Arrive New Delhi by a morning flight from Chennai or Bangalore, and transfer to your hotel. Then depart for the walled city of Shahjahanabad in Old Delhi that encloses the mighty Jama Masjid and Red Fort. Enjoy a delightful rickshaw ride along Chandni Chowk. After lunch at one of the many market restaurants in New Delhi, visit the Humayun’s Tomb, the resting place of one of the early Mughal rulers, and the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Then drive through New Delhi, the 9th version of this great city and built by Lutyens. Lastly go back in time to the 12th century at the Qutb Minar in South Delhi, the massive victory tower of the first Islamic rulers of India – the Afghans. In the evening, head out to Hauz Khas village for some sundown exploration of this urban refuge with its shops and galleries and well-lit 14th century ruins.

In the morning, drive to Jaipur from Delhi. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and the Palace of the Winds. Also see the Astronomical Observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh. In the evening, have a splendid traditional Rajasthani meal at one of many restaurants in the city’s fine hotels.

Make a morning excursion to Amber Fort slowly meandering up the steep ascent perched atop an elephant. Then relive the history of the Kacchhwaha Rajputs, and the founding of the Jaipur Royal State. In the afternoon, visit some of Jaipur’s celebrated textile and apparel designer outlets, as well as explore Old Jaipur with its warren of narrow alleys and little shops selling art, craft, footwear and jewellery from across the desert province.

In the morning, drive to Agra carrying a packed lunch. Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital city of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Arrive into Agra in the afternoon. In the evening have an unforgettable sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, the white marble blushing as the last rays of sunlight caress this monument to love.