At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded
hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid
marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions.
At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where
marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal
ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded Peacock
Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly
kingdoms. Night stay in Agra.
Day 04 / Agra - Jaipur (By Surface Approx
5 Hrs)
Morning drive to Jaipur en route visit Fatehpur Sikri-
the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by
Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th
century. Also visit the Bulund Darwaza the largest
gateway in the world. Thereafter continue drive to
Jaipur. Arrive Jaipur and transfer to hotel. Evening
at leisure. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 05 / Jaipur
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated
on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of
the hill you will mount your caparisoned elephant
for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate,
making your entrance in the time honoured fashion.
The Fort, completed in the early 18th century, took
over 100 years to build and now, although deserted,
offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of
the Moghul ruling families. Afternoon tour of the
City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly
set within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient
ruined fortresses. Your tour will include the imposing
City Palace, still home to the Maharaja although several
of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques
and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed
here, including a collection of weaponry. You will
also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of the Winds",
and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see
the vast astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll
through the colourful bazaar before returning to your
hotel. Night stay in Jaipur.
Day 06 / Jaipur - Pushkar (By Surface Approx
3 Hrs)
After breakfast drive to Pushkar, Pushkar boasts temples,
though few are as ancient as you might expect at such
an important pilgrimage site, since many were deserted
by Aurangzeb and subsequently rebuilt. The most famous
is the Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few temples
in the world dedicated to this deity. It's marked
by red spire, and over the entrance gateway is the
hans, or goose symbol, of Brahma, who is said to have
personally chosen Pushkar as its site. Night stay
in Pushkar.
