Duration: 15 Days - 14 Nights
Places Covered: Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore - Jaipur - Delhi - Srinagar - Gulmarg - Pahalgam - Srinagar - Sonamarg - Srinagar - Delhi
Day 01 : Arrive DelhiUpon arrival in Delhi company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi late in the night or midnight. Transfer to your hotel. Relax.
Day 02 : Delhi
Start a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi after breakfast.
OLD DELHI - A sightseeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul Empire.
Enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid to Chandni Chowk.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutub Minar, a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, the President’s Residence, Lotus Temple and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
In the morning after a leisurely breakfast leave for Agra and visit Sikandara en-route to Agra. Check in at hotel.
Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire - giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat (seat of the Emperor). Today a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices, of red sandstone and white marble, narrow galleys and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising, that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. A walk down the narrow bustling streets of the city will introduce the visitor to the wafting aroma of Mughlai cuisine.
TAJ MAHAL: Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder which is always the soul raison-de-etre for every tourist's visit to Agra. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed, and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen.
Proceed for visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmadullah’s Tomb. Return to hotel and relax in the evening.
Day 04 : Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Ranthambhore
Drive to Fatehpur Sikri after breakfast. The deserted, red sandstone city, Emperor Akbar built that as his capital and palace in the late 16th century is an exhilarating experience. It a veritable fairytale city and its "ruins" are in pristine condition... it's not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world.
Continue drive to Ranthambhore and reach by lunch time. After lunch proceed for game viewing inside the park.
Day 05 : Ranthambhore - Jaipur
In the morning proceed for a jungle safari inside the national park to view tigers. Return to your hotels for breakfast and then leave for the pink city of Jaipur. In the evening proceed for the local bazaar and the gems cutting and polishing center in Jaipur.
Day 06 : Jaipur
Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Elephant ride ascent to the fort.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
Continue sightseeing.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Day 07 : Jaipur - Delhi
After leisurely breakfast proceed for sight seeing tour of Mandawa.
Leave for Delhi after lunch. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to your hotel for the overnight.
Day 08 : Delhi - Srinagar
In time transfer to the airport for your flight to Srinagar.
The Valley of Kashmir - Set like a jeweled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceted diamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. The contrast of Kashmir valley led the poets of all nations to speak of it as an "Emerald set in Pearls. In the heart of Kashmir valley is Srinagar, the Capital city. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level. No destination is quite so romantic & no setting as enchanting as Srinagar. Srinagar is a unique city because of its Lakes.
Upon arrival in the Paradise city transfer to your hotel - a houseboat on the lake.
Day 09 : Srinagar
In the morning proceed for sightseeing tour - visiting Shankaracharya Temple & Mughal Gardens.
Shankaracharya Temple - It is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 B.C. and as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir. The temple, besides a prominent Hindu religious place, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar City.
Nishat Garden - The Garden of Pleasure - Empress Noor Jahan's brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in the year 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. These terraces rise dramatically off the mountains from the eastern part of the lake, and these together with the flowerbeds, a riot of brilliant colors, present an unforgettable sight.
Shalimar Garden - The Garden of Love - Built in the year 1619 A.D. for Empress Noor Jahan by Emperor Jehangir and was later extended in the year 1727 A.D. by Shah Jahan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. The garden is 539 x 182 meters shaded by magnificent Chinar trees; the Shalimar is a series of stones of pavilions and flowerbeds. The Garden blooms with innumerable varieties of flowers in spring and autumn.
Later return to houseboats for Dinner & Overnight stay.
Stay overnight at Houseboat.
Day 10 : Srinagar - Gulmarg
Shikara boatride on Dal Lake - A Shikara boat ride is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir.
Early morning visit the floating vegetable market in a Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir. En route the market, watch many species of aquatic birds on lakes, nestling on surrounding trees on floating marshes used for growing vegetables by locals. Return to houseboats for breakfast.
After breakfast we drive to Gulmarg (Meadows of flower), 2730 mtr above sea level. Gulmarg is a huge cup-shaped meadow, lush & green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cow-bells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film, and not surprisingly, has been the venue of several Indian films. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat mountain (8126 mtr) in one direction & Srinagar in another.
From Gulmarg a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdoori & seven springs; a couple of hours by pony and longer on foot. From here, across the Apharwat park, which looms up from this point, is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses with 18 holes, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed "gondola" cable-car takes people through pine-clad slopes, to Kongdoori, which is at 13,000 feet (3,930 mtr). The 2.5-km ropeway is used by skiers and other tourists. In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resorts. Gulmarg is ultimate beginner's skiing resort. Dinner and overnight in Hotel at Gulmarg.
Day 11 : Gulmarg
Full day at leisure to admire the beauty of nature in Gulmarg.
Day 12 : Gulmarg - Pahalgam
Leave Gulmarg after early breakfast and drive to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) via Srinagar. En route visit Saffron fields of Pampore and Avantipur ruins (1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Avantiwareman), On the way see the beautiful countryside, rice fields and shepherds grazing sheep, goats and cattle. Drive through the pine forest. Situated at the confluence of the stream flowing from the Sheshnag Lake and river Lidder, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherds' village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest because it set between fairly steep hills. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan on the way to Chandanwari is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Film goers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several Indian film scenes. After lunch have bridle walks and feed your cameras with the picture of magnificent view of mountains or enjoy horse ride. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel at Pahalgam.
Day 13 : Pahalgam - Srinagar
After breakfast drive back to Srinagar from Pahalgam and transfer to deluxe Houseboats. Rest of the day free for shopping or individual activities. Dinner and overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.
Day 14 : Srinagar - Sonamarg - Srinagar
After breakfast in the houseboat, we drive for day excursion to Sonamarg. The distance of about 84 km will be covered in about 3 hrs (one way). Sonamarg is yet another spectacular facet of countryside of Kashmir. Sonamarg, which means Meadow of gold, has its backdrop of snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The river meanders along here & abounds with Trout & Mahseer. Ponies can be hired from the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months. It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountains lakes Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar & Gangabal. Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Later return to houseboat for Dinner & Overnight stay.
Day 15 : Srinagar - Delhi - Next destination
After breakfast time at leisure and later transfer to airport to catch the flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to a local restaurant for a frewell dinner with your tour manager and a tour debrief. Later we ensures a punctual transfer to the international airport for your onward travel.