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If your are short on time, the ‘Best of India Tour’ is the best tour package to explore India. The ‘Best of India Tour’ combines the Golden Triangle tourist circuit and Udaipur to bring you the best of India.

Tour Information

Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights

Destinations: ( Delhi- Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur- Udaipur )

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will take you to the hotel. You will be accorded a traditional welcome. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, head on a guided tour of New Delhi. Some of the monuments you visit on your sightseeing tour include Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, Connaught Place and India Gate. In the afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat and other memorials. You also take a ride on a cycle rickshaw.

Dinner with an Indian family is the main highlight of your evening activity. You visit an Indian family for dinner to get an insight into the Indian way of life. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi- Agra

After breakfast proceed to Agra. In the afternoon tour the massive Agra Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort houses various beautiful palaces and mansions that you can visit on your tour of Agra Fort. In the evening visit Taj Mahal and watch the wonder monument change color as the sun sets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur

After breakfast proceed to the Pink City—Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The city has some palatial buildings, a mosque and the shrine of saint Salim Chisti. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur

This is the day to take in the architectural beauty of the Pink City. You visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal and other important places on your sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is rich with ancient monuments, which were built centuries ago. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Jaipur-Udaipur

After breakfast transfer to airport to catch a flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh about four centuries ago. On your tour you visit many important tourist places in Udaipur, which include the Jagdish Temple, the City Palace and Lake Pichola.

Day 07: Udaipur-Delhi

The day is at leisure. Take independent walks in the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. You can also visit Shilpgram, the crafts village to shop for some exquisite handicraft items. Afterwards transfer to airport to catch a flight to Delhi.

Day 08: Delhi

Upon arrival check in at hotel. Refresh and relax. Later transfer to airport to catch a flight back home. Tour ends.

Taj Mahal, the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658), grandson of Akbar the great, in the memory of his queen Arjumand Bano Begum, entitled ‘Mumtaz Mahal’. Mumtaz Mahal was a niece of empress Nur Jahan and granddaughter of Mirza Ghias Beg I’timad-ud-Daula, wazir of emperor Jehangir. She was born in 1593 and died in 1631, during the birth of her fourteenth child at Burhanpur. Her mortal remains were temporarily buried in the Zainabad garden. Six months later, her body was transferred to Agra to be finally enshrined in the crypt of the main tomb of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

The mausoleum is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna at a point where it takes a sharp turn and flows eastwards. Originally, the land where the Taj Mahal presently stands belonged to the Kachhwahas of Ajmer (Rajasthan). The land was acquired from them in lieu of four havelis as is testified by a court historian, Abdul Hamid Lahauri, in his work titled the Badshah-Namah and the firmans (royal decrees).

The symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at a young age of 38 while giving birth to their 14th child. Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents a fine blend of Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. The most impressive and remarkable features of the Taj Mahal are its four tall minarets (162.5 feet high) at four corners of the structure, the black and white chessboard marble floor and the majestic dome (213 feet high and 58 feet in diameter) in the middle. The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the world.

As a tribute to a beautiful woman and as a monument for enduring love, the Taj reveals its subtleties when one visits it without being in a hurry. The rectangular base of Taj is in itself symbolic of the different sides from which to view a beautiful woman. The main gate is like a veil to a woman’s face which should be lifted delicately, gently and without haste on the wedding night. In indian tradition the veil is lifted gently to reveal the beauty of the bride. As one stands inside the main gate of Taj, his eyes are directed to an arch which frames the Taj. The dome is made of white marble, but the tomb is set against the plain across the river and it is this background that works its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj. The colours change at different hours of the day and during different seasons. Like a jewel, the Taj sparkles in moonlight when the semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble on the main mausoleum catch the glow of the moon. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, they say, depict the different moods of woman.

Kanpur is not only an important industrial town but also one of the most frequented tourist destinations in India. The city of Kanpur that stands on the banks of Ganges has a long tryst with the history. Kanpur, for long, has been a troubled town that has witnessed scores of bloodbath. From the ” Butcher of Cawnpore” to Hindu-Muslim sibling riots, the city has seen it all.

