Day 1: New Delhi: You will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport/Railway Station, you would be transferred to your hotel. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Indian hospitality can be savored immediately as one arrives at the hotel. Relax with a non-alcoholic welcome drink following which proceed to check in at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel
DAY 2: New Delhi: After leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a full day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. You will first visit Old Delhi The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past theRed Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199.. Then visit Humayun’s tomb built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan the President’s residence. Evening at Dilli Haat. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: New Delhi-Agra: After buffet breakfast in the hotel you will be driven from Delhi to Agra (204 KMS/ 4.30 HRS). AGRA Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Their architectural genius can also be seen in the forts, palaces and aesthetically laid out gardens - a silent witness to a grand style of a golden era. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel. After lunch visit Agra Fort , an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions and shopping. Overnight at the Hotel at Agra. Day: 4: Agra – Taj Mahal Tour After break fast in the morning you will proceed fore tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays).
The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding pieceofarchitecture. Come back to your hotel for lunch and check out. Afternoon you will be transferred back to New Delhi/Railway Station or airport for your onward/return journey. Tour ends on arrival at New Delhi but plesant memories remain. |
