Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Day in Delhi. Today you will spend the day discovering the vibrant city of Old and New Delhi. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques in India), Raj Ghat (cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi). Also, drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), the epicenter of Old Delhi & drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings.
Visit Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1656, this mosque took 5,000 laborers 6 years to complete and is still the largest in Asia, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers during holy festivals such as Id. The central pool is for washing hands, face, and feet and to the west (facing Mecca) is the main prayer hall with the traditional mihrab for the prayer leader. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar.
Visit India Gate: An impressive example of colonial architecture, India Gate is the symbol of modern Delhi. The 138-ft-/42-m-high stone arch was built by the British in honor of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. A permanent flame honors Indian soldiers who died in wars since 1918. See the buildings of India’s Parliament and the residence of India’s President, a palatial building called Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Visit the Humayun's Tomb: This tomb, built for the second Mughal emperor, launched a great Mughal architectural legacy - even the Taj, which was built by Humayun's great-grandson, was inspired by it. Paid for by Humayun's wife, Haji Begum, and designed by the Persian (Iranian) architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, it's another grand testimony to love. Set in peaceful surrounds, the tomb features an artful combination of red sandstone and white marble, which plays with the wonderful symmetry and scale used by the makers of the Mughal Empire.
Qutab Minar: Originally built by Qutbuddin Aibak, first of the Delhi Sultanates who were to rule for some four centuries, the complex surrounds Qutab Minar, the sandstone Victory Tower built in 1193. The Minar was added to by his successor, Iltutmish and the topmost stories, reaching 70m (234 ft.), were built in 1368 by Feroze Shah Tughlak. The surrounding buildings show some of the earliest Islamic construction techniques used in India, as well as the first mingling of Islamic and Hindu decorative styles - Koranic texts are inscribed in the Minar and Alai Darwaza (old gateway to the complex), while Hindu motifs embellish the pillars of Quwwat-ul-Islam ("Might of Islam") mosque. The iron pillar in the courtyard dates back to the 4th century. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Delhi – Agra (205 Kms – 4 hrs 30 minutes). This morning, you will depart for Agra, the city of the world famous Taj Mahal. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel. Afternoon you will be visited the Taj Mahal. One of the most photographed buildings in the world, the Taj still moves all visitors with its perfect proportions and exquisitely jeweled walls.
Taj Mahal: This grand edifice, built by Shah Jahan from 1631 to 1653 to enshrine the remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, took 20,000 workers to build. We walk into the inner chambers of this renowned “Monument of love”, and seek out several vantage points to see the magnificent play of light. The semi translucent white marble is inlaid with thousands of semi- precious stones in the beautiful patterns and the building has four identical facades, a perfect exercise in symmetry. It is truly deserving of its status as a wonder of the world. Also visit Agra Fort, which provides awesome views of the Taj. Aurangzeb imprisoned his father Shah Jahan here.
Agra Fort: Built by Emperor Akbar on the west bank of the Yamuna, Agra Fort first took shape between 1565 and 1573 and thereafter structures within it were added by successive emperors. Today the towering red-sandstone ramparts house a variety of palace apartments - the Jahangiri Mahal, the palace that housed the women of the court, the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), Khas Mahal, Musamman Burj, the mirrored Sheesh Mahal and Mina Masjid (Gem Mosque), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Machchhi Bhavan (Fish House). The Shah spent his final years gazing at the tomb he had commissioned for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur (275 Kms – 6 Hrs). This morning, you will depart for Jaipur en-route you will make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century.
Fatehpur Sikri: Situated 40 km from Agra, the city of Fatehpur Sikri is an imperial city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1584. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. The buildings within Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of different architectural traditions. Dedicated by Emperor Akbar to his patron saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, Fatehpur Sikri has a number of imperial palaces & was also Akbar's imperial capital for fifteen years. A splendid edifice, the fort today rests in quiet peace - a mute witness to the times gone by.
Later embark on your drive to Jaipur, upon arrival in Jaipur check in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5: Day in Jaipur. Morning visit Amber fort with an elephant ride up to the fort.