The city has become synonymous to leather industry in Asia. The whole economy of the city revolves around production, tanning, polishing or export of leather products. This flourishing trade has brought mix fortunes for the city dwellers. While on one hand, the growing export raised the living standard of the population; on the other hand it has also intensified the communal hatred that exist between Hindus and Muslims in the city. The result is the ferocious communal riots that take place almost every decade without any break. The reasoning behind these riots is primarily rooted in the age-old commercial rivalry of the two communities that is catalyzed by even older mutual mistrust.

Places To Visit

Massacre Ghat

Massacre Ghat alias Nana Rao Ghat, earlier known as Satti Chaura Ghat, is one of the most important tourist attraction of the city situated in the cantonment area on the right bank of the river Ganga. The place has become significant in the Indian History since the revolt of 1857, popularly known as Sepoy Mutiny or the first war of Indian Independence. Around 300 British men, women and children were murdered at the ghat and whose who escaped from there were later killed at the Bibighur Massacre. As the revolt was believed to be led by Nana Sahib of Peshwa, the Satti Chaura Ghat was renamed as Nana Rao Ghat and later got recognized as Massacre Ghat. A white temple was built here which gives the place a peaceful atmosphere.

Gutaam Buddha Park

Gautam Buddha Park is situated on the way to IIT Campus in between the Bara Imambara and the Martyrs Memorial. The ethnic style of construction and the surrounding foliage makes the park a beautiful leisure spot. It offers some excellent rides for the children and the canal within the park offer boating facilities. The park is used for conducting meetings and rallies of the political parties.

Moti Jheel

Moti Jheel, the drinking water reservoir of Kanpur waterworks is located in the Benajhabar area of the city. As the name suggests this popular picnic spot is similar to a pearl in the heart of Kanpur. The area around the Jheel (i.e lake) have been developed into a beautiful recreation ground and children’s park. The Japani Garden and Tulsi Upavan is located adjacent to the Moti Jheel .

This ancient city is believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy book of Hindus- the Ramayana- says, the city was founded by Manu. Later, it became the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty. Lord Rama was the most celebrated King of this dynasty. Known as ‘Kosaldesa’ in ancient times, the place has been described as “a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself”, in the Atharvaveda. From the time immemorial, this place has been noted for the performance of various rituals and Yajnas, including ‘Asvamedha Yajna’.

From the epic and puranic ages, Ayodhya rose to prominence again in the 6th century B.C,the times of Buddha. Situated just about 10 Km from the district headquarters of Faizabad, Ayodhya is a city of temples of several religions. Various faiths have grown and prospered simultaneously and that also in different periods of time in the history. Jain traditions, for example, consider that five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya including Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar. Don’t miss the remnants of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Jainism, that can still be found in Ayodhya.

Places To Visit

Nageshwarnath Temple
The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush the son of Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and splendor.

Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat
The first of these ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa built by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed to be an ancient monastery.

Treta ke Thakur
This temple stands at the place where Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya. About 300 years ago the Raja of kulu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahalyabai Hokar of Indore during 1784, at the same time the adjoining Ghats were also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.

The Hanuman Garhi
Situated in the center of the town, this temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Janambhoomi or Ramkot. The main temple contains the statue of Maa Anjani, with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap. The faithful believe that all their wishes are granted with a visit to this holy shrine.

Fatehpur Sikri was planned as a great town by Akbar with great care and planning in the honor of Sheikh Salim Chisti but had to be abandoned only after fifteen years due to scarcity of water in the town. Sheikh Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint who blessed the Akbar with his first son and heir, who was named Salim after him and later came to be known as Jehangir. The town was otiginally named Sikri after the village, where it was founded but its twin city Fatehpur (Victory Town) was erected to celebrate Akbar’s conquest of Gujarat in June 1573.

The two mosques in the village of Sikri have inscriptions, which announce their conception in 1314 under Mohd. Khilji. There have been records that Babur renamed the village ‘Sikri’ as ‘Shukri’, meaning ‘thanks to the god’. It was also the famous dwelling place and khanqah of Shiekh Salim Chishti, the famous Sufi saint whom Akbar revered for blessing him with child.

