Day 01: Arrive in Delhi/Agra
Arrive in Delhi by flight, depart by road to Agra, a journey of 04 hours. Afternoon city tour visiting the elegant Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with semi circular plan, 70 feet high walls and double ramparts. Taj Mahal, a New Wonder of the World, built by the Mughal King in the loving memory of his queen. You will remain here until Sunset. Overnight stay in Agra for 01 night.
Agra is a medieval city situated on the banks of the river Yamuna. The city finds mention in the epic of Mahabharata when it was called Agarbana (Paradise). Agra first gained prominence during the Mughal era in 16th and 17th centuries when it served as their capital, the city houses the finest monuments of the period, which bear testimony to the aura of grandeur. The Moghul passion for building endowed Agra with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. Agra with its crowded alleys and busy bazaars is much like any other north Indian city. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and now a ‘Wonder of the World. The Taj Mahal, with a white marble tomb and four minarets, is actually an integrated complex of structures; building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D, is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. The Emperor Shah was imprisoned by his son and later died here).
Day 2: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur
After breakfast depart by road to Jaipur, a journey of about 06 hours. En – route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Overnight stay in Jaipur for 02 nights.
En-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, as the old capital of the Mughal but was abandoned after just15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces, which are still preserved in much of their original glory. Jaipur, popularly called the pink city, is the capital of the state of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest city in Rajasthan, built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727 AD, who had the vision to create a meticulously planned city as his capital. The whole city was painted pink in 1876 during the visit of Prince of Wales, later king Edward VII. Today the houses in the old city including the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) are still painted pink.
Day 3: Jaipur
Morning sight seeing tour of Amber Fort. Later enjoy city tour of Jaipur City.
After breakfast enjoy a half-day visit to the Amber Fort a classic, Rajasthani Fort Palace with huge ramparts and watchtowers. Jeeps or Elephant will take you uphill to the fort. Amber was the capital before Jaipur was built. Visit the marble Palace, temple of victory, hall of mirrors, which are excellent examples of ancient Rajput architecture. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of the city including a visit to the City Palace the former Royal residence, part of which is now converted into a museum, Hawa Mahal (The Palace of the Winds), a five storey building with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. Also visit the Jantar Mantar, an 18th century astronomical Observatory, which is the largest stone and marble, crafted observatory in the world.
Day 4: Jaipur/Delhi
After breakfast depart by road to Delhi, a journey of about 06 hours. Overnight stay in Delhi for 02 nights.
Delhi, where an empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past. There have been at least eight cities built in and around modern Delhi, and the old saying that whoever founds a new city at Delhi will lose it has come true every time, most recently for the British who built New Delhi in 1911.
Day 5: Delhi
After breakfast a full day City tour of Old and New Delhi.
Old Delhi (Shahjananbad) built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan is a bustling city of crowded bazaars and winding alleys teeming with life. Visit the imposing Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque (the largest mosque in India) with a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Visit the famous Chandni Chowk bazaar with bustling streets. Also visit Raj Ghat (memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) situated on the bank of the legendary Yamuna River. New Delhi, designed by British architects Edward Lutyens & Herbert Baker in 1911, with wide tree line avenues, landscaped gardens & stately monuments. Visit Connaught Place, the hub of the city mainly devoted to shops, banks and restaurants. Then on to Rajpath, visiting the India Gate and drive past the impressive President's house, the Parliament House and Diplomatic enclave. Visit Humayun's Tomb, one of Delhi's finest Mughal historic sites, built in somber, Persian–style elegance. Also visit Qutub Minar built in 1199 at a height of 72.5 meters. It is still the highest, and one of the finest stone towers in India.
Day 6: Delhi/Kalka/Shimla
Early in the dawn, you will be transferred from hotel to New Delhi Railway Station to board air-conditioned train for Kalka. Departure from Delhi by Kalka Shatabdi, train no. 2011 at 07:40 hours to Kalka arriving at 12:00 hours. Thereafter Departure from Kalka by Toy Train, at 12:10 hours to Shimla arriving at 17:20 hours. Overnight stay in Shimla for 02 nights.
Shimla–One of the most popular hill Resorts of the North. The town is situated at an altitude of 6810 ft, initially chosen as a sanatorium for invalid European officers, but soon developed into a big hill town and then became the summer capital of the country. There are ample opportunities in Shimla for sports Spread across 12 Kms along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivations, Shimla is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron, and it is best to travel here on the slow train from Kalka. Shimla also is a convenient base for variety of adventure sports.
Day 7: Shimla
Day at leisure for independent activities–no car booked.
Day 8: Shimla/Kalka/Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred from hotel to railway station to board train for Kalka and onwards to Delhi. Departure from Shimla by Toy Train, at 10:30 hours to Kalka arriving at 16:05 hours. Later departure from Kalka by Kalka Shatabdi, train no. 2012 at 17:30 hours to Delhi arriving at 21:40 hours. On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Stay at your hotel in Delhi.
Day 9: Delhi/Onwards Destination
Early in the morning, depending on your flight time, you will be met and transferred to International airport to board your flight for onward destination.
|