Essential India

Breakfast at the hotel

Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to The Jama Mosque built in 1650 AD, followed by a visit to the breathtaking Red Fort (1639-48), built by the Shah Jehan, creator of The Taj Mahal. Then we proceed on to Raj Ghat, which is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting Humayun’s Tomb (1565 AD), aptly called the predecessor of The Taj Mahal. Drive past Safdarjung’s Tomb (1753 AD).

Visit the Qutab Minar (72 m high) – the most perfect of towers of the Persian world. Within the Qutab complex, amidst the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, stands the Iron pillar which has stood the variances of weather and has not rusted over 1500 years. The drive through New Delhi includes the Embassy area (Diplomatic enclave), Government buildings and Connaught Place, New Delhi’s main shopping area.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Delhi to Mandawa (280 kms/6 hours) enroute visit Neemrana Fort.

Lunch at Neemrana Fort.

Continue your drive to Mandawa and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL

Afternoon, sightseeing tour of the town Mandawa, which lies in the heart of Shekhawati. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows, leads to the bazaar. You can wander through the streets, where mansions of rich merchants are adorned with elaborate frescoes.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive from Mandawa to Jaipur (140 kms/3.5 hours) via Samode. Visit the Samode Palace, among the magnificent edifices that adorn the region of Rajasthan. Nestled picturesquely amidst rugged hills, the palace stands apart in serene splendor.

The quiet luxury offers a retreat into an aesthetically soothing environment. Stately corridors, frescoed walls ethereal audience halls, harmoniously reflect the skill of master craftsmen.

Also enjoy one hour Camel ride in Samode.

Continue your drive to Jaipur and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Make your ascent to the palace fortress on the gaily caparisoned elephant back.

Tour the chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for the excellence of their design and decoration.

Afternoon, tour of Jaipur, popularly known as “The Pink City of Rajasthan”. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory, which was built in the 1700’s and yet even today, looks futuristic or almost surrealistic.

Visit the City Palace and its Museum, the Hawa Mahal, also know as the Palace of Winds.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning drive from Jaipur to Agra (221 kms/6 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century.

Now deserted, this royal city, 37 KMS (23 miles) southwest of Agra, was once capital of a mighty empire and its pink sandstone palaces bask in the refulgent glow of its magnificent past.

Also visit the Buland Darwaza (The Gate of Victory); set in the south wall, one of the greatest monuments of the Mughal empire and one of the finest Mughal buildings. It is 56.3 meters (176 ft) high, the effect of which is enhanced by a great flight of steps on the outside. It is a spectacular mass of masonry, which dominates the entire city, pierced by a huge central arch, and crowned by a romantic array of domed kiosks.

Continue your drive to Agra and upon arrival check-in at: HOTEL

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning, experience the TAJ MAHAL (closed on Fridays) – one of the seven wonders of the world. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble, took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build it. This monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal,

 Also visit Agra Fort, whose maze of courtyard, mosque and private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Afternoon drive from Agra to Delhi (203 kms/5 hours) International airport in time to board flight for:

Leave Delhi by International Flight