Taj & Raj

Day 01: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to hotel (check-in 12:00hrs). Overnight in Delhi (Meals: No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi

Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing, taking in the highlights of Old and New Delhi. In the older part of the city we visit Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid – India’s oldest and largest mosque. Continue to the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where an eternal flame now burns at the site of his cremation. There’s also time for an exhilarating rickshaw ride. In New Delhi we discover the ceremonial Rajpath, formerly the ‘King’s Way’, and the India Gate monument. This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner. Overnight in Delhi. (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 03: Delhi – Agra 

We say goodbye to Delhi as we travel to Agra, the former capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1648. Explore behind the fortified walls of Agra Fort and continue to India’s most iconic attraction – the legendary Taj Mahal. Enjoy a guided tour of this famous white mausoleum, which was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century to honour his wife who died tragically in childbirth. The Taj Mahal remains the most extravagant monument to love ever built and has no peers. Gaze in awe at this bucket list worthy destinaton.Overnight in Agra (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 04: Agra – Karauli

This morning we travel to the well-preserved city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was abandoned more than 400 years ago due to a lack of water. Our day continues as we travel to the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli, our home for the evening. The Maharaja and Maharani still reside here but much of the site now operates as a heritage hotel. Explore the palace grounds at leisure and if we’re lucky, join a tour run by the princess herself – if the opportunity arises. Later, we visit the Karauli City Palace, which is being lovingly restored by the family. There is also an optional visit to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Overnight: Karauli (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 05: Karauli – Jaipur

Today we visit a local school to meet the pupils and teachers (if open). We operate our Change for Children programme here and you may consider bringing some educational gifts with you from home to give out to the children – they’ll be much appreciated (see trip notes). After the visit, we continue to the famous UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur, where the rest of today is at leisure. You may wish to attend the showing of a Bollywood movie at the Raj Mandir cinema. Overnight in Jaipur. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 06: Jaipur

There is an exciting optional opportunity this morning to sail over Jaipur and its surrounding palaces, forts and countryside in a hot air balloon, with the Pink City as your stunning backdrop. Later, we travel to Amber Fort for a guided tour of its well-preserved interior. We reach the site by jeep and gaze out over Maota Lake from one of the four levels of this impressive fortress. Our tour continues with a visit to the Jaipur City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, made up of 19 separate astrological instruments. Overnight in Jaipur. (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 07: Jaipur – Delhi 

Jaipur – Delhi. This morning we drive back to Delhi where you’re free to explore the city as you please. Perhaps visit the striking Akshardham, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 08: Delhi – Kalka – