Essence of India

Call 888-683-1447 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8401432

Tour Operator

Classic Holidays (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Offer

Offer valid through 4/1/2010

Duration

8 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Delhi	Welcome to Delhi!: You will arrive at the Delhi International Airport. Delhi is India's second largest metropolis next to Mumbai, which is located in the northern part of the country. The architectural features in the city are similar to those which can be seen in Athens, Rome and Istanbul.
Day 2	Delhi	Exploring Delhi: Your first day you will explore the old and new city of Delhi. You'll be mesmerized by the 100-foot, red-stone boundary walls of Red Fort built during the 17th century. Opposite this ancient structure is the Jama Masjid, built in 1656. Found in front of the Jama Masjid is the 1656 AD construction of red sandstone and white marble. It is the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray together. You will also tour the town in a Rickshaw. Along the streets of old Delhi you will see the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) Memorial, which is close to the river Yamuna. Next, you will visit the Humayun Tomb of the second Mughal emperor, which was completed by his wife during the 16th century. Shahjahan had the vision for the structure of the Taj Mahal. The Qutub Minar, a 220-foot tower made by one of the first Muslim leaders in India, was built between 1199 and 1368 AD. It runs counter to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the President of India. There you'll see the buildings of government and parliament and India Gate which is 130-foot wall built in memory of the soldiers who died during the First World War.
Day 3	Agra	From Delhi to Agra: From Delhi, you will enjoy the drive to Agra, and get to visit Sikandra, the amazing grave of Akbar, the most influential of all Mughal emperors. The grave lies 6 miles before Agra. Agra is placed on the deposits of the Yamuna River and was under the Mughal rulers during the 16th and 17th centuries. The highlight of the Golden India tour triangle package is visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal (1631-1653). This amazing piece of architecture made of light-colored marble, was built by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for his departed wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its architecture reveals why it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For 21 days, 20,000 expert workers from Italy, France, Iran and Asia worked on the memorial. Upon your arrival you can go to your hotel for a good night's rest.
Day 4	Jaipur	From Agra to Jaipur: After breakfast, you will inspect the wide and vast Agra fort at the west deposit of the Yamuna River. Agra fort was built in the 1600's by Akbar and was finished by his grandson. After the visit, you will go as far as Jaipur, the cap of the country Rajasthan, which is also popularly known as Pink City because of its pink houses' frontal façade and metropolis fence. On the way, you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, which is 22 miles from Agra, the other large city of Akbar, built in 1569. Akbar shifted his cap to Fatehpur Sikri, but after 13 days due to the scarcity of water, it was shifted to Lahore in Pakistan and back again to Agra. Arrival to Jaipur is scheduled in the afternoon, and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 5	Jaipur	Exploring Jaipur: After an early breakfast you will drive to fort Amber (6 miles), the former capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs. On the way, you will stop to visit the city's landmark: the Hawa Mahal (palace of the winds). Built during the 18th century, the five-story building features 953 windows and niches from which the royal women observed the procession in the street without being seen. Next you will visit Amber fort, which lies on 400-foot-tall hill and is surrounded by the chain of mountains known as Aravalli. Afterwards you will visit the Pink city Jaipur. The city palace built in 1734 lies in the center of Jaipur and is now the residence of the royal family of Jaipur and a beautiful museum. After that you will visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory. It was built in the 18th century by the city founder Jai Singh II. The instruments are out of stone and marble and served to explore the night skies. You will then return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 6	Jodhpur	Jaipur - Jodhpur: After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit of Jodhpur. Jodhpur the second largest city in Rajasthan and once the capital of the Marwar. Today the city lies around the imposing Mehrangarh fort. The Mehrangarh fort was built in 1459 on a 110-foot-tall sandstone hill. From the top of the hill you can see the old town and the priests' houses painted blue which gives the town it's name of 'blue city'. You will then travel on to Jaswant Thada, a large Cenotaph, which was built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. After lunch, you can stroll through the old markets, where you can also buy various spices for yourself. You will return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7	Udaipur	Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur ( By road ): After breakfast, drive to Udaipur- an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. After arrival, check in the hotel. Evening boat trip on Lake Pichola. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Udaipur.
Day 8	Delhi	Udaipur: During the morning you will explore Udaipur which lies in the Girwa valley in the middle of the Aravali hill and is described as a romantic city with its lakes, gardens, temple and palaces. You will visit the city palace built in 1570 AD by Maharana Udai Singh at the bank of the Pichola Lake. This impressive complex of different palaces is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal influences. You will then visit the Jagdish temple. Built in 1651 AD this temple is a beautiful example of the Nagara style temple architecture. You will then return to your hotel for Lunch. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. After arrival transfer to international airport for overnight stay.

Dates/Pricing

Disclaimer

*There will be an obligatory supplement charge on Christmas and New Year Eve.
*Twin - Cost per person on twin sharing basis for minimum two persons traveling.
*All prices are in US Dollars

Hotels Selected:
Luxury (5 star): Delhi: The Metropolian; Agra: Taj Gateway Hotel; Jaipur: Le Meridien; Jodhpur: Taj Hari Mahal; Udaipur: Lalit Laxmi Villas Palace
Deluxe (4 star): Delhi: The Connaught; Agra: Clarks Shiraz; Jaipur: Clarks Amer; Jodhpur: Ajit Bhawan; Udaipur: Shikarbadi
Standard (3 star): Delhi: Gautam Deluxe; Agra: Hotel Usha Kiran; Jaipur: Heritage Hotel Shahpura House; Jodhpur: Balsamand Palace; Udaipur: Swaroop Vilas

Triple rooms are available on request

Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

Pl. note that hotels mentioned is subject to availability. Otherwise hotels of similar category will be provided. Cost ascertained on traveling of minimum 2 persons. All hotels charge Christmas and New Year supplement charge directly.