This tour featuring India’s most enchanting destinations Delhi, Agra (the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur is a must-do on every traveller’s list. At Classic Taj Tours, we believe this is perhaps the best way to be introduced to the underlying cultural thread seamlessly connecting these majestic cities.
Arrive Delhi in the night and Classictajtours representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to transfer to the hotel. Delhi beckons you with the remnants of its glorious past (it is one of the oldest cities in the world) which is equally complemented by the city's new skyline, new-age concept buildings, world-class recreation zones and green areas and avenues.
In the morning, after breakfast, proceed for a guided tour of Old and New Delhi. Start with the monuments - the, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb and Qutab Minar, the all of which suggest the Mughal passion for ornate and grand features, landscaping and architectural excellence also visit Akshardham temple - a modern grand Indo temple. Visit the buzzing markets of Chandni Chowk, Janpath, state emporiums and National Museum. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate and parts of central Delhi. Walk around India Gate, the 160-feet sandstone gate memorial of our martyrs in the First World War and Afghan War, amidst lush green surroundings. Stay overnight at Delhi hotel.
Today after breakfast drive to Jaipur. Reach Jaipur in the evening and check into your hotel. In the evening visit Fort Amer for Sound & Light Show (optional). Stay overnight at Jaipur hotel.
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, leave for a sightseeing tour of the ‘Pink City’. Ascend the hilltop fortress at Amer on a painted elephant. This 16th century fort was built by Maharaja Man Singh and encloses palaces and a temple in marble dedicated to the goddess Kali. In the afternoon, tour the old walled city. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the city represents construction techniques and architectural elements based on the Shilpa-Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.
Tour the unique Jantar Mantar Observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh, Sheesh Mahal, Palace of Winds and City Palace. The City Palace built by Kachchwah Rajput rulers of Jaipur is a classic example of the fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The museum houses a collection of rare manuscripts, paintings, weapons, carpets and costumes, and Mughal and Rajasthani miniatures. Explore medieval backstreets and bazaars for the best deals in leatherwork, woodblock prints, handicrafts, perfumes, jewelry and Jaipur’s traditional blue pottery.
Evening visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort (optional) which offers a glimpse into the root of Rajasthani folk culture. Watch children, turbaned men and women clad in bright clothes entertain you with puppet shows, music performances and folk dances. Stay overnight at the hotel.
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty). Visit Jama Masjid, built in 1648, notable for its unusual dome/Buland Darwaza, Birbal's Palace that gave rise to the legendary Akbar-Birbal tales and palace of Queen Jodha Bai. Resume the drive and reach Agra in the evening. Check into your hotel and relax.
In the evening at sunset time take a glimpse of Taj Mahal from Yamuna river side. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Agra was established as the Mughal capital in 1526 and has several mausoleums, forts, palaces and historic temples worth visiting. The city life is characterised by a vibrant marketplace (chowk) lined with plenty of eager souvenir vendors. Agra is home to three designated World Heritage Sites - Taj Mahal, the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and the red-sandstone Agra Fort.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal that rises on the bank of the Yamuna River as poetry in architecture. The verses of Holy Koran are inscribed on it while the 22 small domes at the top of the gate signify the number of years the monument took to built. Inlay work using semi-precious stones add elegance to the monument. Rising 80 feet over the building is the dome under which is the tomb of Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Later visit the Agra Fort constituting the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Spend the evening at leisure or explore the city on your own, its marketplace where you can pick up souvenirs and other historical spots.