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Day 1 – Arrive
Delhi
Arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Welcome to India! You
are met by your Creative Travel’s representative in the arrival
area of the airport after you clear all immigration and customs
formalities. Our representative will reconfirm the meeting time
for the sight seeing. You will experience true Indian greetings
of flower garlands
made of fresh Marigolds. Depart for hotel by Luxury
air-conditioned vehicle.
Day 2 – In Delhi
After breakfast at hotel proceed for full day tour of 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 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 land of extraordinary heritage – be it culture,
monuments, architecture…
Delhi being the capital of this magnificent country has lot of
contributions towards preserving, flourishing its heritage and
one of the live examples is the walled city of Shahjahanabad –
now known as the Old Delhi.
Today, you get an opportunity to explore the Shahjahanabad as
you will be led by an exp ert on a Heritage Walk where you get
to experience the daily lifestyle of over 300 year old history
of Chandni Chowk area via its havelis, mosques, gurudwaras and
other landmarks that fill out the history of the seventh planned
city of Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1638 (who
is known for building the wonder of the world – Taj Mahal in
Agra in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal). Shahjahan
built this city after he shifted his imperial capital from Agra
to Delhi.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan
in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah
Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in
architecture, created the seventh city and in the process
brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Start the day with a
cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will see Red
Fort the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The
fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind
red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni
Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the
Red Fort is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and
crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man
getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable
form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site
of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India;
and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old
city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the
old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the
trading day starts.
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 city - 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. You will visit two
monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar.
Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past
the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit a local
temple.
Optional for this evening:
First Option:
Private dinner at the Terrace at Olive restaurant
The Olive Bar & Kitchen offers one of the best dining
experiences in the city. Set in a beautiful haveli next to the
spectacular Qutab Minar. It’s a fashionable bistro specialising
in Mediterranean cuisine. Olive’s stunning decor with the white
pebbled courtyard, the Bargad tree and the greenhouse is a
gracious blend of ethnic and Mediterranean chic. An exclusive
dining area will be set for you on the terrace on exclusive
basis where you will enjoy a fusion fashion show of Indian and
Western attire as you sip your wine and enjoy dinner with the
backdrop of the Qutab Minar.
Second Option:
Special Dinner at Veda
Located on the ground floor, Veda is 140 seater restaurant in
this area. Designed by Rohit Bal, it serves a tasting menu for
vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Veda is a lavishly decorated
nouvelle cuisine curry house in a dimly lighted red room,
heaving with crimson silk curtains, silver lotus flowers and
candelabras. A New York-trained Indian chef is serving new wave
Indian food, such as tandoori chicken stuffed with mascarpone
and nan bread flavored with pecorino. Familiar favorites like
greasy butter chicken and red-dyed tandoori kebab have been
removed from the menu in favor of crisp-fried okra and yam
dumplings. Instead of vats of steaming orange, oily curry,
servings are minimalist, cleanly presented on white plates.
Yogurt comes decorated with pretty okra stars; the samosas
arrive with delicate chutneys; even the poppadoms are sprinkled
with sprouting mung beans. Overnight at your hotel.
*
Red Fort remains closed on every Monday
Day 3 – Delhi to Agra
After breakfast drive for about four hours to Agra. Upon arrival
in Agra check in at your hotel
This afternoon proceed for a visit to 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 2.5 km 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,
travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the
making of history in India.
Then it’s on to the Taj.
At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra
was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period
the city became a leading centre 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, mastermind of the
unforgettable Taj Mahal.
Visit that magnificent monument to love – Taj Mahal, 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 around the clock.
The design and construction is 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 others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in
Islam, is visualized as lush garden where running streams flow.
When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it
to the heights of incomparable history.
Taj Mahal has its own charm at different phases of the time –
dawn to dusk. However, the most preferred timings are during
Sunset and Sunrise. So, we wish to include both to make your
sojourn so special!
*
Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday
This evening enjoy Mohhabbat The Taj Show ( A live show with a
touch of Bollywood )
Mohhabbat The Taj (A live show with a touch of Bollywood)
Pick up from your hotel around 1800 hrs. & proceed for live show
on The Monument of Love “Taj Mahal”
Love without lust can be a spiritual experience, one that
distinguishes man from beasts. It is a passion and the idea of
being romantically engaged at a higher level that define the
intensity of pure love.
