The Golden Experience

Delhi

After breakfast, join a friend of Sodha Travel for an exclusive tour of Chandni Chowk by rickshaw.  Witness the architectural marvels, the multicolored facades, beautifully decorated shops, ethnically dressed locals and the fragrances emanating from the potpourri of eateries that line the historical alleys.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1592-1666) built the walled city of Delhi on the banks of holy River Yamuna.  It had a magnificent palace known as Red Fort, impressive mansions, enchanting bazaars, elegant shrines, royal gardens and fountains at every corner to romance ones' senses.  The Emperor’s beloved daughter Jahanara designed a major street called Chandni Chowk in front of Red Fort, with a canal running down the center and pools at major intersections reflecting the moonlight. 

During the British regime, the street underwent major changes and since then this area has witnessed some of the most important events in Indian history. Today these splendid ruins and tales of valor are a testimony of the evolution of the times.  Chandni Chowk truly reflects the national unity, secularism and diversity of India. The tour covers 20 main sites including palaces, mansions, elegant shrines and colorful bazaars.  

In the afternoon, visit the Sikh Temple (Gurudwara Bangla Sahib). In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of langar expresses the ethics of sharing, inclusiveness, and oneness. It is probably the largest attended community kitchen in the world. The food is freshly prepared and comprises of parshaada (roti), cooked vegetables, daal, kheer, and karaha prashad. The service is performed by the volunteers called Sewadars. This practice of selfless service goes beyond the bound of religion and serves to nourish the soul, creating a sense of unity and oneness. The experience of the Gurudwara Walk will empower you to be one of the sewadars at the Gurudwara. In the role of a sewadar, experience the ultimate joy of giving. Evening at leisure and overnight.

ST's Hotel Recommendation

Maidens

Established in 1903 to host attending dignitaries, Maidens was one of the first hotels in Delhi. Peacocks roam the spacious lawns and chocolate croissants are a personal breakfast favorite.

Delhi - Agra

In the morning, board your executive express train to Agra. Upon arrival, meet your guide and visit the Agra Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions.

Continue to lunch with a local family. Enjoy lively conversation with your hosts over a beautiful spread of regional favorites.

In the evening, enjoy a heritage walk in Old Town. Step off the tourist track and visit the markets and local places of worship. Under the guidance of an expert, explore the busy streets for lost stories and past traditions. Learn about the architecture, history, and the age-old customs of this iconic city. The tour is conducted around the old market area and includes a visit to Agra's landmarks, including the Jama Masjid, the spice market, and the famous goddess temple before ending the tour with an unusual view of the Taj from the Yamuna.

If time allows, we also recommend a visit to Sheroes café. Away from the marble majesty of the Taj Mahal, the café is run entirely by victims of acid attacks so they can be self-sufficient and raise their families.

Overnight in Agra. 

Jaipur

After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort. The final ascent can be made by jeep or elephant. In the fort, you will see magnificent palaces and halls covered with mirrored mosaics. Perfectly picturesque, this 16th century hillside residence is well preserved, boasting grand pavilions and mirrored halls that open onto flourishing gardens and courtyards. Although the palace’s main construction started in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, it was added to over the years by successive rulers and continued to be occupied by them until Jaipur was built.

Also view the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) and visit Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory built in the 18^th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.

Optional evening with the artists of Blue Pottery. Blue Pottery is widely recognized as a traditional craft of Jaipur, though it is Turko-Persian in origin. The name 'blue pottery' comes from the eye-catching cobalt blue dye used to color the pottery. It is one of many Eurasian types of blue and white pottery, and related in the shapes and decoration to Islamic pottery and, more distantly, Chinese pottery. It is relatively unusual as a type of quality or luxury Indian pottery, most Indian types being functional and though often highly decorated, relatively low prestige wares.

Overnight in Jaipur.