Golden Triangle Circuit of India:
The Golden Triangle circuit of India is consists of three major cities like The Capital City of India i.e. New Delhi, The City of Love i.e. Agra, Uttar Pradesh and The Pink City i.e. Jaipur, Rajasthan. The locations of these cities form a triangular shape on map that is why this circuit is referred as Golden Triangle.
The Golden Triangle is now a well-traveled route which is about 720 km by road. Each leg is at about 3 to 5 hours of drive. This circuit provides a good spectrum of the country’s different landscapes and aspects of life which reflects in their culture, cuisine and in traditions too.
What to see:
New Delhi
Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, National Museum, President House, Parliament House, India Gate, National War Memorial, Connaught Place Market, Purana Quilla, Humayun Tomb, Akshardham Temple, Raj Ghat, Red Fort, Chandani Chowk Market etc.
Agra
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Lohagarh Fort etc.
Jaipur
City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Chokhi Dhani Village, Bhangarh Fort-A Haunted Fort
How to Reach:
By Air
Agra and Jaipur both are connected with Delhi but Agra and Jaipur are not connected with each other.
By Rail
Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi are connected with Railway network.
By Road
Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi are well connected with Expressway and National Highways.
Best time to Visit:
From November to Mid-March:
This is the best time to visit the entire area. The temperature ranges between 8°C and 14°C. Sometimes it drops down to 1-2°C when the chilly wave continues to blow in the entire Gangetic plain of Northern India.
From Mid-March to June:
The day temperature hovers between 25°C and 45°C during the season. One can visit the city to explore nearby areas but the temperature became the main villain in the entire plan so be careful while choosing the best time to visit.
From July to November:
The Golden Triangle area receives less rainfall as compared to its surrounding regions due to its location in the semi-arid region during July to September. The temperature started decreasing from the October onwards when days are warm but dawn and dusk become more comfortable for sightseeing.
Day 1: Visit Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, National Museum, President House, Parliament House, India Gate, National War Memorial, Connaught Place Market.
New Delhi- The Capital City of India
The official name of Delhi is the ‘National Capital Territory of Delhi’ (NCT). The New Delhi is the Capital city of India which is a union territory, also. It is bordered by the state of Haryana on three sides and by Uttar Pradesh to the east. The NCT covers an area of 1,484 square kilometres (573 sq mi). The neighboring satellite cities of Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida are comes under National Capital Region (NCR).
The modern-day state of Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) was once the part a State level society of the Kuru (कुरु) during Vedic period. As per the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata, the legendary ancient city Indraprastha, is believed to had been established 5000 years ago.
A long-standing tradition associates Delhi with Indraprastha and identifies the legendary city with the village Indarpat, which survived until the early 20th century within the Purana Qila. However, there is no tangible archaeological evidence which links the excavated ‘painted greyware’ at Purana Qila with the Bharata Khanda site. (Source: Wikipedia)
Delhi, an important political centre of India, has a long history of several empires who ruled it and made their Capital. During colonial era, the Britishers built the Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi and declared it as Capital of India, on 12 December 1911.
Lotus Temple:
The Bahai Faith is a world religion whose purpose is to unite all races and peoples in one universal Cause and one common Faith. The Bahai House of Worship is dedicated to the oneness of humanity and religion. They are a center for social, scientific, educational and humanitarian services, living up to its title of “Dawning Place of the Remembrance of God.”
Because of its Lotus like shape, it is often referred as Lotus Temple. It is open for all from Tuesday to Sunday. The Prayer Hall remains closed on Sundays and Public Holidays 12 noon onwards. However visitors may see the House of Worship using the surrounding path.
Entry: Free and open to all.
Opening Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday (Monday Closed).
Winter (1st October to 31st March): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summer (1st April to 30th September): 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Minimum Time to See: 1 hour.
Website: http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir
Qutub Minar
It is a tallest minaret in the world built of bricks whose height is 72.5 meters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is often referred as “victory tower”. The tower tapers and has a 14.3 metres (47 feet) base diameter, reducing to 2.7 metres (9 feet) at the top of the peak.It contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps.
The Iron Pillar:
The Iron Pillar of Delhi is a structure 23 feet 8 inches (7.2 metres) high with 16 inches diameter that was constructed by a “King Chandra”. Now stands in the Qutub complex at Mehrauli in Delhi, India. It is famous for the rust-resistant composition of the metals used in its construction. The pillar weighs over 3,000 kg (7,000 lb). Perhaps it was erected outside the Udayagiri Caves and moved to its present location early in the Delhi Sultanate.
