Golden Triangle Extension - Craig Travel · Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. We drive pass the India...
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March 23, Wednesday Trivandrum / Delhi This morning check out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we are met and escorted to the Hotel. The evening is at leisure. Kempinski Ambience (2 nights) D March 24, Thursday Delhi Old Delhi came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. Visit 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and food, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any Indian market. From here, continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan, and was his last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means "mosque commanding a view of the world". In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence. Pass through the Red Fort that dominates this area as the landmark. Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British soldiers. In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. First visit Qutab Minar, the tapering monument begun in 1199 built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the prototype of all minars or towers in India. The next stop is Humayun's tomb, built by his senior wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. We drive pass the India Gate, Presidential Palace and Parliament House. BD March 25, Friday Delhi / Samode / Jaipur Depart for Jaipur after breakfast, with a visit en route to Samode Palace. This 475 year old palace is a splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture that combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. The intricately painted walls and ornate archways are truly a sight to behold. Later drive to Jaipur and check into the hotel upon arrival. In the evening we leave for dinner with a Local Family at their home. Indians are known for hospitality and a visit to a local family in Jaipur is the right way to experience it. On arrival, we will be greeted in a traditional way. Walk into a Jaipur house and encounter many fascinating things like pictures and statues of different Hindu deities. In India, it is common to see many generations living under the same roof. Indulge in conversation and get to know the lifestyle and daily routine of local families. Hilton Jaipur (2 nights) BLD March 26, Saturday Jaipur After breakfast depart for an excursion to the Amber Fort. En route to Amber Fort enjoy a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. The Amber Fort is a classic and romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. A major attraction at the fort is the Elephant Ride (subject to availability) all the way up to the entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. In the late afternoon tour the city of Jaipur. First visiting the Maharaja's city Palace, the former Royal residence; part of which was converted into a museum. One of the major attractions in the museum is the Armoury Museum home to an impressive array of weaponry including pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. On the first floor is the Textile and Costume Museum, which is the fine example of fabrics and costumes from all over India. Enjoy a special dinner with Royalty at the Narayan Niwas Palace. In the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, food was a very serious business and raised to the level of an art- form. Hundreds of cooks worked in the stately palaces and kept their recipes a very closely guarded secret. The recipes served were originally collected by Thakur Amar Singh Ji during his life time. Most will not be found anywhere else. Savor specialties ranging from delicious traditional Rajasthani cuisine consisting of delicacies like dal bati and churma. BD March 27, Sunday Jaipur / Abhaneri / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Agra with a visit to Abhaneri en route. It is a small village in Rajasthan and home to the Chand Baori (Step Well) one of the deepest and largest in India. Built in 9th century it has 3500 narrow steps, 13 stories, and 100 feet deep. This village is also known for Harshat Mata temple which belongs to the 9th century. After this visit enjoy lunch in Laxmi Vilas Palace. Continue your visit with Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 in honour of the great Saint Golden Triangle Extension March 23 - 29, 2016 • 7 Days • 14 Meals Locally Hosted Taj Mahal - credit David Craig
Transcript of Golden Triangle Extension - Craig Travel · Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. We drive pass the India...
March 23, Wednesday Trivandrum / Delhi This morning check out from the hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport to board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, we are met and escorted to the Hotel. The evening is at leisure. Kempinski Ambience (2 nights) D March 24, Thursday Delhi Old Delhi came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. Visit 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and food, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any Indian market. From here, continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan, and was his last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means "mosque commanding a view of the world". In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat, a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence. Pass through the Red Fort that dominates this area as the landmark. Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan, it was plundered by the marauding armies of Nadir Shah and later by British soldiers. In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. First visit Qutab Minar, the tapering monument begun in 1199 built to symbolize the supremacy of Islam. This structure was eventually the prototype of all minars or towers in India. The next stop is Humayun's tomb, built by his senior wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. This is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. We drive pass the India Gate, Presidential Palace and Parliament House. BD March 25, Friday Delhi / Samode / Jaipur Depart for Jaipur after breakfast, with a visit en route to Samode Palace. This 475 year old palace is a splendid example of regal Indo-Saracenic architecture that combines the best of Indian and Mughal styles. The intricately painted walls and ornate archways are truly a sight to behold. Later drive to Jaipur and check into the hotel upon arrival. In the evening we leave for dinner with a Local Family at their home. Indians are known for hospitality and a visit to a local family in Jaipur is the right way to experience it. On arrival, we will be greeted in a traditional way. Walk into a Jaipur house and encounter many fascinating things like pictures and statues of different Hindu deities. In India, it is common to see many generations living under the same roof. Indulge in conversation and get to know the lifestyle and daily routine of local families. Hilton Jaipur (2 nights) BLD March 26, Saturday Jaipur After breakfast depart for an excursion to the Amber Fort. En route to Amber Fort enjoy a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. The Amber Fort is a classic and romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged,
