Golden Triangle Short and Sweet Tour!!
So far I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the
most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked – Mark Twain, from following the Equator
Golden Triangle Short and Sweet Tour!!
Day 01: Delhi / Agra (Gatimaan Exp - 0810 / 0950 Hrs) (Executive Class) (Train does not operates on Fridays)
Welcome to our tour, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
Morning, our representative would meet and greet you at your address in Delhi, and from here, we will transfer to the Delhi train station to board the train to Agra. Meeting and assistance upon arrival, as our representative will welcome you and from here, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Following the tour, we will check in to hotel, ITC Mughal.
Evening, we will visit Mehtab Bagh. The Moonlight Garden was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden – on the other side of the river. In 1652 Aurangzeb wrote to his father telling of a visit to the blessed tomb and commenting that the Mehtab Garden was completely inundated and has los t its charm, but soon it will regain its verdancy. The octagonal pool and the pavilion around it are in splendid condition. The Mehtab Bagh was lost under the mud but re-excavated in the 1990s. Originally, the garden was planted with fragrant flowers and used in the cool of the night as a place from which to view the Taj Mahal reflected in the octagonal pool and in the river.
Overnight at ITC Mughal, Agra (Mughal Room) (No Meals)
Day 02: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur (243 kms) (06 Hrs Drive) (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down – the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime – Taj Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Following, we return to our hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri. We will stop at the deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. Following the visit, we will continue our drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival we will check in to hotel, ITC Rajputana. At sunset, we visit the Nahagarh Fort. Nahagarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is breath taking. Along with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort it formed a strong defense ring for the city. During the Sepoy revolt of 1857 Nahagarh served as a refuge for Europeans fleeing from the havoc created by mutineers in neighboring states.
Overnight at ITC Rajputana, Jaipur (Executive Club Room) (B)
Day 03: Jaipur / Delhi (Aii Ndls Shatbi - 1750 / 2240 Hrs) (Executive Class)
Morning, we will proceed on a special tour. We have an interaction with women who are rubbing shoulders with men and are doing activities that were in India an area only for men. Do not be surprised if pretty and smartly dressed women take you through the old pink city on a memorable rickshaw ride. The Pink City Rickshaw group is a non-profit organization that aims to provide a new and unique form of employment opportunity to several women from low income households in Jaipur. Women are no longer prepared to sit in the home and be served by the male members in the family. The new Indian girl power is visible at its best where women are transformed from being inside their homes to making a living outside and in full public view. Ride on your rickshaw with your women drivers and see the highlights of the city. Also, get to know your driver at the same time as you travel through the streets. We will visit a local temple where we will participate in the morning Aarti (prayer) ceremony, visit the flower market and immerse you in the aroma of beautiful fresh flowers. Also, we will make a stop to meet the local tea seller and have a cup of hot tea (chai) as well as witness the whole process of making tea whilst the Indian way. Our Rickshaw tour also includes a visit to the Albert hall. Following the heritage rickshaw tour, we will visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five- storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens. Next, we will visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a Jeep. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents. Later, we will visit the Panna Meena ka Kund. This beautiful place was constructed during sixteenth century. The place was mainly utilized as a place of social meetings. People from nearby places come here for getting water, swimming or just to hang out with their loved ones. During ancient times, this place was utilized mainly as water protects pool. This beautiful Kund has a unique architecture and styling. This Kund was designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers. We would also stop at Jal Mahal palace for photos. (From Outside Only) Then, we will proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory – an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date Following the tour, we will transfer to the train station to board the train to Delhi. Meeting and assistance upon arrival, as our representative will welcome you and transfer to hotel, Claridges.
Overnight at Claridges, Delhi (Claridges Cabana Room) (B)
Day 04: Delhi / Departure
After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the QutabMinar – 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, this vast, intricate work of mixed Mughal and Western architecture is one of the largest presidential residences in the world we will also visit the Parliament House as well as witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers. Following our drive pass to the Lutyens Delhi area, we will now visit the Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, and commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture.
Later, we will go for a rickshaw tour in Old Delhi – one of the best examples in the world where you can witness the cultural mixtures of “old and new”. Uncover the sights, scents, and the flavors of “Purani Dilli” (Old Delhi) while you are sitting comfortably and safely in your cycle rickshaw. Our major highlights would include a visit to the Jama Masjid, Fatehpuri Masjid, Chandni Chowk market (literally meaning the moonlit square), Darba Kalan (a 17 th century jewel street), Kinari bazaar (a market, especially for wedding & traditional outfits), Kari Baoli (Asia’s largest spice market), as well as the narrow alleys of Ballimaran (well-known for the renowned poet Mirza Galib’s house). Moreover, the people and the streets here have many stories to tell you about the yesteryears of Delhi!! Yes, Please, this magical ride will give you a perfect opportunity to discover a different Delhi; all Natural and all earthy from the safety of your rickshaw.
(Though the checkout time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges – subject to availability)
Following the tour, we will transfer you to international airport to board your onward flight.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and
hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
TOUR INCLUDES:
> Accommodation based on Twin Sharing Basis
> Meals as per the itinerary only (B – Breakfast)
> Heritage Rickshaw tour driven by Women in Jaipur
> Jeep ride at Amber fort in Jaipur
> Heritage Rickshaw tour in Old Delhi
> All journeys as per itinerary in a fine air-conditioned Toyota Crysta
> Train journeys as per the itinerary
> Local English-speaking guides
> Entrance fees as per the itinerary
> GST Levy, Toll, and Parking
> All driver expenses
> Bottled drinking water for road journeys
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
> Camera & video fee to monuments
> Meals other than mention above
> Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, telephone calls etc
> Credit Card Transaction Fees