Amritsar & Golden Triangle

Day 01: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel, day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. In the old part of the city we visit Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid, which is India’s largest and oldest mosque. We also visit the peaceful memorial of Raj Ghat – the site of Gandhi’s cremation. An eternal flame now burns here in his honour. Enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar before our tour continues as we explore the highlights of New Delhi. Stroll down the ceremonial Rajpath and see the India Gate monument – a memorial to those Indian soldiers who died during the First World War. We enjoy a delicious Namaste dinner this evening. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 03: Dheli – Agra 

We leave Delhi today as we travel to Agra and explore the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Our day continues with a guided tour of the legendary Taj Mahal – India’s most famous site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This beautiful white mausoleum was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a tribute to his wife, who died tragically in childbirth. It remains the most extravagant symbol of love ever built and remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Overnight in Agra (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 04: Agra – Karauli

This morning we leave Agra and set off for the eerie city of Fatehpur Sikri, imperial capital of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar and built in red sandstone during the 16th century only to be completely deserted 15 years later due to water scarcity. And abandoned for more than 400 years but is still extremely well-preserved. We continue to the Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli, which remains the home of the royal Maharaja. The site is now a heritage hotel and our home for the night. Explore the palace grounds at leisure and if we’re lucky, we may be able to join a tour led by the princess herself. The family are also lovingly restoring the City Palace which we visit this afternoon and you may opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer). Overnight in Karauli (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 05: Karauli – Jaipur

Today we travel to the iconic Pink City of Jaipur, stopping at a local school en route to meet the pupils and teachers (if open). We operate our Change for Children programme here and you may wish to bring some educational gifts to donate to the pupils. We continue to UNESCO-listed Jaipur where the rest of today is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir cinema, where there’snthambore sure to be a lively atmosphere. Overnight in Jaipur (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 06: Jaipur 

This morning you may wish to join our exciting Balloon Over Jaipur add-on. Climb into a hot air balloon and fly with the wind over palaces and fortresses, before we return to land and take a jeep ride up to the impressive Amber Fort. This site is laid out over four levels and overlooks the stunning Maota Lake. After our visit, we continue to a local cotton weaving house and tour the famous City Palace. The final stop of the day is to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, home to the world’s largest stone sundial. Overnight in Jaipur (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 07: Jaipur – Delhi

Today we return to Delhi for an afternoon at leisure. You may wish to visit Red Fort and attend its famous Sound and Light show this evening. Overnight in Delhi  (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 08: Delhi – Kalka – Dharampur – Shimla

Rise early this morning as we board the Shatabdi Express train to Kalka. You then transfer independently to the Himalayan Queen Toy Train for a unique experience to Dharampur. The 33km journey sees us travel along narrow twists and turns, through scenic countryside and numerous tunnels. Pass through forests, over bridges and stop at old, traditional stations. Arriving into Dharampur we complete the journey to our hotel in Shimla by road, where the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Shimla (Meals: Breakfast) 

Day 09 & 10: Shimla

We spend the next 2 days in Shimla. Today we explore the city of Shimla, located 2,100m above sea level at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. Explore the famous main street – The Mall, which is lined with stately English homes and has a distinctly British feel. We also discover the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British Viceroy of India. Stroll down narrow streets and explore colourful bazaars in this scenic city, surrounded by the beautiful valley and the towering mountains. Day 10 is left at leisure to independatly explore Shimla. Stroll around the town, drop by the colourful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit of Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point, for some panoramic views of snow-capped peaks set as a glorious backdrop to the sleepy township of Shimla below. Overnight in Shimla (Meals: Breakfast) 

Day 11: Shimla – Chandigarh – Amritsar

Say goodbye to Shimla as we travel to the modern city of Chandigarh for a guided tour. See highlights of the city including the famous Rock Garden. A completely unique and innovative creation, the Rock Garden is a collection of over 2,000 sculptures created over 20 years from a collection of concrete, steel drums, old bicycle frames and broken sinks. If time permits visit the Rose Garden – Asia’s largest botanical garden and home to 1,500 species of roses and also stroll along the shore of the man-made Sukhna Lake. This afternoon we take the train to Amritsar. Upon arrival into Amritsar this evening, you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight in Amritsar (Meals: Breakfast) 

Day 12 & 13: Amritsar 

This morning we tour the highlights of Amritsar, including the Jallianwala Bagh memorial and the iconic Golden Temple. The temple is regarded as the holiest pilgrimage site in Sikhism and the dome is made of pure gold. Later we travel to the village of Wagah, on the India-Pakistan border. At sunset watch the colourful, dancelike changing of the guard ceremony and flag lowering, which signals the closing of the border for the day. We then return to Amritsar and Day 13 is agian left at leisure for you to explore further or just relax. Overnight in Amritsar (Meals: Breakfast) 

Day 14: Armitsar – Delhi

Early this morning we transfer to the train start where we board the train to Delhi. Upon arrival into Delhi, you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 15: Delhi – Departure

This Indian adventure comes to an end as we ransfer to airport for onward journey.