Delhi, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope that is India. It is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis& formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai& Amir Khusro to present day writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

Check-in at the hotel.

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 amand proceed on a full day 8 hour sightseeing to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley amidst the chaos of the Delhi streets shared by cows and may be an elephant or a camel walking by.

Visit Old Delhi - the former center of Mughal power which offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling markets. Visit the famous Red Fort built in 1648 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan famous for his great edifice of love the “Taj Mahal”. It was the residence of succeeding Mughal emperors for about 200 years. Also see Jama Masjid, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1658 and reputed to be largest mosque in Asia. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk to get a feel of the royal life of the Mughal emperors. A visit to Delhi without paying homage to the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi is not possible. Raj Ghat was built to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and this cenotaph draws millions of people all through the year.

Post lunch you will be taken to see New Delhi which came into existence much later, and is also known as Lutyen’s Delhi, named after the British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate -

the 42 metre tall monument, built in the memory of the World War 1 martyrs (i.e. British soldiers), Viceroy’s Palace which is now Presidential residence, Parliament House- the govt. headquarters and many other buildings in that area. You will be stopping at India Gate and driving by the Palace and Parliament.  Continue on to visit the recent jewel in the crown, the Lotus Temple, a symbol of Bahai faith and then drive on to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the 72.5 meter QutubMinar the tallest brick minaret in the World, which heralded the arrival and rise of Islam in India.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to relax. (We shall be happy to offer suggestions, in case you want to walk around). Overnight.  BD

Early morning, depart for Agra enroute visiting Lord Krishna Temples at Mathura &Vrindavan.

Mathura was the nucleus of Brajbhoomi which encompasses Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat &Bajna on the east side of the Yamuna tract and coversVrindavan, Govardhan, KusumSarovar, Barsana&Nandgaon on the western side.

It was known as the birth place of lord Krishna and for about 3000 years, it was the hub of culture and civilization. Shri Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born in the Dwapara Yuga as the 8^thson of the Yadava prince Vasudev& his wife Devaki. To save him from the murderous intentions of his maternal uncle Kansa, the ruler of Mathura, the infant Krishna was spirited away soon after birth to Gokul, the village of the gopas(cowherds) in Braj(their pastureland). It was here that he grew to manhood, in the tender care of his foster parents Nand&Yashoda, in the happy company of the cowherds.

The great school of sculpture known as Mathura school of Art flourished here for 1200 years. All through the year a large number of Festival & Fairs are held in Mathura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan, Gokul, Brij&Goverdhan

The places of pilgrimage here are:  VishramGhat - the sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after slaying the tyrant Kansa; Dwarkadheesh Temple - built in 1814, it is the main temple in the town. During the festive days of Holi, Janmashthami& Diwali, it is decorated on a grandiose scale. On the outskirts is located the Gita Mandir where the carving & paintings are a major attraction.

Vrindavan located 15 km from Mathura is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness & lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna.

Continue on to Agra.

There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and heritage of Agra. Situated on the west bank of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Northern Indian plains. The architectural splendour of the city is reflected in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years. In the mid16^th century and earlier 17^th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in whatever monuments remain. The splendour of Agra remains undiminished, from the massive Agra Fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Monuments here depict some of the first examples of extensive marble usage in the architectural styles. 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.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Experience 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&planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance & perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens & some of the best inlay work ever seen.

Visit Agra Fort -built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. 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. Also ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction.

After Agra Fort we will visit Baby Taj, the interiors of which are considered better and are more intricate than the Taj Mahal.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure(we will be happy to offer suggestions for “optional’ programs & make arrangements).Overnight.   B D

Sprinkled with exceptional British Raj–era buildings, boasting two superb mausoleums & famed throughout India for its food, Lucknow - the capital of the province of Uttar Pradesh is something of a sleeper: plenty worth seeing, but often overlooked by travellers. Central Lucknow features wide boulevards, outsized monuments and several parks & gardens, but feels a bit worn out, creating an atmosphere of tired grandiosity. Locals tend to be welcoming, and you will experience little of the hassle of more touristy towns.

The city rose to prominence as the home of the Nawabs of Avadh (Oudh) who were great patrons of the culinary and other arts, particularly dance & music. Lucknow’s reputation as a city of culture, gracious living & rich cuisine has continued to this day – the phrase for which conveniently rhymes in Hindi: Nawab, aadaab('respect'), kebab and shabab('beauty').

Indeed, it is difficult to remain unimpressed by its 'tehzeeb' (cultural refinement), hospitality, politesse, cuisines & 'Shaam-e-Awadh'. At the same time, Lucknow is placed among the fastest growing cities of India and is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing, commercial & retailing hub. This unique combination of rich cultural traditions & brisk economic growth provides Lucknow with an aura that refuses to fade away.

On arrival Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Later in the afternoon, around 02.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide who will accompany you on a short tour of the historic city.

Return to the hotel. Overnight.  

• Traditional floral garlanding on arrival
• Transfers to / from Hotels / Airport & Tours / Excursions by private vehicle
• Services of a Journeys Rep for assistance on all Arrival / Departure Transfers
• Porterage at Airport / Hotels
• Accommodation for a total of 6nights in the selected Hotels
• Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch &D=Dinner)
• Services of English speaking local Guides for all Sightseeing Tours / Excursions as per Itinerary*
• Entrance Fees at the Monuments 
• All Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
• 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
• Bottled Water during Tours / Drives
• Farewell Gift

• International Airfare
• Visa Fee for India
• Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
• Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
• Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax,
• Beverages, Medical or Evacuation Expenses, Insurance, Gratuities & Tips
• Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
• Any optional Programs / Services
• Any items not specified under Inclusions