DAY 01: ARRIVE IN DELHI
Welcome to India!
Arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. You will meet with Noble Escape Journeys representative with traditional and sacred marigold flower garland. Transfer to your hotel where a traditional welcome with aarti & tika ceremony awaits you. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages.
Room available from 1400 hrs onwards – Early checking is subject to availability.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02: DELHI OF SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing tour.
Old Delhi: - After breakfast, visit Old Delhi. This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandni Chowk. Today, it is a busy market, selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables.
Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi followed by a visit to Jama Masjid: - Here, you will enjoy the rickshaw ride tour through the narrow bylanes of Chandni Chowk. Also visit one of India’s largest Mosque, Jama Masjid. This mosque is amongst the final architectural extravagances of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It was constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.
Raj Ghat: - Afterwards, board your waiting vehicle and drive to Raj Ghat. A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by notable personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II, USA President Eisenhower, Ho Chi Minh and various others.
Later proceed for New Delhi sightseeing tour. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, (UNESCO world heritage site) the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour, and fine fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.
Time at leisure for lunch at local restaurant Near India gate. (Direct payment)
From here, drive to Qutub Minar complex, which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul- Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. The Qutub Minar itself was begun in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings.
Later drive past India Gate, Presidential palace, Parliament house Lutyen Delhi and get a chance to admire the colonial grandeurs and the important government complexes of the country. Named after the leading British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 03: DRIVE FROM DELHI TO AGRA (204 KMS / 04-HOUR DRIVE)
Today morning, after breakfast, drive to Agra and check in to the hotel.
Later sightseeing of Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal (UNESCO world heritage site) at dusk and enjoy one of the most memorable sunset of your life. A thousand times more impressive in real life, watch as the setting sun paints the glistening white marble shades of gold. Described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the embodiment of all things pure', the Taj was built by Shah Jahan in 1632 as a testament to lost love for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. Heading inside the mausoleum you can walk around the tombs of both Jahan and Mumtaz, whilst exploring the complex you'll discover the perfect symmetry of the building and perhaps snap a photograph on the 'Diana seat'.
Overnight stay at The Hotel.
DAY 04 DRIVE FROM AGRA TO JAIPUR (260 KMS / 05 -HOUR DRIVE)
Post breakfast, check-out from Hotel then proceed to visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. It was built in 1565 and was the main residence of four generations of influential Mughal emperors y until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It contains a maze of buildings, forming a city within a city, including vast underground sections, though many of the structures were destroyed over the years. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
Continue drive to Jaipur.
En-route visit FATEHPUR SIKRI:
Emperor Akbar built the long-deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri in 1569, to honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City', including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal Empire at the height of its power.
Later continue driver to Jaipur.
Arrive at your hotel in Jaipur .
Ovenright stay at Hotel
DAY 05: JAIPUR
This morning after breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Amber fort (UNESCO world heritage site). Ascend the fort on a Jeep. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the fort belie the beauty inside – a paradise of sorts. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, as well as festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded in the plaster.
On the way to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.
Continue with your sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence. Part of it is now converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur.
This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. There are many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He ruled over Amer, and planned and built the outer walls of the palace, while later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the 20th century. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum, which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.
Free time for lunch at local restaurants in the vicinity on direct payment.
Post lunch visit the Jantar Mantar, (UNESCO world heritage site) which is home to brilliant medieval-era geometric devices for tracking constellations, observing the orbits around the sun, measuring time and many other pursuits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest astronomical observatories on the planet. Even some of the devices here are the largest among other similar devices ever built.
Later drive back to hotel.
Ovenright stay at Hotel
DAY 06: Jaipur – Jodhpur (approx 330 kms 7 hours)
Breakfast at hotel .
Drive to Jodhpur & check-in at hotel.
Jodhpur – the bustling desert city, also known as the “Sun City” as it has bright and sunny weather throughout the year. It was formerly the seat of a princely state & the capital of the kingdom was known as Marwar. It is also referred to as the "Blue City" due to the vivid blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city circles the fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates.
Later visit Mehrangarh Fort:
Mighty Mehrangarh which is an architectural masterpiece and a magnificent fort that towers over the Blue City. Rising up a hilly scarp this was built on the advise of a hermit. Inside the fort are a number of palaces added by successive rulers. After the visit of the Fort walk down the steep path into the winding roads of the old city where each twist and turn will envelop you in the daily on goings of the old city.
Walk through Old Bazaar and clock tower.
Over night at Hotel.
DAY 07: Jodhpur to Udaipur (approx 260 kms 6 hours)
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Udaipur. En-route we stop at Ranakpur to visit the famous Jain temples (open at 12 noon onwards).
Ranakpur: situated 98 km from Udaipur, nestled in the quiet, picturesque Aravali Hills, is this famous Jain pilgrimage centre. The temples here, date back to the 15th century. The 29, exquisitely wrought halls are supported by 1,444 pillars - of which no two are alike. Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style. These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains.
Continue your drive to Udaipur, Also known as Venice of the East and one of the most romantic cities in India!
Check in at Hotel.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 08: In Udaipur
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed for sightseeing of Udaipur.
Royal Lakes and Palaces of Rajasthan:
The picturesque city of lakes and innumerable palaces dotting the banks of Lake Pichola
Visit the Magnificent City Palace, an enormous edifice that stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces that form a single stunning façade. Walk through the bustling colorful by-lanes of Rajasthani Bazaar with rich folk art and craft. Jostle with the camels and the rickshaws and visit the gentle holy temples in every crook and corner. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-Bari. Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen's court. It is said he wished to recreate the monsoon for his daughter, who had been ill for a long period.
Sunset Hues on the Royal Palaces on seat sharing basis:
At sundown, take a cruise around Lake Picholla on a local boat. Sit back and watch the lights of the City Palace cast its reflection on the still waters of the lake.
Overnight at Hotel .
DAY 09: Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel.
Departure transfer to Airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival Mumbai you are met by our representative.
Mumbai or better known as Bombay or home of Bollywood and the business capital of India! The city that never sleeps at night represents India’s entire entirety from an eclectic mix of British Muslim and Hindu architecture and diverse union of culture, people and food!
Continue proceed for Mumbai city tour including Prince of Wales museum & Hanging Gardens & Marine drive.
Start visit with Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Next you will visit the Prince of Wales Museum, which was built between 1904 and was used as a hospital during World War I. The museum houses a priceless collection of art that is considered to be one of the best in all India.
We drive past University of Bombay, High Court of Bombay, and Crawford Market. You will also visit the Hanging Gardens, which are located on the crest of Malabar Hill. The garden is a welcome oasis of green in a city built almost entirely of concrete and cement. Visit the renowned Gandhi Memorial Museum (Mani Bhawan) and Jain Temple. Return to the hotel via Marine drive, popularly known as the Queen’s Necklace which offers a breath-taking view of the beautiful Arabian Sea.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 10: Mumbai Departure
Departure transfer to Airport to board flight for final destination.
“End of our services”
