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LAND OF THE MUGHALS
Day 1 London Heathrow to Amritsar
Fly with Jet Airways non-stop to Amritsar.
Day 2 Arrive Amritsar
Arrive into Amritsar where you will stay at the Ranjit’s Svaasa Hotel
for the next two nights. Founded in the late 16th Century by Ram Das, the
fourth guru of the Sikhs, Amritsar is both the centre of the Sikh religion
and the major city of the Punjab – a region closely associated with
Sikhism and famed for its Golden Temple. (N)
Day 3 Amritsar
Lose yourself for a morning amidst the serene magnificence of the Golden Temple
complex. In the afternoon visit the 16th Century Durgiana Temple, a small
Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, as well as the Jallianwala Bagh,
a garden and monument commemorating the site of the 1919 massacre of 300 unarmed
Indians by the British under the command of General Dyer. (B)
Day 4 Amritsar to Lahore – 45kms
This morning drive to the India-Pakistan border at Wagah where you will cross
into Pakistan. This is the site of the ceremonial changing of the guard at
dusk – a contrived nightly parade witnessed by crowds of up to 10,000
strong! Continue onto Lahore where you will stay for three nights at the Pearl
Continental Hotel. (B)
Day 5 Lahore
&
Day 6 Lahore
Over the next two days explore Lahore. Visit Lahore Fort, a marvel of Mughal
architecture which begun in the 11th Century and was completed by the end
of the 16th Century. Among the emperors who contributed to its splendour were
Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jehan. Places of interest here include the Palace
of Mirrors, Shah Jehan’s Quadrangle and the Pearl Mosque. Overlooking
the Fort is the Badshahi Mosque – the world’s largest –
and constructed during the reign of the Emperor Aurangzeb. Also visit the
National Museum, Shalimar Gardens and Anarkali Bazaar. (B)
Day 7 Lahore to Amritsar – 45kms
Today return to India and Amritsar, via the Wagah border crossing, and continue
to the Ranjit’s Svaasa Hotel where you will stay overnight. (B)
Day 8 Amritsar to Delhi – by train
Leave your hotel and transfer to Amritsar Railway Station in good time to
catch the Shatabdi Express to Delhi. On your arrival you will be met and transferred
to the Taj Palace Hotel or upgrade to the Taj Mahal Hotel where you will stay
for the next two nights. (B)
Day 9 Delhi
This morning tour Old and New Delhi with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s
dense network of homes, markets, mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk
by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin
Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan,
the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India
Gate. (B)
Day 10 Delhi to Agra – by train
Transfer to Delhi Railway Station in good time to catch the Shatabdi Express
to Agra. Stay for two nights at the Taj View Hotel or upgrade to the Oberoi
Amarvilas Hotel. (B)
Later today visit the imposing Agra Fort on the banks of the River Yamuna which was established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. Afterwards continue to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and a building world renowned for its power and beauty. Leave the Taj and cross the river to visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, the jewel of Agra, sometimes known as the ‘Baby Taj’ – the least visited of Agra’s three great monuments and the first to be covered in white marble and pietra dura.
Day 11 Agra to Jaipur – 238kms
via Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast leave Agra for the drive to Jaipur stopping en-route at Fatehpur
Sikri the one time red sandstone capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The
one time capital of the Mughals, Agra, which stands on the right bank of the
River Yamuna, is a city of contrasts. One of Uttar Pradesh’s largest
cities Agra is dominated by three magnificent buildings – Agra Fort,
the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula and the beautiful Taj Mahal – that hark back
to its glorious past. Stay for two nights at the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel or
upgrade to the Rambagh Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 12 Jaipur
This morning drive through the rugged hills that surround Jaipur city to visit
Amber Fort a beautiful palace with ornate mosaics, coloured stone inlays,
intricately painted murals, palaces, temples and cooling courtyard watercourses.
In the afternoon take a guided walking tour through the old city to explore
the colourful markets and bazaars before continuing onto the City Palace complex
that occupies the centre of Jaipur. (B)
Day 13 Jaipur to Delhi – 240kms
Leave Jaipur and return to Delhi and the Taj Palace Hotel or upgrade to the
Taj Mahal Hotel where you will stay overnight. (B)
Day 14 Depart Delhi
Depart Delhi on the Jet Airways flight to London Heathrow.
STAYING ON
Wildlife in India is synonymous with the famous Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett is a 300kms drive north of Delhi and a four night stay here, with your time divided on the perimeter and inside the park, is an excellent way to observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Corbett National Park is only open from the 15th November to the 15th June.
Experience the Himalayan countries of Nepal or Bhutan. Easily reach by air from Delhi, both offer beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Traditional and charming, the little visited Bhutan, in particular, is a hidden gem that has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Delhi. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a cruise on the backwaters.
Festivals – Please click here to include a visit to one of the many festivals of Rajasthan
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – PAKISTAN & INDIA – LAND OF THE MUGHALS
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,580. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.