9 Day Golden Triangle Tour

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Arrive in Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi, a representative will be waiting for you outside the exit gate of the arrival terminal, holding a placard with your name then transfer to hotel. (Early check in is subject to availability.) The capital of modern India has behind its centuries of history, which has enriched its culture. Nowhere has tradition blended with modernity on a scale as evident in New Delhi. Delhi is what you want it to be, a modern city with life or a city of monuments and history. Remainder of the day at leisure / free for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning (Approx at 09h30) proceed for a half day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 -1648 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapering with the diameter of the base is 14.3m while at the top floor it is 2.7m. The Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower.The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence. Rest of the day at leisure / free for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Delhi/Agra (by surface, 205km, 4hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning (Approx at 08h00) leave for Agra and check in at the hotel. Proceed for half day city tour Taj Mahal & Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. (Note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for public visits.) Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarter's and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Overnight at the hotel.

Agra/Jaipur (232km, 5hrs)

Breakfast at hotel. Later at approx 09h00 drive to Jaipur and check in at hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur

Breakfast at hotel. Morning (Approx at 09h30) proceed to visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. An elephant/jeep will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour of Jaipur City. Overnight at hotel.

Jaipur/Mumbai (by flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Later, you will be transferred to the airport to board your fight for Mumbai. Arrive Mumbai meet our representative and transfer to hotel. Bombay, or Mumbai, is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. It's the fastest moving, most affluent and the most industrialized city in India. Yet, once upon a time, Bombay was nothing more than a group of low lying, swampy and malarial mud flats presented to the British by its Portuguese occupiers as a wedding gift in 1661. Overnight at the hotel.

Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning (Approx at 0930 hrs) proceed for half day city tour of Mumbai visiting Mani Bhavan, the house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay during his visits to Bombay which is now a Museum displaying photographs, letters, and personal items used by him. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and the Jain Temple. Drive past the Towers of Silence, Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens situated on the slope of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. Drive through Crawford market, Marine Drive and commemorate the visit of King George V. Afternoon is at leisure in Mumbai. Overnight at the hotel.

Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel. Day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Departure from Mumbai

In time you will be met by a representative and will be transfered to Mumbai International airport in time to board your flight for onward destination. (Late check out is subject to availability).