Locations: DELHI - AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - JAIPUR - DELHI

Introduction:
Combine a tour of the famous "Golden Triangle" with the exuberant festivities of Diwali - India's biggest festival Diwali, known as the "Festival of Lights", it is the biggest festival of the year in India. This five day festival commemorates the victory of good over evil and is an occasion for prosperity and family togetherness. If you're wondering what to do for Diwali celebrations, join a family celebrating the festival.


October / November
 

Early morning, arrive Delhi . Meeting and assitance on arrival and garlanding of group members. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation will be booked from the previous day to ensure immediate occupancy upon arrival.

Delhi, India's capital city, with a thousand years of history is a city of contrasts that combines a unique ambience of the ancient and the modern. An orderly plan of wide roads lined with sturdy colonial buildings, which was established soon after the imperial capital of British India moved here from Calcutta in 1911.

After lunch at your hotel, proceed for sightseeing of New Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar, Sikh temple and drive past diplomatic enclave, Parliament House, India Gate and President Estate.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel
 

Morning, sightseeing of Old Delhi. In Old Delhi drive past Red Fort- Built in 1648, this sprawling fort of red sand stones along the river Yamuna is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference and Chandni Chowk- the crowded bazaar (silver street ) of old Delhi. Take a rickshaw ride at Chandni Chowk. Visit Jama Masjid, Built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, the Jama Masjid is the largest and one of the most magnificent mosques in India and Raj Ghat memorial of Mahatma Gandhi , Father of the Nation.

Thereafter proceed to a city restaurant for an Indian Lunch. Post lunch, return to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel
 

Morning, after breakfast at your hotel, drive to Agra (210 km / 5 hrs). On arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna and is famous the world over as "the City of Taj".

After lunch at your hotel, proceed for sightseeing. Visit Taj Mahal one of the seven wonders of the World. Built by Shah Jahan (Mughal Emperor) for his beloved wife Mumtaz. Thereafter proceed to Agra Fort, built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings.

Dinner & overnight at your hotel
 

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri (232kms / 7 hrs approx with Fatehpur Sikri sightseeing). Fatehpur Sikri, built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid.

After the sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri, stop for a hot lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur.

On arrival in Jaipur, check-in at your hotel.

Jaipur, The rose pink capital of Rajasthan is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts. Enclosed by battle scarred walls, the city was built early in the eighteenth century. Jaipur is aptly called the "Pink City of India". It takes its name from the famous Maharana Sawai Jai Singh, who founded the city in 1728. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen skilled in the art of cutting precious stones and is famed for its garnets and rubies. It is equally well known for brass inlay work, lacquer work and the printing of muslin.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel
 

Morning, sightseeing of City Palace. This is in the heart of the old city and is the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Even today.the City Palace is the principal residence of the ruling family. Also visit Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. It houses complex instruments with different settings and shapes. Also visit the local bazaar.

Evening, we will visit an Indian family to celebrate Diwali with them.

While there's plenty of evidence of Diwali on the streets, it's indoors, amongst Indian families, that the really meaningful celebrations take place. It is here were you will get a real insight into Indian culture. People usually wear new clothes on Diwali, so if you're a woman, it's a great reason to buy an Indian dress and dress up too! If you'd like to join in the gift giving, your hosts would really appreciate some sweets or chocolates.

We will be having an Indian vegetarian dinner with the family tonight.

Overnight at the hotel.
 

After an early breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Amer Fort, the former capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs on a hillside overlooking Maotha lake, 11 km from Jaipur on the Delhi - Jaipur road. Also have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.

En route , photo stop at Hawa Mahal or, Palace of Winds. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

After lunch, drive back to Delhi (260 km / 6 hrs). On arrival, check-in at your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

In time transfer to the international terminal to board flight for home.