Golden Triangle with Amritsar

Top India Trips Representative will receive you on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Delhi, India’s capital is a city built in layers. Over millennia, with the city as epicenter, great empires have risen and fallen, one built atop the remains of another. Consequently, countless ruins and monuments dot the city, each with a story to tell. Alongside, New Delhi’s wide multi-lane motorways, bustling with shopping malls, fast cars and steel and glass office complexes, belong unmistakably to the 21st century. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we shall embark on a full day’s sightseeing. The tour begins in Old Delhi with Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The shrine is a simple black stone structure with an eternal flame burning at one end, a fitting tribute to a humble man who changed the world with nothing but the power of ideas.

Red Fort – The imposing red sandstone structure was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639, and remained seat of the empire for the next two centuries. A rickshaw ride takes us to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. We shall view this magnificent structure from outside, its lofty domes and minarets reminiscent of a scene from the Arabian Nights. Next, you will be driven to New Delhi, built by the British in the 1930s as their imperial capital. Majestic government and administrative offices line its wide, tree-lined avenues. Named after Sir Edwin Lutyens who was commissioned to design the city in 1911, this part of the city is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi and is a striking contrast to the old city.

The red sandstone arch of India Gate, memorial to Indian and British soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I, leads us to the Parliament House, the magnificent seat of the world’s largest democracy. We shall also see Rastrapathi Bhawan (President House), the Indian President’s official residence. Inside is the famed Mughal Gardens with its resplendent fountains and manicured lawns. In spring, it opens its doors to the public.

Qutub Minar was built in 1193 by Qutubuddin Aibak, a slave general; it is the tallest stone tower in India and marks the site of the country’s first Muslim kingdom. The iron tower in a square opposite is unique in that it never rusts, although it has been exposed to the elements for centuries. Next stop would be the majestic Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun died in 1556, and his widow Hamida Banu Begum, also known as Haji Begum, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture. It is well known that Humayun picked up the principles of Persian architecture during his exile, and he himself is likely to have planned the tomb, although there is no record to that effect. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Breakfast and Drive to Agra. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.

Reach and check into the hotel and enjoy sightseeing of Taj Mahal & Agra Fort.

Taj Mahal - Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Agra Fort – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Breakfast and drive to Jaipur visiting Fatehpur Sikri & Abhaneri en-route.

Fatehpur Sikri is 37km west of Agra. Jalal – Ud – Din – Muhammad Akbar named Akbar, Humayun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568, the saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri, built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal. Abhaneri Village is situated on the Jaipur / Agra Highway in Dausa District. It is an ancient village in Rajasthan famous for its post Gupta or early medieval monuments. The sculpture and architecture of Abhaneri suggests that it must have been a great center of art and architecture. The sculptures of Abhaneri are the best example of Gurjar Pratihari art. This flourishing town has ruined by the Mughal Empror Mahmud Ghaznavi in one of his invasions. The village has contributed numerous pieces of sculpture to various museums worldwide. The name of the village Abhaneri is so called because the local Goddess Harshat Mata is shown portrayed in a joyous mood and spreads brightness or “abha” all around. The village’s original name was Abha Nagri. The village is said to have been founded by the legendary King Raja Chand and thus the village could be over three thousand years old. It is however felt that the mythological Raja Chand could be King Bhoja, who ruled GUJJAR Kingdom in the ninth century AD. After lunch drive to beautiful Pink City – Jaipur. Reach and check in at hotel.

Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses and regal Maharajahs that lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the KSHATRIYA warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and also the British Raj that followed.

The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughal. Literally translated this would mean ’one and a quarter’, suggesting that the Mughal thought this emperor to be more valuable than just ‘one’. Jaipur is known as the ’Pink City’ on account of the distinctive colour of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan, but dates back to 1856, when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast drive to Amber Palace. Enjoy Elephant Back ascent to the Amer Fort or Amber Fort. Amer is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. Continue city sightseeing and visit City Palace - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

Jantar Mantar - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. Hawa Mahal - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures consist of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

This afternoon is free for you to relax shop or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewellery, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk, saris, wooden handicrafts and carpets. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

Breakfast at the hotel and enjoy last minute shopping and continue drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at hotel. On arrival check in at hotel in Delhi and overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Cold breakfast at the hotel, later on transfer to New Delhi railway station for your journey to Amritsar. Upon arrival into Amritsar, we will be met by a tour guide and transferred to our hotel with time to freshen up before we make an evening visit to the Golden Temple. Here in this magical setting, we will share with thousands of devotees the Palki Sahib ceremony as the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, is transferred to its nightly resting place in the Akal Takht – the Sikh parliament.
Our expert guide will explain more about the Sikh religion, a relatively young religion, founded in the 15th century which is followed by over 20 million disciples worldwide. It incorporates elements from both Islam and Hinduism and Sikhs are easily recognizable by their distinctive turban and long beards and the names Singh (lion) for men and Kaur (princess) for ladies. Overnight at hotel in Amritsar.

In the morning, we return to the Golden Temple to see it in daylight and further explore this magnificent site. Despite its sacred status, the Golden Temple is open to visitors and guests are made to feel truly welcome. The most famous and sacred part of the complex is the Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), a stunning golden structure surrounded by water. This gold-plated structure features copper cupolas and white marble walls encrusted with precious stones arranged in decorative Islamic-style floral patterns. The building is decorated inside and out with verses from the Granth Sahib. Known as Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar), the water that surrounds the Hari Mandir is a sacred pool that is said to have healing powers. The tank is ringed by a marble walkway which should be walked in a clockwise direction. Connecting the pathway with the Hari Mandir is a marble causeway called the Guru's Bridge, which symbolizes the journey of the soul after death. The gateway to the bridge has magnificent silver doors.

During the visit, we will stop at the community kitchen, an incredible operation where meals are provided free to all who come – which can be up to 100,000 each day. This tradition dates back hundreds of years and is maintained by volunteers who see social contribution as an important part of their religious duty. Everyone is invited to join this communal breaking of bread. All participants sit on the floor, regardless of caste, status, wealth or creed, powerfully symbolizing the central Sikh doctrine of the equality of all people. Our tour continues with visits to the other important sites of Amritsar. We visit Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden which commemorates the infamous massacre on the site committed by the British in 1919. There is also time spent at the Ranjit Singh Palace Museum and Ram bagh gardens. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the founder of the Sikh Empire which was at the peak of its powers in the early 19th century, and this museum is housed in his former palace set in the middle of the beautiful Ram Bagh gardens. The museum hosts a wealth of relics including the dresses of Khalsa warriors, paintings, coins and weaponry.
In the afternoon, we will head out from the city to the nearby border town of Wagah on the Grand Trunk Road, which for a long time, was the only road link between India and Pakistan. At sunset, the border between the two countries is closed amid much posturing and fanfare with a 'Beating Retreat' ceremony. As the large iron gates are shut, soldiers from each side parade as the respective nations flags are simultaneously lowered in a ceremony described as "carefully choreographed contempt". Overnight at hotel in Amritsar.

Breakfast and The morning will be at leisure before we transfer to the airport and fly back to Delhi. Upon arrival into Delhi’s domestic airport, we will be met by an airport representative and transferred to international airport to board your international flight. End our tour services of Golden Triangle with Amritsar.