The fort contains a maze of buildings forming a small city within a city. The Agra Fort offers great views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna.

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra

Agra - Jaipur

Breakfast this morning is at the hotel. You will then travel by road to Jaipur.

Adorned with pink sandstone palaces, majestic forts and verdant green gardens against a scenic backdrop of the Aravalli hills, Jaipur represents the charm of India’s rich past and the sophistication of a flourishing metropolis. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founded the city in 1727, when he decided to shift his capital from Amer. A renowned architect, astronomer, and avid scientist, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built his capital with geometric precision and made Jaipur one of the most well planned cities in India.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will be transfered to your hotel.

Enjoy cooking demonstration followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: ITC Rajputana

Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed to visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort.

Amer Fort, also spelled and pronounced as Amber Fort is located in Amer, 11 Km from Jaipur. The Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur. The construction of the fort was started by Man Singh I in 1592. The fort boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is a reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India. You enjoy a magnificent Elephant Ride to reach the magnificent Amber Fort.

Note: Amber Fort remains closed on Public holidays and on the day of Holi celebration.

Take a photo stop near ‘Jal Mahal’. Jal Mahal, also known as ‘Water Palace’ is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. Continue the tour with the visits of City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Later, explore the vibrant local markets on a Tuk-Tuk, popularly known as Bapu Bazar.

The City Palace is the former residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. It is located in the heart of the walled city. The huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace also has a museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II where on display are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Banarasi Silk sarees, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery.

Note: City Palace remains closed on Public holidays and on the day of Holi celebration.

Drive past magnificent Hawa Mahal and walk through the old bazaar of Jaipur. Hawa Mahal is perhaps the most well-known architectural landmark of Jaipur. An imposing structure in the city’s signature pink color, Hawa Mahal is a unique palace as it does not have any rooms or halls. It is a five-storeyed structure embellished with numerous little windows and balconies. It was designed as a viewing gallery for the women of the royal household, the windows and balconies of this palace feature delicate latticework that is astonishing in detail and level of craftsmanship.

Note: Bapu Bazaar remains closed on Sunday.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: ITC Rajputana

Jaipur

Full day is at leisure to explore the colorful city of Jaipur on your own or relax at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: ITC Rajputana

Jaipur - Delhi

After breakfast, you will travel by road to Delhi and transfer to New Delhi International airport to board your flight for your onward journey.

If you are wanting to extend your stay in Delhi, please enquire with our Customer Service team who can arrange this for you.

Meals: Breakfast