8 Days – The Enchanting Golden Triangle

After clearing immigration and customs, your representative will meet you at the receiving area and escort you to your hotel. Delhi is a dynamic city where the past coexists with the present. While historic evidence shows that the area around Delhi was first occupied around 2,500 years ago, Hindu mythology predates that by another 500 years. The British captured the city in 1803 and when they decided to make it the capital of India in 1911, they commissioned Sir Edwin Lutyens to draw up the plans. The result is slightly surprising with spacious tree-lined avenues punctuated with architecture which is among the most striking in the world.

After breakfast, you will experience the combined charm of Old and New Delhi. The day begins with the sightseeing of Old Delhi and a visit to the Raj Ghat. Drive past the Red Fort on your way to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. A tour through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk is followed by a drive past the historical India Gate, the President’s estate and the Parliament House. The day is concluded with a visit to the capital’s most striking monument; the 70 meter high Qutab Minar.

Morning depart for Agra. Agra reached the peak of its magnificence between the mid-16^th and mid-17^th centuries under the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.  It was during this period that the fort, Taj Mahal and Agra’s major tombs were built.

Upon arrival in Agra, we will settle in to our hotel before visiting Agra Fort, built by Akbar as his citadel over the years 1565-73 in the finest architectural style. It is an almost perfect fusion between military might and lavish beauty. The fort, approachable through its two lofty main portals on the west and south, was successively occupied by three great Mughals – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – each of whom made significant structural contributions to this complex. Shah Jahan died here, imprisoned by his son, gazing at the Taj Mahal he had built in memory of his wife.

Thereafter, visit the Taj Mahal,  Shah Jahan built this in 1631 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. You will wander with your guide into the inner chambers of this monument to love, the planet’s most famous and most entrancing exercise in Muslim architecture. Experience the Taj up close, and watch the light play on its magnificent lines from other parts of the city—sometimes the reflection of the Taj in the Yamuna River seems as spectacular as the monument itself (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Kalakho via Fatephur Sikri.

On arrival you will be greeted at the Dera Village Retreat which has been specially created to explore the Living Cultures of India. A lively traditional Folk dance performance at the  Retreat  in the evening would surly leave you feeling cheerful and jovial.

Overnight: Dera Village Retreat

This morning proceed to Jaipur, the home of India’s legendary Hindu warriors, whose historic forts, palaces, and gardens lend a timeless quality to this storied region.   You may spend the day exploring the colorful and lively markets of Jaipur.

After breakfast, embark on a half-day excursion trip which will lead you to Amber Fort. En route make a photo stop at the palace of winds, the Hawa Mahal. A visit to the City Palace in the afternoon which now houses the Royal residence and museums with a collection of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings, followed by a stopover at Jantar Mantar would wrap up the day.

In the evening enjoy dinner with a local family to “experience the living cultures of India”.

This morning drive to Delhi. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.