India’s largest city, Delhi, has been one of the country’s commercial and economic hubs for centuries and, as a result, is incredibly rich in culture and history. Made up of the ancient walled city of Old Delhi and the more modern sector, New Delhi, the city encompasses a staggering array of beautiful architecture, notable monuments and age-old temples, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Red Fort, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Other key attractions include the 17th century Chandni Chowk marketplace – still one of the city’s most popular retail centres today, particularly for jewellery and traditional Indian saris; the iconic Bahà’i Lotus Temple – an award-winning architectural gem; and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.
On arrival in Delhi: Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting for you. Amongst them will be Travel Counsellors Representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board with your name on.
You will be transferred to your hotel and assisted with check in. (Standard check in time at hotel is 1400 hrs).
Overnight: The Oberoi New Delhi
Day 02: In New Delhi
After breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Old Delhi
Old Delhi is an ancient walled city, also known as Shahjahanabad. The city was founded in the 17th century during the reign of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. Old Delhi once boasted fourteen great gates, mansions, the Red Fort, a congregational mosque and elegant gardens. Today, some of its ruins still stand making it a symbolic city as well as a famous attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk – meaning ‘moonlit square’ – is one of the city’s oldest, busiest and most famed shopping areas, built in the 17th century and originally intersected by (now defunct) canals that were designed to capture and reflect the moonlight. It’s a shopper’s paradise – with an eclectic diversity of wares ranging from traditional Indian sweets and other delicacies, to leather goods, electronics, intricately embellished saris and tailor-made suits. But even if you’re not up for any retail therapy, the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this pulsing, labyrinthine marketplace are captivating enough in their own right.
Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated after his assassination in 1948. Housed in an open-air garden area inside a walled complex, the memorial consists of a simple, flat black platform (reflecting the simplicity of Gandhi’s life) that is kept constantly decorated with an abundance of fresh flowers. An eternal flame burns at one end, symbolising the ever-lasting legacy of this great man. Two museums devoted to Mahatma Gandhi, his life and teachings are located nearby.
Qutub Minar
Standing tall at 73-metres, the tower consists of 5 storeys with a flight of spiral stairs leading to its top. The walls are adorned with decorative motifs and Quranic inscriptions. At the foot of the tower lie other monuments of historical significance, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The Amazing race Australia used this site as a pitstop in the second series. Visitors can take advantage of stunning photo opportunities.
Humayun’s Tomb
The mausoleum complex of Humayun, India’s second Mughal Emperor, was commissioned by his widow in 1565 and was the first garden tomb to be built in India, taking seven years to complete. Humayun had travelled widely in Persia and Central Asia during his lifetime, and many of the architectural principles he brought back from these journeys were incorporated into the building at his wife’s instructions. With its double domes, decorative inlaid marble and vast garden with pools connected by channels, this 16th Century building set the stage for the style that culminated in the Taj Mahal almost 100 years later.
Day 03: New Delhi – Agra
Morning, after breakfast, you will drive to Agra (240 Kms/ 04 Hrs approx). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Check-in at hotel.
Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas
Day 04: Agra
Morning visit Agra Fort and thereafter visit Taj Mahal at Sunset.
Agra Fort
Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) and is a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site, located just 2.5 kilometres from the famous Taj Mahal. Its palaces, grand mosques and elaborate public hall are crafted from pink-red sandstone and are testament to an era when Indo-Muslim art, strongly marked by influences from Persia, was at its height. Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal for his deceased wife, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort. He is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a marble tower he himself built, with one of the most alluring views of the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays)
The iconic Taj Mahal is not only an architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World – it’s also the enduring legacy of a royal love story. It was commissioned in the 15th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his third and favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, to serve as her final resting place and a symbol of his eternal affection for her. Combining Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian design elements, it’s an awe-inspiring structure of elegant domes and white marble, which changes colour along with the light – pink at sunrise, pearly white in the afternoon and silver-gold in the full moon.
