Travelpack

Highlights: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Shahpur - Jaipur - Amritsar - Shimla

Hotel featured or similar:
Delhi- Colonel Retreat
Agra- Crystal Sarovar Premier
Shahpura- Shahpura Bagh
Jaipur- Narain Niwas Palace
Amritsar- Ranjit Villa
Shimla- Clarkes

Itinerary:
London Heathrow to Delhi by flight

Day 1: Delhi
0820 Hrs: Arrive Delhi airport
Upon arrival at Delhi airport welcome, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to Hotel

Afternoon proceed for city tour of New Delhi visiting Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal.
The Qutab Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Drive Pass) once the Viceroy’s residence and now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chhattris “Hindu” and the graceful colonnades very “British”. It has 340 rooms.
The India Gate (42m), C commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, glows the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 2: Delhi
After breakfast enjoy city tour of Old Delhi visiting 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. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. Drive Pass Red Fort (closed on Monday) – 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. Board 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.

This afternoon we will enjoy an experience on the busy Delhi metro to Chandni Chowk where we will have the opportunity to taste delicious dishes prepared by well established and reputable street vendors. There will be something for every taste, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, on a tour which will last between 3 and 4 hours and take in about 4-5 different food stalls.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 3: Delhi to Agra train Gatiman Express: 0810-0950 Hrs (Except Friday)
Transfer from Hotel to H.Nizzamuddin railway station in time to board train for Agra.
0950 Hrs: Arrive Agra - medieval city on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. Agra achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings. Most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Upon arrival at Agra railway station transfer to Hotel
Afternoon proceed to visit Agra Fort – Agra Fort was originally a brick fort and the Chauhan Rajputs held it. It was mentioned for the first time in 1080 AD when a Ghaznavide force captured it. Sikandar Lodi (1487-1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi who shifted to Agra and lived in the fort. He governed the country from here and Agra assumed the importance of the second capital. He died in the fort in 1517 and his son, Ibrahim Lodi, held it for nine years until he was defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526. He built several palaces, wells and a mosque in the fort during his period.

Later visit Taj Mahal the world famous monument Taj Mahal by sunset (Closed on Fridays) – Overlooking the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is a classic example of Mughal architecture, with the Taj itself built as a mausoleum at the northern end of an extensive formal walled garden designed in the charbagh style and structured on the Islamic theme of ‘paradise’. The whole site was built by Shah Jahan between ad 1632 and 1653 as the final resting place of his favourite wife Arjumand Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 4: Agra to Ranthambore by surface (Approx. 275 Kms, 7 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive to Ranthambore - one of the finest tiger reserve and one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. Ranthambore was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became part of Project Tiger in 1973. This park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The Park, which covers an area of nearly 400 sq. km. and is set between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part of the magnificent jungles of Central India.

Enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri - which is a beautiful and deserted medieval city, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. It was mysteriously abandoned 13 years later. Today, it is perfectly preserved as a ghost city built at the height of the empire’s splendor

Upon arrival at Ranthambore, check in at Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 5: Ranthambore
Early Morning & afternoon you will enjoy game drives in Ranthambore National Park by shared open jeep or canter (subject to availability).
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 6: Ranthambore to Shahpura by surface (Approx. 220 Kms, 4 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Ranthambore to Shahpura - Look beyond the beaten track amid the golden sands of Rajasthan and you will glimpse an oasis - A dazzling shimmer of sunshine on water that hovers on the edge of a mirage. Drive on. This is timeless Rajasthan - untouched by the creeping fingers of ‘modernity’ - unchanged in its unpretentious natural grandeur.

Upon arrival at Bilwara (Shahpura), check in at Hotel
Afternoon A short 30 minute drive from the Bagh brings you to village Dhikhola, a quaint and rustic village where time has stood still. Visitors can explore the village and the fort owned by the family.

Spend the evening in a hand rown boat across the lakes filled with wild fowl, which swoop and circle in formation or simply float away, soak in the winter sun, pristine sky and water.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 7: Shahpura to Jaipur by surface (Approx. 220 Kms, 4 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Ranthambore to Jaipur - Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh - II, the ruler of Amber, Jaipur was the first planned city in India. This town is also referred as Pink city for the colour of buildings in its wonderful old city.

