Golden Triangle - Land Package

Day 1: New Delhi

Arrival: Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi. Our representative will receive you outside the customs gate (Important: watch for a placard with your name on it) and escort you to the hotel. Hotel staff will personally greet you in Indian style with aarti and tikka-the traditional form of greeting and showing respect that has been followed since Vedic times. Delhi – A truly multi-dimensional metropolis; renowned for its effervescent spirit, captivating and historical monuments, magnificent museums, mouth-watering eateries and mindboggling, value-for-money shopping opportunities. Don’t get over awed by the aggressive approach of people and overwhelming flow of mechanical and human traffic on roads. Hidden beneath this chaos is a warmth and humane aspect that stands apart in both the New and Old Delhi. This vibrant melting pot has a lot to showcase India’s new, historical and traditional aspects.

Day 2: New Delhi

Morning sightseeing tour: Experience the two different worlds of Delhi in a day – the spacious New Delhi built by the British and the somewhat cramped Old Delhi that was the capital of Islamic India. In the first half of the day the itinerary involves visit to Jama Masjid - The largest mosque in India, Drive past Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Chandni Chowk- Today’s busiest commercial area of the city, which was once an imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. Khari Baoli bazaar-Asia’s largest spice market with open air shops. Raj Ghat-memorial to Mahatma Gandhi-the father of nation. Afternoon sightseeing tour: The glittering gems of the second phase of sightseeing involve: Qutab Minar- The 12th century hand-carved minar stands tall at 234ft. Watch out for the iron pillar that has not rusted even after 1500 years. The mausoleum of emperor Humayun - a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. India Gate-a war memorial dedicated to the heroics of Indian soldiers, who laid down their lives for country. Rashtrapati Bhawan- the president's residence, which was formerly the Viceroy's Palace. The Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings, which are an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture.

Day 3: Agra

Sikandra-The sandstone and marble tomb of Akbar, the greatest of the Mughal emperors, lies in a peaceful garden 4 km north west of Agra. Its construction was begun by Akbar himself but completed by his son Jahangir in 1613.The southern gateway, the most impressive part of the complex, is made of red sandstone inlaid with abstract patterns in white marble. The tomb itself has four stories, three of red sandstone and the fourth of marble. True to Akbar’s philosophy of a single unifying religion, his tomb shows a blend of motifs and styles of various religions.

Get ready for the much awaited visit to the Taj Mahal. Regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, this marble monument is the architectural wonder by the Mughals. As you walk on the polished marble floor and touch the marble walls embellished with delicate inlay, you will be amazed to feel the immense love that Emperor Shah Jahan had for his wife Mumtaz. You will be tired of taking images of this extraordinary monument from different angles. Now, we take you to the Government Emporium of Agra. Famous for leather work and marble artifacts, these shops offer you a plenty of options to indulge into your shopping. You can pick a miniature model of the monument of love or order for excellent marble dining table to decorate your dining room. Our next stop is the Red Fort (Agra Fort), where Emperor Shah Jehan spent the last few years of his life. You will be amazed by knowing the stories behind this majestic red stone fort. Our guide will tell you all. While roaming in the fort, give a look at the imperial Taj Mahal, glorifying the other bank of the Yamuna. Also a visit to Sikandra, situated at 8 km North-East of Agra. We take you to visit the huge mausoleum of Akbar. Give a special attention to the head of the tomb, where originally the world famous Kohinoor diamond was laid.

Day 4: Jaipur

The drive is approximately (260 Kms/ 6 Hrs) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a town larger than London when it was originally constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander. After your visit, continue your drive to Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur

You will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area. An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. In the afternoon you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets.

Day 6: New Delhi

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