Day 05: Agra – Ranthambore / Sawai Madhopur
Morning after breakfast, leave for Bharatpur railway station for a short train ride to Ranthambore. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri
This world heritage site is rated as one of the best preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Surrounded by a six kilometre wall, with the fourth being a lake at the time, a day can be spent exploring the elaborate structures within. Marvel at the impressive Jama Masjid mosque, the detailed palaces built for Emperor Akbar’s wives, the public and private discussion halls and vast ornamental pool; all of which took over 15 years to conceptualise and build.
Overnight: The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore
Day 06: In Ranthambore
Enjoy morning and afternoon shared jeep safari at the National Park.
Considered the best spot to catch a glimpse of tigers in the wild, the park offers visitors a spellbounding combination of mystical temples, wild beauty and crumbling ruins. While the main attraction is undoubtedly the elusive Bengal tiger, the park provides a sanctuary for other wildlife including, among others: sambar, gazelle, caracal, black buck, crocodile, chital, wild boars and a wide array of birds.
Day 07: Ranthambore – Jaipur
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive onwards to Jaipur (190 Kms/ 04 Hrs approx.).
Upon arrival at Jaipur, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: The Oberoi Rajvilas
Day 08: In Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for a full day tour of Jaipur, visiting Amer Fort (en-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal – Palace of Winds), City Palace and Astronomical Observatory.
Amer Fort
Amer Fort, officially known as the ‘Amer Palace’, is one of the most famous forts of Rajasthan attracting around 4000 to 5000 visitors a day during peak tourist season. The palace was named after the small town of Amer, where it is situated – only eleven kilometres from Jaipur. Perfectly picturesque, this 16th century hillside residence is well preserved, boasting grand pavilions and mirrored halls that open onto flourishing gardens and courtyards. Although the palace’s main construction started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, it was added to over the years by successive rulers and continued to be occupied by them until Jaipur was built.
Photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
One of Jaipur’s most recognised buildings, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is known for its iconic façade. Small windows, decorated with intricate latticework create a honeycomb-like appearance. The original intention of the lattice was to allow the royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. The cooling effect, provided by the breeze passing through the small windows, gave the palace its name. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the unique construction was originally designed to look like the crown of Krishna. A panoramic view of Jaipur can be had from the top of the building.
Jaipur City Palace
City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.
Jantar Mantar Jaipur
Built by Jai Singh, the first Maharaja of Jaipur who founded the city in 1727, the observatory is one of a handful. Jai Singh, fulfilling a lifelong interest in mathematics and astronomy, built observatories in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Benares. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these.
Day 09: Jaipur – Udaipur
At an appropriate time, you will be transferred to Jaipur airport for a short scheduled flight to Udaipur.
Arrive Udaipur and you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas
Day 10: In Udaipur
After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Udaipur.
Udaipur City Palace
Situated above Lake Pichola, Udaipur City Palace has housed many royals over four centuries who have each added their own unique preferences to the establishment. The palace is a one of a kind in Rajasthan. Udaipur City Palace was constructed entirely out of marble and granite which makes it highly luxurious. The inside is even more so with its inlays of coloured glass, engravings, towers, and balconies.
Jagdish Temple
Completed in 1651, Jagdish Temple is situated just outside the royal palace. The temple can be seen as soon as visitors enter the city. Puja’s and prayer time are the best time to visit when melodious chants from devotees float through the small interior. Visitors should make a point of climbing the temple’s many steps which invite them on a journey of discovery of the rich and vibrant history of Udaipur.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Saheliyon-ki-Bari is situated in the northern part of the bustling city. The garden is popular amongst local and tourists offering lush green gardens and beautiful fountains. The garden was built by King Rana Sangram Singh for his wife and her 48 maids, to keep them far from political enticements. A small museum can be found on the property which was once a safe haven for the queen and her main servers.
Day 11: Udaipur – Delhi
At an appropriate time, you will be transferred to Udaipur airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and you will be assisted and transferred to your hotel at Gurugram.
Overnight: The Oberoi Gurugram
Day 12: Depart Delhi
At an appropriate time, you will be assisted & transferred to Delhi airport to board your flight back home (Hotel’s check-out time is 1200 hrs).
