A Tiger Paws Itinerary for Northern Golden Triangle Covering Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

A TIGER PAWS ITINERARY FOR NORTHERN GOLDEN TRIANGLE COVERING DELHI, AGRA AND JAIPUR

Tiger Paw Adventures (I) Pvt Ltd, D-383, Defence Colony New Delhi – 110024 Mob. +91- 9810128999, 8860128999 Ph. 011- 46568080, Skype Panthera72 Website: www.tigerpawadventures.com, www.tigerpawadventures.in Email: [email protected], [email protected]

An Introduction: Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history.

The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: LalKot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad. Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs.

In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all the governing activities. But, the city has the reputation of over throwing the occupants of its throne. It included the British and the current political parties that have had the honor of leading free India.

After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared the Capital of India. More links on Delhi: http://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-delhi/20150902/281711203413048 https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/delhi-100-years-of-history/story- E72cu5CvSnT2H614f2en2L.html https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/imperial-delhi-how-the-british-built-a-new-delhi-at-the- cost-of-the-old/story-0teV8d6fhcAb8IudCZtmMP.html

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire, of which Agra was the capital in the 16th and early 17th centuries.

Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. https://www.britannica.com/place/Agra

Jaipur, the capital of the North Indian State of Rajasthan, is named after its founder Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). The city is surrounded by hills and dotted with forts. Houses with pink latticed windows line the streets, and look almost magical at sunset. An extremely well planned city, Jaipur was designed by an engineer and scholar Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, in accordance with ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shasta (Vastu).

The Old City, also known as the Pink City, is a wonderful place to wander around. The whole city was painted pink by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876. Today, every home within the city is obliged by law to maintain this facade - hence Jaipur's is also called the Pink City. https://www.britannica.com/place/Jaipur-India

THE ITINERARY:

Day 01: Delhi Arrival Having arrive Delhi by flight # … at…, on arrival transfer to the pre-booked Hotel (standard check in time 12:00 Noon)

Relax at the hotel and overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, full day guided sightseeing in Delhi including old Delhi

Qutub Minar:The tallest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was built by QutbuddinAibakduring the years 1193-1386.

Humayun's Tomb: Humayun's Tomb is the Delhi's first Mughal mausoleum, constructed in 1564 after the death of the second Mughal Emperor.

Lutyen’s NEW DELHI…a leading British architect Edward Lutyen, was responsible for much of the architectural design of buildings in NEW DELHI...of interest arê the Viceroy’s House, now known as Rashtrapati Bhawan, located on the Raisin Hill; the Parliament House, the NORTH and SOUTH Blocks… housing government offices are located on either side of the Rajpath, earlier known as Kingsway, and leads from Raisina Hill to the INDIA GATE. Running across it is the Janpath, earlier known as Queensway, up to CONNAUGHT PLACE…

Old Delhi - The City of Shahjahanabad was the capital of Shah Jahan but little remains of that old city. The Old Delhi or the walled city served as the capital for many emperors. Chandni Chowk runs through the middle of the walled city, from the Lahori Darwaza(Lahore Gate) of the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. Chandni Chowk was once the grandest of the markets in India.

Red Fort: Was the residence of the Mughal emperors of India for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of Mughal government and the setting for events critically impacting the region. The Red Fort was built as the fortified palace of Shahjahanabad, capital of the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in 1648. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, it is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort.

Jama Masjid: Built by Shah Jahan in 1658, it is one of the largest mosques in India with a seating capacity of more than 20,000. The mosque is situated near the Red Fort.

Birla Temple: Laxmi Narayana Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialist Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place. Crowne Plaza or similar

If time permits visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh (religion) Gurudwara (place of worship). It is known for its association with 8th Sikh Guru – Guru Har Krishan. Located in Connaught Place, it was first completed in the year 1664. However, it was renovated in the year 1783. What we see today has been built post 1947 – year of Independence of India.

