Diwali Festival India with Golden Triangle

Arrive in Delhi on your international flight, where Akbran Tours' representative will meet and assist you at the airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your car and transferred to the hotel. While check-in formalities are handled, the representative will brief you about the Diwali Festival Golden Triangle program, route, timings, and practical travel details.

After a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi, Visiting such sights as, Humayun’s Tomb (1586), and the Qutub Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through the Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital. Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jama Masjid (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jahan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated. The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now, these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all descriptions - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. Overnight at Delhi.

After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur along one of India’s finest freeways. It will be a 5-hour drive. Upon arrival in Jaipur check into Hotel. After rest & relaxation, enjoy your dinner at one of the best and most authentic local Rajasthani food restaurants with the live folk dance of Rajasthan. Overnight at Jaipur.

An exciting day awaits for you today, with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five-storey wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, and domes and spires. Continue your tour as you drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks Moata Lake. Ruins and remains of the fort are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding area. You will be taken on the jeep or a decorative elephant ride up to the main gate. Explore the chambers and hallways of the palace, famous for its excellent design and decoration. Within the complex is Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with the images of the Elephant Headed God - Ganesh. The merging of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh Niwas, Jas Mandir Apartments, and the Charbagh Garden with its perfectly proportioned landscaping. Pierced screen windows offer views from different vantage points and shimmering mirrors encrust the walls of Sheesh Mahal. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles. Many antiques and artefacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, A stone Astrological & Astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century. Overnight Stay at Jaipur Hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to Agra stopping at the deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendour. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings. From here we continue riding to Agra. Upon arrival check into Hotel and relax. Evening, we will visit the house of one of the local Indian families for Diwali Celebrations. Take part in sacred prayer done at the house for Goddess Laxmi & God Ganesha. Enjoy local handmade food with an Indian family and later on enjoy the firework. Overnight at Agra.

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpass all human imaginations. At sunrise, we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - Taj Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return back to our hotel for breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. Later you will proceed to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the "Baby Taj", situated on the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. Built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, the mausoleum is often described as a jewel box. Admire the trellis work and precious stone inlay as you listen to your guide’s commentary and learn about the strong Persian influence on the tomb’s design - the first in India entirely made out of marble. Overnight at Agra.

After breakfast, You will be assisted with your checkout from your hotel and then, we will drive to Delhi along one of India’s finest freeways. The day is at leisure. Car & driver would be available to achieve your shopping needs. Later, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight. Your tour ends here.