Day 1 : Delhi Arrive Delhi, met upon arrival at the international airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi Morning tour briefing and orientation followed by a full day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi visiting Qutab, Humayun Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple, drive past India Gate and President House and other government buildings. Red Fort, Jama Masjid drive pass Chandni Chowk and visit Raj Ghat. Qutab Minar – Built in red sandstone during early 13th century, tower of Qutab Minar is one of the tallest tower of its. 72.5 m tall, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, wall consists of the verses from Koran
the holy book of Muslims. Complex also hosts mosques and Iron Pillar (Ashoka Pillar) in the courtyard of the mosque, whose quality of the iron is exceptionally pure and has not rusted even after 2000 years.
Humayun Tomb – This 16th century monument is known as the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent Mughal imperial architecture. Built in the middle of the garden Humayun's Tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi.
Red Fort – Ultimate symbol of Mughal power is India this 16th century fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan on the bank River Yamuna then. Drum House, hall of Hall of Public Audiences, Hall of Private Audiences, Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color are some of the main attraction of visit to the palace. An evening sound and light show re-creates events in India's history connected with the fort.
Jama Masjid – Jama Masjid was the last architectural extravagance of emperor Shah Jahan, which he built shortly after the completion of Red Fort. Highly decorative it is the largest mosque in India its courtyard can accommodate 25000 devotees to offer prayer at one time.
India Gate- Built in the memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their life during I World War fighting for British, this arch built on 1921 is a prominent site in Delhi.
Laxmi Narayan Temple – Dedicated to Laxmi (The Goddess of Prosperity) and Narayana (The Preserver) this temple located in the heat of the city is revered by Hindus. Temple complex has numerous small chambers dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Chandni Chowk – Now a bustling market place was a flamboyant bazaar for the novels holds a lot of historical importance. Today one can explore Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw to witness reminisce of this market.
President House – Located on the Raisina Hills, Rashtrapati Bhawan as it is popularly called President House was originally conceptualized as House of Viceroy of India in1911 when British Empire decided to sift its capital from Calcutta to Delhi. This fortress like 340 rooms palace has been boasts of chandeliers from Belgium, Italian marble, Burmese teakwood, Dholpur stone etc. inside.
Parliament House – designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker the man behind the creation of master piece architecture all New Delhi, this 1927 circular building supported by a central dome is hub of world’s largest democracy.
Raj Ghat – Cremation site of Father of the Nation ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ now boats gardens and a memorial.
Day 03 :Delhi to Agra Morning depart Delhi by surface for Agra (200 km approx.). Arrive Agra and check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour or Agra.
Agra Fort - four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire from here. Wander around the palaces built by successive emperors, which represents the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also serves a vantage point to view the Taj Mahal from a distance and it is believed that the Emperor Shah Jahan spend his file days in exile watching the Taj from here.
Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb - built by Begam Nur Jahan wife of Jahangir, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg one of generals in Mughal army, who had been given the title of Itimad-ud-Daula (pillar of the state). Primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, this monument also elegantly displays white marble and pietra dura inlay which is considered to be one of the fore runner of the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal - the most beautiful monument of love, which is flawless to its conception and execution (remain closed to visitors on Fridays). It is aptly said that “beauty of the Taj Mahal cannot be described, it can only be experienced”. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Agra to Jaipur Morning depart Agra by surface for Jaipur (232 km approx.) stopping by en route to visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur. Fatehpur Sikri - Just 44 km away from Agra on the way to Jaipur is Fatehpur Sikri, which briefly served as capital of Emperor Akbar. It is believed that city was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards inside the complex is in a remarkable state of preservation. Holy shrine of Saint Salim Chisti here is one of important pilgrimage for Muslims and Buland Darwaza which Emperor Akbar built to commemorate his victory on Gujarat is very imposing.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 :Jaipur
Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort and afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Amber Fort - Ancient capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs rulers of Jaipur, Amber guarded one of the important defiles from invading enemies. Wander inside the Fort to watch extravagant Palaces to witnessing the opulence of Rajaput royal lifestyle amongst which summer palace, winter palace and mirror palace etc. are the most popular. Climb atop the forts ramparts on an elephant back.
City Palace – Official residence of the present royal family City Palace covers a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. A part of this Palace is a now a museum housing Armoury, Textiles and Artifacts. City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture.
Jantar Mantar - This 17th century astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses and some of them still works. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Jaipur to Delhi and Colombo Morning at leisure in Jaipur. Afternoon drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi airport in time to connect flight to Colombo. Arrive Colombo and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel. Day 07: Colombo to Kandy
Morning depart Colombo by surface for Kandy (115 Km) stopping by en route to visit Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela. Arrive Kandy and check in at hotel. Afternoon the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya and fabled temple of tooth relic.
Kandy – the second largest city in the country cultural capital of Sri Lanka, the anglicized version of Kanda Uda Rata meaning the “Land of Mountains” the hilly capital of Kandy has been stronghold of the Sinhala Kings.
Elephant Orphanage Pinnawela – sifted from Wilpattu National Park in 1975 Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela was established to provide to refuge baby elephants that were abandoned in the jungles for various reasons Pinnawella Elephant Orphanage is one of the very few elephant orphanages in the world. At Pinnawela attempts are made to create identical conditions as in the wild. Elephants roam freely during the day and they are encouraged to form herds.
Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – begun as a pleasure garden of a Kandyan King this garden is no doubt is the best garden in the country, this garden is surrounded by the river Mahaweli on three sides. The garden is a nice example of natural wealth and beauty of the tropics which boasts of over hundred species of palms, fernery and an Orchid House which houses more than 300 species of Orchids. Also, the spice garden here initiates one to understand medicinal plants of the region.
Temple of Tooth – main attraction of visit to Kandy is undoubtedly the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic or “Dalada Maligawa”. Surrounded by the Bogambara Lake it is one of the most important pilgrimage for Buddhists across the world. This 16th century temple boasts of Sinhalese style architecture. Great “Kandy Esala Perehara” - procession of Elephants and dancers which takes place during the month of August (Esala) and lasts over ten days is a very colorful festival which attracts people from all over. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Kandy to Colombo
Morning depart drive Kandy to Colombo. Arrive Colombo and check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Colombo city visit the Fort, Petta and other government buildings.
Colombo – The capital of Sri Lanka is the largest city in the country also is the political and commercial capital. This bustling metropolis is an attractive blend of traditional and modern culture, lazy charm of bygone era with energy packed pace of the modern days.
The Fort – Built by Portuguese and Dutch to strengthen their colonization the fort now is a major commercial center, housing important offices such as Presidential Secretariat, 19th century barracks for soldiers turned to Grand Oriental Hotel, Clock Tower, General Post Office, the Delft Gateway etc.
Pettah – this bustling market district is adjacent to fort. Narrow cobbled streets lined with shops offers fantastic bargain. Each criss-crossed lane of Pettah leads to the main street and the unique features of these streets are that each street is dedicated to one item such as Keyzer Street for household goods, Prince for glass, mirrors and electrical items, Sea streets with jewelry etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Depart Colombo In time transfer to Colombo international airport to board the flight for onward destination
