Golden Triangle With Sunderbans

• Day 1: Arrive Delhi

  The tour begins with your arrival at the Delhi International Airport. You will be received by a Trans India Holidays representative. Get escorted to the hotel and assistance with check-in formalities. Delhi, the capital city is a vibrant bustling pot of the ancient and the contemporary era. The city of cities is not one but eight cities, each with its own charms and yet all of it a heart-touching bliss. New Delhi is a city created by the British, while the Old Delhi was the seat of the Mughal Empire from the 17th to 19th centuries. The oldest part of Delhi is Indraprastha, the first of recognized settlements, highlighted in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. History, heritage, culture, savory food, shopping and many other experiences add to its charm. Check-in at the hotel, there are no plans for the day. Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 2: In Delhi

  After breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you for guided sightseeing of Old and New Delhi. This tour includes the following places: Red Fort: The Mughal Fortress of red sandstone dates back to the 17th-century. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an architectural extravaganza. The name is taken from a Hindi word Lal, which means red and Quila which means fort for the red sandstone used in its construction. The octet shape fort has a wall of about 2.4 kms and lies along the Yamuna River. Highlights of the fort are a Diwan-e-Am (Hall for public audience), a Rang Mahal (a water-cooled apartment of royal ladies) and a Pearl Mosque, which was constructed with white marble. Jama Masjid: One of the country’s major mosques, here hundreds and thousands of Muslims offer their prayers even today. Jama Masjid was constructed by Shah Jahan as an architectural extravaganza in 1658. The wonders of construction in Jama Masjid are seen in the long stretches of stairs and the massive courtyard. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): Chandni Chowk is well-known for its flamboyant streets with the famous shopping spots of Old Delhi. It also has the country’s best known extensive market for textiles, electronic goods, and watches. Chandni Chowk was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s beloved daughter and was home to the well-to-do families of that time. The famous Parantha wale Gali, known for its mouth-watering paranthas is also positioned in Chandni Chowk. The famous gold market, Dariba Kalan is also situated here. Raj Ghat: An elementary square platform of black marble on the banks of Yamuna River, symbolizes the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. A dedicatory ritual takes place each Friday, in his memory. India Gate: India Gate is a free-standing, 42-meter high arch. Formerly called the All India War Memorial, the monument was built in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the warriors are engraved all along the walls of the arch. The eternal flame honoring the Amar Jawan (Immortal Soldier) burns for the last four decades. Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House): Rashtrapati Bhavan is the authorized residence of the President of the country. It was designed by British Architect Edward Lutyens and was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Humayun’s Tomb: Built in memory of Humayun ine years after the death of Humayun, Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) built this tomb in 1565-66 in his memory. The garden tomb is one of the world heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO and is said to be the motivation behind the 'wonder of the world' Taj Mahal. Qutub Minar: This outstanding building in the southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab–ud–din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters tall and its base is a mosque. It is one of the UNESCO listed heritage sites in India. Overnight stay in Delhi.

• Day 3: DRIVE DELHI - AGRA (220 KMS/04 HRS)

  You will be met by one of our representatives who will assist you with the check-out formalities. You will then start your trail to Agra, the next stop on your Golden Triangle tour package. The drive from Delhi to Agra will be via the new Expressway, one of India’s finest highways. Agra is situated on the bank of Yamuna River. It is the dwelling place to India’s famous monument, the Taj Mahal. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th & 17th centuries. To date, it retains the splendor of its bygone days. On your arrival at the hotel in Agra, you will again be met by our representative and will be assisted with check-in formalities. Later in the afternoon, the tour guide will pick you up for the guided sightseeing trip of the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Taj Mahal: This white-marble mausoleum is one of the most beautiful structures in the world and is granted the title of one of the 'wonders of the world'. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also known as the 'icon of eternal love'. Without a doubt, it is the most recognized and most visited landmark in India. The monument was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal and took over 22 years. Over 20,000 artisans labored hard day and night. Craftsperson and experts were brought from France and Italy, while the chief architect was from Iran. The visit to the Taj Mahal will long be remembered by you as the highlight of your Golden Triangle Tour. Agra Fort: The center of governance of the Mughal Empire, this historical monument is one of the world heritage sites in India. Emperor Akbar started the construction of this huge red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of Yamuna River in 1565. It was mainly constructed for the soldiers until his grandson, Shah Jahan, added more opulent accommodations. There are several attractive buildings within its porches such as Samman Burj, where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Moti Masjid, a white marble mosque, Diwan–e–Am, Diwan–e–Khas, Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. Overnight stay in Agra.

