Delhi: Capital City

On arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you’ll be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel.

Tonight, we have a short introductory talk by the tour leader(s), where we will provide an outline of our days ahead, followed by a group dinner at the hotel.

Over three days, we shall explore the remains of the Delhi’s earliest history – from the Rajput Tomar kings who founded the first of seven cities of Delhi at Lal Kot in the 8th century CE, followed by five consecutive dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate.

When most visitors think of the Delhi of yore, they often conjure up images of Mughal Delhi, with its majestic buildings of red sandstone, the markets and the lip-smacking food.

We shall dive into the rich architectural history and living traditions of Mughal Delhi over three days. We’ll explore the legacies Humayun, Shah Jahan and Bahadur Shah Zafar left in Delhi’s architecture, art, poetry and cuisine.

We’ll be staying at a lovingly restored haveli in the heart of Mughal Delhi, perfectly located for an immersive Mughal experience.

To cap off the Mughal extravaganza, we’ll depart for Agra the night before, for a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal, the epitome of Mughal brilliance.

The histories of Delhi and Agra intertwine as two capital cities of the Mughal empire, changing roles with imperial preferences and architectural visions.

Exploring Agra’s Fort, Jama Masjid and Itmad-ud-Daulah make it a perfect day trip before driving back to Delhi and checking into our hotel evoking colonial grandeur.

The British Crown took over the reins from the East India Company after the ‘First War of Independence’ or the ‘Indian Mutiny’ of 1857.

The period from 1857 to 1947 left a deep imprint on Delhi, bookmarked by the twin bloodsheds of the Mutiny and the Partition. In between, three royal Durbars were held to signify Delhi’s primacy at the heart of the ‘Jewel in the Crown’, at the last of them in 1911, Delhi took over the mantle of the Capital of British India.

Imperial New Delhi was built to symbolize the grandeur and certainty of British Raj but winds of change were gathering pace even as the grand edifices were being erected.

We’ll explore well-known landmarks and well-kept secrets to reveal the personalities and stories from the Raj in Delhi and observe how it went through phases and transitions even in the short span of a century.

Partition and Independence marked a transition of Delhi’s society with population upheavals amidst trauma and hope. Changing geographies and demographics made Delhi the modern, cosmopolitan city of today.

Over two days, we explore the lives and political legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and sample modern Delhi’s cultural and religious diversity. We visit trendy neighbourhoods and markets, its new monuments and museums to understand what makes contemporary Delhi tick.

Our immersive Delhi experience comes to an end, as you check out of your hotel and transfer to Delhi’s international airport for your return flight.