Golden Triangle and Shimla

Day 01  Leave London Heathrow

Day 02  Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi Airport you are met and transferred to your pre booked Hotel.

Delhi - Living testament to the glory of the Mughal days, patron of palaces and tombs and the capital of India, New Delhi is all of this and more. Situated about 160 kms south of the Himalayas and on the west bank of the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges, Delhi has the distinction of being the historic hub of politics.

Delhi is as modern or ancient as you want it to be. Today's Delhi is cosmopolitan, modern and fun-loving. With feasts for art and theatre lovers, concerts for the musically inclined and food that can make a gourmet cry with delight, Delhi is a place with something for everyone.

People from all parts of the country inhabit Delhi. There are different cultural pockets with Punjabi's being the most dominant section here. The most common languages spoken here besides English are Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Afternoon Visit the Lotus Temple, Lotus Temple is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Bahai’s Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi. The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 03  Delhi

After breakfast embark on a tour of New Delhi – Places you can visit

Rashtrapati Bhavan - Formerly the Vice-Regal Palace, it is the official residence of the President of India. This 340-room palace and its gardens cover an area of 330 acres. Special permission has to be obtained in advance to visit the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.

Qutub Minar - The emblem of Delhi, the 72.55 meter high Qutub Minar was erected in the 13th century by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Within the complex is an Iron pillar, which has never rusted. This five-storied tower is visible from a distance of several kilometers Which means that you could be visiting a lot of places in Delhi and the Qutub Minar stays with you.

Rajpath – Rajpath is worth a visit. Every January 26, the grand Republic Day Parade is held there. At one end, is the India Gate where the eternal flame burns to commemorate India's war heroes. At the other end is the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. On some days in early spring, visitors are allowed to wander around the building's famed Mughal Gardens.

Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar is an observatory. About 300 years old, it can measure the movement of the earth and the stars. It is also a very peaceful park in the centre of town.

India Gate - This massive 42m tall structure was built as a memorial to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The structure has the names of the soldiers engraved on it. An eternal flame burns here in commemoration of the brave soldiers.

Humayun's Tomb - Haji Begum, the senior wife of Emperor Humayun built this mausoleum in the mid 16th century. The tomb is situated amidst avenues of trees, watercourses and flowerbeds. A magnificent example of refined early Mughal architecture, the structure harmoniously blends with nature.

Connaught Place - Connaught Place is an upmarket shopping area designed by Edwin Lutyens who also designed the whole of New Delhi
Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast leave by surface for Agra enroute take a stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Upon arrival in Agra check in at your pre booked Hotel

Afternoon Spent visiting local Markets

Overnight at Hotel

Day 05  Agra

Early Morning visit to the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. The Building’s stupendous scale, flawless symmetry, translucent white marble and shimmering reflection in the water channel are truly breathtaking.

(Friday Taj Mahal is Closed)

After Viewing Taj Mahal Return to hotel for Breakfast after Breakfast city tour of Agra Visiting

Agra Fort - Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment, besides Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb - The tomb was built by Empress Noor Jahan, in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg in 1622-25A.D. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal, this small garden tomb reflects the taste and sophistication of the gifted queen. The warm yellow marble is highlighted with white and black marble inlay, and the lacey pierced marble screens and rich, jewel-inlaid mosaics have a delicate, feminine quality that is pure enchantment

After experiencing the Sightseeing of Agra Return to Hotel

Overnight at Hotel

Day 06  Agra – Jaipur (By Surface) Via Fatehpur sikiri

After breakfast leave by surface for Jaipur on the way enroute visit the  Old deserted town of Mughal Dynasty - Fatehpur Sikri built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who foretold the birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar, is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important edifice here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza

After visiting Fatehpur sikiri continue the journey toward Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur check in at your pre booked Hotel

Overnight at Hotel

Day 07  Jaipur

Today morning visit the Amber Fort in the Aravali Hills, which is a super example of Rajput (medieval Hindu) style Architecture

Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur. The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on walls, which are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very majestic and imperial

Afternoon City Tour of Jaipur Visiting

City Palace - situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city.

JANTAR MANTAR (Observatory) - built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provide accurate time, which are subject to daily corrections

The Palace of Winds – a five-storied structure of pink sandstone has semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the Royal household to watch everyday life.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 08  Jaipur – Delhi (By Surface)

After breakfast leave by surface for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your pre booked Hotel

Overnight at Hotel

Day 09  Delhi – Kalka (By Train) Kalka – Shimla (By Toy Train)

Today you are transferred to Delhi Railway Station to board train to Kalka. Upon arrival in Kalka Railway Station you connect your onward Toy Train for Shimla

Overnight at Hotel

Day 10  Shimla

Day at leisure for Personal activities

Overnight at Hotel

Day 11  Shimla

Day at leisure for Personal activities

Overnight at Hotel

Day 12  Shimla

Day at leisure for Personal activities

Overnight at Hotel

Day 13  Shimla – Delhi (By Surface)

Today leave by surface for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check in at your pre booked Hotel

Overnight at Hotel

Day 14  Leave Delhi (Checkout at 12 noon)

Today you are transferred to Delhi Airport to board flight for Onward Journey