Upon arrival at Jaipur, check in at Hotel
Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 8: Jaipur
After an early breakfast proceed for the excursion to the Amber City Fort situated 130m high with the Aravalli hills around and 11 km north of Jaipur.
Afternoon visit the The Maharajah’s City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Deve Temple and the City Palace Museum.
Jantar Mantar – This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.
Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a landmark in Jaipur. Its five - storey structure of pink sandstone encrusted with fine tellies work and balconies has 953 inches and windows. It was built in 1799 by Pratap Singh and was a royal grandstand for palace women.
Johari Bazaar – The main bazaar is in the old city for jewellery and saris.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 9: Jaipur to Delhi by surface (Approx. 258 Kms, 6 Hrs
            Delhi to Amritsar by train Shatabadi Express: 1650-2250 Hrs
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive to New Delhi railway station to board train for Amritsar
2250 Hrs: Arrive Amritsar meaning “pool of the nectar of immortality”. It is the spiritual and cultural centre of Sikh religion.
Upon arrival at Amritsar railway station transfer to Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 10: Amritsar
After breakfast proceed for The Real Village Tour (Goyalwar) Village Excursion: Experience Rural Authenticity our village tour is an Authentic experience he helps support a local family and welfare with:

Welcome: Dhol & Holy thread,. Welcome Drink Sweet Lassi
Experience life in rural Punjab with this village tour from Amrtisar. You'll head out to watch the sunrise over a local farm followed by a breakfast made with local ingredients. You'll also get to participate in local farm life activities.

Activities: Special jaggery tea with Mix Pakora and also live prepare tea & pakora if guest choice if they interested for preparation.
Punjabi typical live Cooking Class Sarso Da Saag With Makki Di Roti & Butter
After show you around the village on foot walk. A Local School and you can meet the Children in their classroom. Tractor Ride our traditional is with tractor with take the guest to nearest orchard Round. A Cow shed & Dung Cake Gas.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 11: Amritsar
Morning visit Golden Temple– the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by pool of water called the AmritSarovar after which the city is named. Visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes, wash their feet and cover their heads with a scarf.
See the preparation of Langar at Golden Temple - the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by pool of water called the Amrit Sarovar after which the city is named.
Jalianwala Bagh – Here on 13 April 1919 British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children and killed 379 people.
In the afternoon excursion to Wagah border to witness change of guard ceremony between India and Pakistan armies
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 12: Amritsar to Chandigarh by train ASR CDG Exp:0510-0945 Hrs
              Chandigarh to Kandaghat by surface
              Kandaghat to Shimla by train Himalayan Queen:1521-1730 Hrs
Early morning transfer from Hotel to Amritsar railway station in time to board train for Chandigarh
0945 Hrs: Arrive Chandigarh railway station
Upon arrival at Chandigarh railway station drive to Kandaghat railway station in time to the board the toy train to Shimla (non air-conditioned)
Toy train offers the charm of old-world travel amidst lofty pines and lush green, misty mountains. Laid out on a 96 km long narrow gauge track that passes through 103 tunnels and across more than 800 bridges and viaducts, it is one of the most beautiful hill railways in India. It was considered the “crown jewel” of the Indian National Railways during British times.

1730 Hrs: Arrive at Shimla
Upon arrival meet & assist at the railway station and transfer to Hotel
Shimla. The ambience of this hill city attracted the British so much that it seemed justifiable to shift the complete administration of an Empire from Calcutta to Shimla every summer because of its colonial charm, - and cooler air.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 13: Shimla
After breakfast Heritage Walk of Shimla. This soft walk will commence at the Mall and will end near Cecil Hotel – en-route admiring the important buildings consturcted during the days of the British Raj. During the Heritage walk your local guide will give you brief history of each building. After breakfast Heritage Walk from Hotel to Mall road
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 Jacobe than style during the regime of Lord Dufferin. Its construction stared in 1880 and completed in 1888.
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 14: Shimla
Full day excursion to Kufri and Fagu
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 15: Shimla to Kalka by surface
              Kalka to Delhi by train Shatabadi Express: 1745-2150 Hrs
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive to Kakla railway station to board train for Delhi
2150 Hrs: Arrive New Delhi railway station
Upon arrival at New Delhi railway station transfer to Hotel
Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 16: Delhi to London Heathrow by flight
Transfer from hotel to Delhi airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow

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