Delhi

Welcome to Incredible India! 

Delhi, the soul of India and a mélange of cultures encapsulates two very different worlds, the “old’ and the “new” giving a feel of both ancient and modern India.

The city is nestled in the lap of the majestic Yamuna River and presents the soul of India in its true self. Over a thousand years, it has wooed rulers, fascinated plunderers, and tried historians with details. Even today, Delhi preserves an enviable heritage; it’s a city always on the move. The city is sprinkled with captivating ancient monuments, picturesque gardens, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing arts scene, and some of the subcontinent’s best restaurants. This city of contrasts is a treasure trove for tourists.

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your our local representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and either choose to relax or enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: None

Accommodation: WelcomHotel Dwarka

Delhi

Breakfast this morning will be at the hotel. After, proceed for a full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.

Introduction to Delhi starts with a heritage walk to Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) visiting Red Fort, Jama Mosque, Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat. In the 17th century, the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, made his capital in Shahjahanabad, the area that broadly covers present-day Old Delhi, also called the walled city.

Jama Mosque is the largest and most well-known mosque in India. It is flanked by Red Fort on one side and old city Chandni Chowk on another side. Built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the Jama Masjid is one of the most crowded destinations in Delhi for pilgrims and tourists. It is a great place for Muslim pilgrimage. There are three entrances to the Courtyard- on the East, North and South. Since the mosque is laid on a hillock, the steps climbing up to this are steep. The eastern gate has 774 steps.

Chandni Chowk is the oldest marketplace of Old Delhi. The origin of Chandni Chowk dates back to the Mughal era in Indian history. According to legends, the Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and was designed by Jahanara-Emperor Shah Jahan's favorite daughter. Today this market is considered to be one of the busiest markets in the world.

Raj Ghat lies on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. It also houses two museums dedicated to Gandhi. At the Gandhi Memorial Museum, you can watch a documentary on the life of this noble soul and the philosophy of the Sarvodaya Movement.

The British Empire established their capital in New Delhi with much fanfare in 1911. King Edward of Britain came to Delhi and designated the leading British Architect, Edward Lutyens’s, with the task of building the new capital in Delhi. Lutyens’s Delhi primarily consists of the administrative area of the capital, India Gate and the Viceroy’s House (which is now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan). A visit to Delhi is incomplete without going to Lutyens’s Delhi which one can say, is the place where the Central Government of India currently resides and works from.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is located near the main Connaught Place. It has developed into a center of pilgrimage for thousands of people every day. People from various religions, castes and places visit this holy place. A bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh of Amber (Jaipur) is now the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The 8th Guru Sri Har Kishan Ji had been here as a guest of Raja Jai Singh. He left for his heavenly abode on October 6, 1661 AD. 

Later, you will visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. 

Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. This magnificent garden tomb was built in 1565, nine years after the death of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, by his widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure are garden squares with walkways, water channels and a mausoleum with a double dome in the center. Humayun’s Tomb is often considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal owing to the stylistic similarity of its structures.

Qutab Minar, with a height of 234 feet is considered as the tallest individual tower in the world. It is one of the many masterpieces that depicted the sheer brilliance of the Mughal architects of those times. It was constructed under the rule of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199. It is surrounded by other ancient monuments which are collectively called the Qutub complex.

At the conclusion of your full-day tour, you will be returned to your hotel and the remainder of the evening is yours at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: WelcomHotel Dwarka

Delhi Agra (220KM)

After breakfast, you will travel by road to Agra.

Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marble, Agra thrives as one of the tourist destinations in India. The city is known for its superb inlay work on marble by craftsmen supposedly with a lineage dating back to the Mughals. Agra’s handicrafts also include carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Upon arrival in Agra, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can check in.

Later today, your guide will arrange with you to visit Agra Fort.

The Agra Fort is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with a number of richly decorated buildings encompassing the imposing Mughal style of art and architecture. The fort contains a maze of buildings forming a small city within a city. The Agra Fort offers great views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna.

