GOLDEN TRIANGLE WITH TIGER TOUR

Circuit: THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE with TIGERS

Covering: Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park) = Bharatpur - (Fatehpur Sikri) - Agra - (Sikandra) - Delhi

Day 01:Arrive DELHI
On arrival at the DELHI International Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building and transfer you to your hotel. Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. In time the city conceals within its bosom annals of civilisations that flourished for more than three thousand years. Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India; an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying 'You are Welcome'. Overnight at the hotel.
The story of Delhi unfolds far back in the dark mists of history: Archaeological excavations in the greater Delhi region have unearthed stone-age tools and implements from Paleolithic to Microlithic periods. The Old Fort of Delhi, in New Delhi, is the site of perhaps the most fascinating archaeological excavations in northern India, showing a continuous habitation of this site dating back to the Mahabharata period. The capital cities established in greater Delhi area were: Indraprastha (circa 1000 BCE): The legendary Pandavas of the Mahabharata period around 1000 BCE founded the oldest city in Delhi area. It was called Indraprastha. The Mahabharata is one of the two major ancient Sanskrit epics of Hinduism, the other being the Ramayana. Lal Kot / Qila Rai Pithora (late 10th-12th century CE): The city of Dhillika was established by Tomar Rajas in 736 CE but it was not a major capital city. A later king of this dynasty, Anangpal II, is regarded as the founder of the Lal Kot fortified city in the middle of the 11th century. King Vigraharaja IV of the Chahaman (Chauhan) dynasty conquered Lal Kot in 1163/64. Later, his grandson Prithviraj III Chauhan, also known as Rai Pithora, ruled over the areas surrounding Lal Kot and up to Ajmer in Rajasthan. He extended the Lal Kot to include the fortification of Qila Rai Pithora. He was later defeated in battle by Muizuddin Muhammad ibn Sam of Ghur (Afghanistan), who left his former slave, Qutub-ud-Din Aibek, to govern the conquered territories. Qutub-ud-Din Aibek established the first Islamic capital in India at Qila Rai Pithora in January 1193. Siri (early 14th century CE): Siri, near Hauz Khas, was the second capital city in Delhi area. Alauddin Khilji built it in about 1303. Tughlaqabad (1321-1325 CE): Sultan Ghiasuddin, the founder of the Tughlak dynasty ordered the construction of this fort in 1321 on top of the desolate Aravali ridge south of Delhi. Jahanpanah (1325-1351 CE): Jahanpanah, comprising of a walled enclosure between Qila Rai Pithora and Siri, was another capital city built by Sultan Muhammad-bin-Tughlak. Firozabad (late 14th century CE): Firozabad, now known as Firozshah Kotla, was built by Sultan Firoz-bin-Rajab, the Tughlak Dynasty Sultan from 1351 to 1388. The city extended from Hauz Khas to Pir Ghalib on the ridge. Dinpanah (circa 16th century CE): In 1533, when Agra was the Mughal capital, Emperor Humayun laid the foundations of Dinpanah, a new city in the old fort of Delhi. Sher Shah Suri, who defeated Humayun, also built his citadel here by adding to the older buildings and called it Shergarh. Emperor Akbar had his father, Humayun's mausoleum constructed near this fort under supervision of his widow, Hamida Begum. Shahjahanabad (mid-17th century): Before the construction of Taj Mahal at Agra, the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan, started the construction of the Red Fort of Delhi and Jama Masjid as the focal points of his new capital, Shahjahanabad. His daughter, Jahanara Begum, patronised the construction of Chandni Chowk Bazaar. New Delhi (1911): King George and Queen Mary decided to move the British capital from Calcutta to Delhi and laid the foundation of New Delhi in the Kingsway Camp (near Delhi University) during the period of Lord Hardinge, the Governor General and Viceroy of India. Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens and his assistant, Herbert Baker, were chosen to design and construct the new imperial capital of India in 1912. The construction was interrupted by the First World War and was completed in 1929. The official inauguration was two years later in 1931.

