This 11-night journey is ideal for experiencing India’s “Golden Triangle” sites and the Himalayan foothills. The three cities of this region, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, are culturally and historically rich. Visit the Red Fort in Delhi, the beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra, and Jaipur, Rajasthan’s bustling capital known as the “Pink City.” Then you travel to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh’s main city and the gateway to Kashmir’s more isolated northern regions, which are deep in the Himalayan foothills.
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Introduction
India is the world’s most fascinating and rewarding tourist destination. Few visitors ever leave dissatisfied, from the exhilarating pace of life in its vibrant towns to its beautiful temples and breathtaking scenery. This is a tour through India’s heart to discover the old and modern neighbourhoods of Delhi. The Taj Mahal in Agra, the country’s capital, is a prominent example of Mughal art and architecture, while Jaipur’s majestic palaces and bustling bazaars finest exhibit Rajputana’s rich cultural legacy. Then you travel to Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and the gateway to the more isolated northern districts of Kashmir, which is located deep in the Himalayan foothills.
Trip Highlights
- Delhi Full Day Tour with a visit to the Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, tour of Imperial Delhi and much more.
- Visit to the Taj Mahal.
- Visits to Agra Fort and Tomb Of Itmad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj).
- Jeep ride to Amber Fort.
- Visit to Jaipur City Palace and Jantar Mantar.
- Cooking demo with Dinner with an Indian family in Jaipur.
- Historical tour of Shimla.
Hotel Information
5* VIVANTA BY TAJ DWARKA HOTEL | NEW DELHI | 2 NIGHTS
The hotel has excellent access to the city centre as it is close to the Sector 21 Metro station. The domestic and international airport terminals, as well as Gurgaon’s business and entertainment district, can be reached after a quick 15-minute drive to the west. Drive 20 minutes east and you’ll arrive in Lutyens’ Delhi, the city’s beating heart.
The hotel lies on 7 acres and opens to a 6000 square foot modern lobby with suspended chandeliers and dramatic design flourishes that just keep going and going. This reflects the generosity of the capital city. It’s as modern as they come with its dramatic light, space, and fixture interactions. with accent walls, a piece of the Onyx elevator, and Pod seats. The diagonal grid used in the glass design was inspired by the complex yet dependable geometrical patterns used in Indian craft and art.
As per tradition, the Vivanta by Taj – Dwarka offers a selection of food and drink choices through Creo, an all-day dining multi-dimensional restaurant that also features Italian cuisine, a Teppanyaki table, three private dining rooms, and floor-to-ceiling wine walls. Then there is the pre-independence Punjabi cuisine that is served on the Indus Express. Start with the hip and vivacious bar Tipple. Or give succumb to your sweet tooth at Caramel, the alluring deli with lots of surprises.
The board basis will be on Bed & Breakfast
5* CRYSTAL SAROVAR PREMIERE | AGRA | 2 NIGHTS
Conveniently located in Agra’s tourist hub, Fatehabad road, Crystal Sarovar Premiere hotel offers a calm and peaceful oasis for business and leisure travellers. Its strategic location offers a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal. The hotel is highly accessible to guests, being close to the city’s airport and railway station. The elegant 136 well-appointed rooms offer luxurious amenities and personalized service. Three dining and nightlife venues enhance the stay experience with exclusive culinary fare. A fully-equipped health club and Spa specialising in relaxation and rejuvenation treatments pamper personal fulfilment. A well-designed swimming pool promises a quiet, peaceful laid-back scene, complete with comfortable loungers and parasols.
The board basis will be on Bed & Breakfast
4* SHAHPURA HOUSE | JAIPUR | 2 NIGHTS
The Shahpura House derives its name from the ruler of Shekhawat Maha Rao Shekhaji and the Manoharpur Shahpura family. The establishment is 200 years old and is set amidst green surroundings. All of the 38 guest rooms at Shahpura House are equipped with modern facilities to make a guest feel at home. Each room is embellished with marble and semi-precious stones accompanying the marble bathrooms, private porches and lobbies.
The board basis will be on Bed & Breakfast
5* VIVANTA BY TAJ DWARKA HOTEL | NEW DELHI | 1 NIGHT
The hotel has excellent access to the city centre as it is close to the Sector 21 Metro station. The domestic and international airport terminals, as well as Gurgaon’s business and entertainment district, can be reached after a quick 15-minute drive to the west. Drive 20 minutes east and you’ll arrive in Lutyens’ Delhi, the city’s beating heart.