• Day 4: DRIVE AGRA - JAIPUR (250 KMS/05 HRS)

  After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by our representative and will be assisted with check-out formalities. You will then start your trip to Jaipur, the Pink city, the next stop on your Golden Triangle tour, en route stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, for a guided tour of this historic town. Fatehpur Sikri: Another world heritage site in Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar roughly 35 kms outside Agra. This city was built in the 16th century and was abandoned a few years later due to the paucity of water. The entire city is still intact, and the sight of this city is worth remembering. The Buland Darwaza, 54 m tall is the main entrance to this city. This gate was constructed in the honor of Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, head to Jaipur, the third destination that forms India’s Golden Triangle. Jaipur: It is the capital of Rajasthan, and is known as the “Pink City” because of the pink-tinted constructions in the old city. Recently the walled city of Jaipur has joined the elite list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is situated on a dry lake bed, bordered by barren hills vanquished by forts and broken walls. The city was found in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who wanted to be in the good books of the then ruling Mughals. He positioned the city with rectangular blocks according to early Hindu architecture. It is a great city for shopping. On arrival at the Jaipur hotel, you will again be received by our representative and will then be assisted with check-in formalities. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

• Day 5: In Jaipur

  After breakfast, you will be picked up by the guide from the hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaipur and Amber. Sightseeing in Jaipur includes: Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is located 11 km away from Jaipur. Amber was once the ancient capital of Jaipur. The Fort is an excellent illustration of Rajput architecture, impressively situated on a hillside facing a lake, which reflects its walkways and walls. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): Constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur’s main landmarks, the front of the Mahal has pink windows and latticework screens. This Mahal was initially constructed for the ladies of the imperial household to watch the ordinary life and parades of the city. City Palace: The City Palace is still the dwelling of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur. This palace museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. Jantar Mantar (Observatory): It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1728. Jantar Mantar appears to be an inquisitive collection of sculptures but in fact, each construction has a detailed purpose such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes, and azimuths and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial which is the 27-meter tall gnomon. The shadow this casts moves up to 4 meters an hour. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

• Day 6: Fly Jaipur - Kolkata

  You will be met at the airport. Get assistance with transfer to the hotel and with check in formalities. Kolkata: Cultural, historic and charming, Kolkata previously known as Calcutta is East India’s most popular city. Nicknamed ‘The City of Joy’, it is a city of contrasts and myriad charms. Formerly the capital of British India before Delhi, the city developed from a fishing village to become one of the largest cities in the world. Symbolizing creativity and vibrancy, the city has lovingly adapted to the modern trends and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely lifestyle and the calm of its heydays. While Calcutta is a city of enduring charm, it is also a city that evokes extreme emotions. So be ready to experience something totally different. The city is where Mother Teresa worked tirelessly for the poor and homeless and the city where Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote his famous books and to date has the olden charm intact. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

• Day 7: In Kolkata

  After breakfast at the hotel, met your tour guide who will accompany you on a full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata. The places to visit include visit include: Victoria Memorial: One of the famous landmarks of Kolkata, the white-marble monument is an excellent architectural gem in Indo-Saracenic revivalist style. Birla Planetarium: The astronomy gallery opens up the secrets of the skies and celestial objects in its display. Designed in the typical Indian style of architecture based on the Buddhist stupa of Sanchi, the Birla Planetarium is a popular tourist place. St Paul's Cathedral: One of the largest cathedrals in India, St. Paul's Cathedral is noted for Gothic architecture. A popular tourist site for its historic appeal and incredible layout, the cathedral is testimony of the colonial days and the Anglican community that settled in India. Indian Museum: A treasure of history and heritage, the Indian Museum has much to keep you occupied. It is the earliest and the largest multipurpose Museum not only in the Indian subcontinent but also in the Asia-Pacific region of the world. Displays range from Indian history, socio-cultural, geographical, scientific achievements, etc. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

• Day 8: KOLKATA – SUNDERBAN (120 KMS/03 HRS)

  Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. This morning drive to Gothkhali Jetty (120 kms/03 hrs). From the jetty, boat transfer to Sunderban. Sunderbans: The Sunderbans National park is the largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in India. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stretch of impenetrable mangrove forest of great size and bio-diversity. The Sunderbans delta harbors the largest single population in the world. The animals inhabiting this mangrove wilderness have become adept at living a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The Sunderban Tigers are elusive as they are mostly nocturnal in habits resting up during the heat of the day. The mangroves also provide cover for large reptiles such as the Monitor Lizard, Estuarine Crocodile, and the Olive Ridley Turtle and so much more. Tiger sightings are rare, but tourists to the Sunderbans get to see and experience a unique and severely threatened aquatic habitat. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Sunderban.

• Day 9: In Sundarban

  The day includes safaris in Sunderbans. In Sunderbans, safaris are conducted in Boats that cruise through the backwaters and mangrove forests. Overnight stay in Sunderban.

• Day 10: In Sundarban

  Enjoy the day at leisure in Sunderban National Park. Boat safaris are conducted in the national park that cruise through the backwaters accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Overnight stay in Sunderban.

• Day 11: SUNDERBANS – KOLKATA (120 KMS / 3 HRS.) & DEPART

  Transfer to the Gothkhali Jetty by boat. Later, drive to Kolkata airport in time to board flight for onward destination.

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