09 Days Tour of Classical Golden Triangle

Arrive Delhi by flight

Meeting upon arrival by our representative and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the time at leisure

Morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Old Delhi and New Delhi

In Old Delhi visit Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Red Fort, Raj Ghat – Gandhi Memorial

Jama Masjid – Built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid was begun in 1650 and it took hard work of six years of more than 5000 workers to build the largest mosque in India. It was customary for the emperor and his courtiers to go to the mosque every Friday for attending ‘Jumme Ki Namaaz’, the congressional prayers.

Chandini Chowk – The living legacy of Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by Shahjahan, the builder of TajMahal, this city, with the Red Fort as the focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying center, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon and thus is called Chandini Chowk.

Red Fort (Lal Quila) – One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the LalQuila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.

Raj Ghat – The Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is not far away from the banks of River Yamuna. Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here on 31st January 1950 following his assassination on 30th January 1950 by Nathu Ram Godse. The memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma “Hey Ram” are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat. Thus the first item on the agenda of a foreign dignitary on a state visit to India is to visit Raj Ghat. They the memorial is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is just across the road. It houses many belongings of Gandhi and photographs from his life.

In New Delhi visit Birla Temple, India Gate, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and Jewish Synagogue

Birla Temple (Lakshmi-Narayan Mandir) a Hindu temple which came up alongside with New Delhi and has therefore been pegged with it. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, it is the first of the temples built across the country by the industrial family of Birla. Located just off Connaught Place on Mandir Marg, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the second of the Hindu Trinity of creator-preserver-destroyer, and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.

India Gate is the pride of Delhi. An imposing structure, the gate was built in memory to the of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I. Situated at the at the end of Rajpath, the India Gate is 42 meters high

Photo stop at Presidential Palace and Indian Parliament House.

Baha’i Temple (Lotus Temples) in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. Popularly known as the Lotus Temple, Baha’i Temple is a major feature of Delhi and is well known for its appearance. There is no doubt that in years to come the temple will prove to be a mecca for the visitors. Baha’ism is considered to be a syncretism of the nine great religions of the world and traces its genesis to its prophet Baha’u’llah, born in Persia in the twentieth century.

Humanyu’s Tomb – The last refuge of Mughal Emperor Humayun reminds rather of a luxurious palace, than a tomb located in the eastern part of Delhi. Humayun’s tomb is one of the best preserved Mughal monuments. This spellbinding mausoleum is the first example of Mughal architecture in India. After a century from its construction Humayun’s tomb inspired the construction of the more famous TajMahal. It was built thanks to the initiative of his widow HamidaBanu Begum, who commenced the construction of a mausoleum for her deceased husband in 1565, nine years after his death in 1572. The architecture of the tomb is strongly influenced by Persian architecture, the architect of the building Mirak Mirza Ghiyas himself was of Persian origin, constructed the tomb in the center of a Persian-style chaharbagh garden (translated from Farsi – four gardens) with quadrilateral form. The mausoleum stands on a massive platform which has a height of up to 7 meters, the building is constructed from red sandstone, while the tomb itself is made of yellow and black marble.

Qutab Minar, one of the most visited places in Delhi. The unique architectural structure of the monument attracts many visitors from all across the world. The construction of Qutab Minar began in the 12th century and it was completed in the 13th century. Beautiful calligraphy of the magnificent tower adorns the adjacent edifices. The Minar rises over 230 feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a breathtaking view.

Return to your hotel Overnight at hotel.

Early morning (with packed breakfast) transfer to New Delhi Railway station to board train for Jhansi

Depart Delhi by Shatabadi Express at 0615 hrs in air-conditioned Chair car class Arrive Jhansi at 1050 hrs

Meeting upon arrival and transfer by surface to Khajuraho (180 kms / 4 – 5 hrs)

Arrive & check-in at Hotel

Later proceed for sightseeing tour Khajuraho visiting Eastern & Western group of temples

The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian ‘Nagara’ style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples

Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world

Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast time at leaisure

Check-iut from hotel at 1200 hrs and proceed for Orchha

Arrive and check-in at Hotel Overnight at hotel.

Mornign after breakfast visit Orchha Fort Complex

The Orchha Fort complex, having number of ancient monuments consisting of the fort, palaces, temple and other edifices. The fort and other structures within it were built by the Bundela Rajputs starting from early 16th century by King Rudra Pratap Singh of the Orchha State and others who followed him. The fort complex is accessible from an arched causeway, leads to a large gateway. This is followed by a large quadrangular open yard surrounded by Raja Mahal or Raja Mandir, Sheesh Mahal (palace), Jahangir Mahal (palace), a temple, gardens and pavilions. The battlements of the fort have ornamentation. Notable architectural features in the fort complex are projected balconies, open flat areas and decorated latticed windows.

The Raja Mahal (King’s Palace) – Built in the early 16th century where the kings and the queens resided till it was abandoned in 1783. Its exterior is simple without any embellishments but the interior chambers of the palace are elaborately royal in its architectural design, decorated with murals of social and religious themes of Gods, mythical animals and people. In the upper floor of the palace there are traces of mirrors in the ceilings and walls. Its windows, arcaded passages and layout plan are designed in such a way that the “sunlight and shadow create areas of different moods and temperatures throughout the day”.[2] The interior walls of the Mahal have murals of Lord Vishnu. The Mahal has several secret passages.

