Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Rishikesh - Delhi
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
On arrival meet and assist at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Delhi : India's capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys' past.
DAY 02 : DELHI - JAIPUR
After breakfast, half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; Red Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Sightseeing of the old and modern capital of India. Afternoon, leave for Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and check in at prebooked hotel.
DAY 03 : JAIPUR
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride from the foothills of the Aravallis to the fort entrance. Amber Fort : At a distance of 11 kms from Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of Jaipur state. Construction of the fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army and is a superb example of Rajput architecture.
Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the City Palace which has museum having an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamel ware and weapons; Jantar Mantar - the observatoyr built my Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728 and the façade of Hawa Mahal.
DAY 04 : JAIPUR - FATEHPUR SIKRI - AGRA
After breakfast, leave for Agra. Enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory. Continue drive to Agra. Arrive Agra in the evening and checkin at prebooked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05 : AGRA
After breakfast, city tour of Agra. Visit Red fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structues; Itmad-ud-daulah, which was contructed by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 and is very similar to the tomb she constructed for her husband, Jehangir, near Lahore in Pakistan; the highlight of the day - The Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Contruction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653. Afternoon, free for individual activities.
DAY 06 : AGRA - DELHI
After breakfast, leave for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and checkin at prebooked hotel. Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture; Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place. The city tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir).
DAY 07 : DELHI - RISHIKESH
After breakfast, leave for Rishikesh. Enroute visit Haridwar. Arrive Rishkesh & check in at prebooked hotel
DAY 08 : RISHIKESH - DELHI
After breakfast, visit Rishikesh - one of the most important holy cities of Hindus. Afternoon, leave for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in hotel.
DAY 09 : DEPART DELHI.
Transfer to the airport to board flight back home on onward destination.