Agra -
To the lover of art and to the traveler seeking the wonders of the world,
Agra is the goal of a pilgrimage to the creative best: the Agra Fort and the
Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the
palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal
empire for nearly a hundred years from 1564.
Day 01 : Delhi / Agra
Morning drive to Agra (203 kms) Upon arrival in Agra -
check into hotel Afternoon, the guests will board the 'decorated
tongas' (horse carriage) which will take them to Taj
Mahal Little needs to be said about this
architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every
tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble
memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22
years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect
Ustad Isa. Apart from it's stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the
Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved
screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. (TAJMAHAL IS CLOSED ON
FRIDAYS)
The guests will stay at the Taj Mahal till sunset to
see this true Wonder of the world in gentle late afternoon light. Overnight
at hotel
Day
02 : Agra After breakfast visit the Red Fort.
Red Fort - lies on the bend
of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his
citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has
imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Afternoon, visit
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri -
drive to the impressive sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was
built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being
abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect conditions. In
the evening witness magic show. Magic show
- There is nothing that captures the magical spirit of the lad as much as
the conjuror who enthralls his audience with sleights of hands and a range
of tricks. Only the adventurous can volunteer to be sawed in half. Overnight
at hotel
Day
03 : Agra / Delhi Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive
back to Delhi.
............................................................................................................... DELHI-JAIPUR
(3 DAYS) Jaipur
- Encircled by the rugged Aravalli hills with numerous peaks
crowned by imposing forts, Jaipur the capital of Rajasthan looks cradled and
well protected. It takes its name from Maharaja Jai Singh II, who in the
early 1700s became king at the age of 13. He conceived & designed his
new capital with exquisite buildings of rose-colored terracotta and broad
tree-lined avenues exhibiting an astonishing model of city planning.
Day
01 : Delhi / Jaipur Morning drive to Jaipur (265 kms)
Upon arrival in Jaipur - check into hotel Afternoon enjoy a cycle
rickshaw ride through the bustling bazaars. Jaipur is renowned for textile
block printing, blue pottery, carpet weaving, semi-precious stones and local
crafts which still thrive from the day of Maharaja Jai Singh's patronage
when he designed special areas in the city for the 'bandhanas', the
'cheepas' and the 'meenakari' workers. Overnight at hotel
Day 02 : Jaipur Morning, tour of the impressive
Amber Fort, situated on a
ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your
caparisoned elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate,
making your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in
the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now, although
deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul
ruling families. Afternoon, tour of the City - "The Pink City"
is spectacularly set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient
ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing City
Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the
rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to
the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. You
will also visit the Hawa Mahal
"Palace of the Winds", and the open-airJantar
Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments.
Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel
Day
03 : Jaipur - Delhi Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive
back to Delhi.