DAY 01 :
ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
 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 1844 and was not completed until
1658; Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. 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 prebooked hotel.
DAY 03 : MANDAWA - SAMODE
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 Samode. Arrive Samode and checkin at Hotel
Samode Palace.
DAY 04 : SAMODE - JAIPUR
After breakfast, at leisure. Explore the palace and the area
around the palace. Afternoon, leave for Jaipur - The city owes
its names, foundation and its careful planning to the great
warrior - astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727, with Mughal
power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his
hillside fortress at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He
laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and six rectangular
blocks, according to the principles of town planning set down in
Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Arrive
Jaipur and check in at prebooked hotel.
DAY 05 : JAIPUR
A fter
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 06 : 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
checkin at prebooked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07 : 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
structues; 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.
Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until
1653. Afternoon, free for individual activities.
DAY 08 : AGRA - DELHI
After breakfast, leave for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and checkin at
prebooked 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 09 : DEPART DELHI
Transfer to the airport to board
your flight for onward destination
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