Day 02:In DELHI
Morning: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi. New Delhi is the blend of old and new. You will first visit the Qutub Minar complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199. He built the Qutub Minar and Qutub Jami Mosque by destroying 27 Hindu and Jain temples. The Minar is about 230 ft. high with a spiral staircase that has 379 steps. Qutub-ud-Din died in 1210 without completing the minaret. Later Islamic rulers completed, renovated and repaired it. The Iron Pillar in the center of the mosque's courtyard was originally a flagpole from a Hindu temple built by Chandragupta II (375-413 CE). It probably had a Garuda (mythical bird associated with God Vishnu) on top that is now missing. This pillar is from its bottom under the ground to its top 23.62 feet in length of which 3.05 feet is underground. The pillar is made out of almost pure malleable iron with a high phosphorus and low carbon, sulfur and manganese content so that it has not rusted since hundreds of years. Later, proceed to Humayun's Tomb (UNESCO World Heritage Site), built in the 16th century as a memorial to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Bega Begum, also known as Haji Begum, the Persian wife of Humayun, supervised the construction of the tomb for her husband. Humayun's Tomb was the first building to be constructed during the reign of Akbar. The mausoleum was built from 1562-1572 AD with the help of a Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. The tomb clearly exhibits the influence of Persian art and was a landmark in establishing some of the essential norms for later Mughal mausoleums in India. It is set in the middle of a geometrically arranged garden. In Islam, there is a concept that paradise or 'Jannat' is a place set somewhere in the middle of the garden with water flowing through them: it is called the Char Bagh as the entire garden is divided into four parts. The mausoleum is also known for several of the eminent Mughal personalities buried here. Among others, there are graves of Hamida Begum, Akbar's mother; Dara Shikoh, Shah Jahan's son and Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal Emperor. Thereafter, drive through the new imperial capital designed by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens and his assistant, Herbert Baker. A majestic, tree-lined and broad avenue was placed in the center of the new capital. At its eastern end a royal and raised pedestal with an Imperial Canopy covering the statue of King Emperor George V was installed. At the western end was the impressive Viceroy's mansion that now serves as the official residence of the President of India. To the east of the Viceroy's mansion were the south block (now Prime Minister's office) and north block (now Home Minister's office) of the central secretariat on either side of this avenue that was originally called the Kingsway. Its name was changed to Raj Path after independence of India. The circular building of the council chamber was built in the northeast of the central secretariat. It serves as the Parliament of India now. When the construction of New Delhi started, the memories of the First World War were still lingering. On February 10, 1921, the Duke of Connaught, laid the foundation of a war memorial. Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this memorial in the form of a triumphal, 160.8 feet high, arched Gateway at a short distance from the Imperial canopy with the statue of George V. It was designed to commemorate the 13'516 Indian and British soldiers of Imperial India who died in the First World War. Another memorial to honor the soldiers of Indo-Pakistan war of December 1971 was added to this memorial in the form of a raised platform with a reversed rifle with a helmet hanging on it. On 4 corners of the platform are four eternal flames. On top of the India Gate a 4 feet high flame burns from 7 to 11 PM every night. The area around the India Gate was called Princes Park. Some of India's most important Maharajas of the states like Jaipur, Bikaner, Patiala, Baroda and Hyderabad built imposing mansions in this area. The Hyderabad House built by Luytens for the Nizam of Hyderabad is the most imposing of all these former royal residences. The Indian government owns them all now. The most important privately owned area of the new capital was the shopping district of Connaught Place. This is a circular market with spacious shops, restaurants and offices lined with a pillared verandah. After the independence of India on 15 August 1947, the new government of independent India decided to retain New Delhi as its capital.
Afternoon: Continue with sightseeing tour of Old Delhi - Shahjahanabad. Old Delhi still has the influence of Mughals with monuments, mosques and forts all through the complicated streets. Visit the Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid, which is the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is one of the largest and best-known mosques in India. It is also at the beginning of a very busy and popular street/center in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa means "the mosque commanding a view of the world", and the name Jama Masjid is a reference to the weekly congregation observed on Friday (the yaum al-jum`a) at the mosque. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including a copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin. View the majestic Red Fort from the mosque. The Red Fort was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad, the 7th Muslim city in the Delhi site. He moved his capital from Agra in a move designed to bring prestige to his reign, and to provide ample opportunity to apply his ambitious building schemes and interests. The Red Fort stands at the eastern edge of Shahjahanabad, and gets its name from the massive wall of red sandstone that defines its four sides. The wall is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long, and varies in height from 60ft (16m) on the river side to 110 ft (33 m) towards the city. The fort lies along the Yamuna river, which fed the moats that surround most of the wall. The wall at its north-eastern corner is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh Fort, a defense built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546. Construction on the Red Fort began in 1638 and was complete by 1648. In the 18th century, occupiers and looters damaged some sections of the palace. After the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, when the Fort was used as a headquarter, the British army occupied and destroyed about four-fifths of its pavilions and gardens. From here, we will take you on Cycle-rickshaws through the little lanes of the old town, where time has virtually stood still for hundreds of years. This ride will be most fascinating as you get a first-hand view of the merchants, the little food and artifact stalls and the teeming population, busy in their daily activities.Later, proceed to Raj Ghat, the serene memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and then back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03:DELHI - JAIPUR (235 kms)
Morning: Drive to JAIPUR. Afternoon: On arrival, check into the hotel. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Ji, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendour. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharaja's are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one. Rest of the day, sightseeing tour of Jaipur city. Visit Jantar Mantar (Observatory). The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1733. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemeredes; the famous palace of Jaipur which is popularly known as The City Palace was built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh II in early 18th century, but a lot of changes and additions were made to the original structure by his successors. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, such as the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal. There is also a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City Palace Museum. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04:In JAIPUR
Morning: Excursion to Amber Fort-Palace. En route stop by at Hawa Mahal for a photo session. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. The Amber Fort-Palace is set in a picturesque location 11km away from Jaipur. It presents a fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Raja Man Singh built the Amber Fort in the 16th century (the construction of the fort was started in 1592). It is built in red sandstone and white marble. The palace complex of the Amber fort has very attractive apartments. This complex was built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. The most fascinating way to reach the Amber fort is on "elephant back". This is truly a royal experience. Return to the base will be by jeep. Afternoon: At leisure for independent activities or shopping. (The vehicle will be at your disposal.) Towards evening: Visit the Nahargarh Fort (6km north of Jaipur). Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber. The legend also have it that it was named Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince whose spirit would destroy the construction and not allow its progress further. So after a tantrik prayer to the spirit it agreed to leave on condition that the fort is named after him. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Ram Singh II has uniquely a cluster of 12 identical suites for queens and at the head is a suite for the king himself. The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate frescos as well as toilets and kitchen hearths. It was used by members of the royal family for excursion in summers and is now even a favoured picnic spot. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05:JAIPUR - SAWAI MADHOPUR (Ranthambore National Park) (145 kms)
Morning: Drive to SAWAI MADHOPUR. Sawai Madhopur is popularly known as the 'gateway to Ranthambore'. The town has seen many historic episodes and reigns. Passed on from the Chauhan Rajput king, Govinda to Vagabhatta, from Rana Kumbha to Akbar and Aurangzeb, the city has been patronised by almost all the rulers. The city derives its name from Maharaja Sawai Madho Singhji I who is believed to have given the city its current plan in 1765 AD. The main tourist attraction of Sawai Madhopur is the Ranthambore National Park located 11 kms from Sawai Madhopur, which is a famed tiger reserve of Rajasthan. On arrival, check into the hotel. The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. Two rivers flow through the Park - the Chambal river in the South and the Banas river in the North. Six man-made lakes and many perennial streams pass through the entire national park. In 1955, the Park was declared a game sanctuary; and in 1980, it attained the status of a national park. With the initiation of Project Tiger in 1972, it was declared as a tiger reserve in India. The total area of the Ranthambore National Park is 1,334 sq km along with its adjoining sanctuaries - the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and the Mansingh Sanctuary. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India. The park is famous for the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which can be seen around the lakes and watering holes, prowling through the forest or resting on the ruins of the fort. Naturalists studying the fauna of Ranthambore National Park have recorded over 30 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds as resident species. The animals of the Park are native to the dry deciduous forest environment. The wildlife in the Park includes many species of herbivores such as Chital or spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara or Blackbuck and Gazelles. Other mammals include wild boar, sloth bear, mongoose, Indian hare and porcupines. There are many species of monkeys in the Park. The monkey species include, Hanuman Langurs or common langurs and macaques. Bats flying foxes and civet cats are seen at night. Predator species of animals in the Park include jackals, Jungle cat, Leopard and Tigers. Monitor lizards and many species of snakes including cobras and kraits are commonly found reptiles in Ranthambore. Crocodiles are also seen in the swamps and lakes of Ranthambore and prey on the deer as they come to the edge of the lakes to drink. The largest populations of animals at Ranthambore are of the herbivorous deer and antelope species. The tiger population consists of around 36 tigers and there are also around 40 leopards at Ranthambore. The wildlife can be seen on jeep safaris around the park. Ranthambore is also categorised as a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins of the fort that dot the park. The lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic fort dating back to 1,000 years overlook the park. The Jogi Mahal and the Padam Talao are the unique features of Park. Late afternoon: Undertake your first "jeep safari" into the Park (3 hrs). Evening: There may be a slide show and an orientation talk about the park and its wildlife by the hotel staff. Overnight at the hotel.
 The Ranthambore National Park remains open to from October 1st to June 30th. It remains closed during the monsoon months, from July 1st to September 30th.

