Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Arrival transfer to hotel and overnight at The Oberoi hotel.
Delhi, Capital City of independent India rewards the determined sightseer with more than a thousand monuments and two old capital buildings complexes-including the present seat of Government, designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Cosmopolitan hotels, shopping, and fine restaurants abound. Delhi also offers a glimpse into the real India: the labyrinthine street bazaars of Old Delhi, and the temples and monuments of Indian's chequered colonial past. In the deepest sense, from Old Delhi's Red fort and Jama Masjid mosque to New Delhi's chic art galleries and nightclubs, Delhi is profoundly Indian city.
Day 2 - Delhi
Morning half day New Delhi tour.
The modern area of Central New Delhi, with its wide tree-lined avenues and solid colonial buildings, has been the seat of the central government since 1931. At this hub the royal mall, Rajpath, runs from the palatial Rashtrapati Bhawan, in the east, to the India Gate war memorial, in the west. Rashtrapati Bhavan is the former Viceregal Lodge, now the official residence of Indian’s President. It is the best example of Lutyen’s expansive, imperialist vision, built- of red sandstone in the India-Saracenic (eastern baroque) style.Covering 330 acres of Raisina Hill, it is a huge place. Northeast of the Viceroy’s house is the Council House, now Sansad Bhavan. Baker designed this and Lutyens suggested that it be circular (173 m diameter). Next visit the tomb of Emperor Humayun.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at The Oberoi
Day 3 - Delhi / Jaipur
Drive to Jaipur (260 Kms, 5-6 hours)and Check into Rajvilas to begin the Golden Triangle tour.
Surrounded on three sides by the rugged Aravali Hills and celebrated for its striking pink buildings, Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is a marvellous synthesis of architectural influences - Hindu, Jain and Mughal, and is one of the few well planned cities of yore. The walled city is called the pink city, as by law all building must be painted deep pink. The practice follows a tradition that dates back to the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1876, when the entire city was freshly painted in his honour. The city is surrounded by a couple of forts, the most magnificent being the Amber Fort. Its bazaars teem with people, camels, horses and a multitude of varied vehicles, while around them loom magnificent palaces and buildings.
Overnight at the Hotel Oberoi Rajvilas
Day 4 - Jaipur
Full day guided tour of Amber Fort and city.
Amber was the ancient capital of the region. Now a deserted complex, it however still recalls its heydays in the majestic ramparts rising steeply along the contoured hillsides.
The city sites visited are City Palace and its Museum (a part of the Palace still remains the residence of the Jaipur royal family), the Jantar Mantar, an 18th century observatory built by a local ruler, and the legendary Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds)an elaborate beehive formation façade.
Overnight at the luxury hotel Oberoi Rajvilas
Day 5 - Jaipur / Agra
Drive to Agra (Land of Taj Mahal) via Fatehpur Sikri (230 Kms, 4-5 hours)and Check into Amarvilas Agra the quintessence of the grand Mughal era, reigns to this day in the public mind as the embodiment of royal grace, imposing architecture and power. Agra, more than being a city, is a synonym for the Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Home to this mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved empress, the Taj Mahal is often described as a 'dream in marble.
Overnight at Oberoi Amarvilas.
Day 6 - Agra
Morning half day city tour.
Agra Fort on the Western bank of the River Yamuna, Akbar’s magnificent fort dominates the centre of the city. Taj Mahal built from white marble,is the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, who died after giving birth to her 14th child.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the luxury hotel Oberoi Amarvilas
Day 7 - Agra / Delhi / Depart
Morning at leisure.
Later Drive to Delhi International airport (200 Kms, 4-5 hours) to board onwards flight
Note
Offer valid till – 30 March 2014 (Excluding Period 20th Dec 2013 to 5th Jan 2014)
AMARVILAS
Ranked the 6th best hotel in the world - Travel + Leisure, Readers’ Poll 2008.
Ranked the 3rd best hotel in Asia - Travel + Leisure, Readers’ Poll 2008.
6th Best Hotel in the World - Conde Nast Traveler, Readers' Choice Awards 2007
RAJVILAS
Ranked the No. 1 hotel in Asia - Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Awards, Readers’ Poll 2008
Ranked the 2nd best hotel in the world - Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Awards, Readers’ Poll 2008.
Suggested Adaptations to this tour
You can replace Agra or Jaipur with Udaivilas at Udaipur or Wildflower Hall in Shimla for tour supplements.