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Home > Destinations > A Taste of India
A chance to explore the fascinating Golden Triangle of India. This incredible journey begins in Delhi, where you have an opportunity to visit the magnificent Red Fort, before continuing to Agra and the unique Taj Mahal, and onwards to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur including a visit to the Amber Fort.
Fly overnight with Jet Airways from London Heathrow to Delhi (8 hours 45 minutes).
On arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest of the day at leisure or you can hail a cab to one of the many colourful markets. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers can be found many monuments which stand as silent reminders of the region's ancient legacy. Stay at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel for 2 nights.
After breakfast enjoy a combined city tour of Old and New Delhi, beginning with a visit to the Red Fort. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built between 1638 - 1648 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques. Later visit Raj Ghat and drive past India Gate, Parliament building and the President's Residence, before visiting Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Early morning departure by Shatabdi Express train to Agra (2 hours), which was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Visit Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Continue to Itmad-ud-Daulah ('Baby Taj'), followed by a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal and see this masterpiece at sunset. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans 22 years to complete. Overnight at the Clarks Shiraz Hotel. (B)
Morning stop to take in the magical ambience of the deserted 16th century city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great and abandoned on the emperor's death. Continue by road to Jaipur, popularly known as the 'Pink City' because of the pink coloured buildings in its old city (approximately 7 hours including the stop en-route). Stay 2 nights at the Fortune Select Metropolitan. (B)
Take a morning tour of Amber Fort by jeep, a honey coloured fortress palace in the Aravalli Hills. Possessing a chamber of mirrors, the interiors are a decorative arts paradise and there are striking views of the gorge. In the afternoon, visit the Observatory and City Palace which boasts courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. (B)
Please note that due to concerns over elephant welfare Virgin Holidays do not offer the excursion to Amber Fort by elephant. The visit will be done by jeep instead.
Transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi (1 hour), where you will connect with your onward flight back to London Heathrow with Jet Airways (10 hours 10 minutes), arrive later the same evening. (B)
Meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Please note: We work closely with the hotels and our local suppliers to book the accommodation featured in this itinerary. Occasional we may have to substitute a hotel for an alternative, should the hotel be unavailable and we will advise you as soon as possible if this is the case.
