Sun Temple - Golden Triangle Tour

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, assistance on arrival, our representative escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. After relaxation in the evening witness Light and Sound show at Red fort. The show projects splendid history of 5000 years old city, a truly memorable experience. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular sound and light show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and legendary past are vividly brought to life. Special effects combine with the unique ambience to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, both are conveniently located close to Delhi. Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the noteworthy places to visit apart from the famous Taj Mahal.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Also stop over at Abhaneri near Jaipur, and visit Step Well, it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

06 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

07 Day: Jaipur – Neemrana – Delhi (270 kms: 6 hrs) – Bhubaneswar (By Air)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi, en route visit to the one of the magnificent fort of Rajasthan: Neemrana; now converted into the luxury heritage hotel, you may opt to have lunch and Zip Tour over here, an exciting and adventurous activity. The Zip tour is an amusement ride wherein the person hangs his weight through a harness which is suspended via pulley from a cable. After visit continue drive to Delhi, on arrival, transfer to the domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Bhubaneshwar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Neemrana Fort - The Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on an elevated hillock and offers magnificent picturesque views of the surrounding region. In 1467, The Chauhan's capital shifted from Mandhan to Neemrana when the fort was established by Raja Dup Raj. It was subsequently conquered by the Mughals and the Jats before reverting back to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of Alwar was established. It was made into a heritage resort back in 1986 and is among India's oldest heritage resort hotels.

08 Day: Bhubaneswar

Today morning after breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneshwar city famous for its temple culture and its architectural richness amaze visitors to the city, visit the Rajarani temples - dedicated to Lord Brahma. Afterwards drive to Atri famous for its hot sulphur springs. Besides having healing powers the hot water of the Atri spring is famous for rejuvenating ones body and soul. Then visit the Shrine of Lord Hatakeswar which is also a popular tourist spot. Followed by visit to the State Museum House to see some of finest collections of paintings and palm leaf etchings. Hatakeswar Temple near Atri (60 kms), also visit the Mukteswar temple, Lingaraj temple & the Parasurameswar temple - all the three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The twin hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri (Lat. 20.16 N; Long. 85.47E) are located in the vicinity of Bhubaneswar town. The National Highway No.5 passes through the close proximity of the hills. These two hills represent one of the earliest groups of Jaina rock-cut architecture in eastern India in the field of architecture, art and religion. These caves were first brought to the notice by A. Stirling in 1825 A.D. Evening is free to explore the bustling colourful markets, shopping for some exquisite Orissan handicrafts or you can visit Bindusagar Lake - one of the popular tourist attractions. Overnight at the hotel.

Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe') is the capital of Orissa. In Bhubaneswar, Shiva is known as Tribuhuvaneswara or “Lord of the Three Worlds", from which the city derives its name. Besides being the capital of ancient Kalinga, Bhubaneswar is known as Temple Town and Cathedral City on account of its many temples in the extravagant Orissan style. Modern Bhubaneswar is delightfully rural for a state capital that administers the affairs of 25 million Orissans.

09 Day: Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Konark – Puri (70 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Puri, enroute you will visit, Dhauli -The battleground of Kalinga war during 3rd century BC, which transformed Emperor Ashoka into Dharmashoka. After visit stop over at Konark to visit the spectacular Sun Temple dedicated to Sun God build by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century. It was build as a chariot to him with wheels on all sides of the temple. Made out of black granite is also referred to as 'Black Pagoda'. It is one of the earliest places where Sun God was worshiped. After visit continue drive to Puri, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure at the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Konark: Renown for Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today. The Vaishnadevi Mayadevi Temple stands to the West it. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and military. The intricate carvings on the walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history. The Sun Temple standing in solitary splendor is the relic of a great past.

Puri: Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centers in India, millions of devotees flock to this holy place every year to participate in the Rath Yatra or "Car festival". This annual ritual spreads over the entire summer and monsoon seasons making the most fruitful period to visit Puri.

10 Day: Puri

After breakfast take a city tour of Puri. Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centres in India. Visit to the famous Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe, Gundicha temple - considered to be the home of the aunt of Lord Krishna, Adi Sankracharya Mutt, enjoy a stroll through the temple bustling bazaar and visit the main temple complex. Rest of the evening is free for shopping or for relaxing on beach. Overnight at the hotel.

11 Day: Puri - (Excursion to Raghurajpur village: 14 kms ½ hr & Chilka Lake):

After early breakfast, take an excursion to Raghurajpur village, a small village near Puri, is well-known for its art and culture. It is situated on the southern bank of the river Bhargavi, about 14 km away from the city of Puri. It has occupied a prominent position in India’s cultural map. The village represents the rich cultural heritage of the state of Orissa. Almost every family in Raghurajpur village is engaged in art and craft works, and as such it wouldn’t be an overstatement to refer to it as the artisan’s village. Raghurajpur is considered as the heritage craft village of the state of Orissa. This village houses numerous small temples dedicated to Lord Lamxinarayan, Radha Mohan, Raghunath, Gouranga, Gopinath and Bhuasuni, which happens to be the local deity of this village. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. After visit drive to Chilka Lake, Asia’s largest salt water lagoon. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

12 Day: Puri – Bhubaneswar (70 kms: 3 hrs) – Kolkata (By Air) – Hometown

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bhubaneswar airport, to board the scheduled flight for Kolkata. On arrival, transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.