time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Fort visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. A major attraction at the fort is the Elephant Ride (subject to availability) all the way up to the entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. In the late afternoon tour the city of Jaipur. First visiting the Maharaja's city Palace, the former Royal residence; part of which was converted into a museum. One of the major attractions in the museum is the Armoury Museum home to an impressive array of weaponry including pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. On the first floor is the Textile and Costume Museum, which is the fine example of fabrics and costumes from all over India. Enjoy a special dinner with Royalty at the Narayan Niwas Palace. In the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, food was a very serious business and raised to the level of an art-form. Hundreds of cooks worked in the stately palaces and kept their recipes a very closely guarded secret. The recipes served were originally collected by Thakur Amar Singh Ji during his life time. Most will not be found anywhere else. Savor specialties ranging from delicious traditional Rajasthani cuisine consisting of delicacies like
dal bati and churma. BD
March 27, Sunday Jaipur / Abhaneri / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Agra with a visit to Abhaneri en route. It is a small village in Rajasthan and home to the Chand Baori (Step Well) one of the deepest and largest in India. Built in 9th century it has 3500 narrow steps, 13 stories, and 100 feet deep. This village is also known for Harshat Mata temple which belongs to the 9th century. After this visit enjoy lunch in Laxmi Vilas Palace. Continue your visit with Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 in honour of the great Saint
Golden Triangle Extension March 23 - 29, 2016 • 7 Days • 14 Meals
Locally Hosted
Taj Mahal - credit David Craig
Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful former capital city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power. The Gateway Hotel or Radisson (2 nights) BLD
March 28, Monday Agra
At sunrise take a Tonga (Horse Carriage) to reach the gates of the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 years to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble’. Return to the hotel for breakfast followed by a visit to Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 & 1573, which reveals the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. The fort is the history of Mughal life in Agra and offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal. Continue with a visit to Itmad-ud daula, one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, nearly one and a half kilometers up-stream. Belonging to the age of Jahangir, it contains cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan, queen of Jahangir, an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator. Mirza Ghiyas had left Persian in sheer penury in search of better prospects at the Mughal court. He benefited much from the influence of his daughter who he had once abandoned in the desert. Akbar offered him a good rank and privileges. Jahangir made him his prime minister with the title Itmad- ud - daulah (Pillar of the State). Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan later became prime minister to Shah Jahan. This Persian family formed at the Mughal court giving the grand Mughals two most celebrated queens-Nurjahan and Mumtaz Mahal (Lady of the Taj), daughter of Asaf Khan. Dinner and Overnight is at the hotel. BD
March 29, Tuesday Agra / Delhi / Home
After a relaxing breakfast we leave for Delhi en route visiting Sikandra. Akbar was a Mughal emperor who was also a great connoisseur of the arts. He had contributed towards many a famous architectural construction, all incorporating various styles into their designs. The emperor began construction on his own tomb in Sikandra, near Agra, in 1605. The building was completed by his son, who finished the structure using designs and methods not originally intended, like leaving out a crowning dome. The tomb of Akbar is a structure built from red sandstone and white marble. On each of its four sides, the grand portals are inlayed with complex mosaics. We continue our drive to Mathura the holy land where we visit the famous Iskcon Temple and get set into the spiritual journey. We will also visit Dwarkadhish Temple, recognized for its architectural magnificence, Krishna Janmabhoomi, birthplace of Lord Krishna and Rangbhoomi. We continue our drive to Delhi airport to board our flights home. B
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Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
Land Only based on 2 group members ..................... $1,495 Land Only based on 3 - 9 group members ................ $1,385 Land Only based on 10 - 14 group members ............ $1,285 Single Supplement ....................................................... $435 Prices are per person based on taxes, surcharges, and exchange rates effective August 2015 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room (or triple where applicable). Included flight Trivandrum to Delhi is subject to change upon final confirmation. Accommodation will be in first class hotels as listed or similar. Please discuss your insurance coverage with our Sales Staff prior to booking this extension. To reserve your spot on this extension in conjunction with our South India group departure, contact us at:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD 1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
[email protected] / www.craigtravel.com
Agra Fort - credit Atmabhola
