Day 1 : Delhi Arrive Delhi, met upon arrival at the international airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi Morning tour briefing and orientation followed by a full day sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi visiting Qutab, Humayun Tomb, Laxmi Narayan Temple, drive past India Gate and President House and other government buildings. Red Fort, Jama Masjid drive pass Chandni Chowk and visit Raj Ghat. Qutab Minar – Built in red sandstone during early 13th century, tower of Qutab Minar is one of the tallest tower of its. 72.5 m tall, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, wall consists of the verses from Koran
the holy book of Muslims. Complex also hosts mosques and Iron Pillar (Ashoka Pillar) in the courtyard of the mosque, whose quality of the iron is exceptionally pure and has not rusted even after 2000 years.
Humayun Tomb – This 16th century monument is known as the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent Mughal imperial architecture. Built in the middle of the garden Humayun's Tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi.
Red Fort – Ultimate symbol of Mughal power is India this 16th century fort was built by Emperor Shah Jahan on the bank River Yamuna then. Drum House, hall of Hall of Public Audiences, Hall of Private Audiences, Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color are some of the main attraction of visit to the palace. An evening sound and light show re-creates events in India's history connected with the fort.
Jama Masjid – Jama Masjid was the last architectural extravagance of emperor Shah Jahan, which he built shortly after the completion of Red Fort. Highly decorative it is the largest mosque in India its courtyard can accommodate 25000 devotees to offer prayer at one time.
India Gate- Built in the memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their life during I World War fighting for British, this arch built on 1921 is a prominent site in Delhi.
Laxmi Narayan Temple – Dedicated to Laxmi (The Goddess of Prosperity) and Narayana (The Preserver) this temple located in the heat of the city is revered by Hindus. Temple complex has numerous small chambers dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
Chandni Chowk – Now a bustling market place was a flamboyant bazaar for the novels holds a lot of historical importance. Today one can explore Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw to witness reminisce of this market.
President House – Located on the Raisina Hills, Rashtrapati Bhawan as it is popularly called President House was originally conceptualized as House of Viceroy of India in1911 when British Empire decided to sift its capital from Calcutta to Delhi. This fortress like 340 rooms palace has been boasts of chandeliers from Belgium, Italian marble, Burmese teakwood, Dholpur stone etc. inside.
Parliament House – designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker the man behind the creation of master piece architecture all New Delhi, this 1927 circular building supported by a central dome is hub of world’s largest democracy.
Raj Ghat – Cremation site of Father of the Nation ‘Mahatma Gandhi’ now boats gardens and a memorial.
Day 03 :Delhi to Agra Morning depart Delhi by surface for Agra (200 km approx.). Arrive Agra and check in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour or Agra.
Agra Fort - four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire from here. Wander around the palaces built by successive emperors, which represents the excellence of Mughal architecture. Fort also serves a vantage point to view the Taj Mahal from a distance and it is believed that the Emperor Shah Jahan spend his file days in exile watching the Taj from here.
Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb - built by Begam Nur Jahan wife of Jahangir, in the memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg one of generals in Mughal army, who had been given the title of Itimad-ud-Daula (pillar of the state). Primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, this monument also elegantly displays white marble and pietra dura inlay which is considered to be one of the fore runner of the Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal - the most beautiful monument of love, which is flawless to its conception and execution (remain closed to visitors on Fridays). It is aptly said that “beauty of the Taj Mahal cannot be described, it can only be experienced”. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Agra to Jaipur Morning depart Agra by surface for Jaipur (232 km approx.) stopping by en route to visit the deserted capital of Fatehpur. Fatehpur Sikri - Just 44 km away from Agra on the way to Jaipur is Fatehpur Sikri, which briefly served as capital of Emperor Akbar. It is believed that city was quickly abandoned due to lack of potable water. Palaces, meeting halls, courtyards inside the complex is in a remarkable state of preservation. Holy shrine of Saint Salim Chisti here is one of important pilgrimage for Muslims and Buland Darwaza which Emperor Akbar built to commemorate his victory on Gujarat is very imposing.
Arrive Jaipur and check in at hotel with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 :Jaipur
Morning proceed on an excursion to Amber Fort and afternoon sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Amber Fort - Ancient capital of Kachhawaha Rajputs rulers of Jaipur, Amber guarded one of the important defiles from invading enemies. Wander inside the Fort to watch extravagant Palaces to witnessing the opulence of Rajaput royal lifestyle amongst which summer palace, winter palace and mirror palace etc. are the most popular. Climb atop the forts ramparts on an elephant back.
City Palace – Official residence of the present royal family City Palace covers a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. A part of this Palace is a now a museum housing Armoury, Textiles and Artifacts. City Palace is delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture.
