Duration: 10 nights/11 days

Cities: Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Manesar-Delhi

Highlights: The archaeological heritage of India presented from a unique perspective. Trip is accompanied by a specialist and can be tailored to provide an overview or extensive detail.

Suggested program (best suitable for GROUPS):

Day 1 - ARRIVE DELHI
The colour and romance of India greets you as you disembark from your jet in Delhi - founded on the site of several cities it has been the seat of power for centuries. Today Old and New city combine to present a harmonious whole offering the traveler elegant shops, broad laburnum lined avenues, sun warmed elegant forts and mosques that were once stronghold of Mughal powers and colorful bazaars.

Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel.

Arrive at hotel where beautiful girls dressed in sari welcomes you with a Garland & Tika (traditional way of welcoming guests).

Sightseeing tour: visit India gate and you will drive along the ceremonial avenues of Rajpath and view the splendid Presidential Palace, the circular Parliament House. Thereafter visit: Rajghat - Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation place.

Red Fort - It took Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan 10 years to construct this fort 1638-1648. The Red fort dates from the very peak of Mughal power. when the emperor rode out on Elephant -back into the streets of Old Delhi it was display of pomp & power at its most magnificent. The main gate known as Lahore Gate, the name derived from the fact that it faces towards Lahore now in Pakistan. As you enter the fort here and immediately find yourself in a vaulted arcade, the Chatta Chowk (covered market) known as Meena Bazaar. The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or Drum House, where musicians used to play for the emperor, and the arrival of princess & royalty was heralded from here. The open courtyard beyond it formerly had galleries along either side. The Hall of Public Audiences Diwan-i-Am was where the emperor would sit to hear complaints or disputes from his subjects. His alcove in the hall was marble-paneled and set with precious stones.

The Hall of Private Audience Diwan-i-Khas, Built of white marble was the luxurious chamber where the emperor would hold private meeting. Royal bath next to Diwan-i-Khas, Shahi Burj - this modest three storied octagonal tower at the north-eastern edge of the fort was once Shah Jehan’s private working room, Moti Masjid also known as Pearl Mosque built in 1659 by Aurangzeb. The other important & interesting sites are Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 - DELHI
Sightseeing tour of Delhi and visit Qutab Minar - A 73 metres high tower with 15 metre diameter base to just two & half metres at the top. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. Although Qutab-ud-din began construction of the tower, he only got to the first storey. His successors completed it and, in 1638, Feroz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the top storeys and added a cupola. an earthquake brought the cupola down in 1803. At the foot of the Qutab Minar stands the first mosque to be built in India known as Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Iron Pillar - this seven metre high pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and has been there since long before the mosque’s construction and was raised in the memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta Vikramaditya, who ruled from 375 to 413 AD.

Humayun’s Tomb - Built in the mid 16th century by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor. This is an early example of Mughal architecture. The elements in its design - a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens - were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, Agra. The other tombs in the garden include that of Humayun’s barber and the tomb of Isa Khan. Lunch at Roof Top restaurant. Sightseeing tour of Delhi

Chandni Chowk - The main street of Old Delhi is the colourful bazaar also known as silver street. It is hopelessly congested day & night, a very sharp contrast to the open. Walk through the market to reach Jama Masjid.

Jama Masjid - The great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40 metres high and constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Broad flights of steps lead up to the imposing gateways. The courtyard of the mosque has a capacity of 25,000 people.

Purana Qila (Old Fort) - This is supposed to be the sight of Indraprastha, the original city of Delhi. The Afghan ruler, Sher Shah, who briefly interrupted the Mughal Empire by defeating Humayun, built the fort during his reign from 1538-45, before Humayun regained control of India. The fort has massive walls and three large gateways.

After the sightseeing proceeds directly to our Chairman & Managing Director’s residence for a slide show presentation by a specialist on Archaeology followed by Welcome Cocktail & Dinner.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 - DELHI
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit to Tughlaqabad and National Museum.