Entry Fee: Rs.35/- per person (Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals), Rs.550/- per person (Foreigners), Free for children upto 15 years of age.
Camera Fee: Rs.25/- for Still photography
Opening Hours: Open all days from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Time required: 1 Hour
Nearest Metro Station: QutubMinar
Tip: Book your entry tickets from Archaeological Survey of India’s website to save your time.
National Museum of India:
It is one of the largest museums in India which was established in 1949. It holds a variety of articles ranging from pre-historic era to modern works of art. The museum is situated on Janpath Road. The museum has around 200,000 works of art, both of Indian and foreign origin, covering over 5,000 years.
The collections of the National Museum represent almost all disciplines of art: Archaeology (Sculptures in Stone, Bronze & Terracota), Arms, Armour, Decorative Arts, Jewellery, Manuscripts, Miniatures and Tanjore Paintings, Textiles, Numismatics, Epigraphy, Central Asian Antiquities, Anthropology, Pre-Columbian American and Western Art Collections.
Fee: Rs.20/- per person for Indian,
Free for children upto Class 12 with Identity Card
Rs.650/- per person for Foreigners (with Audio Guide-Hindi, English, German, French and Japanese)
Opening Hours: 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday and Gazetted Holiday)
Time required: 75-90 Minutes
Nearest Metro Station(s): Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Rashtrapati Bhavan or Presidential Palace is the official residence of the world’s largest democracy i.e. India. Earlier, it was known as the Viceroy’s House. It is located at the Western end of Rajpath. The main building of Rashtrapati Bhavan has 340-room which is the president’s official residence, with reception halls, guest rooms and other offices.
The Presidential Estate is about 130-hectare (320 acre) which has huge presidential gardens (Mughal Gardens), large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls. In terms of area, it is the largest residence of any head of state in the world.
The Estate also has a state-of-the-art Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) comprising the Clock Tower, the Stables and the Garages showcasing past as well as current presidencies, the regal ceremonies, and the rich flora and fauna of Rashtrapati Bhavan, amongst other things.
For the convenience of the general public, Delhi Tourism has extended the facility of Ho-Ho Buses to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The whole area of the Rashtrapati Bhavan grouped in following 4 circuits:
CIRCUIT 1 :– Main Building, Forecourt, Reception, Navachara, Banquet Hall, Upper Loggia, Lutyens Grand Stairs, Guest Wing, Ashok Hall, North Drawing Room, Long Drawing Room, Library, Durbar Hall, Lord Buddha Statue [Open on Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays]
CIRCUIT 2 :- Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex [RBMC] [All days except Monday]
CIRCUIT 3 :- Rashtrapati Bhavan Gardens [Open from November to March on Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays (remains closed during Udyanotsav)]
CHANGE OF GUARD CEREMONY :- Booking for witnessing change of guard ceremony [Held on every Saturday and Sunday at Rashtrapati Bhavan].
Entry to Rashtrapati Bhavan for visit is through Gate No. 2 (Rajpath), Gate No. 37 (via Dalhousie Road- Hukmi Mai Marg) and Gate No. 38 (via Church Road-Brassy Avenue).
Indian citizens are required to carry valid photo ID Cards. In case of foreigners, they should make their request for visit along with photocopies of their passport. On the day of visit, they are required to carry their original passport for identification.
Registration charges of Rs. 50 per visitor are introduced w.e.f. 25th July 2016. The registration charges are payable online and will be non-refundable and non-transferable.
Visitors below the age of 8 years will be exempted from the payment of registration charges. Visitors individually or in a group of less than 30 persons will be charged Rs. 50 per visitor per visit. Visitors in a group of 30 persons will be charged Rs. 1200 (Rs. 50×30 less 20% discount) per visit. Visitors in a group of more than 30 persons will be charged Rs.1200 plus Rs. 50 per additional visitor.
Online booking is subject to confirmation through Email/SMS. However, for security reasons, the President’s Secretariat reserves the right to approve / reject the permission to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan.
See Rashtrapati Bhawan from outside: At any time or with the permission of Security Officials posted as Vijay Chowk, Rajpath.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan.
See Rashtrapati Bhawan from Inside: Book tour at https://rb.nic.in/rbvisit/visit_plan.aspx
Tip: If you want to take good pictures/ images of yourself with President House in background, then go in morning when the Sun is in front of you.
