Morning at sunrise visit the magnificent
Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, also visit
Agra Fort – 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-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms.
RETURN BACK TO HOTEL FOR BREAKFAST
Agra Fort: Situated on the West Bank of the Yamuna, Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. It’s imposing red sandstone ramparts from a crescent along the riverfront, and encompasses an enormous complex of courtly buildings, ranging in style from the early eclecticism of Akbar to the sublime elegance of Shah Jahan. The barracks to the north are 19th century British additions. A deep moat, once filled with water from the Yamuna, surrounds the fort.
ITMAD-UD-DAULAH is perhaps the Mughal Empire’s best kept secret. Empress Nur Jehan, wife of Jehangir, son of Akbar, commissioned the structure as a memorial to her father. Mistakenly called Baby Taj, Itmad-ud-Daulah is in fact decades older than the Taj and may have served as its design blueprint. A must-see hidden gem.
After noon Drive to Jaipur .En-route visit Fatehpur sikri .
On the way, we visit the ruined city Fatehpur Sikri which has several striking features to look at, especially the Buland Darwaza. Fatehpur Sikri has been given the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue drive to Jaipur .
The origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains its character and history – A beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria.
Overnight stay will be in Jaipur .