The story behind Gurudwara Bangla Sahib goes like this – it is said that the 8th Guru of Sikhs, Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji, stayed here in this Palace in the year 1664. He is said to have helped suffering from epidemic . Gurusahib passed away in the end suffering from the same epidemic disease. The water tank inside the Gurudwara is considered to have medicinal properties due to the blessings of Guru Sahib Ji. Tiger Paw Adventures (I) Pvt Ltd, D-383, Defence Colony New Delhi – 110024 Mob. +91- 9810128999, 8860128999 Ph. 011- 46568080, Skype Panthera72 Website: www.tigerpawadventures.com, www.tigerpawadventures.in Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Drive back to hotel and overnight at Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi-Agra After breakfast drive to Agra, on arrival visit Taj Mahal (Symbol of Love), Agra fort and the beautiful Id-mud-Daula)

Taj Mahal: Mughal Emperor Shahjahan built a monument 'dedicated to love' in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz during 1631 AD to 1653 AD. It’s pure white marble shimmers silver in the moonlight, glows softly pink at dawn and at close of day reflects the fiery tints of the setting sun.

Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen.

Agra Fort - Architectural wonder in stone Within a radius of 3 kilometers, on the banks of the river Yamuna rises the crescent like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70 feet high wall. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long walls, the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; Other audience halls, such as the Diwan-e-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-e- Khas, Diwan-e-Am and Moti Masjid. Shahjahan modeled his creation, the Red Fort at Delhi on this fort. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sand stone.

Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 04: Agra-Jaipur

After breakfast drive to Jaipur (256kms, 5-6hrs) visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute…

Fatehpur Sikri: One of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Unfortunately lack of water resulted in the city having to be abandoned, after just about 10 years, as the Mughal Capital by AKBAR.

On arrival in Jaipur visits local markets…

Jaipur's colorful bazaars offer great opportunity to see and enjoy the vibrant culture of the region. Jaipur make it a point to visit the bustling markets of Jaipur and markets for exquisite handicraft items. The traditional art of dyeing is one of the beautiful arts that offer us beautifully dyed textiles.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur

After breakfast Elephant ride at Amber Fort, and some other sightseeing…

Amber Fort. Thereafter, visit the enchantingly beautiful City Palace, a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, now housing a museum containing rare armories, manuscripts, and paintings. Later, visit the HawaMahal (Palace of Winds), the landmark architecture of Jaipur built of pink sandstone. You will also visit the JantarMantar, an Astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728.

The City Palace:A major part of the City Palace has been converted in a museum. The royal family of Jaipur as residence is still using remaining part of the palace. The palace is built in the fortified campus

style and covers almost seventh part of Jaipur. There are different sections of the museum dedicated to subjects like arms and ammunition, textile and costume, and art gallery.

Hawa Mahal:Built to let the ladies of royal harem watch the royal processions, HawaMahal is not a palace as the name suggests. HawaMahal is the part of the east wall of the City Palace complex. Most well known of Jaipur's buildings, you can have the best views of this great building from the street outside.

TIGERPAWS & THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS India is often associated with elephants which are still a strong part of Indian culture. As such one of the activities visitors enjoy is riding elephants in the jungle for game watching, bathing them, and riding them to fort tops.

Jaipur, the Pink city is particularly well-known as in the history of Jaipur, elephants were used for processions, festivals, fights, games, hunting; becoming emblems of the power of the Maharajas.

With changing values some believe the commercial tourist elephant rides are inappropriate, while others feel it is acceptable.

Since TigerPaws believes its visitors are well informed and entitled to their own position, it respects both positions and can offer these rides, or indeed alternatives to these rides one of which is simply studying their care and bathing, and the other, going to AMBER FORT top by jeep.

Day 06: Jaipur - Delhi

After breakfast drive back to Delhi and drop at airport as per the flight timing with the sweet memories of India tour.

END TOUR… Inclusions:  Accommodation on twin/double sharing basis  Meal plan is on bed and breakfast basis  All Transfers and sightseeing by AC Toyota Innova  English speaking guide as per the Itinerary  Elephant ride at Amber Fort Jaipur  Assistance on arrival/departure and all destinations as per the Itinerary  All monument entrances as per the Itinerary  GST.

Exclusions: Items of a personal nature like alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.; Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'

Standard liability, risk, insurance, waiver and terms apply to all our custom trips.