Golden Triangle with Udaipur
Duration of Tour : 07 Nights / 08 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and after traditional welcome transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast you will proceed to city tour of Old and New Delhi. This city containing both the spacious, planned New Delhi of late colonial Britain and Old Delhi its bustling and crowded medieval counterpart. Start your tour with a visit to Old Delhi. Built in the first half of the 17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan , this old city is still a dense network of overcrowded homes, markets and numerous narrow lanes leading towards enormous Red Fort. Take a guided walk through the old city starting from Chawri Bazaar and ending in Chandni Chowk, a bustling thoroughfare of shops (most are closed on Sundays), craftsmen's workshops, mosques and temples. On the way visit Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Shah Jehan and completed in 1656. One must be careful of personal possessions when walking through these busy streets. From Chandni Chowk continue to the Red Fort (closed on a Monday) with its imposing appearance and towering entrance. Also visit Rajghat, the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi and the Qutub Minar complex housing an impressive 13th Century 72m victory tower. In the afternoon drive south to New Delhi designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in a combination of western and eastern styles. Proceed up to Rashtrapati Bhavan once the Viceroy's abode but now the official residence of the President of India and then across to the eastern end of the Rajpath to the impressive India Gate. This war memorial, designed by Lutyens, commemorates the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War, on the Northwest Frontier and in the Afghan War of 1919 and, most recently, in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
City Palace, Udaipur
(Flight)
Today morning after early breakfast transfer to airport to connect internal flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival pickup from airport and transfer to hotel.
Afternoon proceed for guided city tour of Udaipur. Set in the Girwa Valley amongst the Aravalli Hills of south Rajasthan, is a beautiful city and regarded by many as the most romantic in India.In contrast to the many neighbouring 'desert' cities Udaipur is an image of white marble palaces, deep blue lakes and attractive gardens set against a background of endless green hills.Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 the rulers of Udaipur prided themselves on their independence from other more powerful regional neighbours, however, this was to have a price. Due to its individuality Udaipur was almost constantly at war resulting in the city becoming one of the poorest princely states in Rajasthan. Nevertheless, the attitude of its rulers never changed and even when Udaipur, and the wider Mewar kingdom, came under British control in 1818 the city still managed to avoid almost all British cultural influence which in turn has helped it to retain its true character to this very day.
Visit the City Palace which is an impressive complex of several palaces and stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola. Of interest is the attractive Mor Chowk court, the Manak Mahal or 'Ruby Palace', the Chini ki Chitra Mahal and the Queen's Palace. Continue to the Fateh Prakash Palace to visit the unique Crystal Gallery overlooking the grand Durbar Hall and walk through the old town to view the impressively carved Jagdish Mandir temple. After sightseeing take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola to admire the serene beauty of Udaipur.
Day 04: Udaipur
After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to see Jain temples at Ranakpur which are beautifully preserved and are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture. The most prominent temple, built in 1439, is the Adinatha which is symmetrically planned around the central shrine and has numerous spires, gateways and porches. Dedicated to the first Tirthankar the sanctuary includes 1,144 engraved pillars, each one unique, intricately carved ceilings and arches as well as images of Jain saints and their lives which is a sight to behold. After lunch visit some of the remaining temples, including the Parsvanatha and Neminath Temples as well as the intriguing star-shaped Surya Narayana Temple. Late afternoon return back to Udaipur for overnight stay.
Day 05: Udaipur - Jaipur (Flight)
Today morning will be free for you to explore this beautiful city. Afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight for Jaipur. On arrival pickup and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Jaipur
Today morning drive through the rugged hills that surround Jaipur city to visit Amber Fort a beautiful fort palace with coloured stone inlays, intricately painted murals, palaces, temples and cooling courtyard watercourses. In the afternoon take a guided walking tour through the old city to explore the colourful markets and bazaars before continuing onto the City Palace complex that occupies the centre of Jaipur. Painted pink as a mark of welcome, the City Palace was completed in 1732 and houses the intriguing Armoury Museum and the beautiful Peacock Gate. Nearby is the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, which forms part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. Built at the turn of the 19th Century this five storied structure with its elaborate façade was built for the ladies of the harem and is best seen from the street outside. Further along is the Jantar Mantar the largest stone observatory in world.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 07: Jaipur - Agra ( 232kms / 5-6 hrs drive)
Taj Mahal, Agra
After breakfast drive by your private car with driver to Agra. On the way to Agra stop at Fatehpur Sikri the one time red sandstone capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Built during the second half of the 16th Century in honour of a local holy man who had helped, and then prophesised, to Akbar that he would have the three sons and heirs that he so desperately desired, Fatehpur Sikri grew into a city that is still today a reminder of his power, lifestyle and vision. Unfortunately this city was abandoned in early 1600s. Arguments range from political and strategic motives, to lack of a consistent water supply and even the untimely death of a court singer! Afterwards continue your drive to Agra. Checkin at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08: Agra - Delhi ( 203kms / 4-5 hrs drive)
Today morning after breakfast visit to the Taj Mahal (closed Friday), a UNESCO world heritage site and the greatest monument of love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The craftsmanship is outstanding with semi-precious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns, a process known as pietra dura, whilst the white marble reflects every change in light allowing the Taj to appear to change its hue according to the light and time of day. Later visit Red fort, built in red sandstone, another marvelous example of extra-ordinary mughal architecture.
Afterwards continue your drive to Delhi and on the way stop at Sikandra the site chosen by the Mughul Emperor Akbar for his tomb. Akbar died during the construction but his son, Jahangir, completed it in 1613 after considerably altering the original designs. The result is a hugely impressive and imposing 22m high tomb structure four stories high set amongst an enclosed garden. Below ground level is the Tomb of Akbar.
Finally on arrival in Delhi drop at airport for your onward flight.