Ram Raja Mandir – A part of Raja Mahal palace was turned into a temple has a very attractive story behind. King Madhukar Shah had brought an idol of Lord Rama from Ayodhya to Orcha being the realization of a dream he had and later on it was installed in Chaturbhuj Temple. On attempting and having failed to move the idol and felt that it is the wish of the deity to remain where it is. Now there are high tapering structures built at the temple site and it is one of the finest temples in India and Ram is worshipped as a king.

Sheesh Mahal – The royal accommodation, which was built for king Udait Singh. It has now been converted into a hotel. The interior of this edifice consists of a huge impressive hall with high ceiling, which is the dining hall. staying in two of its royal suites on the upper floor, which provide scenic views of the town, gives the guest a feeling of royalty. Jahangir Mahal is a palace that was exclusively built by Bir Singh Deo in 1605 t for the Mughal emperor Jahangir who was a guest of the Maharaja for one night only. The palace is built in four levels with elegant architectural features of both Muslim and Rajput architecture. Its layout is a symmetrical square built in the inner courtyard of the fort and has eight large domes.[6] It has a plethora of rooms with arcaded openings, projecting platforms and windows with lattice design work. The roof above top floor of this Mahal is accessed through a steep stairway. It provides picture perfect views of the temples and the Betwa River outside the fort complex. The palace also houses a small archaeological museum.

Phool Bagh – An elegantly laid out garden in the fort complex which has a line of water fountains that terminates in a “palace-pavilion” which has eight pillars. Below this garden is an underground structure which was used by the royalty as a cool summer retreat. This cooling system consists of water ventilation system that is linked to an underground palace with “Chandan Katora”, which is in the shape of a bowl from where fountains of droplets trickle through the roof creating rainfall.[11]

The Rai Praveen Mahal (Palace) also known as Paramour Memorial – Rai Praveen was a poetess, musician and was extremely beautiful paramour of Raja Indramani during the period 1672-76. She went to Delhi on the summons of Emperor Akbar, who also deeply impressed by her. She impressed upon Emperor her love for Indramani and the Emperor sent her back to Orcha. The Rai Praveen Mahal palace built as a memorial in her name Late afternoon depart for Jhansi railway station (20 kms / 45 minutes) to board train for Agra

Depart Jhansi by Shatabadi Express at 1755 hrs in Air-conditioned Chair car class Arrive Agra at 2015 hrs

Meeting upon arrival and transfer to Hotel Overnight at hotel.

Early morning proceed for visiting Taj Mahal- Built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is an architectural marvel. The Taj by sunrise and sunset is a breathtaking sight.

Return to hotel for breakfast and visit Agra Fort – Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of courtyards, mosques and private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid and other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects and artists.

Evening witness for live theater show on Taj Mahal (Optional)

Mohabbat-e-Taj is a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into history. The Drama portrays the Mughal era in 16th Century. It is series of play depicting the true and immortal love of Shajahan for MumtajMahal- his beautiful wife, the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era, emaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.

(Note :Kalakriti show closes from 01 May till 15 July for annual maintenance)

Overnight at hotel

Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort which lies 10 kms from from Jaipur. Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove, climb up to fort on elephant back in a Maharaja (emperor) style.

Afternoon city tour visiting the sprawling the City Palace of Sawai Jai Singh II, sits right in the centre of the geometric grid in the heart of the old city. It consists of the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas.

The City Palace Museum houses an exquisite collection of textiles, costumes, carpets, the finest porcelain and a rare collection of arms and paintings. It is here that you can see the world’s largest silver objects – a pair of giant urns.

Jantar Mantar (Observatory) is one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh whose ruling passion was astronomy. It was built between1728-34 and consists of observer’s seat, sundial and a number of enormous instruments used to calculate altitude, locate and identify celestial bodies. These instruments are extremely accurate.

Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ is one of the most unusual structures built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Honeycombed with over 900 niches or windows, it allowed the ladies of the court to watch the activities on the streets below and yet not be seen themselves. The Hawa Mahal too is made of the famed Jaipur pink stone.

Later visit the Birla Temple and local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast visit Amber Fort which lies 10 kms from from Jaipur. Amber with an old palace overlooking the lake at the entrance to a rocky mountain grove, climb up to fort on elephant back in a Maharaja (emperor) style.

Afternoon city tour visiting the sprawling the City Palace of Sawai Jai Singh II, sits right in the centre of the geometric grid in the heart of the old city. It consists of the seven-storied Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas.

The City Palace Museum houses an exquisite collection of textiles, costumes, carpets, the finest porcelain and a rare collection of arms and paintings. It is here that you can see the world’s largest silver objects – a pair of giant urns.

Jantar Mantar (Observatory) is one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh whose ruling passion was astronomy. It was built between1728-34 and consists of observer’s seat, sundial and a number of enormous instruments used to calculate altitude, locate and identify celestial bodies. These instruments are extremely accurate.

Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace of Winds’ is one of the most unusual structures built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Honeycombed with over 900 niches or windows, it allowed the ladies of the court to watch the activities on the streets below and yet not be seen themselves. The Hawa Mahal too is made of the famed Jaipur pink stone.

Later visit the Birla Temple and local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, in time transfer to Jaipur Or Delhi airport to board flight for onward destination

End of the tour