Day 1
Half day Delhi sightseeing - Agra
As you are already in New Delhi or can reach conveniently New Delhi during morning hours, the itinerary has been chalked out as per this assumption. It obviates stay in Delhi and, thus, helps in optimizing cost as well. On arrival at New Delhi airport, you will be greeted & assisted by Optima Travels’ representative. Optima Travels representative will meet you holding a placard with your name on it at the exit.
Delhi is the capital of India and its political and cultural center. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BCE. Delhi emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain. It is the site of many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains. When India gained independence from British rule in 1947, New Delhi was declared its capital and seat of government. Owing to the migration of people from across the country, Delhi has grown to be a multicultural, cosmopolitan metropolis.
Today itself, you will be driven to Agra but before that you will be visiting several important monuments, places and markets of Delhi. Delhi tour guide will meet you at the airport or on the way to the first monument’s visit. Along with tour guide, proceed to visit prime tourist attractions of Old Delhi which include Red Fort (from outside), Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Chandni Chowk & Raj Ghat.
Red Fort: In 1647 the Red Fort - Delhi's 7th fort-was built by Shahjahan. The Red Fort is the site from which the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation on Independence Day.
Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of India, built between 1644 and 1658.It is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block.
Chandni Chowk: One of the most prominent wholesale and retail markets of India, Chandni Chowk is more than 300 years old. It was established in 1650, when Mughal Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi, as an accompaniment to the fort. Jahanara, the Emperor's favorite daughter, is credited with designing this market.
After visiting Red Fort and Jama Masjid, Delhi tour guide will take you on a manual rickshaw ride in the Kinari Bazaar of Chandani Chowk. Watch and enjoy the lively 400 years old medieval India’s organized market place. It happens to be a cultural pageant as well for a visitor who is visiting India for the first time.
After exploring old Delhi, you will be taken to Raj Ghat, a shrine and memorial dedicated to father of Independent India- Mahatma Gandhi.
Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, it is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948.
After visiting Raj Ghat, you will be taken for lunch in a nice restaurant of New Delhi. Have relaxed lunch and thereafter move for Qutub Minar. While moving for Qutub Minar, on the way visit India Gate. Watch President House (from outside) and Parliament House (from outside) while driving past central Delhi.
Sansad Bhavan (Parliament): The Parliament of India (Sansad Bhavan) is a circular building designed by the British architect Herbert Baker in 1912–13. The roof of the outer circle of the structure is supported by 257 granite pillars. The House of Parliament is located on Janpath, a stone's throw away from the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House): Formerly the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling and inaugurated in 1931. The name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. Now it is the Presidential Palace of India. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms.
India Gate: Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War I,India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.Built of sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Qutub Minar: At 72.5 meters, the 13th century Qutub Minar is the world's tallest brick minaret. Only the first story was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other stories were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular stories in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth story.
After visiting famous monuments of Delhi, late afternoon you will be driven to Agra. On arrival at Agra, you will be transferred to Agra hotel.
Agra is a city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, some 200 km from the Indian capital city of Delhi. Agra has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort in the city and Fatehpur Sikri nearby. The sites are some of the wonders of the world and no trip to India is complete without at least one visit to the Taj. The earliest reference to Agra is in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, while Ptolemy was the first person to call it by its modern name.
On arrival at Agra, Optima Travels’ representative will receive you and transfer you to Agra hotel. Our representative will ensure smooth check in at the pre-booked Agra hotel. Have relaxed overnight stay in Agra hotel.
