Royal Jaipur + KASHMIR (The pride of our country)

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1| Arrive New Delhi

Arrive at Delhi airport late in the evening/morning. Our company executive will welcome you at the airport and will get you transferred in a chauffer driven air conditioned car. Then directly get driven to Agra.

New Delhi-Agra (by Road 205kms approx)

Reach Agra, which was once a capital of India, when Mughals ruled; and check in at a pre booked hotel and get ready to visit RED FORT built by Mughals, and other historical monuments then go to see THE TAJ MAHAL (at Sunset) and enjoy Rikshaw Ride/Tonga Ride and Battery Van Ride. Come back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Agra: Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the  World Tourism map with three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. It is more just a decadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant   centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosophies that have   enriched mankind and shaped human thought over centuries. Agra is famous for   handicrafts products   such   as Inlay work on Marvel, Leather Work, Footwear, Brasswear, Carpets, Jwellery, Zari   and Embroidery work.

Taj Mahal: It is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Yamuna river. Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time.

Sikandra: Sikandra, the former capital of Lodi dynasty, was named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi. The city of Sikandra, located at about 12 km from Agra, houses the tomb of Mughul Emperor Akbar. The design and construction of the tomb was started by Akbar himself and subsequently completed by his son Jehangir. The shape of the tomb is a truncated pyramid with five stories. The first four stories were constructed with red sandstone and the fifth one with white marble. The white marble storey comprises a false tomb of Emperor Akbar. The real tomb of Akbar is located in a crypt right below the false tomb. There are several well laid out gardens in the tomb complex. The Baradi palace in the gardens was built by Sikander Lodi. The ausoleum originally had four red sandstone gates. Now only the southern gate is used as the main entrance to the tomb.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah: Empress Nur Jehan built Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the Baby Taj, for her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. Located on the left bank of the Yamuna River, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The mausoleum itself is set on a base about 50 meters square and about 1 meter high. The mausoleum is about 23 meters square. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about 13 meters tall. Small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietra dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal. The walls are white marble from Rajasthan encrusted with semi-precious stone decorations - cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz in images of cypress trees and wine bottles, or more elaborate decorations like cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. Light to the interior passes through delicate jali screens of intricately carved white marble. Many of Nur Jahan's relatives are interred in the mausoleum. The only asymmetrical element of the entire complex is that the cenotaphs of her father and mother have been set side-by-side, a formation replicated in the Taj Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is a city and a municipal board in Agra district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. It is located in what is now Uttar Pradesh, India. The name of the place came after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Khanwa (about 40 KM from Agra). Then Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters. So he built this majestic fort. But due to shortage of water he had to ultimately move his headquarters to Agra Fort. Akbar had no child. After the blessing of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti he was blessed with a male child who became the heir to his throne, he was named Salim (after the name of Sufi Saint Salim) who later become Emperor Jahangir. The tomb "Salim Chisti Ka Mazar" was built in honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar. Earlier it was built with red sand stone but later converted into beautiful marble mauseleum. This was built much later the Fatehpur Sikri Fort was built by Akbar.

The fort is situated at 27° 05' N latitude and 77° 39' E longtitude and a mean altitude of 708 meters above sea level.

Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. During a crisis, the court, harem, and treasury could be removed to Agra, only 26 miles away, less than a day's march.

Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organization, and provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri years.

It is regarded as Emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals. Fatehpur Sikri is a World Heritage Site. Some contemporary Indian architects, notably B. V. Doshi, have cited it as an important source of inspiration. Architect or layperson, this city generally captures the imagination and wonder of all who experience its urban spaces and see its buildings. Charles and Ray Eames, cited Fatehpur Sikri in the landmark 'India Report' that led to the conception of the National Institute of Design, India's premiere design school. It is here, that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or navaratnas, were born. The legendary musician Tansen is said to have performed on an island in the middle of the tank Anup Talao (lit. anup= without metaphor, unmatched). A strong belief comes across from generations that a tunnel from here stretches to delhi and from there to lahore and on the other end to Agra. Due to non maintenance the tunnel had been closed in 1952 at approx 500m. Eventually, it is believed that water sources dried up and the fort had to be abandoned.

Day 2| Agra – Jaipur (by Road 235kms approx)

Early morning go to THE TAJ MAHAL again to see its view in the Dawn. Come back to the hotel and have breakfast, then get driven to Jaipur, the Pink City, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber. Reach there and check in at the hotel. Then go for local sightseeing. Explore the beautiful architecture of HAWA MAHAL, CITY PALACE, BIRLA TEMPLE and JANTAR MANTAR, the go to see the well preserve history in the MUSEUM. After visiting all the tourist places come back to the hotel and get ready to attend the New Year Party in the hotel or around.

