The Delights of the Golden Triangle

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The delights of the

Delhi | Agra | Ranthambhore | Jaipur | Delhi

Exclusive group tour of India Departing 19th September 2018. for your peace of mind 094 4

ABTA No. J5035

London Heathrow to Delhi with Jet Airways depart 2045 arrive 0945 Itinerary: Day 1: Depart UK Day 2: Arrival Delhi

New Delhi, India’s capital city is the perfect base to undertake your journey through India. The ever evolving metropolis has hosted power centres of empires since time immemorial. Delhi just reiterates the diversity of India.

Retrace the mark of Mughal and British settlers in India as you explore Old & New Delhi.

After clearing immigration, you will be greeted at the arrival Zone of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport by our representative. Transfer to hotel. You will be assisted with your check-in formalities at the hotel.

Visit New Delhi today. This is the area popularly known as Lutyen’s Delhi. The Presidential Residence, The Parliament Block and India Gate constitutes the British planned layout of Delhi during the regime of the Crown. A halt at the India Gate is suggested to experience this mega structure.

This monument commemorates the soldiers who laid down their lives in the World Wars.

Gandhi Smriti is the next halt, the museum provides an insight into the cherished personality Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the father of our nation. Gandhi spent the last few months of his life here before his assassination.

Overnight at the Claridges

Day 3: In Delhi

Today, begin your tour with a visit to the Old Walled City.

Chandni Chowk is the old quarter of one of the seven provinces that made up Delhi during the Mughal Era. Chandni Chowk fell under Shahjahanabad; the province was founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. The old world charm can be found in hints and glimpses of the dense and loud lanes of Chandni Chowk. You will start your Old Delhi tour with a visit to the iconic Jama Masjid.

The mega structure takes up a monopoly spot in the bustling ambiance of the Old Delhi. Jama Masjid is a study in symmetry and design. From here you will drive past the Red Fort. You make your way through the key lanes of Chandni Chowk. Visit the spice market of Khari Baoli and take a rickshaw ride. Each of these lanes have a pivotal role in Delhi’s middle class lifestyle.

Make a visit to one of the most magnificent tombs built in Delhi during the Mughal rule, the Humayun’s Tomb is an excellent example of Persian architecture. The Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned in 1526. In the Humayun’s Tomb one can see architectural features which over time went on to become important component of Mughal architecture, such as its octagonal shape and its high central arch.

Take your time exploring the local Janpath market in the outskirts of Connaught Place. Janpath is famous for street shopping.

As the sun sets head towards Bangla Sahib – a Sikh place of worship. Explore the open kitchen, a unique concept that feeds over 15,000 people a day.

Overnight at the Claridges

Day 4: Delhi – Agra Today, we move towards Agra. Historically Agra was the much loved Mughal Capital of India, the seat of Mughal Empire heavyweights. The kingdom of riches, culture, fine arts and literature.

The undisputed jewel of Agra is the Taj Mahal. The iconic monument dedicated to a priceless love story or ambition, depending on your point of view.

As we enter Agra, we stop to visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. Emperor Jahangir's queen, Nurjahan, built this exquisite marble tomb in memory of her father, Mirza Ghias Beg. Late afternoon, visit Mehtab bagh for a fantastic view of Taj Mahal and appreciate the beauty of Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna river.

Overnight at the Trident

Day 5: In Agra Early this morning, make way towards Taj Mahal. The early morning sunshine reflects brilliantly on the marble façade. You will make your way through the compound surrounding the Taj Mahal towards the inner chambers.

As you come out from the chambers, you can spend some time absorbing the immense presence of the Taj from a spot of your liking on the compound. Early morning visit is also ideal to observe the shadow of the Taj Mahal falling on the two adjacent mosques flanking the mega structure.

Return to hotel for breakfast.

Later visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive fortress echoes the might of the Mughal Empire.

Spend your evening enjoying the amazing Mohabbat The Taj show. Over 80 talented artists lively perform a story Mohabbat The Taj depicting the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

During the show, you will not only be touched by the beautiful story but also to experience the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire. Their grandeur and extravaganza is well put forward in the creative dance performances.

