Initiation programme that in little time will make you discover the multiple colours of North India from the Havelis of Shekhawati to the palaces of Maharajahs of Jaipur, from the typical Indian fauna of Ranthambore, to the most romantic monument of the world, the Taj Mahal. It allows a very
good approach to the vast continent.
Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
This itinerary covers the following destinations :- Delhi - Mandawa - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Karauli - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi
Day 1 : Reach Delhi
Depart for Delhi. Night on the plane.
Day 2 : Delhi
The colour & romance of India welcomes you with arms wide open as you reach Delhi. The aroma of Indian Indian traditions gets hold of you in a fascinating way. The capital of India, Delhi, is one of the liveliest places in the whole world with something exciting & unexpected always happening at every corner every moment. For a first time visitor, it serves as a perfect start to a journey towards cultural wealth, different religious beliefs and the dynamisms of India. Delhi can often be both, a melting pot as well as a mosaic of cultures & a keen traveller can take back with him a multitude of experiences.
Meet our representative upon arrival and thereafter transfer to the hotel.
Later proceed for a city tour of New & Old Delhi. Visit the buildings of the British era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayun's tomb of the Mughal era (UNESCO World Heritage Site) & a prototype of the world famous Taj Mahal. Later, explore the towering Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit Old Delhi of the Mughals comprising of the Red Fort & the Jama Masjid. Also visit Raj Ghat-The final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi.
Return to the Hotel.
Day 3 : Delhi / Mandawa (250 Km)
In the morning drive to Shekhavati, also called the "open air art gallery" of Rajasthan. The region known for its splendid painted merchant's mansions called Havelis decorated with superb mural frescos. On arrival check in to the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Shekhawati to see the different Havelis with fascinating murals The structures of this region, which reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era. The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in the 18th Century by the dominant merchant families of the region.
Return to the hotel.
Day 4 : Mandawa / Jaipur ( 170 Km )
In the morning, visit the Havelis in the neighbouring villages before departing for Jaipur, named the "Pink City" of Rajasthan. En route visit the old caravan city of Samode, once a noble state, a small castle of a fairy tale. A visit to this typical village of Rajasthan will be memorable. The Samode Palace comes into view like a mirage, rising above cobbled streets and mud houses that smell like true India with people extremely innocent and unaware of true city life. Their innocence is their prerogative. Visit the Palace, the Sheesh Mahal- the hall of mirrors.
After lunch depart for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Steeped in history and culture, this city is known for its magnificent Palaces and Forts, broad avenues and spacious gardens. Jaipur, with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition. Arrive and proceed for check in to the hotel. Your evening includes a panoramic city tour of Jaipur. Thereafter have a joyful local rickshaw ride in this quaint city and we guarantee you this ride shall be the ride of your life thoroughly enjoyable!
Return to the hotel.
Day 5 : Jaipur
After breakfast, proceed for a visit to the Amber Fort, built during the time of the Mughals. The area used to be always ready for war in the olden days. Amber was the residence of the Maharajas. One is able to imagine the power of the Fort just by taking a look of the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace. You will ascend this 11th Century Bastion on a gaily decorated elephant.
Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms of mirrors and the old harem, a true labyrinth style. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of the 16th & the 17th Century. There is a possibility of also attending a Puja ceremony of a number of priests chanting at the Kali Temple. Puja (chanting in the name of Lord) is the time of prayers according to 'Hindu rites'. One can only enter the temple bare feet and any kind of leather is not permitted inside the Temple. Later, after the ceremony return back to Jaipur, the land of brave knights.
In the afternoon, tour of the Pink city (Jaipur) and a special visit to the City Palace ( now converted into a museum ) which was the principal residence of the former ruling family, Jantar Mantar - the Medieval Observatory, Hawa Mahal - the exotic Palace of the Winds & the picturesque & colourful bazaars of the walled city.
Return to the hotel.
Day 6 : Jaipur / Ranthambore (114 Km)
In the morning leave for Ranthambore Wildlife Park. The park which is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country, is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the wild. It also contains abandoned fortress and lakes. Its 'friendly' tigers have made it one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. Ranthambore was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became part of Project Tiger in 1973.
In the afternoon, visit the park for a an unforgettable experience with wild animals that include the antelopes, spotted-deer, wild boars, monkeys, crocodile and with a bit of extra luck the majestic royal bengal tiger.
Return to the Hotel.
Day 7 : Ranthambore / Karauli
The next morning visit the park one last time in to catch a glimpse of the animals you missed and also appreciate its rich wild life.
Return to the hotel and depart for Karauli - A remote ancient, devotional city with a wealth of history and a serene rural environment. Visit its magnificent Temples Madan Mohanji, Kalyanji and the fabulous old City Palace, a treasure trove of architecture, stone carvings, gorgeous jalli work and classic traditionally paintings.
Overnight stay at Bhanwar Vilas Palace.
Day 8 : Karauli / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
We start our journey towards Agra popular for the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work called pietra dura on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, Built in the 16th Century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years. Then it was abandoned for unknown reasons. It includes one of the largest Mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.
Thereafter continue towards Agra, and reach by late afternoon and proceed to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 9 : Agra
The next morning get set for a city tour of Agra and visit the Taj Mahal travelling on a horse pulled carriage, locally called a 'tonga' The World's most romantic Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty never ceases to astonish and mesmerize its visitors is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the year 1631. The Taj - a poem of love in marble is referred to as 'a tear drop on the cheeks of Eternity'.
Afternoon, discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year 1565 and 1573, whose military power is beyond comparison. It was the residence of the Mughal Emperors in the olden days, and each one of them just added to the existing character of the Fort: Red sandstone of Akbar and Jahangir, White marble of Shah Jahan. This fort rises on the banks of Yamuna River, surrounded by a wall of 20 to 33 meters in height and 2500 meters in perimeter.
Return to the hotel.
Day 10 : Agra / Delhi
In the morning we leave the city of eternal love and proceed towards Delhi. En route stop at Sikandra and visit the mausoleum of Akbar who himself commenced its construction in around the year 1600, according to the tradition to commence the construction of one's tomb during one's lifetime. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it, and after his death, Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction in the year 1605-1613. Then, continue onwards to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and check in to the hotel. Afternoon is free for independent activities or last minute purchases.
Arrival at Delhi and transfer to the hotel.
Day 11 : Depart from Delhi
Depart for Delhi International Airport to board a homebound flight.
Contact us today and let us know your requirement. We will be more than happy to assist and serve you.
