Weekend in Historic Delhi

You will be taken to your hotel in Delhi upon arrival at the Delhi airport / train station. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in a Delhi hotel.

After breakfast, go on a tour of Old Delhi, beginning with a visit to Jama Mosque, India's biggest mosque, established in 1650 AD. Drive by Red Fort (closed Mondays), which was erected between 1639 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jehan, the architect of The Taj Mahal. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, and Shanti Vana, the site of Independent India's first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru's memorial. Later in the day, drive by the Embassy area (diplomatic enclave), the Parliament and Presidents Houses, and India Gate. Then pay a visit to Qutab Minar, which was constructed in 1193 in the Persian style of architecture. Additionally, see Humayun's Mausoleum - this magnificent garden tomb is India's first significant example of Mughal construction. It was constructed by Bega Begam, Humayun's senior wife, in 1565 A.D., nine years after his death. The most remarkable elements within the walled perimeter are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with paths and water systems, as well as the centrally positioned nicely proportioned mausoleum crowned by a double dome. Overnight in a Delhi hotel. (B)

Today, you will go to Mathura, one of the capitals of Kushan King Kanishka (130AD). Mathura is the home of Lord Krishna and holds a high religious significance for Hindus. Additionally, it contains one of the earliest historical accounts in the epic Ramayana. Visit to the temple of Lord Krishna. Overnight in a Mathura hotel. (B)

Today, you'll travel to Agra, which served as the capital of Mughal India in the 16th and 17th centuries, as shown by the splendour of its monuments. It has a magnificent fort and the Taj Mahal, which is why so many people travel to India simply to view it. Check into your hotel upon arrival. Later, see Agra Fort, the Mughal Emperor Akbar's original red sandstone fort erected in 1565. The Fort's labyrinth of courtyards, marble mosque, and opulent private apartments all reflect the Mughal Empire's splendour. Visit the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan's adored wife who died in 1630. Overnight in an Agra hotel. (B)

This morning, you will be transferred to the Delhi airport/railway station in order to catch a flight or train return to your home or next destination. (B)