India has a wealth of ‘architectural gems’ - Forts, Palaces, Temples and the monumental legacy of the Moghuls. But there is nothing to match the Taj Mahal at Agra. A wonder, despite the hype, never disappoints. The Taj changes colour from dawn to sunset, but is at its romantic best in the moonlight. Agra hosts other wonders as well – the Red Fort, Tomb of Sikander and Fatehpur Sikri – the abandoned capital city of Emperor Akbar.  The city still stands as it was when the court packed its bags and fled to Delhi. Here was the second capital of Mughal India – but history of Delhi goes back thousands of years. There is the Humayun’s Tomb – said to be the model for the Taj. Qutab Minar, the victory tower built in the 12th century and Red Fort are some of the highlights in Delhi. Ranthambore, the Tiger reserve, is close enough to Agra for a visit to try to catch a sight of the elusive Tiger.

Among other ‘gems’ of India don’t miss out on

The all marble Radhaswami  temple at Dayalbagh near Agra – where you can even see the craftsmen at work

Sun Temple at Konarak

Jagannath Puri temple (with its stone chariot and huge wheels – the origin of the word juggernaut) where the Rath Yatra is held

Temple on the tip of India at Kanyakumari and watch the confluence of the three seas

Palaces and Havelis of Rajasthan

Golden Temple at Amritsar (near Delhi)

Ajanta and Ellora caves – near Aurangabad

The erotic temples of Khajuraho

Not to be missed – India’s newest temple at Delhi - Akshardham

Suggested itinerary:

Day 1 –Arrive  Amritsar –  see the Golden Temple – the holiest shrine of the Sikhs.  Standing in a pool of water the shrine, with its golden dome, attracts Sikhs from all over India. Stay one night at Ranjit’s Svaasa, a heritage hotel

Day 2, 3 and 4 – Drive (about 4 hours)  or train to  Delhi staying at the Imperial  – see Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s tomb, Akshardham Temple, Lodhi Gardens, Safdarjang Tomb . A  guided tour including walks through the ancient alleyway bazaars of Old Delhi and a visit to  Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in India.  

Day 5, 6 and 7 – Drive to  Agra (about 4 hours)  staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas. See the Taj Mahal in different lights, Dayalbagh Temple, Fatehpur Sikri (the abandoned capital city of Emperor Akbar), The Red Fort where Shah Jehan (the builder of the Taj) was imprisoned for the last years of his life.

Day 8 and 9 – Drive (about 6 hours) or train to  Ranthambore National Park  to try to catch a sight of the Tiger. 2 Jeep safaris in the Park for the tiger, and other wild animals including the clouded leopard. Stay at Oberoi Vanyavilas.

Day 10 – Drive to Jaipur  (about 5 hours) the pink city,  for a guided tour of the city including visits to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Amber Fort and Samode Palace. Stay at Samode Haveli.

Day 11 – Drive to  the 14th Century Neemrana Fort Palace hotel (about 3 hours) . The finest heritage hotel in India. Dine on the ramparts, explore the fort , take a walk to the village well,  and stay the night in the Queens Room.

Day 12 – Flight to onward destination

For further itineraries and staying on please ask for details.