Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge, and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 1.5 miles northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers, and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.
Arrive at Delhi’s Airport. Welcome to India!
Upon arrival at the airport meet our agent ambassador who will escort you to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Delhi.
Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to the 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
India is a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and religions, all of which coexist happily together. The whole country celebrates each religions’ festivals and particularly in the south, they can intermingle. It is not uncommon for Christians to stop and offer puja at a Hindu temple or for Hindus to join their friends at a Church Festival. Hinduism has many Gods; Sufism and the Sikhs don’t idolize any. It can be confusing but, on this tour, we will introduce you briefly to each religion, take you to the place of worship and give you a crash course in the idiosyncrasies of each one. Visit the Birla Temple and be blessed by the priest, stop by the Sacred Heart Cathedral built-in 1929. Next visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, where they feed thousands of devotees every day and can volunteer in the kitchens.
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After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit Lutyens New Delhi. New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920’s -it’s a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks, and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King’s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi’s eight cities -New Delhi. Lutyens designed an “Imperial City” having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal-style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.
Visit two monuments from Delhi’s past -Qutub Minar(Historical construction of a landmark in 1199, Qutub-Ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 47 feet it tapers to 5 feet at a height of 238 feet) & Humayun’s tomb(This tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun’s wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The emperor’s wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built in the center of a well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra).
Your drive also takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate(At the center of New Delhi stands the 138 feet high India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triomphe” like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. It’s almost like its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North-western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens), President House(The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen) and the Parliament House(This is a symbol of Indian democracy).
Later proceed for a specially curated Gandhi experience which follows the evocative journey of a shy man and his transformation into a resilient and potent leader against discrimination. This experience retraces the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
Optional Experiences:
The Fall & Rise of Dilli – Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Wander about a tranquil location that easily qualifies as one of the largest green expanses in the capital city. A morning stroll at Mehrauli Archaeological Park covers a historic site dotted with spectacular monuments from different eras, scattered all over 200 acres of lush greenery. Indulge in delightful anecdotes while walking across Qutub Minar’s lesser-known neighbor.
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Today after a very light breakfast at the hotel proceed for a culinary experience.
A food walk curated and led by a renowned Chef through crowded markets of Old Delhi, a unique chance to understand and savor street food available in Delhi from some of the oldest food places in the city. During the walk, we will visit 6-9 different food joints, each one of which is in business for decades, some being as old as 120 years. We will walk through some landmark markets, lively markets, ride rickshaws, walk a bit, and stuff ourselves with the delicious street food of Old Delhi.
What makes the Experience special is that it’s led by a local chef, which gives you an insider’s view of the city’s food culture, food joints, kitchens, and related businesses. On the course of the walk, we try out about 12-15 dishes from 6-9 different places.
Post food tour, proceed to visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India (Masjid will be closed during praying hours). After this visit, hop on to your rickshaws and enter the colorful, narrow alleys and gullies of Old Delhi. Discover the gems of the main street of Chandni Chowk. Then proceed into busy streets which are forever bustling with the clamor and routine of daily trade, offering a glimpse of life back in the day and age when the city started as a commercial hub. Proceed to the Kinari Bazaaror wedding market where one can buy all the paraphernalia required for an Indian wedding. At night, the gold and silver decorated borders, laces, and colorful embellishments in this lane twinkle, glitter, and shine, casting flirtatious looks upon innocent passers-by. Visit Asia’s largest spice market, where spices, which in times gone by were once so valuable that they caused invasions and fierce battles, is still traded! Here you will also drive past Red Fort the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire.
Later in the evening proceed to visit the famous mausoleum of this city – Nizamuddin Dargah
Hazrat Shaikh Khwaja Syed Muhammad Nizamuddin Auliya R.A (1238 –3 April 1325) also known as Hazrat Nizamuddin, was a famous Sufi saint of the Chishti Order in the Indian Subcontinent, an order that believed in drawing close to God through renunciation of the world and service to humanity. He is one of the great saints of the Chishti order in India. His predecessors were Fariduddin Ganjshakar, Bakhtiyar Kaki, and Moinuddin Chishti. In that sequence, they constitute the initial spiritual chain or silsila of the Chishti order, widely prevalent in the Indian subcontinent.
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Today morning you will be transferred to the Railway station to board the train for Agra.
Agra -At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th& 17th centuries, was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce, and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city’s origins are, dim but Akbar’s grandfather Babur is credited with Agra’s founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth-century reign of Shah Jehan, the mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.
Assistance on arrival and proceed to visit Agra Fort.
Visit the impressive Agra Fort, where you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle-bustle of everyday India.
Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge, and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 1.5 miles northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers, and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India.
After the sightseeing transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Spend your afternoon at the hotel and later proceed for a walking tour, a 1-2 hour walk exploring the village and meeting the villages who live in the shadow of the Taj Mahal.
