Breakfast at hotel.

This morning start the city tour of Delhi by driving along Rajpath, a two mile long avenue originally the focal point of British India and now used for parades; lined with   rulers is a ornamental canals the views in both directions are imposing. Drive past India Gate, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War 1, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later in Old Delhi previously known as Shahjahanabad, take a cycle rickshaw through the  chaotic, noisy and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, where trading continues in the maze of shops as it has done over the Centuries.   Stop at the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. Afterwards visit one of the most inspirational monuments of Delhi’s past, Humayun’s Tomb. The earliest great example of a Mughal garden tomb and the forerunner to the ornate Mughal style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1565 by a Persian architect. Surrounded by well maintained gardens it is a wonderful place to visit. Conclude your day with visit to Qutub Minar, a World Heritage monument and one of the most instantly recognisable and historically important monuments in Delhi. Evening visit Gurudwara Bangla Shahib – A Sikh Temple. Overnight stay at Delhi.

After breakfast proceed to Agra,( approx 03 to 04 hours drive ) on arrival check-in hotel. After lunch depart for a sightseeing tour of Agra visiting Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daulah & Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era.  The palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dot the picturesque riverine region along the Yamuna River; three of which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort have been declared World Heritage Sites. Agra fort is situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort was started in 1565 by Akbar. The fort surrounded by a moat forms a crescent along the riverfront and encompasses a huge complex of courtly buildings reflecting the varied styles of the Emperors. Wander through the lavishly decorated halls, courtyards& galleries discovering hidden pavilions & alcoves with glimpses of Taj Mahal in the distance. Itmad ud Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj superbly combining white marble, coloured mosaic, stone inlay and lattice work to produce a beautifully delicate and unique piece of architecture. In the evening visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. The world’s greatest monument to love and devotion. Built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his favourite wife Mumtaz, its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship took 20,000 workers almost 22 years to complete in 1653. It is undoubtedly a building as close to perfection as is achievable and its appearance changes magically with the light at different times of the day (Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday).

Optional : Visit The Taj Mahal by dawn.

After breakfast , drive to Jaipur (06 hours) en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri: This deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 AD in honour of the famous Sufi saint, Salim Chishti. The Mughal capital for only 14 years until abandoned due to lack of water, the buildings, blending Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture and reflecting Akbar’s secular vision remain in an excellent condition and it is a fascinating place to wander around.   Before arrival to Jaipur visit Chand Baori ( Step well) at Abhaneri.  Continue your drive to Jaipur and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

After an early breakfast ,  start the city tour with an excursion to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the region prior to Jaipur, and located 11 km north of the City. Now a deserted complex crowning the crest of a hill with panoramic views, Amber Fort is extremely well preserved and a fascinating place to explore. Elephants still carry visitors in stately splendour to the main Palace, through magnificent high gateways.  (Elephant ride is subjected to availability).  Afternoon proceed for city tour of opulent Maharaja’s City Palace which occupies the heart of Jai Singh II’s city and has been home to the City’s rulers for 200 years. A superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the interiors of the Palace are lavishly furnished and decorated and the Museum houses a fabulous collection of textiles, art and crafts and arms. The Jantar Mantar or Observatory was built by Jai Singh II, a keen astronomer, in 1728. It resembles a collection of giant sculptures and was used to determine the position of the stars and planets, accurately calculate Jaipur’s time, make horoscopes and is today still used to forecast the expected arrival date and intensity of the monsoon and summer temperatures. Afterwards can  the Albert Hall and Museum and Hawa Mahal ( Palace of Winds ) . Overnight stay at Jaipur.

After breakfast drive to Delhi  airport (approx. 05 -06 hours) for flight to Amritsar.

Afternoon on arrival at Amritsar airport , meat and transfer to hotel.

Amritsar, literally meaning the ‘Pool of the Nectar of Immortality’, is one of the major cities of the Punjab state. The administrative headquarters of the Amritsar District, it is the major spiritual and cultural centre of Sikhs. The city, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, is mostly inhabited by the Sikhs. Amritsar has grown from a sacred village pool into a spiritual centre of Sikh culture. The original pool site by which the Golden Temple is built was granted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. In 1761 Ahmad Shah Durrani sacked the town and destroyed the temple, which was rebuilt in 1764. One of the ancient and charming cities of India, Amritsar is an important distribution centre of dry-fruits in the country.

Overnight stay at Amritsar.

After breakfast, proceed to sightseeing tour of Amritsar. Visit the famous Golden Temple located in the heart of the city, Jalianwallah Bagh, a memorial built to commemorate the martyrs of the 1919 massacre; the Durgiana Mandir, temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga.

Later proceed to the Wagah Border (less than 30 kilometers from the city) between India and Pakistan,  At Wagah Border, witness the ceremonial changing of guard, the march-past followed by the singing of national anthem and other patriotic songs. Solders parading in full swing and the sight of India-Pakistan border from such close quarters will evoke a sense of nostalgia.

After visit, return back to Hotel for overnight stay.

07 AM, we will meet at hotel and transfer to Amritsar Jn. to take train to Delhi.

01-50 PM arrival in Delhi, meet and transfer to Hotel. Evening will be at leisure.

Overnight stay – In Delhi.

In time, meet at hotel and proceed to IGI airport, Delhi.

**Bon Voyage**