Jantar Mantar - This 17th century astronomical observatory is an excellent example of the marvelous precision wherein each construction has a specific purpose to measure the position of stars, altitudes and azimuths or calculating eclipses and some of them still works. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Jaipur to Delhi Morning at leisure in Jaipur. Afternoon drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Delhi to Paro and Thimphu (Bhutan)
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Paro (Bhutan). Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu (55 Km). Arrive Thimphu and check in at hotel.
Thimphu – capital of Bhutan probably the smallest capital in the world, Thimphu has a lot to offer to its visitors when it comes to showcasing art, architecture, culture, tradition. Though it has accepted the reality of the modern world it has still managed to preserve its ethnic and pure traditions.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : Thimphu Full day sightseeing tour of Thimphu visiting Tashichho Dzong, The Memorial Chorten, The National Library, National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Tashichho Dzong - Fortress of the Glorious Religion it is called locally, Tashichoo Dzong dominates the Thimphu town. Built in 1661 the entire structure was rebuilt in1961-62 which now houses the National Assembly, Throne of the King, Main Government Departments, summer Headquarters of the Central Monastic Body and living quarters of Je Kempo (Chief Abbot).
The Memorial Chorten - an impressive monument with golden spires shining on the sun, bells tinkling and procession of people circling around it paying homage to their departed king, this monument is built in the memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
The National Library - Established in 1967 this library contains many ancient texts, manuscripts etc. A section of the library dedicated to printing books and prayer flags. Also there is part containing English books and one containing bound volumes of the Kuensel (the National newspaper).
National Institute of Traditional Medicine: established in 1988 this institute was started to give a boost to practice of traditional techniques of healing. One can see how local herbs are used in curing various ailments and also get examined by a Dungsos or Bhutanese Doctor. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 :Thimphu to Punakha Early morning depart Thimphu for Punakha by car (70 Km). The winding road that leads to Punakha from Thimphu passing lush green forests crosses the 10,218 feet high Dochu-la Pass which commands an enchanting view of Bhutan. Dochu-la is characterized by a cluster of prayer flags and a Chorten, a cafeteria where binocular telescope are installed; which offers a close-up view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. The highest mountain peak in Bhutan Gangkar Phuensum is visible from here in a clear day. Arrive Punakha and check in at hotel.
Punakha - a low-lying picture perfect sub-tropical valley blessed with a temperate climate on the flood plains of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha has served as capital of Bhutan till 1955 and still is the winter base of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Punakha Dzong - set on the triangle of the confluence of Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river) this Dzong houses many sacred palaces of worship including Machin Lhakhang the chapel where embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the monk who built this Dzong in 1637. Damaged numerous times in fire accidents, earthquake and flood it had to go under restoration many a times, however walls and ceilings of the Dzong still retains its original character. The first king of Wangchuck Dynasty (present royal family) was coroneted here.
Chimi Lhakhang - built at the centre of Punakha Valley amidst rice fields on a hillock stands 14th century Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lam Drukpa Kunley. It is believed that the Gods of this particular valley will bless infertile women with children, therefore women from all over comes here to seek the blessings.
Day 10: Punakha to Paro
Early morning depart Punakha by surface for Paro (120 Km). Arrive Paro and check in at hotel. Early afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Paro visiting Rinpung Dzong, Ta-Dzong, Kichu Lhakang, Drukgyel Dzong. Paro - Located in the center of two of the most important trade routes to Tibet in olden days, Paro has always been commercially and strategically very important valley in Bhutan. The only entry and exit point to travel by air it still holds important place in life of modern Bhutan. One of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan Paro has resisted umpteen numbers of Tibetan invasions.
Rinpung Dzong - One of the most imposing Dzong (fortress monastery) Rinpung Dzong which literally meaning “A Heap of Jewels” has successfully repulsed successive invasions from Tibet. Built on the bank of Paro Chhu (river) in 1645 AD Dzong (the architecture of the Dzongs are very unique - nails are not used in joining wooden beams. Colorful paintings, murals on the walls are very impressive to witness) is accessed by gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guard houses. Today dzong houses administrative office of Paro district and Monk Body of the district with about 200 resident monks.
Ta-Dzong - This castle shaped Dzong was built in 1651 as watch tower for Rinpung Dzong to keep a vigil from invading enemies. It now houses National Museum displaying fascinating collection of arts, relics and religious Thanka paintings as testimony of rich heritage of the nation.
Kichu Lhakang - just in the outskirts of the town this one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan is located. It is believed to be one of the 108 monasteries that were miraculously constructed by King Gampo in one night.
Drukgyel Dzong - Built in 1644 this fortress is in ruins now, however it has a glorious tale to narrate, as this is where Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetan army. Thus the name of the fortress is suggest victory of Bhutan. Destroyed in a fire accident during 1950s it gives one a very good idea on the Dzong architecture. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Paro to Delhi
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Depart Delhi
In time transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destination.
