GOLDEN TRIANGLE & AMRITSAR

Duration : 08 Days

Delhi - Amritsar - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi

Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Transfer to Hotel by private vehicle. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the city's past.

Day 02 : Delhi
After breakfast, full day city tour of Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India ; the massive 17th century Red Fort ; walk through the colourful bazaars of Chandni Chowk. Rajghat, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past India Gate - a war memorial, President's House & the Parliament. Visit the UNESCO Word Heritage Sites : Humayuns Tomb : built in mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture ; Qutub Minar, at 120 meters, is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.

Day 03 : Delhi - Amritsar (Train : 0720 - 1323 hrs.)
Morning, transfer to the railway station to board train for Amritsar. Arrive Amritsar & transfer to prebooked hotel.
Afternoon visit Indo-Pak Border to watch retreat ceremony - 30 KM on the road to Lahore is India-Pakistan Border. A visit to the border is an interesting experience especially at Sunset, when the retreat ceremony takes place with the Border Security Force on the Indian Side and the Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well coordinated and spectacular display. The sound from the Bugles blown together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and Pakistan were one, simultaneously Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on marking the end of the day. Amidst thunderous applause today this point is the only land route open to approach Pakistan and central Asia.

Day 04 : Amritsar - Delhi (Train : 1700 - 2300 hrs.)
After breakfast, sightseeing of Amritsar. Visit the Golden Temple. The holy scripture is brought in a vivid procession from the Akal Takhat (the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs) in the morning to the temple to be returned at night. Singing is central to Sikh worship & is a feast to the souls when hymns from the holy scripture are recited Kirtan and the waves of the classical ragas, a sublim blend of voice & music.
Jallianwala Bagh, the historic site where hundreds of innocent Indian men, women an children were massacred by British General Michael Dyer on April 13, 1919. A memoral and Garden have been created here as a national monument.

Afternoon, transfer to the railway station to board train for Delhi. Arrive Delhi railway station, transfer to prebooked hotel.

Day 05 : Delhi - Agra (203 kms., 4 hrs. drive)
Morning, leave for Agra enroute visit the grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built over an area of 100 acres on the banks of the Yamuna River. The temple has 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches. It epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom, bliss & brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages.
Continue drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked hotel.

Day 06 : Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur (240 kms, 05 hrs.)
Morning, sightseeing of Agra. Visit the highlight of the day, The Taj Mahal, which was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj began in 1631 and was not completed until 1653.

Visit the impressive Agra Fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, and additions were made up until the time of his grandson, Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structures.

Afternoon, drive to Jaipur enroute visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri : built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, was the old capital of the Mughals, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal & other Palaces which are still preserved in its original glory.

Continue, drive to Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan also know as "Pink City" owes its name, its foundation and planning to the great warrior astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. The city of Jaipur has broad avenues. The city sits on a dry lake bed in a wild and somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by fortresses and crenellated walls. Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel.

Day 07 : Jaipur
After breakfast, excursion to Amber Fort enroute witness the façade of Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds which was built in 1799. Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state until 1727 when Jai Singh decided to move from his hillside fortress at Amber to new site on the plains. The construction of this fort began in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's army. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. Visit the Jagmandir or the hall of victory glittering with mirrors, Jal Mahal & temple of Kali. Ascend on elephant back, the hill, on which the fort is situated.

Afternoon, city tour of Jaipur. Visit the Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Jai Singh in 1728; the City Palace which is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It also has a museum with an extensive collection of art, carpets, paintings, enamel ware and weapons dating back to the 15th century.

Day 08 : Jaipur - Delhi (260 kms, 05 hrs.)
Morning free for individual activities.
Afternoon, drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport to board your onward/return flight.