India's Golden Triangle 2012 & 2013

Itinerary

Days 1-2 - Fly to Delhi
We depart London on our overnight flight to Delhi, arriving late morning on Day 2. Delhi is one of India's most colourful and exciting metropolises. A major cultural, political and commercial centre, the old and new cities exist harmoniously together. This afternoon we embark upon an enlightening sightseeing tour exploring the wide, leafy avenues and admire the impressive British colonial architecture of New Delhi. Our tour includes India Gate war memorial with some resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe, and the grandiose Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president. We also see Humayun's Tomb and Qutab Minar, India's tallest stone tower built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199. We spend the night at the Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, close to South Delhi's city centre.

Day 3 - By train to Shimla
We leave Delhi on board the Shatabdi Express for a journey north to Kalka. On arrival we change for the narrow-gauge Toy Train, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and continue through beautiful valleys and hills to the colonial town of Shimla. Affectionately known as the 'Queen of the Hills', Shimla is nestled in the heart of the Himalayan foothills. In the mid-19th century the town was chosen as the summer capital of the British Raj. Today the colonial heritage is preserved in the town's architecture. Our hotel for the next three nights is the beautiful 5-star Oberoi Cecil.

Days 4-5 - Shimla
We begin our exploration of Shimla with a sightseeing tour. Whilst the main streets are on a level ridge, many of the town's houses are sprinkled colourfully across the steep mountainsides. Our journey takes us to the Viceregal Lodge, a majestic, grey-hued structure ringed by tall pines. The 19th century Elizabethan-style mansion was the summer seat of the viceroys until the 1940s and is the only building to occupy a hill by itself. Our afternoon is taken at a gentle pace. A leisurely stroll along the Mall takes us past the town's Gaiety Theatre, the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and Scandal Point, the town's popular social meeting place. On Day 5 you are free to explore Shimla at your leisure.

Day 6 – By train to Delhi
We depart Shimla in the morning by Toy Train for the journey back down the mountains through stunning landscapes, tunnels and lush green valleys to Kalka. Here we join the Shatabdi Express to Delhi where we spend another night at the Sheraton New Delhi Hotel.

Day 7 - Exploring Old Delhi
This morning we visit fascinating and colourful Old Delhi, where we enjoy a rickshaw ride around the narrow streets bustling with the sounds, sights and smells of the vibrant old city. Passing the Red Fort, a World Heritage site, we visit the Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India. We also see Chandini Chowk and Raj Ghat, a simple but moving memorial to Mahandas Gandhi, "the father of the Nation".

Day 8 - The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
We join the southbound Shatabdi Express early this morning to Agra. On arrival we visit Agra's imposing Red Fort, originating from the 15th century and considered India's most important fortification. Built on a hill above Agra, its centerpiece is a tower with a marble balcony where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days imprisoned overlooking the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We then travel across the city to the Taj Mahal itself, considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, combining elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. We transfer to the 5-star Mughal Sheraton for the night.

Day 9 - Fatehpur Sikri
We depart Agra by coach along the newly built Agra to Jaipur highway. Our first stop is at Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ancient red sandstone city built in the 16th century as India's political capital, but abandoned shortly afterwards due to lack of water. Remarkably, the city remains exactly as it was 400 years ago - it is a wonder to behold and a vivid reminder of the Mughal Empire. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing north to the Pink City of Jaipur, close to the Thar desert. We spend the next three nights at the 5-star Sheraton Rajputana Palace.

Day 10 - Jaipur
We begin our stay in Jaipur with an exciting sightseeing tour of Jaipur. We head to the grand City Palace, home to the current Maharaja of Jaipur. The ornate building was completed in 1728, and is now enclosed by high walls and set in fine gardens. We also see the early 18th century Astronomical Observatory and the colourful Jaipur market.

Day 11 - At leisure in Jaipur
Today you are free to further explore this wonderful city, take advantage of the hotel's many facilities or relax in the extensive grounds. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, a small textile museum dedicated to this ancient craft of hand block painting, or Jawahar Kala Kendra, an arts and crafts centre, it was built in 1986 to provide space to the cultural and spiritual values of India and display the rich craft heritage. Alternatively take a rickshaw to the Monkey Temple (Galwar Bagh).

Day 12 - The Amber Fort then return to Delhi
This morning we travel to the Amber Fort, passing the Jal Mahal water palace built in the centre of a lake on the city's outskirts. We usually ascend to the Amber Fort by elephant. Located high on a hillside, the fort's imposing façade is contrasted by the intricate and beautiful interior. We then pay a visit to the wonderful Palace of the Winds. The red and pink sandstone Palace was originally built in the centre of Jaipur for royal ladies to overlook the city without being seen. Your afternoon is free before we board the evening train to Delhi for a final night at the Sheraton New Delhi Hotel.

Day 13 - Return home
We transfer mid-morning to Delhi Airport for our return flight to London, arriving late afternoon.

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