Hawa Mahal: Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, Hawa Mahal is the most stunning sight in the city of Jaipur. The palace, part of a huge complex, overlooks one of Jaipur's main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets. Hawa Mahal Jaipur five-story, pyramid-shaped structure is made up of small casements, each with tiny windows and arched roofs with hanging cornices, exquisitely modeled and carved. Its façade makes Hawa Mahal look more like a screen than a palace. Its top three stories are just a single room thick but at the base are two courtyards. It is a fifty-foot high thin shield, less than a foot in thickness, but has over 900 niches and a mass of semi-octagonal bays, carved sandstone grills, finials and domes, which give this palace its unique façade. Hawa Mahal or Hawa Mahal Jaipur is also popular as "Palace of Winds" and it is designed by Lal Chand Usta and this name of the palace is given because Hawa Mahal has about 953 windows through which wind or (hawa) flows and keep the palace cool. Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World and this feature makes it, a special destination for a traveler. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. During the period between 1727 and 1733, Jantar Mantar took its form and structure. Initially Jantar Mantar was named as Yantra Mantra, which means instruments and formulae, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the recognized name. Jantar Mantar has a remarkable collection of architectural astronomical instruments. It portrays noteworthy attempt of the ancestors, who were interested in astronomy and knowledge of celestial bodies. Above all, this observatory still, provides accurate information, which can be compared with today's modern instruments undeniably. The compound instruments, whose settings and shapes are scientifically designed depicts the forte of Medieval Indian Astronomy. Jantar Mantar is wholly constructed with stone and marble. The observatory has fourteen statistical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses and to ascertain other astronomical events. Amongst all the instruments, the Sundial usually attracts the maximum attention of people, which tells the time to an accuracy of about two seconds in local time of Jaipur. Jantar Mantar was carefully renovated in 1901 and was declared a national monument in 1948. Today, Jantar Mantar has become a major tourist attraction in Jaipur.

City Palace: City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were constructed later by the succeeding rulers. A part of the exquisite Palace still makes home for the former Maharaja/ King. The premises consists several buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. One would come across the Mubarak Mahal, as one enters the first square. Mubarak Mahal was built by Sawai Madho Singh in the 19th century to entertain his guests. Today, it has converted into a costume gallery, which displays royal attires of the Kings. After crossing the first square, a beautiful gateway welcomes to Diwan-I-Khas, a hall meant for private audience. It has two sterling silver vessels on display and they are acclaimed to be the world's largest silver vessel. These vessels were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from River Ganga to drink on his trip to England. Diwan-I-Aam, which was meant for public audience, forms the other attraction of this courtyard. At present, it makes an art gallery showcasing enthralling painted ceilings and rare ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures. In the series, Maharani's Palace, which was meant for royal queens, has been converted into a museum, showcasing weapons dated back to 15th century. Chandra Mahal is essentially regarded as the best part, out of the whole tour to City Palace. It has seven stories and each story is known by a different name. The topmost story is known as Mukut Mahal. The wonderful architecture of this Palace with delicate paintings, mirror work on walls and floral decorations, makes it a "must-see" for every visitor. In the present day, this palace serves as the residence of ex-ruler. Badal Mahal stands opposite to Chandra Mahal and while crossing the path, one would find Govind Dev Ji Temple between them. Above all these, the Palace also offers delicacies in its multi cuisine restaurant. To sum up, the City Palace is a structure of historical importance and a souvenir of the regal past. The palace, with its royal grace stands as a symbol of magnificence. All these features of City Palace leave the tourists with no other option, but to visit it.

Day 3 l Jaipur

Day free for leisure, enjoy shopping at Jaipur. Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Birla Temple: Birla Temple forms one of the major attractions of Jaipur. Birla Temple of Jaipur looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night. Birla Mandir, in pure white marble, dominates the skyline of southern part of Jaipur. The enormous temple was built during the year 1988, by Birla Group of Industries, one of the business tycoons of India. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan), the  preserver and his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Due to this reason, Birla Temple is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple. The Birla Mandir is situated just below the renowned Moti Dungri Fort. Built in a contemporary manner, Laxmi Narayan Mandir covers the vast lands of the city of Jaipur. The temple stands erect on a raised platform, at the footsteps of the Moti Dungri Hill. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. The attractive stained windows glass windows of the temple depict scenes from Hindu Mythology. The idols of the temple look so real as if, they would utter a word just now. Amongst all the idols, the marble idol of Ganesha is a masterpiece which looks almost-transparent. The idols of Lord Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi attract the attention, being made out from one piece of marble. The temple also portrays great historical achievers, philosophers and religious saints such as Socrates, Zarathustra, Christ, Buddha, and Confucius. The Laxmi Narayan Mandir is a modern architectural marvel, surrounded by lush green gardens. The fascinating exteriors of the temple are carved splendidly with beautiful sculptures based of mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events. The Birla Temple has a museum too, which showcases the ancestral valuables of the Birla family. Birla Mandir / Laxmi Narayan Temple are a masterpiece of art and tourists should not miss this architectural spiritual heritage on their trip to Jaipur.

