Breakfast at the hotel and then depart by road to Agra.
Approximately 210 kms / 04 hours drive . Your other option would be to take the new Gatiman Express train which gets you to Agra in just 90 minutes.

Forts were an integral part of Indian history. Each place was ruled from the fort in the area and this is where the imperial court was set up. The fort in Agra was built by the emperor Akbar. This is a fine example of the Hindu elements finding their way into Islamic style of architecture. The fort is rather well known for the melancholic tale of emperor Shah Jahan who was imprisoned here by his son in an apartment that overlooked the Taj Mahal.

Though Agra is synonymous with the Taj; another Mughal monument made entirely in marble has arguably more refined workmanship. Itimad-Ud-Daula fondly known as Baby Taj is the tomb of a Mughal noble. It looks like an intricately carved jewel box with its extensive use of the teachnique of Pietra Dura.

At sunset the long awaited visit to the Taj Mahal. Bathed in soft light of the evening sun this monument to eternal love is truly a sight to behold. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

If you like you could also take an extension in your sightseeing and indulge in any of Equinox’s special experiential activities. Contact Equinox for our Agra secrets.

After a fulfilling breakfast set off to explore this royal city.
Your day starts with sightseeing of Amber Fort by jeeps.
There is an option for elephant back, however in our endeavor to avoid animal cruelty we prefer not to offer this experience.

This hilltop fortress was the Royal Family’s residence and is one of the most enchanting forts of India. A complex of palaces, temples, mirror inlaid public halls and beautifully manicured gardens, the fortress is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture. Within the fort are enchanting palaces that display the wealth of the erstwhile kingdom of Amber.

City Palace. This beautiful palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.

Jantar Mantar Observatory
A trip is never complete without the visit of something eccentric and that is exactly what is offered by the 18th century observatory. An overzealous Maharaja of Jaipur constructed these astronomical instruments to make notes of the positions of stars and the constellation.

We at Equinox encourage you to travel like a global local. Not just to stand and witness something but participate in the in the experience that is India. Take part in the aarti ceremony at the GovindDevji temple where many devotees and followers gather in the courtyard to pay their respects. This temple has had the Royal patronage for centuries. But today you will be visiting the presiding deity just like many other Jaipur locals. Don’t forget to buy a small plate of offerings consisting flowers, incense and a coconut to appease the deity.

Indulge in any one of Equinox’s signature experiences to further explore Jaipur off the beaten path.

A poetic sunrise on the banks of the Mother River Ganga.

Behold the captivating beauty of the vicinity when the first ray of sun touches the sacred lands of the holy city. A transcending experience of how life starts with devotion and spirituality , which takes the immortal soul to its highest abode. Assembling at Assighat, the experience begins with paying respects to the holy river. This experience is aimed at introducing you to different aspects of Hindu spirituality. One can witness one of the several aspects like Vedic Chanting, Classical music recitals, Yoga demonstrations etc.

Visit Akharas, the traditional place of exercise. Visit an Ashram to learn about the lifestyle of its inhabitants. After the visit return to the hotel for breakfast. Visit The Benares Hindu University or the Sanskrit School. Banaras Hindu University is one of the largest residential universities in Asia, with over 20,000 students. The university was founded to form a basis of a more nationalist approach towards education without blindly accepting western ideologies.

Visit a Sanskrit or Vedic school. These institutes have existed for thousands of years and impart traditional Bramhinical knowledge (theosophy and ritualism) to young children starting from the age of 5 to 15. These students go on to become the bearers of ancient texts, wisdom and traditions. To keep these practices alive the schools follow a Guru- Shishya parampara which requires the students to live with the teachers in order to master a way of life.

Later proceed on an excursion to Sarnath.
Buddhists worldwide look upon India as the land of the Buddha and a visit to Sarnath means a pilgrimage to the place sacred to the memory of the Enlightened One. After the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh gaya he came to Sarnath. In the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, or in the religious term, he set in motion the wheel of Law (Maha – DharmachakraPravartan).

Today As Buddhism has branched off into several different sects we invite you to visit the temples of each of these sects. With their distinctly different architectural styles. Tibetan temple, Thai Temple, Sri Lankan, Japanese , Korean and Chinese temple. We visit some of the the homes and workshops of weavers of the famous banaras silk saris. The weavers belong to a Mulsim community called Ansaris. Ironcically Banarasi saris are worn by Hindu brides across the country on the day of their wedding.