The Indian capital is steeped in a glorious but turbulent history. Despite being abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again, rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the adjoined cities of Old and New Delhi are home to countless wonders.
In the pulsating old city, visit the winding alleys of Chandni Chowk and the vast Jama Masjid mosque. New Delhi is a fascinating contrast, with the grand Lutyens-designed government buildings including the former Viceroy's House now home to the President, the majestic India Gate memorial and broad, treelined avenues. Head for Humayun's tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture, the magnificent 14th-century Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the beautiful Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple. Saffron recommends a stay of at least 2 nights.
Discover contemporary Indian art with a knowledgeable and friendly guide on a gallery-hopping tour. From visiting art galleries to meeting discerning collectors, gain an insight into the local culture and appreciation of modern art. True enthusiasts should head to the National Gallery of Modern Art, which is housed in the former Delhi residence of the maharajah of Jaipur. Here you will find an inspiring collection of contemporary art works.
Visit the private home of Neha Gupta for a taste of traditional Indian cooking. Her home is located in the delightful area of Haus Khas, surrounded by 800- year-old monuments dating back to the Mughal era. Celebrate a love of Indian food while learning the techniques behind authentic home cooking. Learn how to cook Indian breads and other dishes before enjoying the Indian delicacies that you have created with a little help from Neha.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the president of India and the former Viceroy's House, and its manicured Mughal gardens are open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Take a guided tour of this elegant masterpiece, created by Lutyens, which houses national treasures and artefacts dating back to the colonial era. The changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place on Saturday mornings, is a spectacle not to be missed.
Agra is home to India's most celebrated attraction, the Taj Mahal, and the stupendous 16th-century Mughal-built Agra fort, which encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 in memory of his late wife, the Taj Mahal took 20 years to build; it is justifiably lauded as the world's greatest monument to love. Sunrise is a magical time to visit, when the marble transforms its colour in the changing dawn light.
Fatehpur Sikri occupies a rocky crest some 40km to the south-west of Agra. A Unesco world heritage site and once the imperial capital of Akbar the Great, the city's wonderfully preserved collection of monuments provides a remarkable insight into the daily life of the 16th-century Mughal court.
Jaipur, meaning 'the city of victory', was founded in 1727. Popularly known as the Pink City due to the colour of the stone, Jaipur's prime attraction is the sprawling palace complex, still home to the current maharajah. It includes a fascinating museum of the maharajas' lavish possessions as well as the Jantar Mantar observatory. Jaipur is also a delight for those seeking traditional Indian crafts, including jewellery, silver and silk.
Just outside Jaipur, Amber was the ancient capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs from 1037 until maharajah Sawai Jai Singh founded Jaipur. The majestic fortpalace here displays many Mughal influences in addition to traditional Rajput designs. Saffron recommends a lavish lunch at 1135AD, a restaurant set within the historic ramparts of the fort.
| - | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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| A | 21 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 39 | 39 | 35 | 33 | 34 | 33 | 28 | 23 |
| B | 7 | 10 | 15 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 8 |
| C | 19 | 15 | 15 | 8 | 17 | 53 | 220 | 257 | 126 | 24 | 5 | 8 |
| - | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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| A | 24 | 26 | 31 | 36 | 38 | 35 | 30 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 29 | 25 |
| B | 9 | 11 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 14 | 10 |
| C | 4 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 89 | 244 | 248 | 136 | 13 | 14 | 2 |