Magical India with Golden Temple & Ranthambore

After breakfast you will proceed for full-day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshipers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi, noisy, chaotic and uniquely Indian. You will then visit the Red Fort (closed every Monday), which was constructed during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. It continues to be significant even today, as every Independence Day the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. 

Also visit Sisganj Gurudwara in Chandni Chowk, Bangla Saheb Gurudwara & Laxmi Narayan Temple near Connaught Place area. In evening you will have time to explore local market for shopping on your own. 

After breakfast, today, you will proceed for a full-day tour of Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. Next move on to Lotus temple, also know as Bahai Temple. Also visit Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562. It was the first garden tomb built in the Indian sub-continent where the Persian architect used red sandstone on a large scale.  Later proceed to Dilli Haat, housing the handloom emporiums and foot joints from various Indian states.

Later in evening you will have time to explore local market for shopping on your own. 

After breakfast, check out and drive to Agra. History says Agra was founded by Sultan Sikander Lodi in 1504. But it flourished much later under Mughal patronage. On arrival, proceed for half day sightseeing of the city. Visit the Agra Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar, and subsequently embellished by other Mughal Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure houses many exquisite palaces, and is a handsome example of Mughal architecture. Also visit Itmad- Ud - Daula, known as the "Baby Taj", on the banks of the River Yamuna. A recursor to the Taj dating from 1628, this exquisite mausoleum was built by the Empress Nur Jahan for her father, and is filled with artistic detail. Explore the beautiful rooms, adorned with trellises and precious stones, and hear how their design reflects Persian influences.

Thereafter check in at a hotel and relax. 

Early in the morning, proceed to visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. The white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal on the banks of Yamuna, is the ultimate epitome of love. Owing to beautiful Mughal architecture, Taj features among the New Seven Wonders of The World. Also you will have a day excursion to Fatehpur Sikri- which was built by the Emperor Akbar and is home to many historical buildings. Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his headquarters; however, he had to abandon it due to shortage of water. It is the best example of the amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint who lived a religious life here. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World heritage site.Post sightseeing, drive back to Agra and relax at the hotel. 

After early or with packed breakfast, check out and drive to Ranthambore. Upon arrival in afternoon you will enjoy jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India and a tiger reserve. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. 

Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination. Thereafter check in at a hotel and relax. 

Early morning you will enjoy a game drive in Ranthambore National Park; thereafter back to hotel for breakfast. Post breakfast, check out from the hotel and then drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check in at a hotel and relax. Later in evening, visit the old Jaipur- the pink city and explore the local market by walk on your own. Also, you will have an opportunity to enjoy an ethnic dinner at Choki Dhani village (payment on your own). 

After breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amber Fort on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravali Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red and pink sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles with fortified walls built for protection from the invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomical site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments. Take a stroll in the evening into the colorful bazaars of Jaipur offering a true experience of the city's long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. Don’t miss to buy some famous gemstones of Jaipur which are mined in the area. 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Jaipur Airport to board the flight to Amritsar. Fly to Amritsar. Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax. 

After breakfast, proceed for the city tour. Firstly, visit the famous Golden Temple- the most important and holy Sikh shrine, located in the old part of the town of Amritsar. It is also known as Hari Mandir (Temple of the Lord). Situated at a walking distance from the Golden Temple is Jallianwala Bagh. The Jallianwala Bagh holds a great historical importance to Indians and especially the Sikhs, as the place is a reminder of the brutal and heartless massacre upon a crowd of non-violent protesters and pilgrims (who had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh), carried out by British General Dyer in April 1919. Transcend back in time to the British era as you enter this memorial, established in 1951. Proceeding further, you’ll visit Partition Museum and Durgiana temple also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddes Durga, looks similar to the Golden Temple, and is surrounded by a huge pond. Optionally, visit the Golden Temple at night as its golden shine is certainly a treat for the eyes & soul.Post sightseeing, return to the hotel and relax.

Later in evening visit Wagah Border, on the Indo-Pakistan border,28 kms from Amritsar. Numerous visitors come to see the ceremonious change of guards and the flag hoisting and lowering activities done skillfully and with precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you should not miss when you are in Amritsar. Thereafter you will be back to hotel and relax.

After breakfast drive to Dharamshala. Upon arrival check in at a hotel and relax. Thereafter you are at leisure on your own. 

After breakfast, visit Dalai Lama Temple, Tibetan Museum, Church and Norbulingka Institute which is perhaps one of its best in the world. The institute has its own temple, Museum and Meditation Hall. One thousand one hundred and seventy-three images of the Buddha decorate the forty-four foot high temple hall. Also visit Residential school run by Tibetan refugees, and the Tibetan craft village where Tibetan refugees are imparted training for making various handicrafts, carpets as well as tailoring.

After leisurely breakfast, check out and drive to Pathankot Railway Station to board the train to Delhi. Overnight journey.

Early in the morning, arrive at New Delhi Railway Station, meet our representative and get transferred to Delhi airport to board flight for onward destination; henceforth your journey ends with sweet memories.