Parliament House:
The Sansad Bhavan or Parliament House is the house of the Parliament of India, which contains the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha located in the heart of New Delhi. Besides, it also houses ministerial offices, committee rooms and an excellent Parliament Library. Conceived in the Imperial Style, it consists of an open verandah with 144 columns. It is said that the circular structure of the 11th century Chausath Yogini Temple may also have inspired the design of the building.
The Parliament Museum, opened in 2006, stands next to the Parliament House in the building of the Parliamentary Library.
See it from outside: At any time.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan.
India Gate
The India Gate (originally the All India War Memorial) is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath which stands the 42 m high. It is often compared with the “Arc-de-Triomphe” of Paris, France and “Arch of Constantine” of Rome, Italy. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. 13,300 servicemen’s names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate.
The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was dedicated to the nation by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin on 12th February, 1931.
Amar Jawan Jyoti
The Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the flame of the immortal soldier, is a structure consisting of black marble plinth, with reversed L1A1 Self-loading rifle, capped by war helmet, bound by four urns, each with the permanent light (jyoti) from compressed natural gas flames,erected under the India Gate to commemorate Indian soldiers martyred in the war of the liberation of Bangladesh in December 1971. This, the India’s tomb of the Unknown Soldier i.e. Amar Jawan Jyoti was inaugurated on 26th January, 1972.
Children’s Park
Surrounding the imposing structure is a large expanse of lush green lawns, which is a popular picnic spot. For Kids, there is a “Children’s Park” where they do so many activities from 09.00 AM to 05.30 PM. One can see hoards of people moving about the brightly lit area and on the lawns on summer evenings.
National War Memorial
The National War Memorial is a monument built near the India Gate, to honour the Indian Armed Forces. It is spread over 40 acres of land around the existing chhatri (canopy) near India Gate. The memorial wall is flushed with the ground and in harmony with existing aesthetics.The names of armed forces personnel martyred during the armed conflicts of Indo-Pakistan War of 1947, 1961 War in Goa, Sino-Indian War of 1962, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, 1987 (Siachen), 1987-88 (Sri Lanka), 1999 (Kargil), and other operations such as Operation Rakshak, are inscribed on the memorial walls.
Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All time open
Time required: Until you don’t want to go back.
Nearest Metro Station(s): Central Secretariat.
National War Memorial Visit Time:
November to March: 9 am to 6:30 pm
April to October: from 9 am to 7:30 pm.
Connaught Place Market:
Visit Connaught Place in the evening and do some shopping from Janpath Market.
Day 2: Purana Quilla, Humayun Tomb, Akshardham Temple, Raj Ghat, Red Fort, Chandani Chowk Market
Purana Qila:
The Purana Qila or Old Fort has been inhabited for 5000 years and remains dating from the Vedic period have been found. The site is often identified with the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the kingdoms of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
The present citadel was begun in the time of Humayun when he laid the foundation for his new capital Dinpanah. Its construction continued under Shershah Suri who displaced Humayun.
Now, a spectacular sound and light show held every evening. For which, tickets can be booked from https://itdc.co.in/sound-light-show.
Fee: Rs.20/- per person for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals
Free for children upto 15 years of age.
Rs.250/- per person (Foreigners)
Opening Hours: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM
Time required: 2 Hours
Nearest Metro Station(s): Pragati Maidan – New name- Supreme Court Metro Station.
Tip: Book your entry tickets from Archaeological Survey of India’s website to save your time.
Humayun Tomb:
The Tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India is one of the best preserved Mughal monuments. This spellbinding mausoleum is the first example of Mughal architecture in India. Also, it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent that is located close to the Dina-panah Citadel or Purana Qila (Old Fort). The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Fee: Rs.35/- per person for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals
Free for children upto 15 years of age.
Rs.550/- per person (Foreigners)
Opening Hours: 06.00 AM to 06.00 PM
Time required: 1-2 Hours
Nearest Metro Station: JawaharLal Nehru (JLN) Stadium.
Tip: Book your entry tickets from Archaeological Survey of India’s website to save your time.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple:
आनोभद्राःक्रतवोयन्तुविश्वतः – ‘Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions’.
Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir or Temple at New Delhi to explore the values, ethics and traditions of Hinduism. It shared an informative and inspiring journey through an ancient culture’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of all humans. So, depending on each visitor’s time, interests, and personal quest, their experience becomes unique to them. The temple welcomes people from all directions, backgrounds, faiths and beliefs and teaches everyone to do the same.
Built of pink sandstone and marble, the mandir is the spiritual center of the entire complex. The murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, his successors, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan and Shri Parvati-Shiva reside in this intricately carved abode.
Sitting on the steps of an ancient step well as the Sun sets, visitors travel back in time to the Vedic era and explore the secret of ‘SahajAnand’ – spontaneous joy. This new water show, opened in November 2014, presents a profound story from the Kena Upanishad using a breathtaking interplay of various media including water, lights, laser, video projection, and fire.
A visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham’s two thematic gardens is a conversation with nature and history. Learn about inspiring women, men and children from Hindu culture and Indian history at the Bharat Upavan. Imbibe the wisdom of great minds from around the world at the Yogi Hriday Kamal.
Entry: Free and open to all.
Timings: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday (Monday Closed).
Aarti: 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Minimum Time to See: 1- 2 hours.
Water Show: After Sunset& Multiple shows in weekends (Duration:24 minutes)
Website:https://akshardham.com/
Water show: You tube link
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham
Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial)
The Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, who was the well-known teacher and philosopher of Non-violence and Satyagrah. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation, Antyeshti (last rites) on 31 January 1948. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns at one end.
The Foreign visiting dignitaries and heads of state usually pay tribute to him and plant a tree in its park area.
Entry Fee: Free and open to all.
Opening Hours: 06.30 AM to 06.00 PM
Time required: 30 minutes – 1 Hours. Every Friday special prayer meet is conducted at the Raj Ghat at 5.30 PM.
Nearest Metro Station: Delhi Gate.
Red Fort or Lal Quila:
The Red Fort or ‘Lal Qila’ (‘Blessed Fort’-old name) is a historic fort of Delhi which served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. It was completed on 06 April, 1648. It is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a bazaar selling tourist trinkets, leads into the huge fort compound. From inside, it is a genuine treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public Audiences, the white marble Hall of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color.
On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate. Since then, every year on India’s Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian “Tricolour flag” at the fort’s main gate and gives a speech from its ramparts.
Entry Fee for Red Fort: Rs.35/- per person for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals
Free for children upto 15 years of age.
Rs.550/- per person (Foreigners)
Entry Fee for Red Fort & Museum: Rs.56/- per person for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals
Free for children upto 15 years of age.
Rs.872/- per person (Foreigners)
Light & Sound show: Rs.80/- Adult and Rs.30/- Child on weekends
Opening Hours: From 09.30 AM to 04.30 PM on Tuesday to Sunday (Monday closed)
Time required: 2-3 Hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk.
Tip: Book your entry tickets from Archaeological Survey of India’s website to save your time.
Jama Masjid:
It is the largest mosque of India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was built by Mugal Emperor Shahjahan. It has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. It is on walk-able distance from Red Fort or hire rickshaws.
Fee: Free.
Camera Fee: 300/-
Climbing Minerates: Rs.100/- for bird eye view of the Delhi.
Opening Hours: 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon, and 01.30 PM to 06.30 PM (everyday)
Time required: 1-2 Hours
Nearest Metro Station: Chowri Bazar
Chandni Chowk Market:
The Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square) is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, India. It is located close to the Old Delhi Railway Station and The Red Fort monument. It was designed by the Jahanara, daughter of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, during the establishment of Shahjahanabad. The market was once divided by canals (now closed) to reflect moonlight. It is one of India’s largest wholesale markets.
Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 10.00 AM to 07.00 PM (Sunday closed)
Time required: As per your requirements.
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk.
Day 3: From Delhi to Agra & Visit –
Taj Mahal, Taj Nature Walk, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah & Kinari Bazar
The City of Love – Agra – The Taj City
Modern day Agra city is situated on the banks of the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh, India. But, the Agra itself had been a very old settlement of human civilization dated back to Mahabharata Period i.e. somewhere in between 3102 BCE to 950 BCE or prior to that but the accurate period is not known to us, so far. However, at that time, it was known as the Agravana i.e.‘front of the forest’. During the time of Lord Krishna of Shurasena dynasty, it was maintained as an outpost at Agravana. In 2ndcentury AD, the Greek geographer ‘Ptolemy’referred to Agra by its modern name in his famous book the Geographia and placed it in his world map.