After your visit, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Mercure Agra

Agra Ranthambore National Park (260KM)

Early this morning you will beat the crowds and visit the Taj Mahal to see the sun rise over this magical place.

Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World that symbolizes the love of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting place.

Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. It was completed in 1653 AD, it is believed that it took nearly 22 years to complete the grandeur palace. There are 22 small domes over the Taj Mahal, denoting the same. To experience the beauty of this architectural marvel, it needs to be viewed at different times of the day and year. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight.

You will then return to your hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, drive to Ranthambore.

The Ranthambore National Park was once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of south-eastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. At present, the national park is a part of Project Tiger and is one of the few places in the world, where over 300 species of birds and wildlife such as tigers, leopards, nilgai, black buck and Indian black boar graze with gay abandon. Visiting Ranthambore is a dream of every wildlife enthusiast; the park is renowned for tigers and is one of the best places in India to see the majestic species.

Upon arrival in Ranthambore, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jungle Vilas

Ranthambore National Park

Early morning and afternoon, enjoy an exclusive jungle safari by 4x4 jeep.

Jeep Safari is the best way to explore the Ranthambore National Park. You would be accompanied by the very best naturalist guides. There are two safaris each day in Ranthambore National Park, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. It is very easy to chance upon a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambhar around the lakes.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jungle Vilas

Ranthambore National Park Jaipur (260KM)

After breakfast, you will travel byroad to Jaipur. 

Adorned with pink sandstone palaces, majestic forts and verdant green gardens against a scenic backdrop of the Aravali hills, Jaipur represents the charm of India’s rich past and the sophistication of a flourishing metropolis. The city of Jaipur was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 AD and is commonly known as the ‘Pink City” because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the walled city. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani Jewelry, fabrics and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure –trove for shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition. 

Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton

Jaipur

After breakfast, proceed to visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort.

Amer Fort, also spelled and pronounced as Amber Fort is located in Amer, 11 Km from Jaipur. The Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. The construction of the fort was started by Man Singh I in 1592. The fort boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

Take a photo stop near ‘Jal Mahal’. Jal Mahal, also known as ‘Water Palace’ is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber.

Continue the tour with a visit to the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. Later, explore the vibrant local market, popularly known as Bapu Bazar.

The City Palace is the former residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. It is located in the heart of the walled city. The huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The palace also has a museum of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II where on display are a wide array of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Banarasi Silk sarees, Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery.

Drive past the magnificent Hawa Mahal and walk through the old bazaar of Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal is perhaps the most well-known architectural landmark of Jaipur. An imposing structure in the city’s signature pink color, Hawa Mahal is a unique palace as it does not have any rooms or halls. It is a five-storeyed structure embellished with numerous little windows and balconies. It was designed as a viewing gallery for the women of the royal household, the windows and balconies of this palace feature delicate latticework that is astonishing in detail and level of craftsmanship.

Your evening will be at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton

Jaipur (Holi Celebrations)

After breakfast, get ready to participate in the celebration of Holi, the festival of colours!

Holi is the most cheerful of all Hindu festivals, observed all over North India. It heralds the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of 'good' over 'bad'. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. It is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature, and renewed hope of happiness and peaceful coexistence. On this day, people hug and wish each other. Spraying colors, dancing to traditional Holi songs, rhythmic drum beats, and wild processions are the common scenes that one comes across during this festival.

The festive celebrations will include: 

•  White Kurta (Shirt) and Pyjama (loose Trousers) as traditional attire for celebration
• Welcome Drink (Non-Alcoholic Beverages)
• Organic dry Colours for the celebrations
• Snacks, soft drinks and local delicacies during the celebrations with Live Traditional Music
• Buffet Lunch after celebrations

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton

Jaipur Delhi (260KM) Australia

After breakfast, travel by road to Delhi and then you will be transferred to New Delhi International Airport to board your flight home or your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast and Inflight Menu

Australia

Welcome Home! We hope you had an amazing experience in Incredible India experiencing Holi as well as seeing the Taj Mahal, Tigers and so much more!