Amber Fort: The Amber Fort stands like a sentinel above the still waters of the Maotha Lake. The fort is a living testimony where the Hindu and Mughal architectural styles have merged in complete harmony to create a masterpiece of fusion architecture. The fort is a stunning and well-preserved 16th century structure built on four levels. Among its many splendors is the Sheesh Mahal, a small room whose ceilings, covered with tiny mirrors, looks like a sky filled with brilliant stars. We visit the Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) and Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure). Afternoon visit to Jaipur City.
Visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds”. Hawa Mahal is a magnificent five-storied building with an impressive fifty feet high façade. It was built by King Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD for the ladies of the royal household to watch the hustle-bustle and colors of bazaars and processions without being seen by the people on the streets. There are 953 rectangular casements, each with numerous tiny latticed windows which circulates fresh air continuously. The use of red and pink sandstones outlined with white borders and motifs, is magnificently elegant and enthralling. Continue to the City Palace, located in the heart of the old city.
City Palace: The former ruling family still lives in seven-storied Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace) built by Sawai Jai Singh II, but the outer and inner courtyards have been converted into a museum. The first courtyard houses the Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace) with textiles and costume section The Armory has a selection of exquisitely crafted daggers and swords. The next courtyard reveals the raised Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), built in sandstone and marble. To the west is Pritam Niwas Chowk (Peacock Courtyard). Move on to Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which houses a simply fantastic collection of miniature paintings, carpets, manuscripts, and photographs - look for the self-portraits of eccentric Ram Singh II, who found expression for his vanity in a passion for photography. Also visit the adjacent Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory.
Jantar Mantar: This medieval observatory is the living proof of the genius of Sawai Jai Singh, it is the best preserved of Jai Singh's five observatories and is the largest of its kind in the world. There are 18 instruments in all, erected between 1728 and 1734 by Sawai Jai Singh - many of his own invention. Built in 18th century, most of them are still functional, incredibly accurate and are still being used to forecast how hot the summer will be, when the monsoon will arrive, and how long it will last, for example the Samrat Yantra (23m-high/74-ft) forecasts crop prospects based on "the declination and hour of the heavenly bodies"). Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur to Jodhpur. After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, the blue hued city of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in Jodhpur, check in at your hotel. Afternoon visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort that has fine views over the city and Jaswant Thada, the white marble memorial of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Also visit the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Mehrangarh Fort: This 15th-century looming edifice to Rajput valor is still Rajasthan's most impressive fort, with sheer cliff like wall that rise to 120m (400 ft.) high. Located inside is one of India's finest museums with rich collection of palanquins, royal cradles, miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes, furniture, and armor of royal household. Visit Moti Mahal, featuring the throne on which every Marwar Maharaja has been crowned; and Phool Mahal, the "dancing hall" with its pure gold ceiling. A massive silk and velvet tent, taken from Emperor Shah Jahan in Delhi, is a vivid illustration of the superlative wealth and decadent pomp with which the Rathore rulers lived. After visiting the courtyard of Chamunda (Sun Goddess) Temple, take the lane that leads to the left to view what is apparently among the rarest collections of cannons in India.
Visit Jaswant Thada: The Jaswant Thada is a flawlessly executed piece of Rajputana architecture that enchants you with its poignant appeal on your tours to Jodhpur tourist attractions with Indian Horizons. Unparallel in grace, the Jaswant Thada is a royal cenotaph that was constructed by Maharaja Sardar Singh to honor the memory of his courageous father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The main cenotaph that is dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singhji is designed like an exquisite piece of jewelry, magnified out of proportion. The white marble Jaswant Thada looks like a lovely temple that entices you with its pavilions, domes and delicate looking pillars.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: Situated on a raised outcrop, with sprawling grounds creating an almost rural ambience, this splendid palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh (the current maharaja's father) as a poverty-relief exercise to aid his drought-stricken subjects. With 347 rooms, including a cinema, it was at the time the largest private residence in the world. Designed by Henry Lanchester, it was commenced in 1929, took 3,000 laborers 13 years to complete, and remains one of the best examples of the Indo-Saracenic Art Deco style, topped with a massive dome which rises 56m (184 ft.) high, beyond which the buildings are perfectly symmetrical. There is also a museum which features photographs of the construction and a model of the building, as well as items collected by his ancestors. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 7: Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur (260 Kms – 6 Hrs). After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive to Udaipur, en-route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur.