Agra has been a favorite tourist destination among Indian tourists and also for our guests from abroad. Besides, Mathura– the birth place of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan, some World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri attracts so many tourists to this region.
The Agra, Delhi and Jaipur have been considered as Golden Triangle tourist circuit. While the Agra along with Lucknow and Varanasi has been included in the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc.
The Agra is also covered in the Braj cultural region along with the Mathura and Vrindavan.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, an icon of love, built by ShahJahan in the memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Banu or Mumtaz Mahal. It is personified as a symbol of undying love. English poet Sir Edwin Arnold describes it as “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.” It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the three World Heritage Sites in Agra. Agra is commonly identified as the “City of Taj”.
Completed after 22 years of construction, in 1653, the Taj Mahal is one of the India’s many beautiful monuments and is set amidst landscaped gardens. Ustad Isa was its Persian architect. It was built on a marble platform that stands above a sandstone one. The most elegant dome of the Taj Mahal has a diameter of 60 feet (18 m) and rises to a height of 80 feet (24 m); directly under this dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan’s tomb was erected next to hers by his son Aurangzeb. The interiors are decorated with fine inlay work, incorporating semi-precious stones.
Viewing of the Taj Mahal is usually from sunrise to sunset (6 a.m.–7 p.m.) except Fridays. Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is only allowed on five nights of the month: the night of the full moon and two days before and after.
Taj Nature Walk
The Taj Nature walk or Mughal Heritage Walk is located just 500 meters away from the eastern gate of Taj Mahal. It is a one-kilometre loop where you can walk around and view of the Taj from various angles, especially four main points from where you can see the Taj in the background. It connects the agricultural fields with the Rajasthani culture, river bank connected with the ancient village of Kuchhpura etc. It opens from 6 a.m.to 7 p.m.
Agra Fort
The Agra Fort or Red Fort stands on an ancient site which was traditionally known as Badalgarh. It was captured by Ghaznavi for some time but in the 15th century, the Chauhan Rajputs occupied it. The Sikandar Lodi (1487–1517) shifted his capital from Delhi and constructed a few buildings in the pre-existing Fort at Agra. Mughals captured the fort after the first battle of Panipat (1526). In 1530, Humayun was crowned in it. The Akbar renovated the Fort and commissioned it in 1565. It is a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
ShahJahan again demolished some parts and converted this part into a palace and reworked extensively with marble and pietradura inlay. This red sandstone and marble architecture exude power and grandiosity.
Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque or Moti Masjid, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jahangir’s Khas Mahal and Shish Mahal (mirrored palace).
The forbidding exteriors of this fort conceal an inner paradise. The fort is crescent-shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi), and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A moat 9 metres (30 ft) wide and 10 metres (33 ft) deep surround the outer wall.
The Amar Singh gate or Lahore Gate, which was originally built to confuse attackers with its dogleg design, is now the sole point of entry into the fort. It is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab bagh is a char-bagh (four gardens) complex, constructed just opposite to the Taj Mahal. It is considered as ultimate viewing point of the magnificent marble mausoleum. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and is considered a photographer’s heaven because it is the point from which you can take some unique photographs of the Taj with a gorgeous backdrop.
Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah
The Empress Nur Jahan built it for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the Chief Minister of the Emperor Jahangir. It is sometimes called the “Baby Taj”. The mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden, criss-crossed by water courses and walkways.
Because of its small appearance, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietradura (cut-out stone work) inlay designs and latticework, are considered as model or a draft of the Taj Mahal.
Kinari Bazar
Kinari Bazar is located in the narrow streets behind Jama Masjid, where multitudes of colorful little shops spill over, women bargain and cars dodge one another. This is the place where some of the finest jewelry in Agra, as well as fabric, clothing, shoes, authentic snack stalls, and Agra’s famous marble-work can be found. It opens from 11:00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Taj Mahotsav
It is a cultural festival that was started in the year 1992. A large number of Indian and foreign tourists coming to Agra join this Mahotsav in the month of February (18 to 27). One of the objectives of this craft fair is to provide encouragement to the artisans. The works of art and craft are available at reasonable prices.
Day 4: Move to Jaipur by visiting enroute Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Lohagarh Fort.
Fatehpur Sikri
The Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Akbar at a distance of 35 km (22 mi) from Agra and moved his capital there. This place was later abandoned but the site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. It is a World Heritage Site and often visited by tourists.