Day 4| Jaipur - New  Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an excursion to AMBER FORT in the outskirts of Jaipur. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Enjoy the wonderful carvings and minute mirror work on the walls & ceilings. Else, proceed to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village. It is one its own kind, each of the detailed work in the village tells you about the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. It could be Camel Rides, Elephant Rides, Tonga Rides, Bullock Cart Rides, Bow n Arrows, Turbans or Food, it will make you feel a KING. Dinner and cultural program will be organized for you at Chokhi Dhani. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. After that get driven back to New Delhi as per the schedule of your flight.

 Amber Fort: Amber Fort is located in Amber (Jaipur), which used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, till Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, all-built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes its foreground. The crystal mirror image of the Fort, on the still waters of the lake, seems to be a beautiful illusion. Amber Fort is usually pronounced as Amer Fort. In 1592, construction of the Fort was started by Raja Man Singh I. However, the Amber Fort took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I. The outer appearance of the Fort, being rough and craggy is totally different from its core. The interior of the Fort provides a soothing and warm ambience, which is least expected from its outer appearance. The marvelous decoration of the Amer Fort is influenced by both, the Hindu and Muslim manner of ornamentation. Exquisite paintings of hunting scenes on the walls depict the temperament of the Rajputs, who were adventurous, revolutionary and self-indulgent. The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings simply astonish the visitors. The minute mirror work adds to the grand appearance and royalty of the halls. The Amer Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its artistic quality of delicate work. The mighty walls guarantee the protection of the Fort against the invasion of the enemies. The Fort is divided into four subparts. Kali Temple, which is also known as Shila Devi Temple, forms the part of the Fort. It is renowned for its glorious past, huge silver lions and silver doors. The Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Aam is a pavilion with double row of columns. Ganesh Pol, another feature of the Fort, directs the way to the inhabited apartments of the King. The Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling comprised of mirror work and an inlaid panel.  The Fort has numerous other halls and pavilions with their own specific attraction. The best part of this tourist attraction situated on a crafty hill, is the royal elephant ride. The flawless beauty of the Fort can be enjoyed royally with an elephant ride. Amber/Amer Fort is the part of Jaipur and its royalty. A trip to Jaipur would be definitely incomplete, without the visit to this imperial Fort of Amber.

Chokhi Dhani: Capturing the spirit of Rajasthan and ensuring the perfect Rajasthani experience is Chokhi Dhani, a unique Village Resort. Chokhi Dhani  literally means a “fine hamlet” i.e. a quintessential village that offers an ideal pastoral experience. Away from the urban life the quaint mud and thatch dwellings in the resort give the right blend of traditions - modern amenities in typical ethnic environmen  t. An ideal place for a perfect vacation is Chokhi Dhani Resort and what makes it so?... Without further contemplation it is the multiple facilities fulfilling all needs of guests. Chokhi Dhani has incorporated all that is needed to make a guest’s stay, a memory. Its continual improvement system always maintains the standards. So guests may rest assured that their comfort is in right hands. Chokhi Dhani Resort literally meaning the "Fine Hamlet" is a 5 star Ethnic resort, the only one of its kind in the country. With quaint mud & thatch dwellings set in sprawling acreage of land, it has 65 cottages, 8 Haveli Suits, 4 Conferences Halls, Bindola - the ethnic restaurant, Aarogosa - the multicuisine restaurant, Kesar Kyari - outdoor barbeque, Chaupal, Chandi Mahal Bar, Rhun Jhun - Discotheque cum bar, Kesariya - The Sansha Spa. Embedded with the richness and variety of Rajasthani culture is Kotri, Chokhi Dhani’s Lobby. It brings a churn of the ethnicity that lies in Rajasthan- bamboo net ceilings, mud plastered walls, paintings, murals, beautifully carved furniture and artifacts.

Day 5| New Delhi 

This day early morning proceed as per  your flight schedule get driven to the airport for boarding your onward flight. Optionally, if time will permit, enjoy some shopping around.