Overnight at the Trident

Day 6: Agra – Ranthambhore After breakfast, you will head towards Ranthambhore– Once a private game reserve of the royal House of Jaipur.

Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the world’s best known wilderness areas.

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit and see one of the Oldest and Grandest stepwell of Rajasthan at Abhaneri.

The state of Rajasthan is arid, and the design and final structure of Chand Baori was intended to conserve as much water as possible. At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface, and the place was used for community gathering place for locals during periods of intense heat. Enjoy camel cart ride and visit the village.

A cooking demonstration followed by Lunch at the Umaid Lake Palace, Kalakho.

Continue on to Ranthambhore and check in at Hotel.

Ranthambore offers some of the finest opportunities for sighting the magnificent tiger in the wild. A mix of rolling hills and crags, and meadows, lakes and rivulets, this dry-deciduous forest system is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Apart from the tiger, you can also spot sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena and mongoose at Ranthambore. The elusive Indian wolf too, has been spotted here occasionally. The dainty chital, sambhar deer, the blue bull antelope or nilgai, rhesus macaque, langur and an incredible variety of birds amidst a setting of dhok, fig and banyan trees makes a visit to this park a delight.

Overnight at the Tigress / Kipling Lodge.

Day 7: In Ranthambhore Morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore national park.

Today, we’ll do both safaris using exclusive canter in Ranthambore national park.

Overnight at the Tigress / Kipling Lodge.

Day 8: Ranthambhore – Jaipur Morning free at leisure.

After early lunch, you will head towards Jaipur – One of the city which makes the famous Golden triangle and completes the Golden Triangle experience.

The famed walled city of Jaipur is still home to the current royal family. The pink city as it is called gets the name from the color of the buildings; every building in the city center is painted with a sandstone hue which reflects pink in the shining sun.

Overnight at the Shahpura House.

Day 9: In Jaipur Your royal flashback begins this morning. Visit to highlight of Jaipur, the Amber Fort. This century old Fort compound houses the Royal chambers of the bygone rulers. To ascend the Fort, you will ride majestic elephant and make way upwards in panache.

Make a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal. This monument is one the iconic facades of Rajasthani Architecture. The royal queens, princesses and maidens used to observe official processions from the behind these ornate windows.

Next on the agenda is a visit to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar), a compound commissioned by our math and astronomy loving Maharaja. The final halt is the City Palace, where the Jaipur royalty still resides. The City Palace compound has a museum which takes you through the royal heritage. Certain parts of the Palace estate are open to the public to observe the family heirlooms.

Later in the evening stroll through the market area of Baapu baazar to get a feel of the vibrant vibe of Jaipur. You may buy traditional Indian dresses here at very reasonable price here. Visit the Birla temple and observe devotees during their evening prayer ceremony (Aarti ceremony) at Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur.

Overnight at the Shahpura House.

Day 10: In Jaipur – A day of Charity A Yoga session in the Morning.

Breakfast at hotel and afterwards a unique chance to visit the Ladli charity - a school for Street Children where they receive a basic education and training for a trade which will hopefully enable them to find employment and escape from the street life. Rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight at the Shahpura House.

Day 11: Jaipur – Delhi Today, drive towards Delhi and make enroute stoppage for lunch at Shahpura Haveli. Continue driving towards Delhi and check in at Hotel.

Overnight at the Pullman Aerocity

Day 12: Leave Delhi

Departure transfer. Board your flight and fly to London.

Delhi to London Heathrow with Jet Airways depart 1330 arrive 1820

Tour cost:

from:

£2150

per person plus GBP

Single room supplement:

£460

Price includes all breakfasts, full board at Ranthambore and lunch at day 6 and day 11.

To upgrade to full board throughout there is a £250 supplement.

Prices based on 14 - 18 passengers

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for your peace of mind 094 4

ABTA No. J5035

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To book call your local travel specialist Christina Astill:

 01395 232 898 christina@gocruise.co.uk

www.gocruise.co.uk/christina