Heartland Of Rajasthan And Taj Mahal

Tonight, arrive Delhi, the capital city of India. After a traditional Indian welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin! Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, ‘moonlit square’, one of the largest trading centres of India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj. Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and India’s tallest brick minaret; Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold dome, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the first world war; drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi.

After breakfast, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. En-route make a brief photo stop at Sikandra, the tomb of great mughal emperor Akbar. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, visit the Agra fort, lying across the River Yamuna, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens. Then, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. You may wish to stay at the Taj Mahal, to see the glistening white marble beauty by sunset.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. En route to Jaipur, make a brief stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the complex lies a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son. This afternoon, visit gem and carpet weaving factories, and shop for souvenirs. Jaipur is famous for its precious and semi-precious stoned jewels, enamelled ornaments, beautiful carpets and other artifacts and crafts.

This morning, visit Amber fort, a fine amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture and ornamentation, built in the 16th century. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride. This afternoon, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone. Also drive past Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows.

This morning, drive to Jodhpur, a city ringed by high stone walls with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today, visit the rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort, and the grand palaces within the fort - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana, which are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex stands the Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles such as embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

This morning, drive to Udaipur en route visiting the famous Jain Temples at Ranakpur. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are one of the largest Jain temples in India. The temples are known for their architecture, grand structures and exquisite sculptures. Continue drive to Udaipur, a serene city set in the scenic valley of Aravalli hills, surrounded by three lakes – Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar. Upon arrival at Udaipur, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Spend the day exploring Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, one of the largest palace complex in Rajasthan; the grand white marble Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, garden of the maids of honour. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.