TRADITIONAL INDIA TOUR

Tour Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days

This tour too is ideal for a first time visitor to India, visiting some of the best known culturally rich and historically important sights of India. Your journey starts in India's capital - Delhi, a bustling metropolis with a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern. You then travel to Agra, home of the world's most famous monument of love - the Taj Mahal. Your tour then takes you through the desert state of Rajasthan, where you visit the colorful "Pink city" of Jaipur, the "blue city" of Jodhpur and the "Venice of the East"Udaipur, before returning to Delhi in time for some last minute shopping or in time for your flight home.
Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
You will be met at the airport by Pan India Tourism representative and transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in formalities. 

Delhi is the capital of India, and its third largest city.  Delhi consists of two parts – New Delhi, the city created in 1911 as the imperial capital of India by the British and the Old Delhi, the Muslim capital of India between the 17th and 19th centuries. In fact there have been at least eight cities on the site of modern Delhi – the earliest known settlement, Indraprastha, featured in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. Though not always the capital, Delhi has always been an important city of northern region of the subcontinent. 

Overnight in Delhi.
Day 02 – In Delhi
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi.  Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

Red Fort: Derived from a Hindi word Lal, which means red and Quila which means fort. It is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon, surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 kms in circumference and is built of red sandstone. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate, which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market. The fort has Diwan – e – Am (hall for public audience); Diwan – e – Khas (hall for private audience); Rang Mahal (a water-cooled apartment of royal ladies); Pearl mosque, built of white marble. 

Jama Masjid: In Old Delhi, an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, is the country’s largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offers prayers even today. It was built in 1658. The flight of stairs and its large courtyard are marvels of architecture. 

Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): It is the colourful main street and shopping bazaar of Old Delhi and is today one of the country’s best known wholesale market for textiles, electronic goods and watches.  The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s favourite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of the time. Around the area is the famed Paranthawale Gali, known for its delicious paranthas, Dariba Kalan, the gold market and well-known sweetmeats shops.

Raj Ghat : On the banks of river Yamuna, a simple square  platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. A commemorative ceremony takes place each Friday, the day he was killed.

Birla Mandir: Close to Connaught Place, it was built by the industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in 1938.  The temple is an important prayer site and contains idols of several deities.

India Gate:  This 42 meter high, free standing arch was built in 1931.It was originally called All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all along the walls of the arch.  In 1971, the eternal flame was lit here to honour the Amar Jawan (Immortal Soldier).

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House): It is the official residence of President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. 

Humayun’s Tomb: It was built by Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) in 1565 – 66, nine years after his death. 

Qutub Minar: This magnificent structure in the southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab – ud – din Aibak in 1199 A.D. Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters high and has as its base a mosque.

Bahai’s Temple: It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith and is visible from several spots in South Delhi. It is a lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name.

Overnight in Delhi.
Day 03 – Drive Delhi - Agra (220 kms/04 hrs)
After early breakfast, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Agra. 

Agra, situated on the bank of Yamuna River, is home to India’s most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries and its superb monuments date from this era

On arrival at Agra hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check in formalities.

Later in the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken a guided sightseeing tour of Agra. Tour includes visits following places of interest:

Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal who died during the birth of her child in 1631. The construction is said to have taken 22 years to complete, starting from 1631, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. Artisans and experts were brought from France and Italy and the main architect was from Iran. 

Agra Fort: Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna river was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and it was to be predominantly a military structure until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more palatial accommodations. There are a number of exquisite buildings within its portals such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was held captive by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan – e – Am,  Diwan – e – Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal. 

Overnight in Agra.
Day 04 - Drive Agra - Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Jaipur. Stop enroute at Fatehpur Sikri for guided tour of this ancient capital.

Fatehpur Sikri: the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar approximately 35 kms outside Agra. Built in the 16th century, this city was abandoned 12 years later due to a scarcity of water. The entire city of Red sand stone (sand stone palaces and temples) is virtually intact and a site worth seeing is the 54 m high main entrance -- The Buland Darwaza, The gate of victory constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. 

After the visit, continue your drive to Jaipur. 

Jaipur - is the capital of Rajasthan, and known as the “Pink City” because of the pink colored buildings in its old city.  It is situated on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was careful to cultivate good favour with the ruling Mughals, he laid out the city with rectangular blocks according to ancient Hindu architecture. It is a wonderful city for shopping.

On arrival at Jaipur hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check in formalities.

Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 05 - In Jaipur
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber.  Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

Hawa Mahal (Palace of winds): Built by Maharaja Sawaj Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks, the facade of which is all pink windows and filigree screens. It was originally built to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. 

City Palace: It is still the home of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur housing an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. 

Jantar Mantar (Observatory): It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. At first glance, Jantar Mantar appears to be a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and azimuths, and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial with its 27 meter high gnomon.  The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meter an hour. 

Amber Fort:  The Amber Fort is situated 11 kms away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake, which reflects its terraces and ramparts. The climb to the fort is on gaily-bedecked elephants.
Overnight in Jaipur 
Day 06 – Drive Jaipur – Jodhpur (330 kms/07 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Jodhpur.

