Essential India
11 days - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur
11 days - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur
This program covers India's famous "Golden Triangle,", the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and extends further into Rajasthan for a visit to Jodhpur. Delhi stands as the capital of modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the old and new India, the ancient and the modern. The British designed New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens; while Old Delhi, an ancient walled city with impressive Red Fort and bustling Chandni Chowk market, is a delight to explore and be amazed by. Agra, at the time of the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries, was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Of course, one of India's most beautiful and iconic sights is found here, the magnificent Taj Mahal. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. Everywhere in the "abode of rajahs" you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jodhpur, also referred to as the "The Blue City" due to the large number of blue-color homes in the old city, was founded in 1459 and is the oldest of Rajputana's great cities. With a large number of palaces, forts, and temples, it was home to the Rathore rulers, and is gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, and in the afternoon depart on a tour of New Delhi. Visits include two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate, President House, and Parliament House. (breakfast).
Day 3: Delhi. This morning explore the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. To contrast the old with the new, return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro (breakfast).
Day 4: Agra. Depart by road for Agra this morning, former capital of the grand Mughal Empire, and home to the incomparable Taj Mahal. The balance of the day is free to relax and explore Agra on your own. This evening, if you choose, a visit to Kalakriti auditorium can be arranged to see a live performance of "Mohabbat the Taj." (breakfast).
Day 5: Agra. Rise early this morning to visit the Taj Mahal during sunrise. The magnificent monument to love was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. It is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Afterwards continue to visit the impressive Agra Fort; India's most important Fort, and home to many great Mughal emperors. (breakfast).
Day 6: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. In the evening, an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast).
Day 7: Jaipur. This morning visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726, and make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds." This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast).
Day 8: Jaipur. Today is free to explore Jaipur on your own. Jaipur is a well-planned and laid out city, and features countless monuments to its Rajput rulers. The city is also one of India's main centers for shopping, especially for items such as textiles, jewelry, and carpets. Late afternoon an Elephant Safari at Dera Amer can be arranged. After a welcome drink upon arrival, traverse picturesque scenery on elephant-back through private jungle at dusk. Arrive to a grand welcome at the camp situated in the middle of the forest to dine on a barbecue dinner served alfresco under the stars. (breakfast).
Day 9: Jodhpur. After a free morning in Jaipur transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur, one of Rajasthan's princely settlements, and gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert. This evening enjoy a walking tour of Jodhpur. (breakfast).
Day 10: Jodhpur. Embark on a morning tour of Jodhpur. Visits include the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble, and Mandore Gardens. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Jodhpur. The morning is free, or choose to take a jeep safari to Bishnoi Village to see the the rural lifestyle in Jodhpur. Fly to Delhi in the afternoon and connect to your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,270.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, and in the afternoon depart on a tour of New Delhi. Visits include two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate, President House, and Parliament House. (breakfast).
Day 3: Delhi. This morning explore the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Rounding out the morning are visits to Raj Ghat, memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. To contrast the old with the new, return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro (breakfast).
Day 4: Agra. Depart by road for Agra this morning, former capital of the grand Mughal Empire, and home to the incomparable Taj Mahal. The balance of the day is free to relax and explore Agra on your own. This evening, if you choose, a visit to Kalakriti auditorium can be arranged to see a live performance of "Mohabbat the Taj." (breakfast).
Day 5: Agra. Rise early this morning to visit the Taj Mahal during sunrise. The magnificent monument to love was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. It is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). Afterwards continue to visit the impressive Agra Fort; India's most important Fort, and home to many great Mughal emperors. (breakfast).
Day 6: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. In the evening, an option is to watch an Indian movie at the famous Raj Mandir movie theater. The cinema is an icon among movie theaters and is a sightseeing spot in itself. (breakfast).
Day 7: Jaipur. This morning visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726, and make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds." This evening Amber Fort serves as the backdrop for a spectacular sound and light show. (breakfast).
Day 8: Jaipur. Today is free to explore Jaipur on your own. Jaipur is a well-planned and laid out city, and features countless monuments to its Rajput rulers. The city is also one of India's main centers for shopping, especially for items such as textiles, jewelry, and carpets. Late afternoon an Elephant Safari at Dera Amer can be arranged. After a welcome drink upon arrival, traverse picturesque scenery on elephant-back through private jungle at dusk. Arrive to a grand welcome at the camp situated in the middle of the forest to dine on a barbecue dinner served alfresco under the stars. (breakfast).
Day 9: Jodhpur. After a free morning in Jaipur transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur, one of Rajasthan's princely settlements, and gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert. This evening enjoy a walking tour of Jodhpur. (breakfast).
Day 10: Jodhpur. Embark on a morning tour of Jodhpur. Visits include the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble, and Mandore Gardens. (breakfast).
Day 11: Depart Jodhpur. The morning is free, or choose to take a jeep safari to Bishnoi Village to see the the rural lifestyle in Jodhpur. Fly to Delhi in the afternoon and connect to your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (10).
Cost per person, double occupancy from $3,270.
Our deluxe India tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