It is a wonderful, unique, and interactive experience that gives a rare ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse of the world’s most famous tourist attraction. Take a walk through Kachhpura Village which is in the shadow of the Taj Mahal with one of the village boys. He will show you the lesser-known heritage monuments of Humayun’s Mosque and Gyaraha Sidi, and walk you through this historic settlement where you can meet its people, and discover their way of life as agriculturists next to the Taj. Enjoy tea and pakoras on the rooftop of a village house overlooking the monument and see how creating this experience has benefited the local community. The walk ends at Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Garden which has exceptional views of the Taj Mahal. The money generated from this tour is used to put sanitation in the village, educate women, and provide initiatives for children.
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Wake up early morning today to witness Taj at sunrise.
That magnificent monument of love -The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori’s hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction, and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.
Note: Taj Mahal remains closed every Friday.
Return to hotel for breakfast and after some rest proceed to visit and volunteer with Wildlife SOS Bear Sanctuary.
The Agra bear rescue center is the largest Sloth Bear rescue facility in the world housing over 250 sloth bears who have all been rescued from their lives of torture as dancing bears that used to ply the villages and highways of the region. The visit includes a personal guided tour of the facility including a video presentation of the ‘dancing bears’ and a short talk on bear conservation and its challenges in India. Interact with the bear keepers and learn about the unique habits of the bears, their rehabilitation, and their new world of play, foraging, feeding, and digging. This is truly one of India wildlife’s success stories and is a heart-warming experience.
On your way back to the hotel stop for an enlightening trip to the Sheroes cafe. The Sheroes here, are women who have fought to survive after an acid attack -a debilitating blow to their appearance and self-esteem. These women are on the way to becoming true fighters, with the courage to live, work, and walk freely, forcing society to re-evaluate its beliefs about beauty and appearance. This cafe is solely run by acid attack survivors from various backgrounds and levels of experience.
While this project has various impacts, the project has a model of a café / lounge because it promotes social integration as well. People from various sections of society come to have a drink or read a book at Sheroes Hangout but at the same time, they can also acknowledge the proximity and severity of acid attack cases in India.
Also taste a popular traditional sweet of Agra called Petha.
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After breakfast at the hotel drive to Bharatpur and visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri – The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Fatehpur Sikri is the most popular day excursion from Agra, the city of Taj and capital of invincible Mughals for a long time.
Today, as one enters Sikri from the Agra Gate, one of the nine gateways on the way to the palace complex, Diwan-I-Aam, or the hall of public audience appears first. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations made, ambassadors received, and entertainment programs held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
After the sightseeing transfer to Railway station to board the train for Ranthambore.
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980, it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition of neighboring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total area of the national park stands at 515 sq miles. But the entire park – the core area is just 152 sq miles is not open to the public. The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills, and open valleys with lakes and pools.
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Early this morning proceed to enjoy a game drive with the naturalist in the Jungle to see wildlife by non-A/c Open Jeep on a Private basis. Return to the hotel for Breakfast by 10:00 AM.
Later in the afternoon proceed again to enjoy another game drive in the National Park by jeep.
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Today, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Dastkar Ranthambore Project. In 1981, six women came together to start an organization that dealt with the problems of traditional artisans in contemporary India. They all shared the belief that craft, despite the strains of urbanization and industrialization, is still viable, with a vital role to play in the economic mainstream of the country. Whilst, the roots of all craft traditions are based on social, cultural, or religious customs, one must remember that craft is an important economic activity and the second-largest source of income for rural people in India today.
After the visit, continue to drive to Jaipur after sightseeing and check-in at the hotel on arrival.
Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid-out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound.
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Today, proceed to visit Govind Dev temple to attend the morning aarti, witness the crowd of more than 100 people chanting in sync during the aarti.
After the Aarti ceremony, proceed to visit the inspiring Amber Fort en-route visit the vegetable and milk market.
Amber Fort, 7 miles from Jaipuris a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered.
After the Amer, the visit proceed to explore the sleepy town of Amber, dotted with numerous historic temples, Havelis, and a fascinating stepwell that is older than the famous fort and complex.
Visit Jagat Shiromani Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is decorated with beautiful frescos featuring characters from Hindu mythology. Jagat Shrimoni Temple was constructed by Shri Kankawatiji, Maharani of Maharaja Man Singh in 1601, in commemoration of her beloved son Maharaja Kumar Jagat Singhji who died two years previously. Locally available stone and white marble was used to construct this stunning temple, which is built in the south Indian style. The carvings depict trumpeting elephants and horses scenes from Puranas, as well as some scenes depicting everyday life.
Ambikeshwar Temple, this ancient Shiva temple is believed to be older than Amber and it is said that every year the Shiva linga is sinking deeper into the ground, a fact which cannot be explained by geological reasoning.
Purani Haveli, one of the largest Havelis of the town which is still occupied despite now lies largely in ruins. Panna Miah Kund, a beautifully restored stepwell that was built by one of Jai Singh’s eunuchs.
