Luxury North India Experience– 10 Days
Day 1
A 9w Hospitality representative will receive you at the airport and help you transfer to the hotel.
Delhi, India's capital has seen great empires rise and fall around it for millennia, with each new batch of rulers building over the works of their predecessors. As a result, the city abounds in monuments and ruins of stunning diversity. The seat of the world's largest democracy, it also boasts of magnificent symbols of government that pay architectural tribute to the ideals of self- rule and democracy. These co-exist side by side with wide multi-lane motorways, shopping malls, fast cars and ultramodern steel-glass office complexes that characterize any large 21st century metropolis.
Your stay will be at Delhi’s iconic Imperial hotel located at Janpath, right in the heart of the city. The hotel is famous for its exemplary hospitality and for being the hotel of choice for the rich and famous for almost 8 decades
The day will be free for relaxation
Overnight will be at Delhi..
Day 2
After a laidback breakfast at the hotel, take a walking tour of Janpath and Connaught Place, one of the oldest yet still buzzing market-places of New Delhi. Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in New Delhi, India. It is often abbreviated to CP and houses the headquarters of several noted Indian firms. The main commercial area of the new city, New Delhi, during the erstwhile British Raj, its environs occupy a place of pride in the city and are counted among the top heritage structures in New Delhi. It was developed as a showpiece of Lutyens' Delhi with a prominent Central Business District.
Post lunch and a little rest at the hotel, you will be transferred to DILLI HAAT, for a cultural evening.
Dilli Haat is an open-air food plaza and craft bazaar located in Delhi, run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). Unlike the traditional weekly market, the
village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent. The 6 acres of land on which this complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks give the plaza a village atmospheres, Dilli Haat is a preferred venue for crafts, music, dance and cultural festivals
Overnight will be in Delhi.
Day 3
(TRAIN DEL-CHD SHATABDI 19:15 TO 22:35) After breakfast at the hotel, a guided tour of Old Delhi.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia's largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.
People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
Enjoy the rickshaw ride at Old Delhi peddling through the narrow by lanes of Chandni Chowk.
After lunch proceed for a sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy of the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colors and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards. Imperial Delhi will include the Qutb Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Transfer to Railway station to catch your train to Chandigarh.
Your hotel in Chandigarh will be the Oberoi Sukhvilas
The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa is the newest addition to the coveted ‘Vilas’ range of Oberoi hotels. The resort is located in New Chandigarh, surrounded by over 8,000 acres of protected natural forest at the foothills of the outer Himalayas. It is located thirty minutes from Chandigarh city centre and forty five minutes from Chandigarh airport. Relax and unwind in accommodation that harmonises traditional Indian architecture and chic, modern design elements.
Overnight will be at Chandigarh..
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for sight seeing .
Enjoy sightseeing of the following places after the breakfast:
Sukhna Lake: On the south eastern boundary of the city is the seasonal rivulet Sukhana choe. Water through it used to flow away in the rainy season. The planner of the city through their imagination, created a lake by obstructing the flow of rain water through the Sukhana Choe. A three and half km long dam was built to create a reservoir of water, now known as Sukhna Lake. People generally come here for a morning or evening walk. It consists of an eating place, children’s park. It also has facility for boating and rafting for the adventure seekers. A major hit with children and grown-ups alike. At one end of the Lake are the premises of Lake Club. The club management takes care to provide facilities for water sports and recreational activities. Water sports become annual feature. Environment friendly people of Chandigarh take part in its disilting operation every year.
Rock Garden: Next to Sukhana Lake there is a unique but a world famous fantasy in the city of Chandigarh, called Rock Garden. Situated in the thick forest area, these gardens hold its own charms for the visitors. It is full of objects built from household and industrial waste. There are no flowers or plants in this garden. The object to be seen there are the figure made of raw cement resembling humans and animals. These figures have been decorated with broken but colourful odds and ends of China clay. As one looks at them with deep intent, they seem to be staring as the visitors. They seem to be engaged in various activities. There are group of dancing damsels made from bicycle and motorcycle's waste materials, marching armies of warriors resting flying or fledging birds made from countless bite of broken glass. There are groups of music bands engaged in their activity of entertaining the visitors. Its creator also needs a mention. The garden was visualized by Sh. Nek Chand. He belongs from Gurdaspur district in Punjab province. He started his life in PWD as laborer, but late rose to high ranks. He came to Chandigarh as Road Inspector. His deep visualization made him to pick and collect all sorts of discarded scrap. He started to visit waste dumps of the factories. He collected there raw cement, broken pipes and other discarded matter. He created rapport with the truck drivers who carried and drop his debris at a vacant corner of the forest where now this unique creation stands. For twelve years he worked hard alone on this unique fantasy. After twelve years the
work of Nek Chand noticed by Government. He was giving deserving patronage. An area of twelve acres was allotted for the extension of the original Rock Garden. Even funds were provided for carrying on the work.
Take in a traditional PUNJABI LUNCH and continue your sightseeing by proceeding to the HIGH COURT CAMPUS
HIGH COURT CAMPUS: Punjab and Haryana High Court is a High Court-based inside the Le Corbusier-designed Chandigarh Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, India. It has jurisdiction over the Union territory of Chandigarh, the State of Haryana, and the State of Punjab
The court building is known as the Palace of Justice. Designed by Le Corbusier, it and several of his other works were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in July 2016.
Proceed to SUKHVILAS for dinner.
Overnight will be at Chandigarh
Day 5
This day is free to enjoy the peaceful and tranquil hotel.
Experience massage therapies, Ayurveda, hydrotherapy, Turkish hammam scrubs and a Roman tepidarium. Relax and unwind in accommodation that harmonises traditional Indian architecture and chic, modern design elements.
