India

Starting Price:	$3,065.00
Trip Length:	9 days
Includes airfare allowance from New York

Interests:

Temples
Spiritual

The Golden Temple

Taj Mahal

Amber Fort

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with Amritsar

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

Travel through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before venturing north to Amritsar, one of the nation’s most ancient and fascinating cities. Explore Old and New Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal and see the deserted royal city of Fatepur Sikri en route to Jaipur and its Amber Fort. In Amritsar, visit Sikhism’s most holy site, stunning Golden Temple and witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the India-Pakistan border closing in Wagah.

Beginning in Delhi, compare the ancient with the modern as you explore Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, discover the twisting lanes and crowded bizaars of the Red Fort, visit Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial site, Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and the colorful market of Chandi Chowk. Then, tour stately government buildings and modern wonders of the bustling New Delhi.

Journey a few hours south to Agra, once a capital of the great Mughal Empire. With its charming red sandstone and white marble architectures, this is also the home of the magnificent Taj Mahal, India’s finest architectural masterpiece. En route to Jaipur, visit the deserted city of Fatepur Sikri, an ancient imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously abandoned. This ornate and perfectly preserved city offers even more building splendors for your eyes to feast upon.

Once in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital city, visit the stunning expanses of the Amber Fort and experience life within the walls of the regal City Palace. From here, you will fly to Amritsar to experience the spiritual center of Sikhism and its holiest shrine, the Golden Temple. Then head to the Indo-Pakistani border to witness the evening border closing ceremony. With extreme pomp and goose stepping, this proves to be quite the theatrical display that showcases a rare glimpse of harmony between these two nations.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3 star, 4 star, 5 star and Deluxe hotels.

This tour includes airfare allowance from New York, on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via New York; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
Visited Cities:
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar

Day 1

Overnight international flight to New Delhi.

Day 2

Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3

Begin your morning tour of Old Delhi with a cycle rickshaw ride through the streets. You will visit the Red Fort, which was once the most affluent fort and palace of the once reigning Mughal Empire; Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; and Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Your final stop in Old Delhi will bring you to Chandni Chowk, a lively and colorful market that was once the commercial center of the city.
You will then drive to New Delhi which will provide a stark contrast between the old with the new, a recurring theme throughout India. In New Delhi you will visit the India Gate monument, followed by the Parliament House (from the outside) and other extravagant government buildings. Then continue onward to Humayun’s Tomb, built in honor of India’s second Mughal emperor, followed by a visit to The Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), the house of worship. This temple, designed in the form of a lotus, offers a simple message of humanity as a single race and calls for the Oneness of Mankind. Later you will visit the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar. In store for today are also several other modern day landmarks, as well as some good opportunities to do some shopping.

Note: Yampu recommends one of our optional tours (price not included) to enjoy a fine dinner at the Veda Restaurant, a lavishly designed nouvelle cuisine curry house that offers a fusion of traditional Indian food with a modern spin. A second option is a visit to Akshardham, a unique, yet stunning monument that boasts 234 elaborately carved pillars, 9 decorative domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars (towers of Hindu architecture), stone elephants sculptures, and 20,000 murtis (Hindu images portraying Divine spirits). Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information.

Day 4

Begin with a drive to Agra that will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. You will then proceed for your sightseeing tour of the stunning Taj Mahal, India’s most picture perfect work of architecture and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
As you then drive through the city to the Agra Fort, you will get some good images of the local scene and bazaars, and the everyday buzz of India. Once at the Agra Fort, you will be led through its regal chambers that were once called home to some of India’s most powerful Mughal emperors

Note: We recommend an optional tour (cost not included) to a showing of Mohhabbat The Taj, a live show with a touch of Bollywood. This 80 minute presentation is a charming way to top off your day at the Kalakriti Auditorium. Please inquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more details.

Day 5

Drive approximately 4-5 hours to Jaipur. En route, you will stop to enjoy an excursion to the abandoned city of Fatepur Sikri, the once imperial city of the Mughal dynasty that was mysteriously deserted years after its inception. This ornate city was built with such grandeur that words do not do justice to the glorious atmosphere created by its buildings. Once arrived, you will check in and have some time to relax before a sound and light show at the city’s Amber Fort.

