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DELHI
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India's capital
and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis
which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and the modern. Its
strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose
it as their seat of power. It is not surprising then, that what constitutes
Delhi is a conglomerate of seven cities. Down the ages the region in and around
modern delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid 11th century, Siri established by |
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Allauddin Khilji, Tughlakabad and Ferozabad built by the tughlaks followed by
the city of the lodhis and then came Shahjahanabad, capital of the mughals under
Shah Jehan. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left behind. The
division between new and old Delhi is the distinction between the capitals of
the British and the Mughals respectively. So, wherever the visitor goes he will
invariably confront the city's past. |
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A sightseeing
tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the
Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
An extensive sightseeing tour of New
Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive
along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament
House, the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the
Diplomatic Enclave. |
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AGRA
Proceed by surface for Agra after breakfast, ENROUTE VISIT
SIKANDRA.
Reach Agra and check into hotel. Badal Singh established the city of Taj in
1475. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharat as Agraban. This city in those days
was considered to be the sister-city of Mathura, which was more prominent than
Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the
RIVER YAMUNA to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but
Babar defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation
of the Mughal empire. |
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The coming of Babar heralded a new era, which was
to see Agra at its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It
was during Akbar's period that Agra became the center of art, culture and
commerce and learning. This trend reached its height when Shah Jahan became the
ruler. |
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In the Mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a
frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love
Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the
contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality. The same is still reflected
in whatever monuments remain in Agra. The narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma
of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with
their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once
experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which
has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist
destination of India. Proceed for sightseeing.
TAJMAHAL
One of the Seven Wonders of the
World was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651AD. Taj Mahal
- The symbol of Love was built in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal (Shah Jahan' s
second Wife).
AGRA-FORT
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.Shopping or relax in the evening. |
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JAIPUR
The origins of the beautiful city of
Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai
Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the
spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still
retains it's character and history - |
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Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and
modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the
locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the
royal consort of Queen Victoria. Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts,
magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens. |
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Amber 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. It's forbidding exterior
belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles
finds it's ultimate expression.
Proceed for morning sightseeing of
Jaipur covering the important palaces and monuments.
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.
The ornamental facade of this
"Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Its five-storey structure
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.
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