''"Ven a descubrir algunos de los templos más fascinantes de Delhi en esta excursión de medio día. La aventura comienza con un viaje en metro desde Karol Bagh a Connaught Place. Desde aquí nos dirigiremos a Hanuman Mandir, que es uno de los templos más antiguos del país y está dedicado a Hanuman, o dios mono. Puedes escuchar a los sacerdotes, que cantan el mantra Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ramat; lo creas o no, han ido cantándolo sin interrupción desde 1964.
Luego seguiremos la ruta sumergiéndonos en el ambiente local, pues tomamos un tuk-tuk hacia la próxima parada, Birla Mandir. Este templo está dedicado a Vishnu, la segunda divinidad de la trinidad hindú —que recoge tres deidades: ''''el creador'''', ''''el preservador'''' y ''''el destructor''''—, y a su consorte Lakshmi, diosa de la belleza y la buena suerte. Luego nos dirigiremos al Templo de Adoración Bahá'í, llamado familiarmente Templo del Loto debido a su aspecto en forma de flor: En 1986 finalizó la construcción del mismo, y es ganador de numerosos premios arquitectónicos. Nos desplazaremos después en vehículo privado hasta el Templo de Akshardham, al este de la ciudad. Este templo personifica en su grandiosidad y espléndida belleza 10.000 años de cultura hindú. Su nombre, Akshardham, significa ''''la eterna divina morada del ser supremo'''', y en él convergen una expresión arquitectónica ancestral de la India, sus tradiciones y mensajes espirituales que perduran a través de los tiempos. Disfrutaremos de un almuerzo Thali típico antes de emprender el camino de vuelta a Connaught Place, lugar en que finaliza la excursión. Puede utilizarse un transfer de vuelta al hotel bajo previa solicitud.
Esta excursión de medio día dura entre cinco y seis horas, con salida a las ocho de la mañana desde el Hotel Connaught. Están incluidos los servicios de un guía de habla inglesa, y también el precio de las entradas, el transporte y el almuerzo.''
Travel back in time to explore Delhi’s top Mughal sites in the company of an English-speaking guide. Experience the real India with a Metro Rail trip from Karol Bagh to Old Delhi. Mix with the commuters on the 30-minute journey to Chandni Chowk. Walk to Delhi’s most famous mosque, Jama Masjid, which was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. Our next stop is the busy markets in the area before continuing on to the Red Fort, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It was once the residence of the royal family and affectionately called Qila-i-Mubarak, the blessed fort. The fort’s design represents the zenith of Mughal creativity, which prevailed during the reign of Shah Jahan.
Feast on a traditional Indian lunch at a restaurant and try some sumptuous Mughlai dishes. We continue on to southern New Delhi to visit Humayun's tomb and Qutab Minar. Humayun's Tomb set a benchmark for Mughal mausoleums in India. It was built for the Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb. Its design was based on Persian architecture and it was the first structure in Delhi to use red sandstone.
The tour comes to an end at Connaught Place but you can continue your adventure at the nearby street markets at Janpath, which are a shopper’s paradise with handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional clothes, wood work, glass work, bangles all available.
Meeting point: Hotel Jivitesh Lobby, 11, Pusa Road, Opposite Metro Pillar 87 at 8am. Tour lasts five to six hours. Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.
Other information: We strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
We’ll pick you up from you hotel and drive you to Agra to visit the world famous Taj Mahal. Perhaps no other symbol epitomizes India as Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is an ode to love, a poem in marble by Mughal Emperor Shahjehan for his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types of rare, precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors.
Then visit the Agra Fort, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. It owes its origins to Akbar, who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Visit the Hall of Public Audience and the Royal Pavilions.
Continue to drive to Fatehpur Sikri, which was the capital city of Akbar but within years of being built was abandoned due to a lack of water. This complex in red sandstone is considered by many to be more beautiful than the Taj Mahal itself.