Day 6

This morning you will return to the Amber Fort for a half day excursion. As you stroll through the magnificent rooms and chambers, observe the various intricate ivory, mirror and glass work. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that will begin at the City Palace Museum, followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726), and great photographic opportunity at the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds – a spectacular five storied, honeycomb styled building exemplifying superb Rajput artistry.

Note: Yampu recommends an optional tour (price not included) of an evening elephant safari. After a chance to feed these gentle creatures, ride upon their backs through a private jungle area, passing many villages, fields and a medieval fortress as the sun sets. Please enquire with a Yampu travel consultant for more information

Day 7

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Amritsar. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you are free to spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 8

Begin your day with a morning tour of Amritsar and the old city. You will tour several historical and religious sites, but the most notable and famous of them all is the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Another notable site you will visit is the Durgiana Temple, which is often noted as the Hindu equivalent to the Golden Temple. Complete your city tour with a visit to Jallianwal Bagh, or the Martyrs’ Memorial. This park and its 24-hour eternal flame commemorate the lives of some 1500 peaceful Indian protestors who were massacred by British authorities in 1919.

Please note: As when at any holy site, dress and behave respectfully. At the Golden Temple, it is mandatory for everyone to remove their shoes and socks and to wash their feet before entering. Visitors must also cover their head (scarves can be borrowed at no charge). Alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited. Likewise, photographs are only permitted from the Parkarma, the marble walkway that surrounds the pool.

You will then drive to the Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan. This is sure to be an interesting experience, especially as the sun sets and the Retreat ceremony takes place. This involves a changing of the guards and a ceremonial lowering of the flags; however it is carried out with great splendor. Afterwards, return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 9

Transfer to the airport for your connection to New Delhi and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.

Note: You may also choose to take the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi in place of a flight. This is a six hour journey upon an express air conditioned day train.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Delhi
3-star	Star Rocks, or similar
4-star	Royal Plaza, or similar
5-star	The Claridges, or similar
Deluxe	The Oberoi, or similar
Agra
3-star	Hotel Amar, or similar
4-star	Trident Oberoi, or similar
5-star	The Gateway Hotel, or similar
Deluxe	Amarvilas, or similar
Jaipur
3-star	Alsisar Haveli, or similar
4-star	Trident Oberoi, or similar
5-star	Jaimahal Palace, or similar
Deluxe	Oberoi Rajvilas, Taj Rambagh Palace or similar
Amritsar
3-star	Mrs. Bhandari's Guest House, or similar
4-star	Hotel Ritz, or similar
5-star	Ranjit Svaasa, or similar
Deluxe	Ista, or similar

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

9 days , from $3065

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	$3065	$3586	$4129	$5725
Single	$4045	$5122	$6172	$9199

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($).

Price Includes:

Round trip international airfare from New York to New Delhi

One way domestic airfare from Jaipur to Amritsar and Amritsar to New Delhi

All accommodations with continental or buffet breakfast

Service of deluxe air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and tours

One time entrance fees at all monuments

Services of English speaking local guide for excursions

All currently applicable taxes including service tax

There will be mandatory Christmas/New Year’s eve gala dinner at the hotels, which is not included in the rate. Yampu will advise you the rate at the time of booking.

Notes:

The Red Fort in Delhi remains closed on every Monday
The Taj Mahal in Agra remains closed on every Friday
As when at any holy site, dress and behave respectfully. At the Golden Temple, it is mandatory for everyone to remove their shoes and socks and to wash their feet before entering. Visitors must also cover their head (scarves can be borrowed at no charge). Alcohol and tobacco are strictly prohibited. Likewise, photographs are only permitted from the Parkarma, the marble walkway that surrounds the pool.
Supplements may occur between 1 – 20 November and 08 December – January 2012. Please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
All travelers require a passport valid up to six months after their intended stay in India. While in India, passports are also required to have at least two blank pages.
For citizens of most countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and members of the EU, an Indian visa is required to enter and exit India for any purpose. All visitors must apply for visas at an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad before entering the country. Visas are not available upon arrival.
Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in India, the government requires travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. Besides this, there are no other vaccine requirements, although it is wise to be up to date on your routine inoculations. All travelers should consult their physician or a travel health clinic with plenty of time before their departure date.

Malaria is present in all areas throughout the country, including the cities of Mumbai and Delhi, except in areas greater than 2,000 meters in elevation. If you will be visiting an area of India with malaria, you will need to discuss the best ways for you to avoid getting sick with your physician.

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