Leaving Delhi, you will journey to Agra and its impressive fort. Highlight is Taj Mahal – a monument of love in the world. You will see the sacred city of the Punjab with its spectacular Golden Temple built between 1589 and 1601 and is a superb synthesis of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. The extraordinary building is fashioned from marble, mirror work and gold, which is beautifully reflected in a stunning expanse of water and best seen in the early morning light. This tour takes you to the beautiful hill state of Himachal Pradesh to experience the gracious living in a palace and country manor. In 1903, the Kalka-Shimla railway started making the hitherto arduous journey up much simpler and even today the quaint toy train chugs up steep hill slopes carrying eager tourists.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your 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 Qutab Minar – 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 (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, India Gate and Parliament House.
Day 3: Delhi to Agra by surface, 210 Km/ 4 hr
Drive to Agra. Evening at leisure. Stay 2 nts in Agra.
Day 4: Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) in the morning by sunrise. 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’. In the afternoon you will 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.
Day 5: Agra to Delhi & Delhi to Amritsar by train
Drive to Delhi railway station to board train for Amritsar
Upon arrival in Amritsar transferred to your hotel for 2nts stay.
Day 6: Amritsar
At leisure to explore, the spiritual centre of the Sikh religion – the Golden Temple, one of the most spiritual locations, including the Divine Temple and the Pool of Nectar. The temple kitchen provide an amazing meals a day also visit Jallianwala Bagh the site of an infamous massacre that took place in 1919. Visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes, wash their feet and cover their heads with a scarf.
Later afternoon you will travel to Wagah border, where India meets Pakistan, and observe the ceremony
Day 7: Amritsar to Parwanoo (310 km, 7 hr)
Morning drive to Parwanoo, A couple of decades ago, this was a sleepy little village but today, it is a pulsating Industrial town.
Upon arrival in Parwanoo, transfer from base of the mountain to top of the mountain by cable car and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay
Day 8: Parwanoo to Shimla
Transfer from top to the base of the mountain and then drive to Shimla ambience attracted the British in such measure that it seemed justifiable to shift the complete administration of an Empire from Calcutta for its colonial charm. Upon arrival check in for a stay of 3 nts
Day 9: 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 a Rashtrapati 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 Sanjivni Booti to revive Lakshman in the Epic Ramayana. Overnight stay at hotel
Day 10: Shimla.
Excursion to Kufri & Chail
Day 11: Shimla to Kalka by toy train & Kalka to Delhi by Shatabadi Express
Transfer to Shimla railway station to board the train for a scenic journey from the mountains down, the narrow gauge train which takes you through 102 tunnels, many arched bridges and several picturesque stations on its 96 Km journey to Kalka and connect with the 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 12: Delhi.
Transfer to the airport to board flight for onward journey.
Delhi - Metropolitan Hotel
Agra - Radisson Hotel
Amritsar - Ramada Hotel
Parwanoo - Moksha Himalayan Spa & Resort
Shimla - Radisson Hotel