This Classical Journey offers you glimpses of North India. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur from the Cultural traditional, historical, country side route of India what is commonly called “Golden Triangle”. These cities offer the guest an insight into the multi-faceted face of India. From palaces and forts to small palatial mansions, there is something for everybody. The tour of course include visit at sunset to the magnificent Dreams of Taj Mahal. In Jaipur, Caparisoned Elephant ride up the Amber Fort relives the yester-years of the desert kingdom. Magnificent Shekhawati The semi-desert region.
This tour is designed to give a first time visitor the very best India has to offer in the short time they are here.
Arrive Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. Meet our representative at the airport & transfer to hotel by air conditioned vehicle. Specify Your Flight
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many Emperor, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning proceed on a tour of New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's - it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.
You will visit the monuments from Delhi's past & known as two of the 26 World Heritage sites of India - Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president.
Afternoon visit to Old Delhi - an ancient walled city, Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi; We take rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of towards Chandni Chowk - which gives us an incredible and authentic insight into the real, everyday lives of the millions of people who live in the city, you will be immersed in real India - surrounded by people, sounds and smells as we squeeze past vegetable carts and impromptu market stalls, avoiding delivery men carrying boxes on their heads. We duck Under Neath Sari displays and ride through the fragrant steam of street-side food stands and restaurants. Here you will see Red Fort, (Lal Qila) the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red Sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Overnight stay at hotel
Morning we take south bound Gatimaan Express at 08.10 hrs arrive Agra at 09.50 hrs. you will be meet by our representative at station transfer to hotel. Agra - at the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city's origins are dim but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding.
Today visit to Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan in the memory of Her Father. Evening take Horse cart (Tonga Ride) to the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The New 7 wonder of the world and Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, what makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush Garden where running streams flow. When the Mughal brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of Incomparable artistry.
As you drive through the city witness the local life, Shopping and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Overnight stay at hotel
After breakfast proceed to Jaipur. Through the Rajasthani countryside we see villages, woman dressed in the brilliantly colored saris of the region, Camels, Elephants, Bears & scenes of rural lives. On the way you will visit Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgatable Taj Mahal.
Our drive continues to Jaipur - once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs." Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India especially with regard to textiles, Jewellery, stones carpets, etc,
Evening visit to Sanganer village situated of outskirt of Jaipur Look at the teeming Jain temple from the 17th century and visit the traditional wood block painting, tie and dye fabric, paper factory and blue pottery that make the reputation of the craftsmanship of the city rose. Overnight stay at hotel
After breakfast, Journey back in time at deserted 17th century fortress of Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure you will feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. Also stand front of Jal Mahal (water palace)
Afternoon venture back into the city tour: Visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Overnight stay at hotel
Today drive to (Shekhawati) Mandawa - The region lies the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner and includes Jhunjhuniun, Sikar and Churu districts of Rajasthan upon arrival check in to Hotel.
Afternoon visit the Mandawa -Shekhawati The semi-desert region of Shekhawati is popularly known as the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan. Shekhawati is unique as no-where else in the world there is such a hundreds of Haveli’s, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts. Later visit to Havelies in Mandawa notably the Chokhani Saraf & Ladia Havelies, also visit Temples. See the extraordinary frescoes on the walls of the houses and medieval painting of Shekhawati. You could enjoy the countryside sitting from the cart. Your home for 2 Nights stay at hotel [B, D]
After breakfast combined sightseeing of 2 remote areas Nawalgarh - Founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with a colorful bazaar and numerous Havelies with elaborate architecture make it an interesting destination. There are a few prominent Havelies like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli, etc., which are to be visited, as also the two forts. The painting in their Art Gallery is a great visual treat.