You can indulge yout appetites at the all day multi cuisine restaurant, which has indoor and al fresco seating and live traditional music. Guests can also relax and unwind with an aperitif or a nightcap at the bar
Day 6
Breakfast will be at hotel.
After breakfast proceed to Shimla by car. The beautiful drive will begin with the Himalayan Expressway and will finally lead to winding hilly roads with picturesque views. This daytime drive will be one of the highlights of your tour
Shimla also known as Simla, is the capital and largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and was also used as a summer capital by the British. The natural beauty along with the old British architecture makes this hill-station a must see destination.
Check in at The Oberoi Wild Flower Hall, another one of the Oberois Vilas properties. It was earlier the residence of the Governor of Shimla. The hotel is famous for its exceptional service and hospitality, breathtaking views of the Himalaya’s, its beautifully landscaped and manicured lawns and an infinity hot-tub which gives an unobstructed view of untouched mountains.
This day is to relax and enjoy the hotel after your drive.
Day 7
The day is to explore Shimla
Explore the scenic places around Shimla – Naldhera with its rolling meadows and a 9 hole golf course, Mashobra with its pine forests offering lovely walks, specially the pathways from Bekalty Road, Kufri's famed ski slopes and the small zoo and Chail with its romantic palace, deodar forests, not to forget its highest cricket pitch. The area has breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks foreshadowed by the terraced fields and verdant forests. In the evening soak in the ambience of this old world town, going shopping on the fashionable Mall.
Proceed for a stroll in the mall or pick souvenirs and curios at Lakkar Bazaar.
Enjoy the evening at The Ridge / Scandal Point- the hub of the town with its ice-cream vendors, pony rides and spectacular Himalayan views.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Day 8
Post breakfast at the hotel, proceed to airport to catch your flight to Delhi. Take in a nice lunch in the capital and then begin your drive to Agra.
Reach and check into the hotel. The hotel here will be the legendary Oberoi Amarvilas-The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra enjoys an unrivalled position amongst luxury hotels in Agra, being located just 600 metres from the iconic Taj Mahal. Each of our rooms affords uninterrupted views of this ancient monument to love, while elements of the layout and design pay homage to its Mughal splendour.Relive the era of Emperors and Princes with a stunning display of fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools and pavilions
AGRA: 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.
SIKANDRA - This beautifully maintained monument is where EMPEROR AKBAR was buried. It is a very low profile monument but it has one of the most awe - inspiring tombs. It is surreal how one of the greatest emperors has been put to rest. The manicured lawns has spotted and other varieties of deer roaming in them.
Overnight stay will be at Amarvilas.
Wake up early for a sunrise visit to the TAJ MAHAL.
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.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Proceed for city sightseeing, visiting Agra Fort and Baby Taj.
AGRA FORT – The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a foursquare formal garden. Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. It lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in the heart of the town. Akbar built it as his citadel over the years 1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls of red sandstone and a moat.
ITMAD-UD-ULLAH (also known as Baby Taj) – The interiors of which are considered better than the Taj. Nur Jahan, the Empress of Jehangir for her father in 1628, built one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. The tomb is a resting place of the powerful personality in Mughal Court, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, whose life is very interesting. Formerly a very poor Persian merchant then named Mirza Ghiyas or Ghiyas Beg he became a minister and a trusted treasure in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir rose into power. Jahangir made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister and honored him with the title of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the Pillar of State. Later, Jahangir met a beautiful daughter of Ghiyas Beg named Mehr-Un-Nissa and married her. Mehr-Un-Nissa soon played a significant role in the Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light pf the Place. Owing to her influence, her father and brother were granted with privileges in the court. When Ghiyas beg (Itmad-Un-Daulah) dies in 1622, Nur
Mahal decided to build a mausoleum for him. Queen Mumtaz Mahal or the lady of the Taj was also from this prevailing family. The mausoleum is entirely made of white marble and graced with intricate decoration of inlay work, and marble-screen work belonging to the Islamic style. With its tranquil, small garden on the bank of Yamuna River, the tomb stands impressively elegant from a distance.
You can relax at hotel or visit/explore local markets in the afternoon.
Later in the evening proceed for a tantalizing show depicting the Mughal era – Mohabatt e Taj.
‘Mohabatt-the-Taj’ – a series of play depicting the saga of love. The true and immortal love of Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal – his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of Mughal era; immaculate hardship of the artisans for 22 years that created the most precious specimen of craftsmanship – Taj Mahal – It is an exceptionally inviting monument. The effort to hold up the cultural and historical legacy of India is worth a glance and witness the Indian heritage come alive.
This is more like an Indian Broadway presented in a lovely and well-choreographed dance drama Overnight will be at Agra.
Day 9
Take the day for leisure and enjoy yourself at the hotel or take a walking tour of the Mughal City. You can also take an optional day-excursion to Fatehpur Sikri Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is 37 km west of Agra. JALAL - UD - DIN - MUHAMMAD AKBAR named Akbar, Humanyun's son, accessed the throne at the tender age of 14. While hunting around Sikri his curiosity was aroused by the songs of some minstrels about the celebrated Khwaja -Mu'inu'd-din Chisti, the founder of the Chisti order of SUFIS. Akbar, who was without a male heir heard about Saint Salim Chisti and visited him in the year 1568, the saint blessed him with 3 sons and in gratitude Akbar ordered the great mosque of Fatehpur Sikri, built under his supervision. As a mark of respect to the saint, Akbar shifted his capital to Fatehpur Sikri and built various secular buildings like the Diwan -I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai palace, Birbal's house, Marian's house and the Panchmahal.
Day 10
Early breakfast and then transfer to Delhi airport for your return flight
