Golden Triangle Tour with Ajanta Ellora

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Places Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Mumbai -Aurangabad - Mumbai

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Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You arrive in the capital city Delhi (at Indira Gandhi International Airport) by international flight, where you are welcomed with traditional 'Swagat' (welcome). From the airport you are assisted by our representatives to the hotel for check in and overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi
Today morning, you have your breakfast at the Coffee shop in the hotel. After that, you are taken on a guided tour of Delhi. The sightseeing trip starts with Old Delhi and we pay short visits to the Red Fort (built in 1648), Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque) and Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial). After lunch, we visit India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb, and Lotus Temple. The overnight stay is provided at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi - Agra (about 180 km)
Today, we devote a couple of hours to the highest brick tower in the world – 'Qutab Minar' (71 m). The construction of this five storeyed building started in 1199, which was damaged twice and repaired in 1326 and 1368. After exploring Delhi, we drive to Agra and stay overnight in the hotel.

Day 04: Agra
Our Agra sightseeing trip starts with the Agra Fort. Mughal Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of this majestic structure in 1565, which was later completed by his grandson Shah Jahan. Our next halt is the most beautiful and spell binding monument – the Taj Mahal. This symbol of love (built in pure white marble by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal) is one of the seven wonders of the world. We spend evening visiting the bazaar (market) where the local artisans do the famous fine marble inlay work.

Day 05: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Today we drive towards Jaipur, the land of Rajput Kings, while crossing the 16th century historical town Fatehpur Sikri. This erstwhile imperial capital of the Mughals is popular for its red sandstone structures. We reach Jaipur in the afternoon, and after some refreshments, we start our exploration with the City Palace (the formal residence of the royal family). Showcasing a perfect blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural patterns, the complex houses a museum with a rare collection of the articles belonging to the royal families. Our last halt for the day is Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.

Day 06: Jaipur
Today we have breakfast in the hotel and then we drive to the ancient capital of Amber that is located at a close proximity to Jaipur (11 km). In ancient times, Amber served as the capital of the Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries. The journey to the Palace Fortress is best covered while riding an Elephant. Enroute we will visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). This red sandstone architectural wonder, built in 1799 AD, has 953 casements / windows. We visit the colourful market area of Jaipur in the afternoon. A visit to a factory to see the famous block printing work will refresh your senses. We also pay a short visit to the 'Laxmi Narayan Mandir' in New Jaipur City in the evening. This famous Hindu temple is made of pure white marble. Today we have dinner while enjoying the live performances of traditional Indian music and dance.

Day 07: Jaipur - Udaipur (by air)
Today morning we fly to Udaipur, the city of sunrise. After some refreshments, we start our sightseeing with Sahelion-Ki-Bari or the Garden of the maids of Honour. After visiting the extensive lawns of Sahelion ki Bari, we head towards the Museum of folk art. It showcases a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. Then we stop for a quick bite at a restaurant and proceed to the City Palace. It boasts of being the biggest palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution. The museum of the palace is decorated with beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings that depict stories from Indian mythology. We also have an opportunity to see how the famous miniature paintings are made at a traditional painting school. In the evening we enjoy a Boat ride on the lake Pichola. The famous Lake Palace inside the Lake Pichola was the summer residence of the former rulers.

Day 08: Udaipur - Mumbai (by air)
This morning, we fly to Mumbai – the city of dreams, the city of films, the city of contrasts. This second biggest city of India is frequented for its temples, cathedrals and mosques and the best of cosmopolitan culture. While walking through the harbour area, we visit the Gateway of India. This 1927 structure was built by the English to commemorate the visit of George 5th from England. In the evening, we pay short visits to the Gandhi Museum and Hanging Garden.

Day 09: Mumbai - Ellora - Aurangabad (by air)
Flight to Aurangabad. After a short break we start an excursion to Ellora Caves. [7th - 10th century A.D.] The magnificent group of rock temples of Ellora is a part of world heritage monuments. Ellora group of temples represents the art and sculptures of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism - three dominant religions of India.

Day 10: Aurangabad - Ajanta – Aurangabad
After the breakfast we leave for Ajanta caves (around 100 km.) Of the thirty monuments at Ajanta, four caves No 9,10,26 and 29 are sanctuaries or Chaitya containing a Stupa at the centre of their apses. The rest are monastic residences or Viharas. An Indian poet Kalidasa describes these caves as the gem set of jewellery, rich furniture, imposing architecture, natural scenery and fleeting expressions on the faces.

Day 11: Aurangabad - Mumbai - Departure
Today we fly from Aurangabad to Mumbai.