Highlights
- Soak up the sights and sounds in Delhi's new and old districts
- Watch a sunset at the Taj Mahal
- Explore the grounds of the former imperial capital Fatehpur Sikri
- Enjoy excellent regional cuisine in the area's top cities
- Ride an elephant at Amber Fort
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi | Delhi |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Delhi | Delhi |
| Day 3 | Walking Tour of Agra | Agra |
| Day 4 | Taj Mahal - Agra Fort | Agra |
| Day 5 | Fatehpur Sikri - Transfer to Jaipur | Jaipur |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Amber Fort | Jaipur |
| Day 7 | Departure via Delhi |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
When you land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After you get settled, you can spend some time enjoying the Indian capital. As you explore, you'll begin to notice the influence of Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals, and the British—all of whom contributed to this city's history. You'll have the evening free to have dinner on your own and relax after your flight.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Delhi
Today, you'll go on a sightseeing tour of Delhi's new and old districts. Your tour will start at the Red Fort, which was constructed out of red sandstone from the Yamuna River in Old Delhi. You'll continue on to Raj Ghat, a black marble memorial with an eternal flame that honors the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Further along at the shopping area known as Chandni Chowk, you'll come upon a bustling bazaar which is considered one of South Asia's largest markets. Here, you can shop the stalls and enjoy a rickshaw ride before continuing on to India Gate (a memorial honoring the soldiers who died in World War I), Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House. After you tour these sites, you can learn more about Indian art and architecture at Lakshmi Narayan Temple. For a break from the busy city, you'll visit 12th-century Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by a lush garden. At the end of your city tour, you'll be able to have a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.
In the evening, you'll be able to enjoy a unique light and sound show at Swaminarayan Akshardham Hindu Temple.
Day 3: Walking Tour of Agra
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning, a driver will pick you up at your hotel in Delhi and drive you 133 miles (215 km) south to Agra, the home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Once you arrive in Agra and check in at your hotel, you'll go on a heritage walk and learn more about the city which draws much of its character from the rule of the Mughal period, during which the Taj Mahal was constructed.
After your walk, you'll be able to have high tea before you continue on with a visit to the ancient village of Kachhpura, the Humayun Mosque, and a local school. In the early evening, you'll have a chance to watch the sunset back at the Taj Mahal.
Day 4: Taj Mahal - Agra Fort
Today, you'll return to the Taj Mahal as the sun rises and explore its grounds. On this tour, you'll learn about its construction and architectural details, like the fact that it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build, while its white marble was quarried 200 miles away and carried by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. The monument was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
In the afternoon, you'll visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture on the Yamuna River, which was the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire for multiple generations. After you see the fort, a driver will take you back to your hotel, and you'll have the evening free.
Day 5: Fatehpur Sikri - Transfer to Jaipur
Today, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you 149 miles (240 km) west to Jaipur, a city founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. Jaipur is uniquely organized according to the nine divisions of the universe through nine different sectors, and the architecture combines Mughal and Jain influences. As much of the city was painted pink in 1853, it is known as the "Pink City."
But before you reach Jaipur, you'll stop along the way to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a city that was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and then abandoned 15 years later, allegedly due to water scarcity. It is now a top tourist destination, and you can visit its graceful buildings and learn about how its decoration infuses architectural influences from Islamic, Hindu, and Jain design traditions.
Once you reach Jaipur, you will be taken directly to your hotel. After you check in, you'll have the evening free.
Day 6: Day-Trip to Amber Fort
Today, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the ancient Rajput capital of Amer, 7 miles (11 km) outside of the city. Here, you'll see the Amber Fort—a fortified palace that was constructed by Raja Man Singh. During your tour, you'll visit Diwan-i-Am (the hall of public audience), Shila Devi Temple, Jai Mandir (the hall of victory) with its inlaid panels and a mirrored ceiling, and Sukh Niwas. After you explore, you can also take an elephant ride on the grounds of the fort.
In the afternoon, you'll return to Jaipur to see the City Palace of Jaipur, which occupies a seventh of the city's total area, the Jantar Mantar astronomy instruments and observatory, and the famous pink Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). You'll also be able to visit Galtaji Temple, which is also known as the monkey temple.
Day 7: Departure via Delhi
It's time to say goodbye to India! After breakfast, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Indira Gandhi International Airport to catch your flight home or to your next destination.
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