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing is situated in a beautifully restored mansion from the 16th century. Housing an excellent collection of both traditional and contemporary textiles made using a variety of different techniques. There is a workshop where visitors can watch demonstrations of block printing and even have a go themselves.
After the sightseeing rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Spend some time in the city’s crowded and colorful bazaars that sell a wide variety of artisan goods and semi-precious stones, which are the local specialty.
Optional Experience: Hot Air Ballooning over Amer Fort
Wake up early morning today and drive to Amer, 7 miles from Jaipur, take a Hot Air Balloon flight.
Indulge in the lifestyle pleasure of drifting with the wind over the panorama of Amber Fort. You will fly over villages & Amber Fort. They’ll give you a flight of joy that you’d want to experience repeatedly. You will see the world from a completely new perspective, sailing with the wind during your flight.
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Today after breakfast at the hotel proceed for a private tour of the City Palace, enter the Palace through Tripolia Gate which is used only by the members of the Royal Family of Jaipur. Visit the exclusive rooms of the private residence and enjoy champagne at Sukh Niwas Terrace at the end of the tour.
Also, visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes, and processions, visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD).
Included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) -a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes, and spires.
Later proceed to explore the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur on these uniquely designed, eco-friendly e-rickshaw rides through the city. Driven by smart, enthusiastic, and well-trained women, all from low-income households, this exciting ride by the Pink City Rickshaw Company offers the best sights and sounds of Jaipur while also providing a new source of income to these women. With a stylized collapsible canopy, ergonomically designed seats, mechanical improvements for greater safety, city maps, guidebooks, mobile phone charging station, and even a locker, the ride itself is a unique experience.
After the rickshaw ride, proceed to visit the spice market in the Old City. Criss-crossing narrow lanes, tiny shops spilling with colorful wares, people haggling for a better deal. Welcome to the bazaars of India. You can find them everywhere, and even juxtaposed against high rises and glitzy malls; these bazaars fiercely hold their own. Care to try the fiery tears-in-the-eyes signature Indian spice mixes? We begin this tour of Jaipur from the Spice market. This market is also home to spice mixes so authentic, which the pickiest grandma would approve. Here, you can not only buy the spices but can also get them dry roasted and ground into the masala mix of your choice before your own eyes. It’s not uncommon to see ladies patiently waiting, with a bagful of spices and a recipe that has been handed down for generations.
Later in the evening learn the art of turban and saree tying at a local Indian family home along with a cooking demo & dinner.
The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ or ‘The guest is truly your god’ are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honored if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meager food with guests. And of importance is the Indian woman’s pride that she will not let a guest go away unfed or unhappy from her home. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited.
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After breakfast check out and drive to Gurugram.
On arrival in Gurugram, check-in at the hotel, and start your visit with Kingdom of Dreams.
Get ready for India’s unique, new age ‘LIVE’ entertainment destination presented in a World-class setting: Bollywood musicals, stage shows, theater, performing arts, culture, heritage, crafts, cuisine, shopping, and more…all under the same roof!!
Spread across almost 6 acres of land, the Kingdom of Dreams is a unique concept and promises a multi-dimensional experience of India’s art, cuisine, culture, heritage, crafts, and performing arts, integrated at one location and on a scale never quite envisaged before while incorporating state-of-the-art technological wizardry comparable to the best in the world. Ideally located at the apex of the golden triangle of Jaipur, Agra & Delhi, this is where the carnival that is India is distilled into one iconic destination.
Within the Kingdom of Dreams, three distinct domains will welcome domestic and international patrons alike –Culture Gully, Nautanki Mahal, and Showshaa theater each offering unique live entertainment propositions.
Nautanki Mahal:
Palace styled & India’s first state-of-the-future 839 seat auditorium sporting cutting edge technology & visual effects is the Jewel in the Crown of the Kingdom, where an opulent, cinematic theatrical experience of the World’s biggest Bollywood long-playing musical show is being staged daily (except on Mondays). Famous names from the Indian film industry collaborate to create this electrifying, on-stage magnum opus spectacle. This is also an exclusive & upscale address for daytime meetings & corporate events like dramatic & sensational product launches.
Cultural Gully:
Welcome to a carnival that is India! Exotic, pan-Indian art, crafts & cuisine boulevard, Culture Gully is indeed a kaleidoscope experience of India’s unique diversity –in one street. Visit a quaint tavern in Goa; imbibe the spirit of Kerala’s backwaters all while savoring authentic Indian cuisine, crafts, and culture. A Gourmet’s paradise, this unique ‘cultural district’ is a lavish, air-conditioned indoor street that recreates landmarks of the country. Here you can indulge in a leisurely walk across the breadth of India & take back home a lifetime of memories
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After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination.
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Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on deluxe accommodation
Price excluding international and domestic flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!