Jodhpur - Jodhpur is known as the 'blue city' because of its blue houses. The bustling desert city of Jodhpur stands at the edge of the Thar Desert and is the second largest city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city is distinguished by a massive fort that tops a sheer rocky ridge rising in the middle of the town. The old city is still surrounded by a 10 km long wall, built about a century after Jodhpur was founded. Eight gates lead out of the old city and there are plenty of fascinating walks through the jumble of winding streets Founded in  1459 by Rao Jodha, the chief of a Rajput clan known as Rathores, Jodhpur was the capital of the Rathore kingdom and was called Marwar. 

On arrival at Jodhpur hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check in formalities.

No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day enjoying the hotel facilities or exploring the city on your own. 
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 07 - In Jodhpur
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

Mehrangarh Fort: Perched on a high hill, it takes five kilometres by a winding road to reach Mehrangarh - considered by many as the most impressive fort in the fort-studded Rajasthan. Originally built by Maharaja Jodha Rao, the fort was added to by successive rulers of Marwar. Of the seven massive gates to the fort, a few like Jayapol and Fatehpol were commemorative structures built to celebrate the Marwar rulers' victories over various enemies. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. Entered through Surajpol, the Jodhpur Museum houses an excellent collection of artifacts of Rajasthan. 

Jaswant Thaada: While in Jodhpur, remember to visit this white marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
An interesting walk around the colourful Sadar market and the Clock Tower is the best way of exploring the heart of the city. You could also sample the culinary delights of Jodhpur apart from visiting the famous antique shops of Jodhpur.
Rest of the day is at leisure and can be spent enjoying the hotel facilities or exploring the city on your own. 
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 08 – Drive Jodhpur – Udaipur (275 kms / 6 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check out formalities. You will then start your drive to Udaipur. 

Udaipur - Udaipur, the famed 'city of sunrise', was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a fearless Rajput king. This languid lake city with its fantasies in marble, picturesque hibiscus-covered gardens and elaborate fountain pavilions, embodies the glory of the Rajput era. Like many other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is the legacy of an honour-bound race that loved the good things in life - and often gave up their lives defending them.

On arrival at Udaipur hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check in formalities

Overnight in Udaipur.
Day  09 – In Udaipur
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:

City Palace:  The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection of glass, porcelain figures and miniature paintings. 

Jagdish Temple: It is located only 150 mts from the city palace is the famous Jagdish Temple. This fine Indo-Aryan Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 and enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe. A brass image of the Garuda is in a shrine in front of the temple.

Saheliyon Ki Bari: The Saheliyon ki bari or the garden of the Maids of Honour, is in the north of the city. It is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool.

Lake Pichola: Deriving its name from Pichali village, it is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. There are two island palaces, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. The former was the summer residence of princes of Mewar and has now been converted into a hotel. Jag Mandir is built of red sandstone with a marble dome.  Evening enjoyboat cruise on Lake Pichola - the shimmering waters of the Lake combined with the City Palace in the background, serve as a magical way to end your day in Udaipur.

Rest of the day is at leisure and can be spent enjoying the hotel facilities or exploring the city on your own. 

Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 10 - Fly  Udaipur -  Delhi
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities. You will then be transferred to airport in time to board flight for Delhi.

You will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to the hotel and assisted with check in formalities.
Rest of the day is at leisure and can be spent enjoying the hotel facilities or exploring the city on your own. 

Overnight in Delhi.
Day 11 – Depart Delhi
Morning at leisure. Afternoon, you are met by our representative at your hotel and assisted with checkout formalities, followed by transfer to airport in time for your flight home.

Period	Standard	Elite	Luxury
01st Oct to 15th April	Us$1364 Per Pax	Us$ 1771 Per Pax	Us$ 3034 Per Pax
16th Apr to 30th Sept	Us$ 1256 Per Pax	Us$ 1406 Per Pax	Us$ 2377 Per Pax
Domestic airfare	Us$ 130 Per Pax	Us$ 130 Per Pax	Us$ 130 Per Pax
Cities	Standard	Deluxe	Elite
Delhi	The Connaught	The Claridges	Taj Palace
Agra	Howard Plaza	Taj Gateway	ITC Mughal
Jaipur	Shahpura House / Alsisar Haveli	Lemon Tree Premier	Jai Mahal Palace
Jodhpur	Karni Bhawan	Ajit Bhawan	Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal
Udaipur	Amet Haveli	Trident	Taj Lake Palace

Small supplements may apply for travel between 23rd October and 30th October, 05th November and 20th November, 20th December and 05th January and during the month of February. 
Note: All the figures quoted above are nett Per Pax in US Dollars.

Inclusions:

• Accommodation on twin sharing, bed & breakfast  basis at the selected categories of hotels.
• Ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary using an air-conditioned car.

Sightseeing tours as per the above itinerary alongwith an English speaking guide and including entrance fees to the monuments.