We’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to Agra to visit the world-famous Taj Mahal on the banks of the river Yamuna. This ‘poem’ in marble was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan for his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work.
It is said that different types of rare, precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is split by watercourses-a reflection of the Persian style. Later visit the Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit the Hall of Public Audience and the Royal Pavilions.
Day 01: - Pick-up from Respective hotel and drive to Agra. In the afternoon we will visit The Taj Mahal - an epitome of love followed by visit to the massive Agra Fort built in red sandstone.
Day 02: After breakfast, visit to the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri , which was the capital city of Akbar but was abandoned later due to scarcity of water. This complex in red sandstone is considered to be more beautiful than the Taj Mahal by many visitors.
After the tour of Fatehpur Sikri, you shall be driven back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel of stay.
DAY 01: Pick-up from respective hotel and drive to Jaipur. Afternoon, proceed with tour of Jaipur city visiting The City Palace Museum - the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers.
Drive past Hawa Mahal - most famous landmark of Jaipur is not actually a palace but a series of sandstone screens. End your day by visiting the Observatory - built by Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of five observatories in India including this one, was a great admirer of developments in science and technology.
DAY 02: After breakfast, proceed for the visit to Amber Fort - One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture; it was the ancient capital of Jaipur. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh and additions were made later by Sawai Jai Singh. Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam or the ''Hall of Public Audience'', the Diwan-e-Khas or the ''Hall of Private Audience'' and the Sukh Niwas, the private chambers of the queens with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the proceedings of the royal court in privacy.
There is also the Jai Mandir or the ''Temple of Victory'', with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the ''Hall of Mirrors''. After the tour, you shall be driven back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel of stay.
Morning, you shall be picked-up from your respective hotel and driven to Agra to visit the world famous Taj Mahal– Perhaps no other symbol epitomizes India as Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is an epitome of love, a poem in marble by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its walls are decorated with exquisite pietradura (stone inlay) work.
It is said that different types of rare, precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. Later visit the Agra Fort – the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River.End your tour with visit to Itmad-ud-Daulah, the 17th century mausoleum built by Empress Noor Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jehangir, in memory of her father, MirzaGhiyas Beg. Often referred and regarded as‘Baby Taj’, the mausoleum is set in a “Char Bagh” (four gardens) style divided equally by water channels and walkways.
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and thousands of BAPS volunteers. Heralded by the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple, the complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.
The ISKCON (Hare Krishna) Temple was completed in 1998 as a complex of temples. This temple has been built on a hilly terrain and is dedicated to the Lord Krishna. The members of the Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult commissioned the construction of this marvelous temple. This structure is stylishly built and is regarded as one of the major temple complexes in India. Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith.
It is situated at Kalkaji, a place close to New Delhi. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower. The huge lotus flower has been made out of marble, dolomite, cement, and sand. The temple does not impose restrictions on any visitor and has been thrown open to people of all religions. The Laxminarayan Temple, (also called the Birla Mandir), in Delhi, India, is a temple built in honour of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and of her consort, Lord Vishnu – the Preserver in the Trimurti.
It is a temple with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on the day of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.This temple is located to the West of Connaught Place and it is constructed by the 'Birla' industrial house in 1938.
The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity. This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine. A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis. Step inside the complex for an altogether delightful experience by either buying inimitable ethnic wares, savouring the delicacies of different states.
The National Museum in Delhi is India's second largest museum that stores variety of objects from the pre-historic era to the modern day works of art and culture. The exclusive collection at the National Museum covers things like archaeology, arms, armor, decorative arts, jewelry, manuscripts, paintings, and so on.
The collection at the National Museum include glimpses of Harappan Civilization in a gallery being jointly set by Archaeological Survey of India and the National Museum, which has a collection of different artifacts from the sites of Harappan civilization. The Archaeological Galleries has a prestigious collection of approximately 800 sculptures, whereas the gallery on Buddhism takes you through a spiritual journey of Buddhist art and culture.
