Delhi – Haridwar / Rishikesh – Delhi – Mathura – Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur – Neemrana – Delhi. |
01 Day: Arrival DelhiWelcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, assistance on arrival, our representative escorts you by a private a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. After relaxation in the evening witness Light and Sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Light and Sound Show: A spectacular sound and light show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi’s historic and legendary past are vividly brought to life. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
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02 Day: DelhiAfter breakfast, take a sightseeing tour & explore the historic city, starting with Old Delhi: (Shahajahanabad) the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, JamaMasjid, the largest and the most splendid mosque in India, both built by Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Rajghat, thememorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. Later take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling and colorful bazaar of Chandani Chowk. The sightseeing continues to explore the best tourist attractions of New Delhi including President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), the regal residence of British rulers; a palace built for British Viceroys. India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, then visit Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple) built by the Birla family. Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. It is one of India’s modern and fastest developing cities with a charismatic charm on its visitors. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. It houses some of India’s finest museums, historical monuments, sightseeing places, and temples. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.
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03 Day: Delhi – Haridwar (210 kms: 5 hrs)After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Haridwar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, in the evening attend the most speculative “Aarti” at the holy River Ganga. Aarti takes place on the ghat in the evening, after sunset. A group of Brahmans hold huge fire bowls in their hands and offer their holy mantras to river Ganges, Shiva – the Hindu God of destruction, Surya – the Sun God and the entire Universe. The devotees then offer flowers and earthen lamps – diyas – to river Ganges, in order to pay due regards to their ancestors in heaven. The scenario at Har- Ki-Pauri at the time of Ganga-Aarti is mesmerizing. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Haridwar, ‘The gateway to the Gods’. “This place is very beautiful”, at one site one will say so and fall in love with the scenic beauty of the blend of height and plains. In its long history back to pre-historic time, the Haridwar got it name from the rishis. According to the mythology it is known as Kapilsthan, legend goes that the suryavnshi Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of the sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva’s locks and its bountiful waters revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Mythologically, drops of nectar churned out from the primordial ocean fell at the four sites of the Kumbh mela including Haridwar. The kumbha mela, happening once every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbha Mela (Coming once every six years) are big draws. One of the oldest living cities, Haridwar has been in people’s mind from the period of Buddha to the British advent and now even is the 21st century. Besides being a religious place, it has served as the center for learning arts, science and culture.
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04 Day: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Haridwar (22 kms: 30 mins: One way)Today morning after brefakast take a religious and spiritual sightseeing tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh, visiting Daksh Mahadev temple – also known as Shri Daksheshwar temple, attributed to King Daksha who was brought back to life by Lord Shiva, Gorakhnath Temple, Bharat Mata Temple – is the representation of India in the form of a mother goddess, Mansa Devi Temple, one of the most popular and most visited temples of Haridwar, later take an excursion to Rishikesh, may visit the various temples and Ashrams: Bharat temple – temple has been named after Lord Ram’s second brother ‘Bharat’; however the presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu, Shatrughan Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Shatrughan, the youngest brother of Lord Rama, Laxman Jhoola, Rishikund and Raghunath Temple – legendary tank where Lord Rama took bath is a popular bathing spot for pilgrims, Swarg Ashram Gita Bhawan Parmath Niketan, Jhoola Triveni Ghat, Shivanand Ashram Kailash Ashram academy of Meditation. Later drive back to Haridwar for overnight stay.
Rishikesh, also known as the ‘place of sages’ is Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of ‘Hrishikesh’ had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name. It is most ideal destinations for meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventure seekers, rishikesh is the suggested place for starting their trekking expeditions to the Himalayan peaks and for rafting. Also, International Yoga Week which attracts participation form across the world, is held here, every year, in February on the banks of the Ganga. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place.
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05 Day: Haridwar – Delhi (210 kms: 5 hrs)Today morning after breakfast, you may opt to visit the temples of your interest Shiva Lingam Temple, Daksha Temple and a few other temples. You are free to go on walks to the market or simply relax on the banks of the River Ganges. You may also visit Chandi Devi Temple that is located on top of a high hill. Afterwards check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the hotel, rest of the day is free for leisure and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
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06 Day: Delhi – Mathura /Vrindavan – Agra (210 kms: 4 hrs)Early morning check out the hotel and dirve to Agra, Enroute visit Mathura i.e. land of Krishna. Visit the temple in Mathura and Vrindavan perform aarti and prayers followed by a visit to Krishna Janam Bhumi and the museum. Proceed there after visiting the Bankey Bihari temple, ISKCON temple and other temples in and around Vrindavan. After visiting Mathura continue to drive to Agra, on the way you can take stopover to visit Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Then continue to Agra, upon arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening if time permits you may opt to visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a Mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj. If time permits watch the 80 minutes new theatrical show: “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, at Kalakruti Mandal, where they enact the history behind the Taj Mahal. Overnight at the Agra hotel.
Mathura: is the nucleus of Brajbhoomi. This is the place where Lord Krishna was born in a prison cellar. The city, today, is famous for its many temples dedicated to the Lord. Located at Katra, Keshav Deo, the temple is thronged by pilgrims from all over the world. The Dwarkadesh Temple, built by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior in 1814, is situated in the heart of the city. It is adorned with some exquisite paintings depicting the entire life of Krishna. The Vishram Ghat on the bank of Yamuna is the place where Krishna rested after killing Kansa.
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07 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 4 – 5 hrs)Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. After visit check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur, en route stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Later continue to drive to Jaipur, on arrival transfer to the hotel. If time permits you can take a cycle rickshaw ride in colourful market of Jaipur. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.
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08 Day: JaipurToday after breakfast explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Later drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace – present residence of the royal family of Jaipur, the palace is a miraculous representation of the real Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The incredible Jantar Mantar wasinnovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Amongst the 5 observatories built by him, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of them. The splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ was built with a concept for the woman of royal families to speculate the royal ceremonies and festivals being hidden from the public eyes. In the evening visit the modern & artistic, Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can also visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Through their unique diplomacy of strategic alliances & their valour & strength, the rulers not only established a long dynasty but, in time, also played a part in changing the destiny of Medieval India. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Jaipur widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The entire walls houses and buildings of the city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria from Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed accordance of Hindu architecture science called Shilpa Shastra, the town is had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of universe. This fascinating city houses majestic forts, grand palaces, lavish gardens, havelis and museums, while visiting these places you will have a true vision of Royal golden past of Rajasthan.
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09 Day: Jaipur – Neemrana – Delhi (260 kms: 5 – 6 hrs) – HometownAfter breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Delhi. Enroute visit Neemrana Fort, recalling the old world charm of Rajasthani majesty and hospitality. One of the magnificent forts of Rajasthan converted into a heritage hotel, a wonderful architectural marvel. Here you can experience the adventure of India’s first ZIP Tour and opt for lunch at the hotel. (On your own) Later continue to drive to Delhi. On arrival directly transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for home town, on departure tour concludes with happy memories.
Note: Optionally you can stay overnight night at Delhi and can fly next day: subject to your departure of onwards flight.
Neemrana Fort, It was a tributary chief ship of the former Alwar state. The track is sandy and bleak and is known as Rath. The place is said to be the home of chauhan Rajput claiming descent from Prithvi Raj the last Hindu emperor. One of the descendents of Prithvi Raj the, embraced Islam and settled here. That is why the old lineage is shown by the title Rao and was recognized so by the ruler of Alwar. Lord Lake in 1803, as a punitive measure for the shelter and assistance given by then chief to the Marathas, confiscated the villages of the estate and made them over to Alwar
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