Day 04: Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former
capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput
grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the
dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the
palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its
sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned, painted elephant,
passing through the ancient main gate where Maharajas of Jaipur have entered
for four hundred years. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this
architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight todays visitors as they did their
former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed
windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so
that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593
stone screens.
Later in the afternoon, we proceed on a tour Of the City Palace &
Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a
seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine vies over the
gardens and the city. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies
the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for
protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which
surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an
astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate
predictions till date.
Overnight at Naila Bagh Palace (Royal Room)
Day 05: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
(245 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we drive to Agra, stopping at deserted Capital City of
Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly
preserved city at the height of the empires splendour. The city
divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted
buildings. From here we continue our ride to Agra.
Upon arrival check into The Gateway a 5* Taj Group Hotel which allows
you to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for as long as
you wish - whenever you feel like.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities. Car &
Driver will be at disposal for your local visits.
Overnight at The Gateway a 5* Taj Group Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 06: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs
Drive) Delhi / Departure (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument
in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you
hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a
building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the
Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high
your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory
and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At
sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of ones lifetime - Taj
Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects
caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this
brilliant white marble building. Later we return back to our hotel for
breakfast.
After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant
buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian
architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards,
mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal
Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill
of the ancient Indian architects.
Later, we will drive to Delhi along one of the Indias finest freeways
Home Visit & A Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family : Upon
arrival in Delhi, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home
experience. The evening is designed to give you a feel and
insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian
hospitality and home made Indian food
After dinner, transfer to the International airport to board your onward
flight
End Of Services
We do hope the flavor of India will remain on your taste buds for all times
to come and hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and
her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India Please
come back soon
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!