The hotel lies on 7 acres and opens to a 6000 square foot modern lobby with suspended chandeliers and dramatic design flourishes that just keep going and going. This reflects the generosity of the capital city. It’s as modern as they come with its dramatic light, space, and fixture interactions. with accent walls, a piece of the Onyx elevator, and Pod seats. The diagonal grid used in the glass design was inspired by the complex yet dependable geometrical patterns used in Indian craft and art.
As per tradition, the Vivanta by Taj – Dwarka offers a selection of food and drink choices through Creo, an all-day dining multi-dimensional restaurant that also features Italian cuisine, a Teppanyaki table, three private dining rooms, and floor-to-ceiling wine walls. Then there is the pre-independence Punjabi cuisine that is served on the Indus Express. Start with the hip and vivacious bar Tipple. Or give succumb to your sweet tooth at Caramel, the alluring deli with lots of surprises.
The board basis will be on Bed & Breakfast
5* THE OBEROI CECIL | SHIMLA| 3 NIGHT
The Oberoi Cecil is an elegant hotel located in the quieter part of the bustling Mall Road, surrounded by the gorgeous Himalayan peaks. Each guest room and suite has air conditioning, high-speed internet access, a mini bar, a 32″ LCD television, and a DVD player. The hotel has a restaurant, a large swimming pool, and a spa. Visitors can learn about the country’s colonial history by visiting landmarks such as Gorton Castle, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and The Mall.
The board basis will be on Bed & Breakfast
5* VIVANTA BY TAJ DWARKA HOTEL | NEW DELHI | 1 NIGHT
The hotel has excellent access to the city centre as it is close to the Sector 21 Metro station. The domestic and international airport terminals, as well as Gurgaon’s business and entertainment district, can be reached after a quick 15-minute drive to the west. Drive 20 minutes east and you’ll arrive in Lutyens’ Delhi, the city’s beating heart.
The hotel lies on 7 acres and opens to a 6000 square foot modern lobby with suspended chandeliers and dramatic design flourishes that just keep going and going. This reflects the generosity of the capital city. It’s as modern as they come with its dramatic light, space, and fixture interactions. with accent walls, a piece of the Onyx elevator, and Pod seats. The diagonal grid used in the glass design was inspired by the complex yet dependable geometrical patterns used in Indian craft and art.
As per tradition, the Vivanta by Taj – Dwarka offers a selection of food and drink choices through Creo, an all-day dining multi-dimensional restaurant that also features Italian cuisine, a Teppanyaki table, three private dining rooms, and floor-to-ceiling wine walls. Then there is the pre-independence Punjabi cuisine that is served on the Indus Express. Start with the hip and vivacious bar Tipple. Or give succumb to your sweet tooth at Caramel, the alluring deli with lots of surprises.
The board basis will be on Bed & Breakfast
Itinerary
Fly from UK Departure point overnight to Delhi.
Our representative will meet you in the arrival area of the airport after you clear all immigration and custom formalities. He will be assisting you and transfer you to your hotel where you will check in for your stay.
Overnight: Delhi.
After breakfast, proceed for the full-day city tour of Old & New Delhi
Old Delhi unravels the old charm and speaks volumes about India's history, culture and tradition, whereas fascinating New Delhi exhibits the picture of modern India.
The tour will begin with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Later visit Chandni Chowk, Asia's largest wholesale market, a massive area packed with shops, bazaars and people. Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Also visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Proceed towards New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The first stop will be a UNESCO World Heritage site - Qutub Minar, the second tallest minar in India. It is made of red stone and marble covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. Later visit the 16th-century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style and a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour to Imperial Delhi will also include a drive past of India Gate, the 42 m high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India.
Overnight: Delhi.
Today morning after breakfast, drive to Agra (210 Km / 04 Hrs Approx.). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure to discover the vibrant city of Agra.
Overnight: Agra
Early morning you will be taken to visit the Taj Mahal during Sunrise. Come back to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, visit Agra Fort and Itmadaulah.
It is fitting to see this extraordinary monument, the Taj Mahal, (closed on Fridays) by the first light of day as its exemplary beauty is awe-inspiring and will create an unforgettable memory. This time of the day is the least crowded and affords a very peaceful and tranquil experience of the world's most romantic site.
Known as the Red Fort of Agra, this walled imperial city was founded in 1565 by Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) and is a well-deserving UNESCO World Heritage site, located just 2.5 kilometres from the famous Taj Mahal. Its palaces, grand mosques and elaborate public hall are crafted from pink-red sandstone and are a testament to an era when Indo-Muslim art, strongly marked by influences from Persia, was at its height. Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal for his deceased wife, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort. He is said to have died in the Musamman Burj, a marble tower he himself built, with one of the most alluring views of the Taj Mahal.
Tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah is a Mughal mausoleum built for the grandfather of the Mumtaz Mahal, who the Taj Mahal was in turn built for. the tomb is colloquially known as the "jewel box", or the "Baby Taj".
Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Agra
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (240 km / 05 hours approx), stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri with a guide.
Later, continue your journey to Jaipur and check into your accommodation. In the evening, you will be transported to the home of an Indian family for a traditional Rajasthani feast.
A highlight in the province of Uttar Pradesh, Fatehpur Sikri served briefly as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. This world heritage site is rated as one of the best-preserved collections of Mughal architecture in India. Surrounded by a six-kilometre wall, with the fourth being a lake at the time, a day can be spent exploring the elaborate structures within. Marvel at the impressive Jama Masjid mosque, the detailed palaces built for Emperor Akbar’s wives, the public and private discussion halls and the vast ornamental pool; all of which took over 15 years to conceptualise and build.
Ikaki Niwas is a beautiful house which is tastefully decorated in the Rajasthani style with motifs and wall frescos. The cooking demo at Ikaki Niwas is a perfect way to learn the art of Indian and local Rajasthani Cuisine.
Each dish is explained in detail and clients are encouraged to actively participate in the cooking process. The Demonstration is followed by meal with the Family.
Overnight: Jaipur
Today morning after an early breakfast, proceed for a full-day city tour of Jaipur.
Amer Fort is located in Amer, Rajasthan, India. Originally built by Raja Man Singh, the fort overlooks Maota Lake and features four levels with a courtyard on each level. At the main entrance of the fort is a temple dedicated to Shila Devi. The building is a fine example of Rajput architecture and includes Maharaja's apartments, temples and a hall.
The jeep ride will spare the trouble of walking up to the fortress. Reach the top of the Amer Fort, and stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Learn about the Hindu and Mughal traditions that influenced the design of this impressive structure.
City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture.
In 1734, the year of its completion, the Jai Singh Observatory was the last outpost of medieval science. From the outside, the eighteen fixed observational instruments look more like playground apparatus than sighting devices, but they were used to measure the position of the sun, stars and planets. Built by Jai Singh, the first Maharaja of Jaipur who founded the city in 1727, the observatory is one of a handful. Jai Singh, fulfilling a lifelong interest in mathematics and astronomy, built observatories in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Benares. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these.
Overnight: Jaipur
After Breakfast, you will drive to Delhi (Approx. 261 Kms / 6.5 Hrs). Arrive and check in at Hotel.
Overnight: Delhi.
Today, you will be transferred to New Delhi Railway Station, where you will board the Shatabdi train to Kalka. Transfer to the Toy Train in Kalka, a nearly 100-kilometre-long small gauge route with top speeds that rarely surpass 20 mph. The British created this rail link in 1904 and it contains 105 tunnels (the distance is noted in 1/20km on the right side of the track). When you arrive in Shimla, a representative will meet you and transport you to your accommodation over three nights.
Overnight: Shimla.
Today, you Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shimla.
The best magnetism of the city is the Vice Regal Lodge. Sitting on the flat top of Observatory Hill, this Elizabethan-style mansion was built in 1888 for Lord Dufferin. More than this historical building, it is the ethereal beauty of its colourful gardens that is a feast for the eyes. Its gardens are among the best laid out gardens at a similar altitude in the world. Well-manicured green lawns are surrounded by a riot of colourful flowers.
Overnight: Shimla.
Today you have a free day to explore Shimla.
Overnight: Shimla.
After breakfast, you will be greeted by a representative who will accompany you to the Chandigarh train station where you will board your train to Delhi. When you return to Delhi, you will be welcomed by a representative and taken to your hotel.
Overnight: New Delhi.
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi to connect with the return flight to the UK.
Tour routing & hotels may vary for operational reasons. The Red Fort is closed on Mondays and the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Cost Includes:
- 11 night’s accommodation at the hotels mentioned above on Twin Sharing Basis.
- Daily buffet breakfast at all the above hotels.
- Entrance fees at all monuments (one time only) as per the itinerary, road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges & interstate taxes.
- All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned Innova.
- Services of an English-Speaking local Guide shall be provided for the sightseeing & excursion tours as per the itinerary.
- 01 Bicycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
- A Jeep ride while ascending the Amber Fort at Jaipur (one way).
- Train ride Between Delhi – Kalka & Chandigarh – Delhi by A/C Class in Shatabdi Express.
- Toy Train Ride Between Kalka – Shimla by Non A/C Class.
- A representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
- All currently applicable taxes.
Cost Excludes:
- Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, any insurance etc.
- Any meals are other than the ones mentioned.
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
