Duration : 07 Nights/ 08 Days
Destinations : Delhi - Mandawa - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra -
Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
On
arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to pre-booked hotel for
overnight stay.
Delhi : India's capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary
Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the
ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime
reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi
also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New
& Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British &
the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably
confront the citys' past.
Day 02 : Delhi - Mandawa
After breakfast, half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the
largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started
in 1644 and was not completed until 1656; Red Fort, which was also built by
Shah Jahan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and
Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Afternoon, leave for
Mandawa. Arrive Mandawa and check in at pre-booked hotel.
Day 03 : Mandawa - Jaipur
After breakfast, visit Mandawa (Shekawati region). This region came into
prominence in the 14th century when a number of Muslim clans moved into the
area and the towns of this region developed into important trading posts on
the caravan routes emanating from the ports of Gujarat. This region is
famous for painted havelis (houses) most of which date back from the 18th
century. The major towns of interest are Mandawa, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh. Visit
the havelis in Mandawa and other villages of Shekhawati region. Afternoon,
leave for Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur & check in at pre-booked hotel.
Day 04 : Jaipur
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills
of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort : At a distance of 11 kms
from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of
the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's
army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture. Afternoon, city tour of
Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive
collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the
observatory built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of
Hawa Mahal.
Day 05 : Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
After breakfast, leave for Agra. Enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of
Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the
Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See
the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti,
Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original
glory. Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra in the evening and check-in at
pre-booked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Agra
After
breakfast, city tour of Agra. Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor
Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson,
Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst
many other beautiful structures; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by
Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she
constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan; the
highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in
memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj began in 1631 and
was not completed until 1653. Afternoon, free for individual activities.
Day 07 : Agra - Delhi
After breakfast, leave for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check-in at pre-booked
hotel. Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid
16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar,
drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place. The city tour ends
with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).
Day 08 : Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport to board your flight for onward destination.
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