Day 06:In SAWAI MADHOPUR (Ranthambore National Park)
Early morning: Undertake your second "jeep safari" into the Park. After the visit, return to your accommodation for a late breakfast. Rest of the morning, you may like to spend the afternoon visiting nearby temples and sites. Also visit the Ranthambore fort built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century and is regarded as one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan. Due to its strategic location, the fort was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar (self-immolation) when the Muslim invader Ala-ud-din Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls. (A good day to visit the fort is Wednesday, the day of the Lord Ganesh, when a lot of local people visit the Ganesh temple dressed in their best finery.) Late afternoon: You will have another opportunity for tiger-spotting during your third "jeep safari" into the Park. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07:SAWAI MADHOPUR = BHARATPUR (Bharatpur Bird Santuary) - Fatehpur Sikri - AGRA (62 kms)
Early morning: You will be transferred to Sawai Madhopur railway-station in time to connect 2059 Shatabdi Express train to BHARATPUR at 07:10 hrs. (Class: AC Chair Car.) 09:25 hrs.: On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. One of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the only manmade wildlife sanctuary in India, developed by an erstwhile Maharaja of Bharatpur as a hunting reserve in 1890. Also known as the 'Keoladeo Ghana National Park', the sanctuary covers an area of 29 sq km, 10 sq km of which comprises of fresh water marshes and bogs. The favourable environment at the sanctuary attracts thousands of indigenous as well as migratory birds every year including the world renowned Siberian Cranes. The area was declared a national park - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park - on 10th March 1982 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1985. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary shelters over 400 species of birds consisting of a variety of indigenous as well as migratory birds, making it one of the most inviting destinations in the world for ornithologists, amateurs and nature lovers. Various species of indigenous water birds, waterside birds, migratory water birds, land migratory birds, and a variety of wild animals can be spotted in the park. The prime attractions at the park are the Siberian Cranes, who travel all the way from Siberia (about 6,500km away) to spend their winters in the sanctuary - the only second habitat for them in the world. Other interesting birds at the sanctuary include Pelicans, Cranes, Egrets, Darters, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Stork, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Pipits, Warblers, Wheatears, Wagtails, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks, Shanks, and Stints to name a few. Bharatpur heronry - one of its kind in the world - produces about 30,000 chicks during the breeding season. There are over 10-15,000 nests of Pelicans, Cranes, Egrets, Darters, Cormorants, Grey Herons and Storks. The sanctuary also shelters a number of mammalian species like Nilgai, Chinkara, Sambhar, Chital, Black bucks, Fishing cat, Otter, Mongoose, Jungle cat and Wild boar among many others. Spend about 2 hours here spotting various birds on "cycle rickshaw". Afternoon: Drive on to AGRA, en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (25 kms). Fatehpur Sikri (UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. It was built in honour of Sufi saint Salim Chishti in 1571 by Mughal emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra, where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. It is regarded as Emperor Akbar's crowning architectural legacy. Indeed, its numerous palaces, halls, and masjids satisfy his creative and aesthetic impulses, typical of Mughals. Towards evening: On arrival in Agra (37 kms), check into the hotel. Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna river in Uttar Pradesh. It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana or Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous second century A.D. geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. Tradition and legend ascribe the present city of Raja Badal Singh (around 1475 A.D.) whose Fort, Badalgarh, stood on or near the site of the present Fort. However, the 12th century A.D. Persian poet Salman writes of a desperate assault on the fortress of Agra, then held by one King Jaipal, by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. It was ruled by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Overnight at the hotel.
 You can visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary all round the year, still the best time to visit the sanctuary is from August-November for resident breeding birds and October-February for migratory birds including the world-renowned Siberian Cranes. Remember to carry your binoculars on your tour to the Sanctuary.

