BEST OF KASHMIR WITH TAJ TOUR

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Duration of Programme: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Places to Visit: Delhi - Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Delhi - Srinagar - Pahalgam - Gulmarg - Srinagar - Delhi

India Gate-DelhiDay 01: Arrive Delhi
Evening arrive at Delhi - IGI (Indira Gandhi International) airport.

Delhi - is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel's vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 02: Delhi-CYCLE RICKSHAW RIDE 
After breakfast at hotel enjoy city tour of New Delhi & old Delhi start from Red Fort  - (Closed on Monday) -  built in red sandstone, Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Jama Masjid - India's largest mosque and one can enjoy Cycle rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and 400 years old Chandni Chowk bazaars. Rajghat - crimination place of Mahatama Gandhi.  Laxmi Narayan Temple, Humayun Tomb - Tomb of 2nd Mughal emperorand Qutab Minar the highest stone tower in India. India Gate - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the World War Ist. Drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House. Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 03: Delhi - Jaipur (265 kms / 5.5 hrs)
After an early breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur.

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 - A 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.

On arrival, check in hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activites. Overnight at hotel.

w3infotekDay 04: Jaipur - ELEPHENT RIDE
After an early breakfast at hotel, visit the majestic Amber Fort and Palace, 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. Enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned elephant, up to the Fort.

Later in the afternoon visit 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. Nearby, the intriguing Palace of the Wind, the Hawa Mahal, was built in 1799 to allow ladies from the royal family to view the city and bazaar below in privacy. Jal Mahal - Jal Mahal is known for its majestic architecture and sophisticated design. It was once used for the royal duck shooting parties.

Evening free to explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (235 kms / 5 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to visit Fatehpur Sikri bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).

The 'City of Victory' had only an ephemeral existence as the capital of the Mughal empire. The Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) decided to construct it in 1571, on the same site where the birth of his son, the future Jahangir, was predicted by the wise Shaikh Salim Chisti (1480-1572). This capital without a future, some 40 km from Agra was, however, considerably more than the fancy of a sovereign during the 14 years of its existence. The city, which the English traveller Ralph Fitch considered in 1585 as 'considerably larger than London and more populous', comprised a series of palaces, public buildings and mosques, as well as living areas for the court, the army, servants of the king and for an entire population whose history has not been recorded.

Agra, situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra was once the flourishing capital of the Muslim rulers of India. Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat {seat of the Emperor}. Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. 

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Agra - Delhi (203 kms / 4.5 hrs)
Early morning enjoy sunrise at Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) - world's greatest monument to love. Emperor Shah Jahan built this pristine white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631. The monument looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle and took 24 years and 20,000 people to build. The close up detail of the Taj Mahal is as exquisite as the overall architectural design with semi-precious stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun, its colour changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white; it's well worth visiting at different times. This play of light is an important decorative device, symbolically implying the presence of Allah, who is never represented in anthropomorphic form. The moods of the Taj vary from dawn to dusk. The Taj Mahal or the Crown of Palaces looks milky white in the soft light that characterizes early morning.

Described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a "tear on the face of eternity", the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture and quite simply one of the world's most marvellous buildings. Volumes have been written on it s perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guide books; nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice.
After breakfast at hotel visit Agra Fort, (if time permits) built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor, Akbar, in 1565. A number of the fort's beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years. Pearl Mosque, it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court. Diwan-i-Khas - Here envoys and other honoured guests were granted a personal audience with the ruler. the Diwan-e-Khas is a small marble structure near the Diwan-e-Am. Diwan-i-Aam - the ruler held mass audience. He would sit on his throne facing petitioners. His minister would assemble the petitions and refer them to the Diwan-e-Khas for private audience. Jahangir Mahal - Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort. Itmad - Ud - Daula known as the "Baby Taj", it is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. Sikandra - The great Mughal emperor Akbar's Tomb.

Later drive back to Delhi. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Delhi - Srinagar (Flight)
After breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board on flight to Srinagar.

A jewel of a destination, Kashmir is one of the most amazing holiday destinations in India. Srinagar, the state's winter capital, is the first stop for most travellers to Kashmir; and with its great lake and meandering river, its exquisite pleasure gardens and romantic shikara rides, the old-world charm of its houseboats and the ageless grace of its architecture, the city is a fitting introduction to the many enchantments of the valley. The vast Dal lake is, of course, Srinagar's emblematic feature, and its deep waters carry the most popular of Srinagar's attractions: houseboats and shikaras.

Beautiful capital of Jammu and Kashmir, known for its lakes and mountains, Located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m (1530 feet) above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum.

On arrival meeting assistance at airport by our local representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free to acclimatize yourself. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Srinagar - Pahalgam (87 kms / 2 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Pahalgam.

Pahalgam - Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth, the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views.

Shepherd’s village”, Pahalgam is visited by tourists and locals in huge number for its gradual lowering of temperature and river Lidder flowing at an approachable distance.

The Pahalgam Valley presents glamorous look due to its pine forests, snow clad mountains, healthy climate and vast meadows and pastures. Pahalgam skirts Lidder river and torrential flow of water in Lidder river enriches the awesome beauty of the Valley.

On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the hidden beauty of this small hilly town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Pahalgam - Gulmarg (137 kms / 4 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive to Gulmarg.

Gulmarg - The Meadow of Flowers: A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films. Initially, Gulmarg of Kashmir used to known by the name of "Gaurimarg", by the shepherds pasturing their herds. However, the present name of this hill resort dates back to the 16th century.

On arrival visit Khilanmarg - This smaller valley is about a 6-km walk from the Gulmarg The meadow, carpeted with flowers in the spring, is the site for Gulmarg's winter ski runs and offers a fine view of the surrounding peaks and over the Kashmir Valley. Alpather Lake, Gondola Lift - For a fun filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed Gondola lift from high above Gulmarg, through pine clad slopes, is exhilarating.

Later check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Gulmarg - Srinagar (50 kms / 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast at hotel drive back to Srinagar. On arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Srinagar - ENJOY SHIKARA RIDE
After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day city tour including Dal Lake - With the backdrop of mountains on three sides, the view of the Dal Lake looks as if you are watching a photograph. This lake counts amongst the most splendid lakes in the country. Enjoy shikara rideat Dal lake. Mughal Gardens - that were built by Emperor Jahangir. Shalimar Bagh: the Shalimar garden offers an amazing view over the other gardens, lakes and shallow terraces. Also known as the "garden of love",. Nishat Bagh: Nishat garden is the largest one of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir. It is situated on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake.

Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Srinagar - Delhi (Flight)
Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities.

In time transfer to airport to board on flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer internally from domestic airport to international airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our incredible nation.
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