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India’s Treasures

Resort:India's Treasures
Operator:
Destination: Asia, India
Price From: £1179.00

Overview

Indias Golden Triangle showcases some of the most beautiful sites in India. Enjoy a home-hosted dinner with a local family in Delhi. Spend 3 nights in the vibrant Pink City of Jaipur and visit the majestic Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal, home to a former Maharaja. Visit the quaint village of Samode, nestled among the rugged hills that are dominated by its famous and beautiful palace. At sunrise, behold one of the most impressive sites in the world the Taj Mahal.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Discover the rare beauty and vibrant culture of India as you travel from lively Delhi to colorful Jaipur and on to the historic city of Agra.

Day 2: Delhi, India – Tour Begins

Welcome to Delhi, Indias capital city. Made up of seven ancient cities, today it remains a cultural melting pot.

Day 3: New Delhi

Ease your way into local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key phrases of the native language. Immerse yourself in Indias bustling capital during a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Discover the history of Jama Masjid, Indias largest mosque. Explore Old Delhis narrow streets by rickshaw, the traditional mode of transportation. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before having some leisure time to explore independently. Sit down to dinner tonight at the home of a local family and learn more about Indian culture and their traditions at home.

Day 4: Delhi

Following breakfast, visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of a great Mughal Emperor. Drive past the India Gate war memorial, the Parliament and the palatial Rashtrapati Bhawan the President’s residence. Proceed to the holy shrine of Sikhs, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.* Originally a bungalow owned by Raja Jai Singh, this huge complex features a devotion center, a large pond for the holy dip, a missionary school, an art gallery, a charitable hospital and a free kitchen called Langar (community dining). Hear the holy hymns recited by the priests as you marvel at the beautiful gilded structure. At the community dining hall, get a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into feeding 10,000 people each day.

Day 5: Delhi – Jaipur

Depart for a scenic drive through the countryside to the Pink City of Jaipur. Later, head out for a brief stop at Hawa Mahal, home to a former Maharaja, with its impressive faade of 953 windows. Then its on to the City Palace, the residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. Stroll through the gardens and courtyards and delight in the intricate decorative art and carved doorways.

Day 6: Jaipur

Board a vintage jeep and ascend to the top of the majestic Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Indias former seat of power. Visit a local school** where the children are part of a midday program supported by the efforts of the Collette Foundation. Tap into local customs during lunch when you learn about turban and sari tying. Stroll through the colorful flower market for a glimpse into the art of making garlands used in traditional Indian ceremonies. Delve deeper into Indian culture during a henna tattoo and bindi demonstration. This evening, take a step back in time as you dine at Sankotra Haveli, where eight generations of the Sankotra family have lived. Take in the old-world architecture and furnishings, and get to know the history of this special place.

Day 7: Jaipur

Travel to the quaint village of Samode, nestled among rugged hills that are dominated by its famous palace. Have time on your own to wander through this interesting village that exudes a rare nostalgic charm, explore its many treasures, and interact with the locals to learn about their daily lives. Then, gather for lunch at Samode Bagh, a private garden retreat of the Royal family.

Day 8: Jaipur – Agra

Continue your journey to Agra, a city rich with the splendors of the past. En route, stop in Abhaneri village to visit Chand Baori, one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in the world. Built during the 8th and 9th centuries, this amazing feat of engineering has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry that descend to the bottom of the well.

Day 9: Agra

Behold one of the most impressive sites in the world the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build in the 17th century, this wonder of the world was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Maha. Then, after breakfast, discover Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 11th century. Stand in awe of this sprawling fort that was built as a military structure but later transformed into a palace. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 10: Agra – Delhi – Tour Ends

Return to Delhi where a day room*** has been reserved for you to freshen up prior to the departure of your return flight home.