The Golden Triangle
Delhi / Agra / Jaipur
February 20 – 25, 2009

ITINERARY

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Kochi to Delhi

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and transfer to the Kochi airport for our flight to New Delhi, the capital of India. Upon arrival we are met by our North India guide, and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon we visit the Akshardham Monument, a dazzling fusion of several architectural styles constructed of pink stone and pure white marble. It was opened in 2005 after 300 million man hours of construction services rendered by 11,000 volunteers, sadhus and artisans. It has quickly become the “must see” attraction for all visitors to Delhi.     (All meals)

Sunday, February 21, 2010
Touring Delhi

We spend the day visiting some of the most interesting sights of Delhi, including the massive Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone built on the banks of the River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and the Qutab Minar, a gracefully hand-carved pillar rising 234 feet—the tallest brick and stone minaret in the world. We also enjoy a panoramic tour of the India Gate, the President's residence (formerly the Viceroy's Palace), Parliament House and the Secretarial buildings—all of which present an interesting blend of Victorian and 20th century architecture.     (All meals)

Monday, February 22, 2010
Agra's Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri

No visit to the North is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife. This building surpasses all others in grace and beauty, and is worthy of traveling to the other side of the world just to be able to see it in person. It has been called the most extravagant monument ever built for the sake of love, and it took almost 22 years of work by about 20,000 workers to accomplish.
     The Agra Fort lies about 1.5 miles away from the Taj on a bend of the Yamuna River. This massive red stone edifice is the most important fort in India, and it contains within it several palaces. Perhaps the most remarkable feature is the two story pavilion where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son in his old age. From here he caught his last glimpses of the Taj Mahal before he died.
     Our final visit today is to Fatehpur Sikri, a walled city that was built as the capital of the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1570 and 1586. It was abandoned due to a scarcity of water, but still stands resplendent after all these hundreds of years.     (All meals)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Jaipur, the “Pink City”

We enjoy the journey to Jaipur today, foremost among India's planned cities. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills, and its broad avenues. Jaipur has a timeless appeal in its colorful bazaars that delight with Rajasthan handloom cloth, and in its gardens and parks and attractive monuments. After a short rest we visit the City Palace, making a photo stop along the way at the Palace of Winds.     (All meals)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Jaipur's Amber Fort

There are many sights to see in Jaipur, but the most famous is the Amber Fort, best seen early in the morning. We need to arrive early because the elephant rides to the fort are only offered for a few hours, and the lines can be long. This is one of the massive, classic, romantic Rajasthani fort palaces, and the journey up to the fort on caparisoned elephants is reminiscent of the royal lifestyles of the Maharajas, and one of the many highlights of your tour. After touring the fort, we make the return drive to Delhi for one more night in this fantastic city.     (All meals)

Thursday, February 25, 2010
Return to Delhi / Departure

Today is completely at leisure to enjoy the amenities of our hotel until it is time to transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your airport transfer is included in the cost of this tour extension. We will be happy to arrange additional nights for you in Delhi if you wish to extend your stay.     (Breakfast)