You will be picked up from your hotel and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by a guide for a sightseeing tour of Delhi, the capital of India. Visit the following famous landmarks of New Delhi:
• Qutub Minar: The tallest hand carved brick minaret in the world at 72.5 metres, it is one of the finest examples of Indo- Islamic architecture. In the same complex is a mosque and an iron pillar, which has not rusted even after 1500 years.
• Humayun’s Tomb: The mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, it was built in 1570 by the emperor’s widow, Haji Begum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the first garden tomb of India and a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture, with high arches and formal gardens (charbagh).
• Lakshminarayan Temple: The temple was constructed by the Birla family of industrialists in the 19th century. The presiding deity is Lakshmi Narayan and the temple has a hall decorated with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
There will be a break for lunch (payable direct).
You will drive past:
• India Gate: A 40 metre high war memorial arch dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I.
• Rashtrapati Bhawan: The President's residence and formerly the Viceroy's Palace, this building is constructed on top of Raisina Hill. The highlight of Lutyen’s Delhi, it is an impressive sight, particularly when it is lit up.
• Parliament House and the Secretariat buildings:- These buildings are an interesting blend of Victorian and 20th century architecture and formed part of Lutyen’s plan for Delhi.
Sightseeing in Old Delhi will take you to:
• Raj Ghat: Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest freedom fighters of India was cremated here after his assassination in 1948.
• Jama Masjid: The largest mosque in India, it was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the 17th century. Constructed with red sandstone and marble, it stands testimony to the architectural skills of the Mughals.
• Chandni Chowk: Once an imperial avenue of Mughal royalty, Chandni Chowk is one of the busiest commercial areas of the city, where rickshaws jostle for space with cars, buses and people. Walk through the market for a flavour of an Indian bazaar.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
The tour ends at your hotel.