Travelpack

Notes:
- Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday

Highlights: Delhi - Shimla - Amritsar - Agra

Hotel featured or similar:
Delhi - Lalit
Shimla - Willow Bank
Amritsar - Ramada
Agra - Crystal Sarovar Premiere
Delhi - Pride Plaza

Day 1: Delhi
London Heathrow to Delhi by flight. 08:20 Hrs: Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi airport welcome, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 2: Delhi
A full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. You will get a feel for this city as you explore its historic sights, such as 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. From the Red Fort explore the bustling cultural delight of the colorful market on a 'cycle rickshaw', through "Chandni Chowk", or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue, - a truly unique experience. You will have a great view of the Red Fort, a 17th-century imposing fortress built in red sandstone and surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.

In the 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 – a major landmark in Delhi, with its beautiful grounds featuring the huge tower of victory standing over 72 meters. You will then 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 Kalka by train – the Shatabadi Express
You will be transferred to New Delhi railway station to board the train for Kalka, departing at 0740. Local snacks and tea or coffee will be served on board. At 1145 the train arrives at Kalka railway station. Upon arrival at Kalka railway station, board Toy train for Shimla departs at 1210 Hrs: 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. 17:30 Hrs: Arrive at Shimla railway station. On arrival at Shimla railway station, you'll be transferred to Hotel Shimla. The ambiance 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.

Day 4: Shimla
This morning you’ll enjoy a Heritage Walk, passing through many historical and Heritage buildings, each possessing a different style of architecture and holding many stories of the past. We stop for a break on the way to give you a closer look at the various architectural sites of the British era. Later you’ll continue your sightseeing of this hill station by visiting the following:

- the Viceregal Lodge Indian Institute of Advanced Study: the site for Viceregal Lodge was selected by Lord Lytton the Viceroy of India between 1876 -1880.
- Jhaku Temple and Hill (2455 meters.): 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 the monkey God, Hanuman. This also offers a superb view of Shimla and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures.

Day 5: Shimla
This morning you’ll enjoy a fabulous excursion to Kufri & Chail. Kufri is around 10 miles from Shimla and is a small hill station. Its name means ‘lake’ in the local language. Further along we reach the beautiful hill station of Chail with its stunning views of the Himalayan foothills. Chail was built as a summer capital by the Maharaja of Patiala, after being exiled from Shimla by Britain’s Lord Kitchener.

Day 6: Shimla to Chandigarh by surface
Chandigarh to Amritsar by train. After breakfast we drive to Chandigarh railway station in time to board your train, departing at 1710, to Amritsar, a holy city of the Sikh community. The famous Golden Temple was built here between 1589 and 1601 and is a superb coming together of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. This extraordinary building is fashioned from marble, mirror work, and gold, which is beautifully reflected in a stunning expanse of water. At 21:25: arrive at Amritsar railway station
Upon arrival at Amritsar railway station, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 7: Amritsar
This morning you’ll explore the spiritual center of the Sikh religion, - the Golden Temple. This is one of the most spiritual locations and includes the Divine Temple and the Pool of Nectar. The temple kitchen provides amazing meals every day. You’ll then 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. In the late afternoon, you will travel to Wagah border, where India meets Pakistan, to watch the Flag ceremony, also known as the ‘beating the retreat’ ceremony. Every day of the year at sunset, the soldiers of both India and Pakistan lower their respective flags in unison.

Day8: Amritsar to Delhi by train on The Shatabadi Express
Delhi to Agra by surface (Approx. 210 km, 4 hours). Very early this morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Amritsar railway station in time to board your train for Delhi, departing at 0455. Local snacks, tea, coffee, and breakfast will be served on board. At 11:00 - arrive at New Delhi railway station, where you will be met by our driver who will take you straight to the romantic city of Agra. Upon arrival at Agra, check in to your hotel.

Day 9: Agra
After breakfast enjoy visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favorite 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’. You’ll also visit the 16th century Agra fort. This commanding red sandstone monument stretches for 2.5 kilometers along the banks of River Yamuna, encompassing serene gardens and terraced pavilions, with striking views of the magnificent Taj Mahal across the river, as well as the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj’. In the evening you’ll enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, which is a garden complex, situated on the riverbank opposite the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 10: Agra to Delhi by surface (Approx. 210 Kms, 4 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from Hotel and drive from Agra to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, check-in at Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 11: Delhi to London Heathrow by flight
Morning transfer from Hotel to Delhi airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow

Offer Includes

Meal Plans