Namaste and welcome to Delhi, India's northern gateway. Enjoy a warm Alphonso Stories welcome and private transfer to one of Delhi's finest hotels. Nowhere are India’s rich cultural contrasts brought more sharply into focus than Delhi with its ruin-studded gardens, a growing contemporary art scene and world-class cuisine.
Spend time relaxing in your luxury accommodation or step outside on your own and discover more of this fascinating city.
HOLI CELEBRATION WITH FAMILY
The festival is celebrated across the globe on the full moon day in the month of March as per
Georgian Calendar. The mere mention of the word ‘Holi’ draws smile and enthusiasm amongst the people as the festival is filled with fun and frolic. Holi also signifies the arrival of spring, a season of joy and hope. See how the tinsel town of Jaipur and its people get drenched in bright rainbow coloured powder and water. Celebrating with family offers fascinating day activities that will bring you closer to the understanding of the festival and the way Indians celebrate this occasion.
- On arrival you will be welcomed by your host in traditional style.
- You will be introduced with other family members and will be served welcome drinks.
- Your Holi celebration will begin by applying various natural (Herbal) rainbow coloured powder and throwing of coloured water on each other amidst loud music and drums.
- In the middle of the celebration, you will also be served traditional snacks.
- Throughout the day, you will be told about the significance and the stories behind the festival of Holi and by the end of the celebration; you’ll have a better appreciation for the true spirit of festival.
- Activity ends with sweet memories and a souvenir which will remind you of this experience.
Today, take in the sights of Old and New Delhi.
Join a local expert and navigate the narrow streets of Old Delhi abuzz with daily life, visiting the Turkman Gate and the towering minarets of India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Weave through the colourful streets, alleyways and market stalls of Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw to witness a mishmash of cultures. Take a photo stop at the Red Fort, residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital till 1857. Gaze at the ramparts, the stage for some of India’s most momentous cultural and historical events.
In New Delhi, drive down the tree-lined Rajpath (the royal path) to the 42-metre-high stone arch of India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the contribution of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. At the far end of the boulevard, glimpse the sprawling President’s Residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan. Finish your tour at the jaw-dropping Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 for a Mughal emperor, it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
In evening, experience cooking demo followed by dinner.
Learn the intricacies of the preparation of Indian food & some of India’s best-known dishes by taking part in an engaging and hands on cooking class.
Bid farewell to Delhi and travel by road to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. Standing proud in the heart of the city, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz and is now the world's pre-eminent expression of passionate mourning.
Check in to your hotel before setting out to explore the city’s hidden laneways, bustling spice market, sacred mosques and temples.
Continue to Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden), an oasis-like garden complex across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. From this beautiful spot amidst the fountains and flowerbeds in the sunset over the Taj Mahal – it will take your breath away.
Return to your hotel and relax.
Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday.
Rise early to marvel at the breathtaking Taj in dawn’s tranquillity.
Post breakfast, venture to the former imperial city of the Mughal rulers, the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its red sandstone walls discover a labyrinth of highly decorated palaces and ornate marble mosques built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar I.
Journey to the mausoleum of Itmad ud Daulah, nicknamed “the Baby Taj”. This jewel of a landmark is the final resting place of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal (to whom the Taj Mahal was dedicated). Admire its exquisitely carved marble surfaces and see why it’s often considered as an architectural first draft of the Taj.
Leave the city behind and venture to Jaipur, the Pink City. As you travel overland, stop at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri to witness one of the region’s most scenic landmarks. Founded in the 16th century by a Mughal emperor Akbar, the fortified red sandstone city is regarded as his crowning architectural legacy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue drive towards the dusky beauty of India’s Pink City, Jaipur. Famous for its decadent royal palaces and spectacular forts.
On arrival check-in and overnight stay.
After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a tour of the Amber Fort, with its distinctive Mughal architecture. Then, immerse yourself in the wonderful artworks and block prints of Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, housed in a beautifully restored haveli (mansion), and learn the intricacies of this traditional Rajasthan craft.
Visit the City Palace and its museum which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords, antiques and artifacts. Then, learn about the heavens from within the Jantar Mantar Observatory packed with enormous astronomical and astrological instruments dating back to the 16th century.
Later, set out to discover the lesser-known wonders of the Pink City. Step inside lively temples to witness traditional customs, take part in a Hindu prayer ceremony, if you wish, and sip tea with the locals. Visit the ancient Vishnu temple decorated with fine frescos and mythological paintings. Enjoy a quick photo stop at Jaipur’s famous, Hawa Mahal (‘Palace of Winds’), with its distinctive red and pink facade with the afternoon free to explore the city at your leisure.
Morning experience Jaipur by Dawn.
Good morning, Jaipur - Take a ride with a lady rickshaw driver and feel the crisp air on empty streets of this otherwise bustling city. This tour is designed with a deep understanding of India's history, culture and street life. In a short space of time Jaipur at Dawn will not only offer you the chance to see the local life of Jaipur but also it will take you on a voyage of discovery to the hidden heritage of the Pink City and its multiple facets. Jaipur at Dawn is an interesting way to explore Jaipur's narrow lanes and unrevealing the secrets and mystic history of the city.
Duration – 2 Hours
Timings - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Back to hotel for breakfast and relax.
Ele fantastic Experience in Jaipur.
The experience includes feeding the elephants, learning about them and their daily lives including showering the elephants and then wrapping up a walk along these majestic creatures around the farm.
The program includes:
- Arrival at the farm at 12.30 pm. Welcome drinks such as masala tea, coffee, soft drinks and cold water.
- The customers are greeted by the founder and explains the schedule.
- First encounter and introduction to the elephants! Learn the basics of the elephant language spoken by the caregivers (mahout) who will be very helpful to communicate with the elephants during the time with them.
- Elephant feeding takes half an hour or so. Learn about the elephants' eating habits and favorite foods.
- After feeding the elephants, try traditional elephant body painting with natural colors. Post the painting, give elephant water through a clean water hose and later, its bath time for the elephants.
- After the shower, you will walk with the elephant in the village. It helps to stop any possible exploitation and will hopefully spread and prioritize to raise awareness of elephant welfare.
Enjoy your final morning before transferring privately to Delhi airport and on arrival connect your onwards journey.
