DAY 1 - Depart USA
Leave from the USA to India.
DAY 2 - Arrive Delhi
Check into your hotel. Transfer is provided to your hotel.
DAY 3 - Delhi - B, L
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.
This morning after breakfast proceed on half day tour of Old Delhi. Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, esp. in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi\'s glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan\'s symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.
A special treat awaits you - take a ride through this busy market on tricycle rickshaws.
After lunch proceed for the tour of New Delhi. New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920\'s - it\'s a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King\'s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi\'s eight city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an \"Imperial City\" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi\'s past - Humayun\'s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit a local temple.
DAY 4 - Delhi / Samode - B, L
After breakfast drive to Samode. Samode Bagh is a garden paradise situated 4 km from Samode Palace, nestled on 20 acres of beautiful grounds combines warmth and luxury, an atmosphere that is quiet, relaxed and elegant. It is a romantic hideaway where you can be as active or contemplative as you wish. Samode Bagh offers a unique experience of an air-conditioned tented camp where the dune colored tents are luxuriously furnished with every comfort. Samode Bagh is distinguished by the \'Samode hotels\' long standing commitment to blending the highest standards of hospitality with indigenous culture and the natural environment. The tented camp brings visitors closer to the soul of the country. Relive the splendor of the bygone age recreated in a tented encampment- unique experience in royal living.
After lunch proceed for a visit to Samode Village with the experience of Camel Cart Ride.
DAY 5 - Samode / Jaipur - B, L
After breakfast drive to Jaipur. Visit the city Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions.
DAY 6 - Jaipur - B, L
Known as the \'Pink City\', Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city.
After breakfast proceed for Amber fort excursion. Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort in a jeep. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Afternoon at leisure. Optional tour: Elephant Safari this Afternoon.
You will board jeeps and drive to the Temple of Lord Ganesha and the Step Well to view the ancient Silk Route and the Trading Points at the Bio reserve. Then, board the Elephants for an experience with the Tigers and the Lions, passing through the forest, arrive at the Step well, Sura Ki Baori (11th Century) - the safari is for about 45 minutes. After the safari Fresh Fruits and Drinks will be served at the Baori.
DAY 7 - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - B, L
After breakfast drive to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital.
Fatehpur Sikri. - The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. 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. Fatehpur Sikri is the most popular day excursion from Agra, the city of Taj and capital of invincible Mughals for a long time. Later continue drive to Agra.
Optional Tour: sunset visit of Taj Mahal.
DAY 8 - Agra - B, L
After breakfast, visit world Famous Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Visit that magnificent monument to love - Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct, femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.
Later visit the Agra Fort and the city. At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 9, 10 - Agra / Delhi and Depart from Delhi - B, L, D
Enjoy a farewell dinner; transfer to the airport to board your flight onward. |
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