ROCS Guided Holidays Incredible India 2024

Incredible India’s Golden Triangle Including the Magnificent Taj Mahal VISITING: DELHI, AGRA, TAJ MAHAL, JAIPUR, BANGALURU, MYSURU, UDHAGAMANDALAM, OOTY, COIMBATORE, ERNAKULAM, KUMARAKOM, ALLEPPEY, KOCHI

€ 4439pp 10 DAY GUIDED TOUR FROM

7 - 24 OCT 2024

DAY 1 / 2 – MALTA – DELHI Meet the tour manager at the Malta International Airport for your flight to Delhi. Arrive in the historical city of Delhi and transfer to The 5* Le Meridien Hotel for storage of luggage. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time, in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Delhi is a food-lovers haven and has something to please every palate. There is an unlimited variety available across cuisines, price-brackets and experiences – from street food of North India to International cuisine and from road-side dhabas to fine-dining – Delhi has it all. Sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. You will visit the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the hidden stepwell Agrasen ki Baoli. Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India and Humayun’s tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament buildings, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) and Dilli Haat, an open-air food plaza and craft bazaar. Meals: Dinner DAY 3 - DELHI Breakfast and sightseeing tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’. Your introduction to the city will start with a visit to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We will drive past the Red Fort; the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. From here we will proceed by bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 4 - DELHI - AGRA Breakfast and drive to the city of love - Agra where you will check in at your 5* Taj Hotel & Convention Centre Agra. Enjoy an afternoon visit to the world renowned Taj Mahal. Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence

and aesthetic beauty. A majestic ode to everlasting love, the Taj Mahal stands as a testament to the profound affection of Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This breathtaking masterpiece in white marble was constructed as a poignant memorial to commemorate their enduring bond. Enclosed within the grandeur of the mausoleum are the tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Emperor Shah Jahan, forever entwined in the embrace of eternal love. Crafted over 22 years by a workforce of more than 20,000 artisans and labourers between 1630 and 1652 AD, this symphony in stone is a testament to meticulous dedication. The central edifice, ensconced within meticulously landscaped gardens, is embraced by towering walls on three sides, while the rear is gracefully bordered by the meandering waters of the Yamuna River. Take advantage of leisure time exploring the vibrant local bazaars, where the in-tricate artistry of chiselling on marble is proudly on display through elaborate in-lay work. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 5 - AGRA After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. Few forts worldwide encapsulate as compelling a narrative as the Great Fort of Agra—a remarkable showcase of Mughal architecture, serving as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire across successive generations. Initially designed by Akbar as an impregnable military stronghold, the Agra Fort transformed over time into a manifestation of imperial opulence, adorned with elegance and grandeur. Positioned 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal on the right bank of the Yamuna River, the Agra Fort was constructed under Akbar’s guidance by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his Commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul, and later expanded by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. Approximately 4 km north of the Taj, on the left bank of the Yamuna River, lies the meticulously proportioned marble mausoleum. Itmad-ud-Daulah, commis sioned by Empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during 1622-28 AD, stands as the first edifice in pure marble in Mughal India. This two-storey mausoleum, though modest in size, is flawlessly executed, adorned with coloured stone inlay and filigree marble screens. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After a delightful breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Jaipur, with a fascinating stopover at Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Situated 40 km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 as a tribute to the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. Serving as the Mughal capital for 14 years, it was eventually deserted due to water scarcity. Crafted from red sandstone, the architectural marvel harmoniously blends Hindu and Mughal influences. Even today, the entrance to the fort is accessed via the road constructed by Akbar, leading to the Buland Darwaza, an imposing 54-metre gateway. Other captivating landmarks within Fatehpur Sikri include the Hiran Minar, a memorial to Akbar’s cherished elephant, the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal’s House, and the Diwan-i-Khas. Upon reaching Jaipur, indulge in a check in at the luxurious 5-star Taj Amer Hotel. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 7 - JAIPUR Indulge in a delightful breakfast as an exhilarating day of exploration unfolds. Your sightseeing adventure commences with a photo visit to the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. This five-storied marvel boasts a spectacular pyramidal facade adorned with overhanging windows featuring latticed screens, domes, and spires. Next, venture to the ancient capital of Amer, where the magnificent Amber Fort awaits. Perched on a ridge just outside Jaipur city and surrounded by fortified battlements, this architectural gem was initiated by Maharaja Mansingh, the most successful General of Mughal Emperor Akbar, in the 17th century. Before the construction of the City Palace in Jaipur, Amber held the seat of power. The fort, encompassed by fortified battlements, commands views of the Moat Lake. Ruins and remnants grace the Aravalli hills, and expansive crenellated walls define the surrounding landscape. Explore the unique Anokhi Museum of hand block printing, where traditional textile printing techniques come to life. In the afternoon, journey to the Pink City, known as the “abode of rajahs.” Visit the City Palace Museum, home to an impressive collection of Rajasthani costumes and an armory featuring weapons of various shapes and sizes with intricately chiseled handles. The museum houses antiques and artifacts from the ruling family, along with a remarkable art gallery displaying miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin, and Sanskrit.

INCREDIBLE INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE 2024

DAY 6 – AGRA - JAIPUR

PRICES ARE PER PERSON & SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY IN THE APPROPRIATE CLASSES AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. PRICE MAY VARY WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.

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