DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI You will arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a YATRA representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel (NORMAL CHECK – IN 1200 NOON) Later proceed for Delhi tour of Old & New Delhi. You will first visit Old Delhi. The Delhi tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest mosques the magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The Delhi tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. The Delhi tour also includes visit to Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday) and a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. Overnight stay at hotel Read more

In time transfer to Delhi railway station to board the train for Ajmer (Train AT 0605 / 1245 Hrs) with packed Breakfast. Upon arrival at Ajmer railway station and directly transfer to Pushkar (approx 11 Kms/ 20 Mintues). Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India. Situated along the banks of Lake Pushkar its founding date is unknown, but the legend associated with Brahma with its creation. In the Puranas or sacred texts of Hinduism, it is said that the god Brahma did penance for 60 000 years to contemplate briefly to Radha Krishna (Hindu God). Later afternoon sightseeing tour of Pushkar included Pushkar lake, Brahma Temple and Puja at Ghats. Overnight stay at hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Jaipur (approx 145 Kms/ 03 Hrs) Rajasthan’s kingdoms are an enduring legacy to India’s history. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces ad waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India, as does the desert land of Rajasthan. By far it is the most colourful region in India. Upon arrival proceed to check in at your hotel and in evening enjoy the local bazar. Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. An elephant (or Jeep) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress (Elephant ride is subject to availability) Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. While driving back to your hotel you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city. Afternoon you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Overnight stay at the hotel Read more

After the impressive Jaipur tour experience, enjoy your breakfast at hotel and then drive to Agra (approx 240 Kms/ 5 Hrs), en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago. Later continue drive to Agra Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and they preserved their best architectural wonders for Agra & its neighbourhood. It has many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate artistry of Itimad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the magnificent Taj and Akbar’s deserted capital, Fatehpur Sikri, are each unique and outstanding. Upon arrival proceed to check-in at the hotel and later in evening visit to local bazaar. Overnight stay at hotel and get ready for tomorrow's Taj Mahal tour. Read more

Breakfast at hotel and visit to Agra city included a Taj Mahal tour and a visit to Agra Fort. Taj Mahal tour (closed on Fridays): The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. On this Taj Mahal tour you will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Later drive back to Delhi (approx 210 Kms/ 05 Hrs) and upon arrival check – in at hotel Overnight at the hotel Read more

Breakfast at hotel and in time transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight for onward journey