India

DAY 1: MANILA – DELHI (MEALS ON BOARD)
-Departure for Manila
-Welcome to India!
-The capital of India – New Delhi welcomes as you arrive at the IGI International Airport by morning
flight. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met at the arrival by Creative Travel’s Guest Ambassador
and he will escort you to your vehicle. The guest ambassador will escort you to your hotel.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern.Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which has left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.

DAY 2: DELHI (B/L/D)
-After breakfast, checkout from the hotel & proceed for a City Tour of Old Delhi.

Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi’sglorious renaissance. Drive Past the Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. Also visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial center of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.

-After this visit, hop on to your rickshaws and enter the colorful, narrow alleys and gullies of Old Delhi. Discover the gems of the main street of Chandni Chowk. Then proceed into busy streets which are forever bustling with the clamor and routine of daily trade, offering a glimpse of life back in the day and age when the city started out as a commercial hub.

-Afternoon proceed for a City Tour of New Delhi.

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920’s – it’s a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King’s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi’s eight city – New Delhi. Lutyens designed an “Imperial City” having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.

Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate (At the center of New Delhi stands the 42m high India Gate, an “Arc-de-Triomphe” like Archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart war memorial. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War and bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the North- western Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. The foundation stone was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was designed by Edwin Lutyens), President House (The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen) and the Parliament House (This is symbol of Indian democracy).

-Continue with visit one monument from Delhi’s past – Qutub Minar (Historical construction of a landmark in 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m).

DAY 3: DELHI – AGRA (B/L/D)
-After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra (approx. 3-4 hrs. drive) excluding en route
stop. Upon arrival in Agra check-in at hotel.

Agra is home to the World’s ultimate monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Dreamily positioned on the banks of the Yamuna River, its pale dome and minarets seem to float over the river, catching every nuance of light and shade. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1632 to house the remains of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and took 17 years to build, working with India’s finest pietra dura craftsmen who inlaid the gleaming white marble with semi-precious stones. Other Agra sights include the mighty Agra Fort, which reflects the Mughals at their most martial and was constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Also overlooking the banks of the Yamuna, Agra Fort acted as the headquarters of the Mughal Empire while Agra was the capital. Built mainly out ofred sandstone, it also has palaces and courtyards made of luminous white marble which were added on by Shah Jahan, who was eventually imprisoned here at Agra Fort (where, poignantly, he could gaze out over the tomb he built for his wife, the Taj Mahal).

-Lunch at the hotel.
-Afternoon proceed for a city tour of Agra, visit Agra Fort. The magnificent forts of Mughal era – Agra Fort.

When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the Agra Fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his so and grandson, highlighting the Mughal’s ability toblend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna. Today this is a World UNESCO Heritage Site.

-As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle of everyday
India.

DAY 4: AGRA – JAIPUR (B/L/D)
-Early this morning at Sunrise, you will visit one of the wonders of the world – Taj Mahal.
That magnificent monument of love – The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved
queen.
-Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working round the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori’s hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.

NOTE: ENTRY TICKET ALLOW ONLY 2 HOURS TIME TO SPEND AT TAJ MAHAL & IT REMAINS CLOSED ON EVERY FRIDAY.

-Return to hotel after sightseeing for breakfast. After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and drive to
Jaipur (approx. 6 hrs. drives) excluding en route stop. En-route you will stop to visit the deserted city of
Fatehpur Sikri – a city planned by Mughal emperor Akbar as his new capital.

A 16th century English traveller Ralph Fitch described it as ‘considerably larger than London and more populous’. However, Fatehpur Sikri remained the Mughal capital for only ten years – the bigger structures like the mosque and the palaces still stand tall, witnesses to the rising and waning interests of its Mughal rulers. Fatehpur Sikri is loved by those who like awesome architecture.

-After visiting Fatehpur Sikri proceed for lunch at a hotel in Bharatpur.
-After lunch continue your drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur check-in at the hotel.

The vibrant capital of Rajasthan renowned for its forts and palaces is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pinkcoloured buildings in its old city. An ideal base for touring the royal state, the city has the distinction of being the third jewel of India’s “Golden Triangle”. Its main claim to fame is that it is India’s first ‘planned’ city built by the famous 18th century astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state; it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan’s multifaceted attractions. Its beautiful buildings including the City Palace, Amer Fort and the landmark Hawa Mahal are truly worth seeing. Browsing through the markets in Jaipur, where skilled craftsmen display.

DAY 5: JAIPUR (B/L/D)
-After breakfast, proceed for an excursion of Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur.

Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.

NOTE: WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE ELEPHANT BACK RIDE AT THE FORT WHERE THE ANIMAL IS USED AS TAXI AND MADE TO WALK ON THE CONCRETE AND STONY PATHS. WE WILL PROVIDE JEEPS TO ASCEND AND DESCEND THE FORT.

-Enjoy lunch at city restaurant.

-This afternoon, you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of
traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal
princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes
and processions, also visit the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD).
Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied wonder with a
spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

-Evening enjoy shopping like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.

Johari Bazaar- It is the oldest market in Jaipur and a quintessential representation of Rajasthan’s Pink City, with most of the shops painted in pink. If you love jewelry, this is one of the best places to be. The market is renowned for exquisite Jaipuri jewelry made of gold, silver, emerald and diamond. Eye- catching Kundan jewelry is also famous here. The smaller lanes house innumerable shops selling gold, silver and gemstone jewelry that will amaze you. Johari Bazaar is also a shopper’s delight for exquisite sarees and lehengas in vibrantly colorful bhandhej. For beautiful tie-and-dye sarees, head off to Jaipur Saree Kendra, Rana Saree Emporium, and Rooplaxmi. Also do not miss Jaipuri quilts (rajai), which isa hot-selling item at Johari Bazaar. Bapu bazaar – Owing to its vivaciousness and availability of a myriad of Rajasthani products, Bapu Bazaar has emerged as one of the best places to shop in Jaipur. Leather products and Mojari (Rajasthani footwear made from soft camel leather) are most famous here. Besides, there are innumerable shops selling quintessential Rajasthani textiles, Rajantani Bangles, sarees and lehengas, perfumes, sandstone and marble carvings, and handicrafts items. It is the best place to buy exquisite souvenir or memorabilia to capture the moments of your tour to Jaipur.

DAY 6: JAIPUR – DELHI (B/L/D)
-Breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Delhi (approx. 6 hours’ drive). Excluding en route stop. Upon arrival in Delhi straight proceed for lunch at city restaurant.
-After lunch enjoy the shopping in Delhi.
-After dinner intime transfer to the international airport to board the flight to onward destination.

DAY 7: ARRIVAL IN MANILA (MEALS ON BOARD)
-Arrival in Manila