8am – we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan’s beloved wife. It’s a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone – « undoubtedly the highlight of the 3 Day Golden Triangle Tour India . (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday). Later we visit Agra Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Post lunch transfer to the old walled city of Jaipur – Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, this ‘pink city’ is meticulously constructed on the lines of the Shilpa – Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. The palaces and forts of the yesteryears, which were witnesses to the royal processions and splendors, are now living monuments. Optional –Enroute we stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri – which has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. Overnight stay at hotel.