Tughlaqabad - The massively strong walls of Tughlaqabad, the third city of Delhi, are east of the Qutab Minar. The walled city and fort with its 13 gateways was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. The fort walls are constructed of massive blocks and outside the south wall of the city is an artificial lake with the king’s tomb in its centre. A long causeway connects the tomb to the fort, both of which have walls that slope inward.

National Museum - The museum has a good collection of Indian bronzes, terracotta and wood sculptures dating back to the Mauryan period (2nd-3rd century BC), exhibits from the Vijayanagar period in South India, miniature and mural paintings, and costumes of the various tribal peoples.
Lunch at hotel. Shopping tour. Dinner at village ‘Bistro’.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 - DELHI / AGRA
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart by coach for Agra.
Agra - synonymous with the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal - radiant at noon & amber at dusk.

Sikandra - Just before reaching Agra the tomb of Akbar lies in the centre of a large garden. Akbar started its construction himself but it was completed by his son, Jehangir.
The building has three storey minarets at each corner and is built of red sandstone inlaid with white marble polygonal patterns. Four gates lead to the tomb complex : one is Muslim, One Hindu, One Christian, and one is Akbar’s patient mixture.
Sikandra is named after Sultan Sikander Lodhi, the Delhi ruler who held power from 1488 to 1517, immediately proceeding the rise of Mughal power on the subcontinent. The Baradi Palace, in the mausoleum gardens, was built by Sikander Lodhi.
Arrive and check-in at Hotel Mughal Sheraton.

Upon arrival traditional welcome. Lunch at hotel. Visit Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest love tribute: the Taj Mahal built by Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Mark Twain said of this monument “You cannot keep your emotions within bounds, when that soaring bubble of marble breaks upon your view”.

The construction of Taj Mahal began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Workers were recruited not only from all over India but also from central Asia, and in total 20,000 people worked on the building. Experts were even brought from Europe, however the main architect was Isa Khan, who came from Shiraz in Iran. The high red sandstone entrance gate is inscribed with verses from the Koran in Arabic. The central Taj structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, bulbous, central dome.

The tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan are in the basement room. Above them in the main chamber are false tombs. Light is admitted into the central chamber by finely cut marble screens. The echo in this high chamber, under the soaring marble dome.

Although the Taj is amazingly graceful from almost any angle, it’s the close-up detail which is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns and with superb craft in a process known as pietra dura.

In the evening witness Taj in one of the best moods. The white marble looks like gleaming silver in the moonlight. A sight which you will cherish and hold close to your hearts for the rest of your life.
Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 - AGRA
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Agra Fort.

Agra Fort - An impressive cluster of palaces, fortresses and mosques on the banks of river. There are many fascinating buildings inside the massive walls which stretch for 2 1/2 km, surrounded by a moat over 10 metres wide. Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i-Am, the hall of public audiences, Diwan-i-Khas, the hall of private audiences, Octagonal Tower, the Masamman Burj, Jehangir’s Palace, the largest private palace in the fort. The other buildings to see are Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Anguri Bagh.
Lunch at Howard Park Plaza.

Maharaja Tonga Ride: The decorated Tonga ride from Mughal Sheraton. The convoy lead by Drum beaters, musician blowing a traditional horn to Taj Khema. Upon arrival Tea will be served and while sipping you can view the Taj Mahal. Thereafter, explore the craftsmanship of this Taj Mahal city and witness the demonstration of inlay marble work.
Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 - AGRA / JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart by surface for Jaipur, stopping enroute at Fatehpur Sikri: an abandoned city, once a glittering imperial capital, conceived and built by the Emperor Akbar. It is filled with red sandstone buildings, mosques and courtyards. The pearl mosque here is designed after the mosque of Mecca and is a fine blend of Persian and Hindu architecture. Continue your journey to Jaipur - gateway to Rajasthan and a city ablaze with colour when latticed rose - pink monuments vie with brilliantly turbaned men and vividly costumed women for attention.
Arrive Jaipur and check-in at Hotel Rajputana Sheraton. Lunch at Hotel. An organized visit to the Carpet Emporium and factory where you will witness the demonstration of the complete process of making a carpet. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 - JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel. Visit to the Amber Fort.