Hiran Minar

Hiran Minar is located in the open plains. This 21.34m high tower got its name after Jehangir converted the polo ground around the tower into a sanctuary for hiran (antelopes). The tower is entered through a flat-topped door bordered by sand stone panel and flanked by closed arched panels. There are 53 steps leading to the top inside the tower. One can get a bird’s eye view of Fatehpur Sikri from the top of the tower.

The tower is octagonal upto the height of 3.91m and circular to the rest of the height. The tower stands over an octagonal platform, which in turn stands on a square one. The lower square platform is 21.96m sq. and the octagonal platform is 1.2m high and is edged by a small cornice. Double flight of 9 steps has been provided on northern and eastern side, which is 3.05m high.

Karkhanas

Karkhanas is located near the northeast side of the Agra gate. The building is also popularly known as ‘Taksal’ or mint, which is a misnomer. This building was used as workshop where state commodities were produced and stored. It is believed that spices and dry fruits were stored in the building, while textiles were manufactured and precious stone work, ivory work, enameling work were carried out in this building grain.

The building is a single storied structure, which is entirely built of rubble masonry. Like other old buildings, this one is also in an ageing phase. Remnants of arched doorways and a few arcaded bays are survived only. The Karkhana surrounds a quadrangle courtyard of 72.58m by 80.21m in dimension and surrounded by a ruinous cloister. The cloister has a series of broad square bays, each made of four arches, and roofed by a cupola.

Even today Taj Mahal in Agra gets heads to turn in surprise and awe at its magnificence and symmetrical architecture. Built from 1631 to 1653, under the patronage of Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631 of childbirth. Taj Mahal in Agra, a symbol of undying love, is in reality a colossal mausoleum that houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

Built by nearly 20,000 skilled craftsmen under the expertise of architects from Arabia and Europe, Taj Mahal in Agra marks the height of Mughal architecture. Most of the men, it is believed, lost their fingers and hands so that Shah Jahan’s monument of love can stay unparalleled till infinity. Though there are many attempted replicas of Taj Mahal in Agra, adorning the streets of the world, none have managed to rival the magnificence of the marble mausoleum.

Four, purely decorative, minarets are present on each corner of the platform on which the Taj Mahal stands. The reflection of Taj Mahal in the watercourse, which cuts through the ornamental gardens, is a mesmerizing sight. These ornamental gardens of Taj Mahal in Agra were designed along the Mughal Gardens’ (charbagh) style that were in turn underlined by Persian Garden style first commissioned under Babar in Agra.

Even today Taj Mahal in Agra gets heads to turn in surprise and awe at its magnificence and symmetrical architecture. Built from 1631 to 1653, under the patronage of Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631 of childbirth. Taj Mahal in Agra, a symbol of undying love, is in reality a colossal mausoleum that houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

Built by nearly 20,000 skilled craftsmen under the expertise of architects from Arabia and Europe, Taj Mahal in Agra marks the height of Mughal architecture. Most of the men, it is believed, lost their fingers and hands so that Shah Jahan’s monument of love can stay unparalleled till infinity. Though there are many attempted replicas of Taj Mahal in Agra, adorning the streets of the world, none have managed to rival the magnificence of the marble mausoleum.

Four, purely decorative, minarets are present on each corner of the platform on which the Taj Mahal stands. The reflection of Taj Mahal in the watercourse, which cuts through the ornamental gardens, is a mesmerizing sight. These ornamental gardens of Taj Mahal in Agra were designed along the Mughal Gardens’ (charbagh) style that were in turn underlined by Persian Garden style first commissioned under Babar in Agra.

The red sandstone gateway inscribed with verses from Quran, fine floral engraving on marble, delicately carved marble screens that filter light into the mausoleum, inlaid semiprecious stones, and semi-translucent white marble and arches decorated with quotes from Quran and pietra dura are the details you cannot and should not miss out on, on your tour of Taj Mahal in Agra.

The Cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, the western red sandstone mosque (for worship), and eastern red sandstone mosque (decorative) are some other places to visit within Taj Mahal in Agra upon your tour to Agra.