Other collections at the national museum include, Indian Miniature Paintings, Indian Scripts and Coins, the Central Asian Arts Collection, Indian Textiles, Pre-Columbian and Western Art, wood carvings, musical instruments, tribal lifestyle of the North-East region of India, Arms and Armor, Temple Chariot and so on.
The Surajkund Lake is just 20 kilometers from the heart of Delhi. Contrary to the popular belief, it is not a lake but a man-made reservoir. The name in Hindi means 'Reservoir of the Sun'. The Rajput King Surajpal built it in the pre-Sultanate days. The tentative date of its construction is believed to be around 10th century. The Tomaras were the first people to revitalize Delhi.
Surajkund is the place where the Tomar Rajput settled before building the Lal Kot, the second city of Delhi.Surajkund got its name after a famous sun temple, which is said to stand here once. But some historians also claim that it was named after the King himself. The tank is on a semi-circular pattern and has steps that lead to the water. It is not a 'dead' reservoir; the rains still keep it pretty full of water. But apart from the monsoons, the place remains dry.
Feroze Shah Tughlaq repaired its embankments in the fourteenth century. It is said that he was a lunatic and once took the work of repairing all the existing monuments in the then Delhi.Surajkund, with its serene surroundings and beauty, is now a popular picnic spot for Delhites. This place is not only visited by the locals but is very popular among the foreign backpackers too. Surajkund is also the site of a major crafts festival held annually in February. Though people visit Surajkund just for the daytime but an overnight stay in any of the guesthouse is a good idea to escape from the madding crowd. Besides exploring the lake, you can also have a closer look into the life of the local community.
Visit the Krishna temples of Mathura and Vrindavan and learn more about India’s rich culture and the beliefs of the Hindu religion in this private tour. Mathura is revered as the birthplace of Hindu God Krishna and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year who pay homage at its temples and bathe in the river Yamuna. Also called ‘Brajbhoomi’ or the Land of Eternal Love, Mathura offers a glimpse into the culture of India.
Tales of Krishna’s mischievous antics as a child are still told in Vrindavan, where he is believed to have spent his childhood. ‘Aarti’ (prayer) ceremonies held in the many temples of the town are interesting to see, with money, sweets and flowers being showered upon the deities.A land of rich traditions and culture, the Krishna temples of Mathura and Vrindavan reflect the essence of Hindu religious belief in India. The peal of temple bells and stories about Krishna’s mischievous youth are common in these holy cities.
"Atithi Devo Bhava" is an ancient Sanskrit saying which quite simply means "A guest is like as a God". It has become a part of the "Code of Conduct" for Indian society. It is a very pleasant relationship between the Host and the Guest.
We Begin with a brief introduction of the Guest with the Host family to make them feel comfortable in this new environment. Once the guests are settled, we serve them soft drinks followed by hot snacks.
The healthy interaction continues while savoring the different Indian delicacies. For the guests, live cooking demonstration is organized for Indian dishes and guests are also encouraged to join in/participate for hands-on cooking to try out themselves while being taught. This indeed becomes a very exciting experience for the guests. For all the demo dishes the recipes are provided to the guests. This is followed with Dinner which results in a scrumptious meal.
The interaction continues over a hot cup of Indian Masala Tea or Coffee. To sum it up, it make us feel very proud when the guests say good bye and express their happiness and satisfaction for being a part of this programme of “Visit to an Indian family”.
The walk offers an experience which is unmatched. There are different walks being conducted in Old Delhi and the guest is taken for a walk through the narrow alleys. Most of the tours begin from Jama Masjid (Mosque) or Jain Temple (also known as Lal Mandir).
One of the largest mosques in Asia, the Jama Masjid offers an excellent view of the entire old city. This walk takes you through the narrow lanes of old Delhi with mansions, colorful bazaars, Jain temples & stalls selling street food.