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CROWNING JEWELS OF INDIA TOUR

 
 
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Crowning Jewels Of India Tour (Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Udaipur)

Day 01: Delhi

After landing in India’s beautiful capital Delhi; you will feel right at home as you are met by a representative after exiting baggage claim. He will transfer you to the hotel and make sure that everything is perfect for your stay.

Delhi, India’s capital and political hub is the perfect mix of the old and the new and is now a buzzing cosmopolitan city full of shopping, ancient monuments and is a showcase of India’s architecture, religion, shopping and culture.

There is much to see and do in Delhi. Seven cities have existed here since the 10th Century and it has been ruled over by Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British. Delhi is two cities in one. The first is the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan and still a medieval palace of forts, mosques and bazaars whilst the second is New Delhi.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and start your sightseeing of Old Delhi, which takes you to Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India. Also drive past the magnificent Red Fort - a marvel in red sandstone, and Chandni Chowk, once an imperial market of the Mughal royalty, which is today the busiest commercial area of the city, famous for its silversmiths.

This afternoon is dedicated to a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar, a gracefully hand-carved 234-foot tapered tower, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time for 1,500 years. Next, visit the tastefully renovated mausoleum of Emperor Humayun - a combination of Persian and Indian styles of architecture. Then proceed to Lutyens Delhi, driving past India Gate (war memorial), the President's residence, Parliament House and Secretariat Buildings.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 03: Delhi - Agra

After breakfast, drive to Agra (204kms, 4hrs). On arrival in Agra you will be met by a representative in the hotel who will assist in check in at your hotel.
br> And here in Agra you will see the seventh wonder of the world, Taj Mahal! Words fall short to describe this glorious monument that makes Agra one of the most famous cities of the world! At the time of the Mughals, during the 16th and 17th Centuries, Agra was the capital of India and the majority of its superb monuments date from that era. Today, it’s a bustling, chaotic city that still retains many of its old-world characteristics and charm.

Later you will also visit Agra Fort commissioned by Emperor Akbar in 1565. The high red stone monument stretches for around one and a half miles. The palace is a notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. See the Diwan-i-Am (hall of public audiences), Diwan-i-Khas (hall of private audiences), the Khas Palace, the Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors), the Shah Jahani Mahal (Shahjahan’s Palace), Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir’s Palace) and the Akbari Mahal (Akbar’s palace) inside the fort.

Overnight in Delhi

Day 04: Agra - Ranthambhore

This morning, your guide will meet and take you for a sightseeing tour of Agra including the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) that is an eternal ode to love. Although the Taj is amazingly graceful from almost any angle it is the close-up detail which is really astounding. Semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns and with superb craftsmanship - this is a process known as pietra dura.

After your sightseeing of Agra, you will be driven to the Bharatpur railway station to board the Kota Jan Shatabdi Express to Sawai Madhopur (this train has air conditioned chair car).

Depart on the Kota Jan Shatabdi Express approx. 15.43 hrs / Arrive in Sawai Madhopur approx. 18.02 hrs.

You will be met on arrival by the representative and transferred to the hotel.

Ranthambore National Park encompasses nearly 400 square kilometres of dry, deciduous forest in south western Rajasthan. The park takes its name from the fortress of Ranthambore which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. In 1957, Ranthambore was declared a wildlife sanctuary and in 1974 it came under the protective umbrella of awarded National Park status. It was originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Among the most famous of their hunting parties was the one organised for Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1961. Ranthambore is famous for its tigers and their sightings are common. Besides tigers, the park also has a large variety of animals and it is also a bird watcher's delight.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 05: Ranthambhore

The jungle beckons as you take off for an early morning game drive. This is the best time to see the jungle and its inhabitants as they slowly wake up. Return to your hotel for breakfast, after which you can relax or explore the surrounding area.

During the day, there is much to do and Ranthambore is known as a photographer’s dream. At the foot of the Ranthambore Fort is Jogi Mahal, a rest house by the lake. There are many lakes in the area that attract ungulates which in turn attract the tiger. The park is replete with remnants of its historic past such as old crumbling walls, mosques, and a quadrangle with sitting areas. The whole forest is dominated by the massive battlements of Ranthambore Fort which is worth visiting.

There will also be a late afternoon game drive. Again, this is an ideal time to see and photograph game as the wildlife prepares to settle down in the soft evening light and birds come in to roost. You will return in the early evening just as the sun is setting.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 06: Ranthambore - Jaipur

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle in the morning for an early game drive. After returning, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast after which drive to Jaipur (185kms, 4½hrs).

Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; thanks to its bright pink buildings that were painted so to welcome England’s Prince Alfred in 1853. Some of the buildings still retain the pink that earns the city its sobriquet. Jaipur is one of India’s newer cities, founded in 1727, and was settled by Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided that when the Mughal power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai Singh himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments that were used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a gigantic sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewelers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 07: Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Amber Fort. The highlight of this visit will be an elephant ride to climb up the hill, on which this fort is built. Amber Fort is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged walls and fascinating nooks. From a Jacuzzi for the kings to private chambers of the queens, to the gardens for the princes to the play areas for the courtesans - the palace is full of surprises and you can truly imagine what life inside the fort was like. On your way back, stop at Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds for a brief stop for photographs and as it is in the heart of Jaipur’s shopping district, to buy souvenirs.

In the afternoon visit the City Palace complex. The City Palace is the former residence of the royal family, a part of which has been converted into a museum. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the old city. One of the major attractions is the Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Evening could be spent shopping or relaxing.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 08: Udaipur

After breakfast, drive to Udaipur (286kms, 6 hrs). On arrival in Udaipur you will be met by the representative in the hotel who will assist you with the check in and other formalities.

Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles southwest of Jaipur. The city is built around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 09: Udaipur

After breakfast, you will take a half day city tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, ‘The Preserver’ in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. You will also visit the gardens and fountains of the Sahelion Ki Bari. In the evening, you will take a boat cruise on the picturesque Lake Pichola and watch the sunset on the horizon.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 10: Udaipur

Enjoy a relaxing day in Udaipur - explore the city, relax at the hotel or just shop for souvenirs and other knick-knacks!
Overnight at the hotel

Day 11: Udaipur - Delhi or Mumbai

After a relaxed breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to the domestic Udaipur airport for your flight to either Delhi or Mumbai. On arrival in Delhi or Mumbai, you will be met at the Airport and transferred to International terminal for your onward flight.

    NB: YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY TO A BEACH RESORT IN GOA
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