DAY
01 ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi by International flight.
A
history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who
fixed their royal citadels here-- Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai
Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi
Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. but, combined and integrated into
one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever
many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically
identified with power and imperial sway.
You will be met on
your arrival by the representative of Exotique Expeditions with
fresh flower garlands. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02 DELHI -
MANDAWA (250 Kms / 156 Miles)Morning drive to Mandawa.
Mandawa. Spread over Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu districts in
north western Rajasthan, Shekhawati region is known for its
beautifully painted havelis (merchant houses), found in nearly 20
towns and villages. Mandawa is one of them. Besides the cenotaphs,
wells, forts and temples, the majority of frescoes are
painted
on the walls and gateways of havelis. The Shekhawati paintings
mainly consisted of red, green, yellow, brown, blue and mushroom
colours. Mandawa was founded in the early 18 th century, and is
dominated by a rugged fort (now a hotel).
Arrive Mandawa and
check - in at pre booked hotel. You can take a walking tour of the
painted havelis in this region belonging to some of the
leading business families.
DAY 03 MANDAWA - JAIPUR
(168 Kms / 105 Miles)Leave Mandawa for Jaipur by air
conditioned vehicle.
The historic city of Jaipur or "
The
City of Vicotory" was founded in 1727 A.D. by the great
Kachhawah ruler Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 - 1747 A.D.), and named
after him. The monarch was not only a great builder, but also a poet
and an astronomer. Under his aegis, the city was designed by his
talented architect Vidyadhar, who gave shape to the creative
aspirations of Sawai Jai Singh in the form of the dream city of
Jaipur.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at the hotel.
This
afternoon you will be given the city tour of Jaipur.
Tour
of the Pink City - Your tour will include the imposing City
Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several of the rooms are
now open to the public. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the
ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry.
You will also visit the Hawa Mahal, "Palace of the Winds",
and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast
astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful
bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight stay will be
at the hotel.
DAY 04 IN JAIPUR This
morning you will be given excursion to Amber Fort.
Tour of the
impressive
Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside
Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned
elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making
your entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in
the early 18th century, took over 100 years to build and now,
although deserted, offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle
of the Moghul ruling families
The afternoon is free. You will
have the opportunity to walk around the colorful bazzars, take a
by-cycle rickshaw ride or relax on the pool side of the hotel.
Overnight
at the hotel.
DAY 05 JAIPUR - AGRA ( 235 Kms /
147 Miles)Leave Jaipur for Agra by air conditioned vehicle.
Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident
from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city.
Though
the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty,
numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this
city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty;
Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal
dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept
of square Persian-styled gardens here.
Agra came to its own
when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked
the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory
of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
En-route visit Fatehpur
Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri - Impressive sandstone fortress
of Fatehpur Sikri. The fort was built in the 16th century and only
occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the
buildings in virtually perfect conditions. Continue drive to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra - check-in at the hotel. Thereafter, visit the
Red Fort, which was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years
1563-73 in the finest architectural style.
Arrive Agra and
check-in at the your pree booked hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 06 AGRA - DELHI ( 202 Kms / 126 Miles)
This morning you will
be given the city tour of Agra.
Red Fort - lies on the
bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar
built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest
architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red
sandstone and a moat.
Taj Mahal - Little needs to be
said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul
raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah
Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife
Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was
designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from it's
stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted
particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and
some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Leave Agra for Delhi by
air conditioned vehicle.
Arrive Delhi and check in at the
hotel.
Rest of the day free to do your last minute shopping.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07 DEPART DELHIYou
will be met by the representative of Exotique Expeditions at the
hotel and transferred to the airport, in time to connect your onward
flight.