Janpath: Janpath Market is situated opposite the famous Connaught Place, in New Delhi. It is the perfect for buying the latest fashion goods at cheap prices. The budget travelers as well as those wanting to flaunt the latest in-things, Janpath of Delhi, India is the place to be. This is one place in the capital city, where you will find more foreign shoppers than Indians shoppers. There are a fair number of showrooms also in this market. However, shopping in Janpath, New Delhi is best done at the numerous stalls that have been put up there. One thing to remember while shopping at Janpath is to bargain as much as you can. There is no limit to how low you can get the prices to be. There is also no dearth of small cafes and restaurants here. So, do visit this place, if not for shopping, then, at least to look at the amazing stuff you can get here. Some of the most popular items at Janpath market are Ethnic dresses, Daily-wear Clothing (right from skirts to jeans to t-shirts and so on), Junk Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Leather Footwear (Jutis, Mojris, Kohlapuris, etc), Embellished Linen, Cotton Garments, Rajasthan vegetable color paintings, Imitation Jewelry, Indian artifacts and Carpets, CDs and DVDs, Furniture, Decorative Items etc.

Chandni Chowk: The antiquity of the main market area of Chandni Chowk has rendered it a venerated place in the markets of Delhi. It is said that it was once lined with beautiful fountains. However, with time, it grew as crowded as it is today. Situated opposite the Red Fort, Chandani Chowk hous  es the Digambar Jain Temple, Fatehpuri Mosque - built by the wives of Shah Jahan - and Sunheri Masjid. It was from here that the troops of Nadir Shah started their mission of plundering and massacring the 'infidels' at Delhi. One of the most prominent wholesale and retail markets of India, Chandni Chowk is more than 300 years old. It was established in 1650, when Mughal Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, as an accompaniment to the fort. Jahanara, the Emperor's favorite daughter, is credited with designing this market, where an arcade of shops was built in a half-moon shape around a pool. It soon budded into a prosperous trading center and branched into a number of by-lanes and soon stretched from the Fort to Fatehpuri Mosque. A canal known as Faiz Nahar, renovated by Ali Mardan Khan, is said to have run through the entire length of Chandni Chowk, providing water for both drinking and irrigation, but it went into disuse later. Besides the Red Fort situated nearby, one can also visit the famous Chawri Bazaar. It is one of the narrowest, busiest and most prosperous trading centers of Delhi, dealing in iron and hardware, paper, utensils of brass, copper and stainless steel. You can see traditional framework of Chandni Chowk consisting of 'Havelis', 'Kuchas' & 'Katras'. Visit the seven major Hindu and Jain temples, two Churches, three Mosques and two Gurudwaras in the area. These places of worship include Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Shish Ganj, Gauri Shankar temple and Sunahari Masjid.

Day 06: Srinagar

Early morning after having breakfast, as per the schedule of your flight proceed towards airport for Srinagar. Meet our representative at Srinagar airport. Meet & greet and transfer by to Houseboat. Welcome drink on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner & Overnight in the houseboat.

Day 07: Srinagar

After breakfast visit the Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) & Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love). In the afternoon enjoy a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake. Dinner & Overnight at the houseboat.

Day 08: Srinagar - Sonmarg ( 2 ½ hrs.) 

After breakfast pack your bags for your next mesmerizing destination, that is Sonmarg.... Check in the hotel, day free for leisure. Dinner and over night stay at the hotel.

Sonmarg tour... which is one of the most beautiful place in  Kashmir. You may take a pony ride (at your own cost) to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Return to the hotel by the evening for dinner & overnight stay.  

Day 10 Sonmarg - Gulmarg(5 hrs.)

After breakfast proceed for the next destination - Gulmarg ... You can enjoy a pony ride and also enjoy Gondola ride (cable car) to Kangdori/Alpatar (at your own cost)day free for your leisure at Gulmarg. Also, have lunch in the hotel, as it iis there in your package. Overnight stay at hotel in Gulmarg.

Day completely free for leisure……

Day 09: Gulmarg

Day completely free for leisure… overnight stay at Gulmarg.

Day 10 : Gulmarg - Pahalgam ( 4 ½  hrs.)

After breakfast transfer to Pahalgam. On arrival check in to the hotel. After Lunch time free at leisure. You may go for walks or pony ride to one of the many beautiful spots around Pahalgam (at your own cost. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 11 : Pahalgam

Day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Pahalgam.

Day 12 : Pahalgam - Srinagar  Airport – New Delhi Airport

After breakfast, Rest of the day at leisure, else, as per the schedule of your flight / train. Transfer by car to Srinagar airport for departure to next destination. In New Delhi, our representative will drop you at New Delhi railway station for your train to Banares.