A Private India Tour – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Your expedition begins with Delhi, the capital of India and the Empress of Indian cities, with a fascinating history and a stimulating present. Having served as the seat of power for a number of dynasties, its unique mix of ancient ruins, historical landmarks and omni-present colonial buildings never cease to amaze the visitor.  Then, proceed to Agra, the city known for the famous monument of love – the magnificent Taj Mahal, arguably the most perfect architectural monument in the world.  Your journey concludes in Jaipur – where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Highlights of the city include the Royal Observatory of Jantar Mantar, City Palace and Hawa Mahal, made of Pink Sandstone.

India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities.  This is an awe-inspiring tour that will leave even the most sophisticated traveler breathless. Get ready for your adventure of a lifetime!

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Economy Class Jaipur / Delhi airfare per itinerary
• Private ground transportation between Delhi / Agra / Jaipur
• 2 nights at Shangri-la Eros (Deluxe) OR Oberoi New Delhi (Premium) in Delhi
• 1 night at ITC Mughal (Deluxe) OR Oberoi AmarVilas (Premium) in Agra
• 2 nights at ITC Rajputana | Hilton Jaipur (Deluxe) OR Oberoi RajVilas (Premium) in Jaipur
• Hotel breakfast daily
• Private Tour: Sightseeing and transfers by private car, driver and professional guides

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, be met and transferred to your hotel in Delhi for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. 

Day 2: Delhi (Old & New Delhi)
Enjoy a morning tour of Old Delhi starting with the Red Fort, the 300-year-old walled city built of red sandstone that dates back to the very peak of the Mughal power.  Opposite the fort are the black and white onion dome and minarets of the Jama Masjid, the largest and most elegant mosque in India. Drive past Kotla Firoze Shah, ruins of an old fort of the 14th century with the 13 meter high Ashoka Pillar, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, enjoy a stroll or rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi lined with stalls of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris. 

In the afternoon, proceed to New Delhi. Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, ruins of Quwat-ul-Eslam (Light of Islam) Mosque and Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Finish the day with a visit to Qutab Minar – the 72 meter high ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam Mosque dating back to the 4th century that still stands today. (B) 

Day 3: Delhi / Agra
Depart by road for Agra (approx. 4 hours drive). Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era. The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dot the picturesque riverside region along the Yamuna River; three of which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri have been declared World Heritage Sites.

Upon arrival, visit Agra Fort. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra Fort was a monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. The Palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions. After visiting Agra Fort, proceed to Taj Mahal. With its incredible lacy white grandeur, the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a `tear on the face of eternity’.  In memory of his wife the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love.

Time permitting, visit Mehtab Bagh for spectacular views of the Taj Mahal at Sunset. Mehtab Bagh is a garden complex just north of the Taj Mahal overlooking the Agra Fort and the Yamuna River. It is one of the most scenic spots in Agra and is worth a visit for its sheer natural beauty. A glimpse of the Taj Mahal and the Agra fort from the Mehtab Bagh is something that gets most tourists excited. Built by emperor Babur, Mehtab Bagh remains one of the best places to view the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra. (B)

****Note: Taj Mahal closed on Fridays***

Day 4: Agra / Jaipur
After breakfast, depart by road for Jaipur (4-5 hours). En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architecture at Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar’s vision of synthesizing the cultures. Upon arriving in Jaipur, check in at your hotel in Jaipur. This evening, enjoy a visit to a middle-class family’s home. Here, you’ll have a chance to mingle with the local people and learn about their customs and traditions.  Enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by dinner together with the local family. (B,D)

Day 5: Jaipur
Today, enjoy a full day tour of Jaipur by Jeep. The day begins with a visit to the Amber Fort, where you’ll wander around the beautiful palace, including a visit to the Shiladevi temple. Next, visit Hawa Mahal, a prominent landmark of Jaipur affectionately known as the “Palace of Winds.” It is a five-story structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. In the afternoon proceed to City Palace, which boasts a delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture and houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. We end the day with a visit to Jantar Mantar, the largest and best preserved of the five observatories consisting of outsized astronomical instruments that are still in use today. Overnight in Jaipiur. (B)

Day 6: Jaipur / Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi for your connecting flight onward. (B)