Dundlod – 7 km from Nawalgarh is a tiny town against picturesque surroundings offers an interesting stop over. It has a rugged fort and a palace now run as a heritage hotel. Havelies of the Goenka family ornate with fine frescoes are a visual delight. Kila of Dundlod the 17th century Rajputana Fort studded with monumental Nostalgia of Shekhawati, the warrior Rajputs who with stood the onslaught of Mughal hordes. Since then the cultural heritage of splendid Rajasthan is preserved as its ethos are imbibed in architectural grandeur of the Dundlod Fort. The silent ripples of the golden sand dunes, which besiege the Kila lures, and enchants tourists and villagers as well. Overnight stay at hotel
After breakfast packed your luggage and transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight for Nectar City of Madurai upon arrival transfer to hotel by air conditioned Vehicle overnight stay
After breakfast visit to Nectar City of Madurai – Meenakshi temple where Dravidian Temple architecture may be seen in its exuberant baroque phase Its hall of thousand pillars is fabulous & is filled with worshippers at all hours of the day, Another terrific photographic opportunity. Also visit the Tirumal Nayak’s Palace which is in a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 - foot high stone pillar, still stands also take a round of Madurai city. Evening take Tuk Tuk ride passes through the bustling bazaar to see the aarti ceremony in Meenakshi temple and explore the market. Overnight stay
After breakfast drive to Trichy was a Chola Citadel during the Sangam age & was also briefly ruled by the Pallavas & the Pandyas. Visit to Rock Fort the 83-meter high rock fort is in the center of the Trichy. Its 344 rock-cuts steps take one to the Uchipillayar temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. Half way up is the temple of Lord Shiva dedicated to Thayumanaswami, Jambukeshwara Temple here has Shiva lingam almost submerged in water overnight stay in Trichy
After breakfast drive to Kombakonam is located among the two rivers Cauvery & Arasalar. The town is famous for brass, vessels, betel leaves. It is primarily a market town for the predominately agriculture based villages surroundings it.
En route visit to Tanjavur is located on eastern coast of Central Tamil Nadu. This ancient city enjoys the distinction of having been the Capital of the Cholas – One of the greatest Dynasties of the South. Tanjavur, experience the rich art of Tamil Nadu in the beautiful paintings and metal works here. Visit Sri Brahadeshwarar Temple which dates back to 10th –14th century we continued drive to Kombakonam upon arrival check in hotel for rest and relaxed later around 16.00 hrs visit Darasuram Temple and the Institute of Iconography. Explore the unique village of Kumbakonam you will visit the UNESCO monument at Darasuram, the famous Iravadeeswar Temple, the handicraft making units etc. You may go for a bullock cart ride through the village which will be an amazing experience. Overnight at your hotel
After breakfast drive to Pondicherry en route visit to Chidambaram to see the famous Natraja shiva temple
Pondicherry presents an unusual combination of European Culture & Indian traditions. An added attraction fair is the township of Auroville, an Oasis of Peace & Enlighten. Another hallowed spotted Aurobindo Ashram which drowse devotees from all over the world. After breakfast we drive to Pondicherry & visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Overnight stay Pondicherry
After breakfast drive to Kanchipuram, the golden City of a thousand temples and one of the seven sacred cities of India. It was successively the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijaynagar. Today it is known not only for its temples but also for its hand-woven silk fabrics
Today enjoy to the nearby scares city of Kanchipuram the “City of seven Pagodas” where we see outcroppings of rock that have been delicately carved into temples and life-sized replicas of elephants, lions and bulls. The carved Penance of Bhaghirata here is the largest bas-relief in the world.
Our drive continued to the little Sea Side town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), an hour’s drive from Kanchipuram situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu has pris time beaches, spanning 20 kms, bright Sun & Crisp Sand, Wrapping up untold tales of the 7th Century. Here time stands still; and presents meet the past. A serene town nested amidst the historical stone sculptures and medieval architecture, that stands witness to the rich heritage – Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple: The most renowned landmark of Mamallapuram is the Shore Temple. Standing alone on the shore, this temple is protected by a wall constructed to minimize erosion. It is believed that at one point in time there were seven such temples, six of them were victims to the natural elements of erosion. Overnight stay at Mahabalipuram
Say good-bye to this fascinating Land with sweet and memorable memories & transfer to Madras International Airport to board the Flight for onward Destination for Hometown
Laundry, Insurance, Tips, Telephone Calls, Hard drink /bear and Expenses like personal nature, Still & Video Camera fees in Monuments