Highlights: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Shimla

We welcome you to Incredible India, where culture echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthralls and diversity delights. Extremely popular with first time visitors, this introductory tour, The Golden Triangle of India (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra) has made a firm footing on the tourist map. The harmonious amalgamation of the country’s capital with its entire historic splendour, the soft romanticism that can be felt as the amazing Taj Mahal in Agra and the fierce magnificence of Jaipur - the princely state capital, which was painted pink (the traditional colour of welcome) in honour of the visit of Prince Wales in 1876.

Hotel featured or similar:
* Delhi-Royal Plaza
* Agra-Crystal Sarovar Premier
* Jaipur-Ramada
* Shimla-East Bourne, Delhi-Royal Plaza

Itinerary:

Day 1: London Heathrow to Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at hotel

Day 2: Delhi.
Full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. You will get a feel for this city as you explore its historic sights. Raj Ghat which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, This is Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque. Explore the bustling cultural delight of the colourful market on the 'cycle rickshaw' for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue-heading west from the Fort. You will take a view of Red Fort – the 17th century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Afternoon you will head into New Delhi, visiting Humayun’s Tomb, an impressive garden tomb with high arches and a double dome, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Then continue on to the wonderful QutabMinar - the landmark of Delhi, the beautiful grounds feature the well preserve a huge tower of victory standing over 72 meters. You will drive on to Rajpath and through to India Gate and the Lutyens Delhi with its tree lined boulevards leading to the British Viceroy’s Palace (RashtrapatiBhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, India Gate and Parliament House.

Day 3: Delhi to Agra by surface, 210 Kms/ 4 Hrs
Drive to Agra. Upon arrival at Agra, check in at your hotel. Afternoon enjoy visiting the world famous Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built one of the world’s most famous buildings, the ‘Taj Mahal’. Its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as a vision, a dream, a poem, and a wonder’. visit the 16th century Agra fort. This commanding red sandstone monument stretches 2.5 kilometres along the banks of River Yamuna, encompasses serene gardens and terrace pavilions, with striking views providing glimpse of the magnificent Taj Mahal across the river. and Tomb of Itmad-ud- Daulah also called as Baby Taj

Day 4: Agra to Jaipur by surface, 265 kms, 6 ½ Hrs
Drive to Jaipur, en route visit FatehpurSikri - the imperial ruins of the dream capital city of the Great Mughal Emperor - Akbar. you will continue drive to Jaipur, the famed ‘Pink City’ and the capital of Rajasthan known for its palaces, three hill forts and a shopper’s paradise. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in at hotel. Evening at leisure to explore colourful bazaar. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 5: Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber - capital of the old state of Dhundhar, located on the rugged hills that surround Jaipur. Ride the colourfully painted elephants up the hill, admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces that recall the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. During the afternoon visit the City Palace (still houses the erstwhile Royal family); JantarMantar - the Royal Observatory and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - built for the royal ladies to watch the activities on the market street below without being observed themselves. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 6: Jaipur to Delhi by surface, 258 kms / 6 Hrs
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, check in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel

Day 7: Delhi to Kalka by train Shatabadi Express
Kalka to Shimla by train Himalayan Queen. Transfer from hotel to New Delhi railway station in time to board train for Kalka. Local snacks tea / coffee and breakfast will be served on board. 1415 Hrs: Arrive Kalka railway station. Upon arrival at Kalka railway board train for a scenic journey to the mountains up, the narrow gauge train which takes you through 102 tunnels, many arched bridges and several picturesque stations on its 96 Km journey. Upon arrival at Shimla, transfer to hotel

Day 8: Shimla
Morning enjoy Heritage Walk through the town's Architectural Heritage Zone that brings you close to various architectural sites of British era. A number of old buildings such as Bantony, Betinks Castle, Railway Board Building, Gorton Castle (can see from outside), Knokcdrin (can see from outside) Sanitarium, Cecil Hotel, Inverarm, State Museum (closed on Monday) - This building was a private residence of Lord William Beresford, the Military secretary to the viceroys for many years. and Viceregal Lodge keep your eyes wide open. Viceregal Lodge Indian Institute of Advanced study: - The site for Viceregal Lodge was selected by Lord Lytton the Viceroy of India between 1876 -1880. The Viceregal Lodge, also known aRashtrapati Niwas is located on the Observatory Hill of Shima. It was formerly the residency of the British Viceroy of India. It was designed by British architect Hendry Irwin and built in the Jacobethan style during the regime of Lord Dufferin. Its construction stared in 1880 and completed in 1888. Later enjoy visiting Jhaku Temple/ Hill (2455 Mts.): This is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to monkey God Hanuman. This also offers a very good view of the Shimla with snow capped mountains. One legend goes that Lord Hanuman stopped there to rest while he was searching for the SanjivniBooti to revive Lakshman in the Epic Ramayana

Day 9 Shimla.
Excursion to Kufri & Chail

Day 10: Shimla to Kalka by surface
Kalka to Delhi by train Shatabadi Express. After breakfast drive to Shatabadi express arriving into Delhi. Local snacks, tea or coffee will be served on board. Upon arrival in Delhi railway station, transfer to your hotel

Day 11: Delhi to London Heathrow
Transfer from hotel to airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow

Offer Includes

• Flight from London with Virgin Atlantic
• Airport taxes
• 9 nights accommodation on bed & breakfast
• All transfers, sightseeing & excursion as mentioned in itinerary by air-conditioned car
• Services of local English speaking guide as per the itinerary during city tour
• Train fare for the sector Delhi/Kalka/Delhi by air-conditioned chair car & Shimla/Solan by non ac class

Meal Plans
• Bed & Breakfast