Day 08:In AGRA
Morning: The first half of the day will be devoted to the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." While the white domed marble mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures and was completed around 1648. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is generally considered as the principal designer of Taj Mahal. Afternoon: Visit the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb. Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It is the most important fort in India. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here, and the country was governed from here. It contained the largest state treasury and mint. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travellers and the highest dignitaries who participated in the making of history in India. Before the Taj Mahal was built, its design was already standing in the form of Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb. This mausoleum houses the body of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan. After Noor Jahan married the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, Mirza Ghiyas Beg was appointed the Lord Treasurer of the Empire or Itimad-ud-Daulah. After her father's death, Noor Jehan built this mausoleum for him from 1622-1625 A.D. The first example of a tomb built on a riverbank in India, Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb situated on the banks of the Yamuna, has many design features that were later used in the Taj Mahal. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built earlier, because this tomb follows the central Asian pattern of a domed structure, set in a formal garden, with waterways and paths laid out in a geometrical pattern, a design followed while constructing the beautiful Taj Mahal. The inlaid designs on the wall of the tomb include flowers, trees, fruit, animals and birds as well as wine jars and even people, which is surprising since Islam does not permit the use of human images as decorative forms. Overnight at the hotel.
 The Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays.

Day 09:AGRA - Sikandra - DELHI (205 kms) / Next Destination
Morning: Drive to DELHI, visiting Akbar's mausoleum at Sikandra en route. Sikandra was built in 1492 by Sikander Lodi, a ruler of one of the last dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. Mughal Emperor Akbar, in his time, ordered the construction of Sikandra again, this time as a site for his mausoleum, but he died before it could be completed. The work was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The building of red sandstone is four storeys tall, approximately 31 metres in height. The first three storeys are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of marble. Late afternoon: On arrival, transfer to the city center for last minute shopping. Evening: Transfer to the International Airport in time to connect the flight back home.