It was this kind of intense and obsessive love that found
expression through a work of art the Taj Mahal which today
figures as a crown in the list of wonders. Minus love and the
romantic saga associated with it, the Taj Mahal would be just a
well-arranged heap of white stones.
What really makes Taj Mahal stand out in the list of wonders is
the passionate and romantic relationship that inspired its
creation, the emotional halo that actually gets transformed into
an architectural marvel. Indeed the Taj Mahal is synonymous with
pure Love.
Mohabbat the Taj, the-80 minute presentation that perfectly
complements a pilgrimage to the Monument of Love. "Indeed to
fully appreciate and soak into the beauty of the monument, one
is advised to see the musical presentation at the Kalakriti
auditorium.
This evening enjoy Mughal Dinner (Emperor For a Day Under the
Stars)
The Mughal dynasty knew how to enjoy elegant dining in the
spectacular settings of their forts and palaces. At Amarvilās,
we bring to you the very experience of their lifestyle through
the grandeur of this traditional Mughal-theme evening in an
equally memorable setting. The soft sounds of the water
fountains, the subtle yet elegant lighting, the sultry melodies
of live Indian classical music and the attentive service make a
traditional Mughal dinner at Amarvilās a truly unforgettable
experience.
You may choose from a selection of traditional Mughal dishes
such as Bhunney Murgh Ke Parchey, Gilafi Kebab, Esphahani Raan,
Toofan-e-zameen, Lagan ki boti, Machhi ka soola, Kachhe Gosht ki
Biryani, Nahari and Kundan Murgh - all elaborately prepared and
presented in perfect harmony.
The area utilized for this would be the pool terrace overlooking
the swimming pool and not by the water’s edge.
As you can choose from the option of having a live music
performance of “Jal tarang” that brings in a charisma to make you
feel an emperor OR an exclusive live performance of “Kathak”
dance.
Jal Tarang during Mughal Dinner @ Extra cost
The Jal Tarang is an ancient musical instrument. It is rarely
seen or heard, even though the gentle tinkle of its unique sound
is quite pleasing. Literally Jaltarang means "waves in water"
but indicates motion of sound created or modified with the aid
of water. In the wave-instruments, it is the most prominent and
ancient instrument.
The Jal Tarang developed on the pattern of Gong and Gamelan
played in Java, Bali, and Burma (now Myanmar). Gong or Gamelan
are made up of copper and other metal alloys and are molded in
different shapes to create various musical notes. Holding bamboo
sticks in both hands with cotton on the striking end of sticks,
the gongs are gently struck to create the desired sound. Some
scholars opine that in the ancient period these were in routine
use around the eastern border of India.
Or
Kathak Dance Mughal Dinner @ Extra cost
Kathak traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient India
known as “Kathakaris” or storytellers. The dance form was
introduced to India through the imperial courts of the great
Mughal emperors. Their patronage transformed it from a simple
devotional art form to a classical discipline known for its
grace and evocative steps.
Day 4 – Agra to Delhi
Early this morning pay your Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, you
must leave from the hotel by 0545 hrs.
Return back to hotel by 0730 hrs. After breakfast drive back to
Delhi enroute 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 programmes 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 a
pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court
life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
Return to your hotel to freshen up – check-out and drive to
Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your hotel.
In the evening you will be transfer to Bukhara restaurant at
hotel ITC Maurya . After dinner return back to hotel for
overnight stay.
Dinner at Bukhara restaurant
World famous for its North-West Frontier cuisine, Bukhara brings
alive the rustic flavours of North-West Frontier cuisine
traditionally prepared in a clay oven (tandoor). The ambiance is
decidedly rugged and you can even watch your meal being prepared
through the open display kitchen, visual treat not to be missed.
Rated amongst the top 50 restaurants in the world and the finest
restaurant in Asia by "Restaurants" magazine.
The food is amazing ! Bill Clinton, on his trips to India, often
visits the restaurant... apparently he said he wished he had two
stomachs!
Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5 – Depart Delhi
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Fly to backhome
Morning after breakfast in time transfer to the airport to board
flight for onward journey.
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