Day 1 Arrival
Arrival in Delhi, meet our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would list visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid – the largest mosque in India. A detailed sight-seeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the majestic India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave. Night stay in Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi – Agra
After breakfast, morning drive to Agra, on arrival transfer to hotel. Later proceed for city sight seeing tour visiting the world famous Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Also visit Agra Fort, containing the Pearl Mosque – the rusty and majestic red- sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambiance, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Also visit Itmad-up-Dau’s tomb, built by Noorjehan in memory of her father. Night stay in Agra.

Day 4 Agra – Jaipur
Check out the hotel and proceed to Jaipur enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 to commemorate the birth of his son and later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Visit the remains, it fortifications within the city including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces. On arrival transfer to hotel. Night stay in Jaipur.

Day 5 Jaipur
After meal in the hotel, start the day with excursion to Amber Fort. Elephant ride ascent to the fort. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it’s ultimate expression. Continue sight-seeing. Next we move to 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 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 ancient astronomical instruments is still in use. Hawa Mahal is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. The five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trellis work and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women. Night stay in Jaipur.

Day 6 Jaipur – Udaipur
Morning drive to Udaipur- an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan enroute visiting Pushkar. Pushkar boasts temples, though few are as ancient as you might expect at such an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples in the world dedicated to this deity. It’s marked by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have personally chosen Pushkar as its site. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to hotel. Night stay in Udaipur.

Day 7 Udaipur
After breakfast in the hotel, morning city sight seeing tour of Udaipur. The city is built in 1559 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh and has been described as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Col. James Todd. Visit the City Palace museum, the Jagdish temple, Sahelion Ki Bari ( Queen’s resort for their friends) Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir ( Folk art museum) and the Pratap Memorial. Rest of the day at leisure. Night stay in Udaipur.

Day 8 Udaipur – Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur. On arrival transfer to hotel. Night stay in Jodhpur.

Day 9 Jodhpur
After a relaxed breakfast proceed for city sight seeing tour of Jodhpur. Jodhpur – the stronghold of the fierce Rathore clan, was founded in 1459 by Prince Jodha. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone hill. Within the fort, visit Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph, built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant singh II around 1899 and Umaid Public gardens. Night stay in Jodhpur.

Day 10 Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
Morning drive to Jaisalmer, on arrival transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Night stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 11 Jaisalmer
Morning city sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. Throbbing in the heart of the Thar, the burnished sandstone, is an intricately molded wonderland in place of a barren land, today stands a city of gilded magic. The origins of Jaisalmer go back to the 12th century, when Rawal Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Ludarwa and laid the foundation of a new city. Visit the magnificent fort, the Patwon Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, with their carved balconies and brackets which are supreme examples of the art. Evening camel ride to visit sand Dunes. Night stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 12 Jaisalmer – Bikaner
After food, drive to Bikaner. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Later city sight seeing tour. Bikaner is named after its founder Rao Bikaji in 1488. But long before this, the city was trade center on the caravan routes from Africa and West Asia. Bikaner’s dominant features are rippling sands and abundant sunshine. The city stands on an elevation, enclosed by a 7 Kms wall, which can be entered from 5 gate. Bikaner City is bolstered by imposing walls and has a 16th century fort housing old palaces, temples and mosque. Founded by Raja Rai Singh the fort is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions, a line of balconies and aerial windows of varying designs. Also visit Lallgarh Palace, the museum, Bhanda Sagar Jain and Deshnoke Rat temple. Night stay in Bikaner.

Day 13 Bikaner – Mandawa
Morning drive to Mandawa, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Later visit Mandawa, founded 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh and still the home of his descendants, has beautiful frescoes, havelis and mansions. Mandawa castle one of the finest castles of Rajasthan, is now a hotel and house of collection of armories, costumes of ancestors, canons from 1820 ancient coins, numismatic collection and many other interesting items, preserved in a museum. Night stay in Mandawa.

Day 14 Mandawa – Delhi
Departure Morning drive to Delhi and transfer to airport for onward journey.

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