In 1601, the Mughal Emperor Akbar built a Buland Darwaza or ‘the lofty gateway’ at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is approached by 52 steps. It is 53.63 metres (175.95 feet) high and 35 metres (115 feet) wide. It is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by carving and black and white marble inlays. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza demonstrates a message from the Jesus advising his followers not to consider this world as their permanent home.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is knowned as Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park situated in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India. This avifauna sanctuary hosts thousands of birds. Over 230 species of birds are known to be resident. During the winter season, many migratory birds visited this Sanctuary every year which attracts many tourists and ornithologists. It is also a World Heritage Site.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a man-made and man-managed wetland. The 29 square kilometer (11 sq mi) reserve is locally known as Ghana. It is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps and wetlands. These diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species and a variety of other invertebrates.
Every year thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for breeding. The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world and is known for nesting of resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. The rare Siberian cranes used to spend their winter in this park but this central population is now extinct. According to founder of the World Wildlife Fund Peter Scott, Keoladeo National Park is one of the world’s best bird areas.
Lohagarh Fort (or Iron Fort)
Lohagarh Fort or Iron Fort is situated at Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India. It was constructed by the Maharaja Suraj Mal. It is one of the strongest forts ever built in Indian history.
Of the two gates in the fort, the one in the north is known as Ashtdhaatu (eight metalled) gate while the one facing the south is called Chowburja (four-pillared) gate. The inaccessible Lohagarh fort could withstand repeated attacks of British forces led by Lord Lake in 1805 when they laid siege for over six weeks.
The fort has some monuments like Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas. Moti Mahal and towers like Jawahar Burj and Fateh Burj were erected to commemorate the victory over the Mughals and the British army.
Jaipur-The Pink City
The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan is also popularly known as the ‘Pink City’. Jaipur was planned and built as per rules & regulations of the Vastu Shastra and the Shilpa Shastra. The buildings of the city were painted pink (a dusty light terracotta color) for the royal arrival of the Prince of Wales in 1853.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the ‘Pink City of India’ among its World Heritage Sites. The city is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar. Hawa Mahal is a five-storey pyramidal shaped monument with 953 windows. Sisodiya Rani Bagh and Kanak Vrindavan are the major parks in Jaipur. Raj Mandir is a notable cinema hall in Jaipur.
Day 5: Albert Hall Museum, Birla Mandir, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal Chokhi Dhani Village.
Jaipur has a lot of things to do for tourists including Palaces, historical places, Temples, Museums, Markets etc. So decide your own itinerary accordingly.
Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum of the state. The building is situated in Ram Niwas garden outside the city wall. It is 3.5 Km from the Hawa Mahal. It is also called the Government Central Museum.
The museum has a rich collection of artifacts including paintings, jewelry, carpets, ivory, stone, metal sculptures, and works in crystal. The collection includes coins from the Gupta, Kushan, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal and British periods. An Egyptian mummy is the main attraction of this museum.You need at least 1-1.5 hours to see the entire museum.
Birla Mandir (Temple) & Moti Dungri Temple
From Albert Hall Museum head to Birla Mandir and Moti Dungri Temple/ Fort which is just 3 Km.
The Birla Mandir is made of white marble. There are four distinct parts of the temple: its sanctum, tower, main hall, and entrance.It is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu (Narayan).The temple is open daily with visiting hours between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, as well as between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Moti Dungri is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to lord Ganesha. The temple is situated at bottom of the Moti Dungri hill and the fort of Moti Dungri. The layout and structure of Moti Dungri is built in the Nagara style and is based on the
City Palace
First go for a visit to City Palace which will take around 01 hour to complete it. The City Palace was established by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It is a unique and special complex of several courtyards, buildings, pavilions, gardens, and temples.
The most prominent and most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar
As soon as you exit from the City Palace, you may see a ticket counter of the Jantar Mantar, at right hand side. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II. It features the world’s largest stone sundial. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The instruments allow the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye.The observatory consists of nineteen instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking location of major stars as the earth orbits around the sun, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides.
Jantar Mantar takes almost 01 hour to see the entire complex. If you want to understand and know about purpose of these instruments, shapes and designs then hire a tourist guide else these structures happens to be a showcase for you.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds or Palace of Breeze is a palace made with the red and pink sandstone. It is situated at the edge of the City Palace and extends to the women’s chambers.