Ranakpur Temples: The Ranakpur temples are the finest examples of the craftsmanship the Jains just like its famous compatriots at Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu. The Ranakpur Temples are beautiful, with exquisitely detailed relief carvings covering every inch of pillar, wall, and ceiling. The main triple-volume Chaumukha Temple, built from 1446 and dedicated to Adinatha Rishabdeva, the first Jain Tirthankara, or "Enlightened One," is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines; inside are 1,444 intricately carved pillars, not one of them the same. (Please note, shoes and all leather articles must be removed before entering the temples). Continue your drive to Udaipur, upon arrival in Udaipur check-in in your hotel. Evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Day in Udaipur. After breakfast, morning Visit Eklingji & Nagda, a little village with a number of ancient temples situated 22 kms away from Udaipur.
Eklingji & Nagda: Location 22km (14 miles) north of Udaipur are the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Eklingji is a marble complex made up of 108 temples, the first of which was built in A.D. 734 by Bappa Rawal, legendary founder of the Sisodia clan, who ruled the Mewar kingdom for hundreds of years. The entire complex, most of it rebuilt in the 15th century, has a wonderfully uplifting atmosphere, particularly during prayer times. Deserted Nagda, which lies 2km (1 1/4 miles) north, is the site of the ancient capital of Mewar, which dates back to A.D. 626, are the ruins of the Saas Bahu, a 10th-century Vaishnavite twin temple and the remains of Adbhutji Temple.
This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Udaipur, visiting the City Palace (one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, which is now a museum, royal residence and luxury hotel) and Jagdish Temple. Later, enjoy an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola.
City Palace: Located on the shore of Lake Pichola, the 300 year old City Palace & Museum’s walls tower 30m (100 ft.) and stretch 250m (800 ft.) across. The whole complex comprises of 11 palaces (or Mahal) built by successive Maharanas, making it by far the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Noteworthy buildings here are the 17th century Mor (Peacock) Chowk with its large peacock mosaics, the mirror-encrusted Moti Mahal, the glass and porcelain figures of Manak (Ruby) Mahal, which has a central garden; the collection of miniatures featuring Krishna legends in Krishna Vilas (dedicated to a 16-year-old princess who committed suicide here), the Zenana Mahal (Palace of the Queens), and the Chinese and Dutch ceramics of Chini Mahal.
Jagdish Temple: Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This three-storied temple is a wonder of architecture that comprises beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and lush halls. In those times, 1.5 million rupees were spent to raise this structure. The spire of the main temple festooned with sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians, is around 79 feet high and dominates the skyline of Udaipur. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9: Udaipur to Delhi. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Delhi - Departure. After breakfast transfer from Domestic to International Airport for your departing flight for onward destination. We hope you enjoyed your stay in our Incredible India... we look forward to serving you again!
Available Dates: April 16 – Sept 30, 2009.
Prices Per Person, Deluxe Hotels:
- 2 Paying Pax: USD 2245 P/P
- 3-4 Paying Pax: USD 2135 P/P
- 5-7 Paying Pax: USD 2095 P/P
- 8–10 Paying Pax: USD 2090 P/P
- Single Room Supplement: USD 1680 Nett
- Entrance Fees at Monuments: USD 80 P/P.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 09 nights accommodation on double/twin sharing at the hotels mentioned above or similar
- Buffet breakfast in all hotels
- 25% discount on Spa treatments in above hotels except in Jodhpur
- All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned transportation
- Local English-speaking guide shall be provided for the sightseeing & excursion tours
- 01 Elephant Ride at Amber Fort
- 01 Boat ride in Udaipur
- Representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers
- All currently applicable taxes.
Price Excludes:
- Expense of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone /fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc.
- Domestic /International Air fare
- Single Room supplement
- Entry fees to Monuments
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
Special Notes:
- Rates valid from April 16 – Sept 30, 2009.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Local Culture
Sightseeing
Archeology/History
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