Amber Fort - Located 11 kms outside the city, Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. the fort is a superb example of Rajput] architecture, stunningly situated on a hill side and a overlooking a lake which reflectists terraces and ramparts.
You ride up the ramp of this 11th century bastion atop a gaily decorated elephants. On reaching the main entrance of the fort an imposing stairway leads to the Diwani-i-Am. Steps to the right lead to the small Kali Temple and Sila Devi Temple. The Maharaja’s apartment are on the higher terrace. Visit Jai Mandir, the Hall of Victory, Sukh Niwas, the Hall of pleasure, with an ivory-inlaid sandalwood door an a channel running right through the room which once carried cooling water. From Jai Mandir you can enjoy the fine views from the palace ramparts over the lake below.
Lunch at Chokhi Dhani.

Choki Dhani - a village comprising of a scene done to perfection. The aroma of traditional Rajasthani Food, served here, is enough to stimulate your appetite to its maximum. Besides food it offers your eyes a scene of a Rajasthan Village where puppet show, dance & music are a regular feature.

Sightseeing tour of Jaipur city and visit.
City Palace - In the heart of old city, the City Palace occupies a large area divided into series of courtyards, garden and buildings.

The seven storey Chandra Mahal is the centre of the palace and commands fine views over the gardens and the city. The first floor of the Chandra Mahal forms the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and Old weapons. the paintings include miniatures of the Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools.

The armory has a collection of guns and swords dating back to the 15th century, as well as many of the ingenious and tricky weapons for which warrior Rajputs were famous. Other points of interest are Diwan-i-khas and clock tower.

Jantar Mantar or Observatory - Adjacent to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, built by Jai Singh in 1728. Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy was more notable than his prowess as a warrior. This is the largest and the best preserved of the five built by him. Each sculpture at the observatory has a specific purpose, such as measuring the position of the stars, altitudes and azimuths, or calculating eclipse. The most striking instrument is the sundial with its 30-meter-high gnome. The shadow it casts moves upto four meter an hour.

Hawa Mahal or Palace of winds - Built in 1799, Palace of winds, is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks, although it is actually little more than facade. This five - storey building, which looks out over the main street building, of the old city, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everybody life and processions of the city.
Time free for shopping. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8 - JAIPUR
Breakfast at Hotel.
Visit to the Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort.

Nahargarh fort - also known as Tiger fort which overlooks the city from a sheer ridge. The fort was built in 1734 and extended in 1868.

Jaigarh Fort - The imposing fort, built in 1726 by Jai Singh. the fort is famous for canon, water reservoirs, residential areas and puppet theatre.
Lunch at Hotel. Visit to Albert hall.

Albert hall - The museum is housed in the architecturally impressive Albert Hall in the Ram Niwas gardens, south of the old city. The upper floor contains portraits of the Jaipur Maharajas and many other miniatures and artworks. The ground floor has a collection of costumes and woodwork from different parts of Rajasthan and a description of the people and life in the rural areas of the state. The collection, which started in 1833, is also notable for its brassware, Jewellery and pottery.
Time free for shopping. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9 - JAIPUR
Breakfast at hotel.
Shopping tour.

Jaipur is a major gems and jewellery centre where one can find some of the finest Jewellery besides carpets and cotton rugs, hand-block printed Sanganeri & Bagru cotton fabrics.
Lunch at hotel. Time free for independent activities. Dinner at Chokhi Dhani.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10 - JAIPUR / MANESAR
Breakfast at hotel
Depart by surface for Manesar
Arrive and check-in at hotel.
Lunch at resort.

Relax by the poolside.
Cultural programme followed by dinner.
Late evening transfer to International airport to board flight for onward destination.

Day 11 - DEPART DELHI
Leave Delhi for onward destination.

(These Special Interest Tours programs are best run with minimum 6 travelers to a group and more)