It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. Its unique five floors exterior is akin to the honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 small windows called Jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework.The original intent of the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen.
It takes almost 1 hour to see the Hawa Mahal. Entry is from backside which is basically its front-side. If you want take a complete photo of the Hawa Mahal. Cross the road and go to roof or balcony of the opposite side building.
Shopping in Jaipur:
There is a proper market around the Hawa Mahal in the City Wall. Do some shopping in the evening or at your convenience.
Chokhi Dhani Village
It is a well-known tourist attraction in Jaipur. The aim of the resort is to give tourists a full experience of Rajasthani culture. The entire resort’s theme is inspired by a village setting, with many cultural activities held here like Traditional Folk Dance, Puppet Show, Magic Show along with dining in traditional way at Chaupal, Kesar Kyari Barbeque restaurant – an outdoor restaurant, Aragosta Restaurant or Bindola Restaurant. Enjoy Camel ride here with some nominal fee. You can to some shopping at Kalagram, a social initiative with the aim of promoting local artisans who make handicrafts.
The Chokhi Dhani is around 20 KM from City Palace in Jaipur. It is open from 05 pm to 11 pm (all days of the week). The entry fee is around Rs. 700 to Rs. 1100 (adults); Rs. 400 to Rs. 700 (children). The entry fee is depends upon your choice of dinner. model of Scottish castle.
Day 6: Amber Fort or Amer Fort, Anokhi Museum, Nahargarh fort, Jaigarh fort, Jal Mahal
Amber fort or Amer fort
The Amer Fort or Amber Fort is located 11 KM from Jaipur City. The Amer town has an area of 4 square Km. The Fort was constructed with red sandstone and marble. It consists of the Diwan-e-Aam or Hall of Public Audience, the Diwan-e-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), or Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created by winds that blow over a water cascade within the palace. Amer Fort is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Fort is open from 08.30 AM to 05.30 PM. It will take around 2-3 hours to see the entire fort.
Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is situated on the cliff called the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range. The fort is also known as Victory Fort. The fort features a cannon named “Jaivana” (Jaivana Cannon), which was manufactured in the fort precincts and was then the world’s largest cannon on wheels.
Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are connected by subterranean passages and considered as one complex. So, its better to visit by this passages to Jaigarh Fort from Amer Fort. It will take around 2 hours to complete your visit.
Anokhi Museum
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing (AMHP) is located in a magnificently restored haveli or mansion near the Amer Fort. The museum displays a varied selection of block printed textiles alongside images, tools and related objects. They provide an in-depth look into the complexity of this ancient tradition. Spend at least 1 hour to familiar yourself with the art of traditional hand printing along with the instruments used in this process along with preparation of different dyes.
Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh but is now known as Nahargarh, which means ‘abode of tigers’. Along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once provide a strong defense ring for the city.
The Nahargarh fort is open from 10 a.m. to 05.30 p.m. Spend at least 02 hours here. The Entry ticket is Rs.50/- for Indian nationals and Rs. 200/- for foreign tourists. Whereas, it costs Rs. 25/- foreign students and Rs.5/- for Indian students.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal or Water Palace is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. It is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture. The palace, built-in red sandstone, is a five storied building, of which four floors remain underwater when the lake is full and the top floor is exposed. On the terrace of the palace, a garden was built with arched passages. Before going to Jal Mahal, please check whether it’s open or not?
Day 7: Before returning to Delhi or your sweet Home, you can visit the famous haunted Bhangarh Fort.
Bhangarh Fort
The Bhangarh Fort is a 17th-century fort built by Bhagwant Das for his younger son Madho Singh I.It is located on the border of the Sariska Bio Reserve near the Gola ka Baas village in Alwar. The fort is situated at the foot of the hills on sloping terrain in the Aravali range of hills. The ruins of the king’s palace are located on the lower slope of the hills; trees surround the pond area and a natural stream falls into the pond within the premises of the palace.However, the fort and its precincts are well preserved.
There are two different stories about the curse on the fort and nearby areas. But, if you really want to know about the fort and its stories, you can visit the place. However, the entry in the Bhangarh Fort is forbidden before sunrise and after sunset i.e. from 06.00 PM to 06.00 AM. Some people have claimed that they have heard screams and shadows of ghosts, voices of crying women, sounds of bangles in the rooms, strange lights and unusual sounds of music & dance etc. So think before to visit or not.
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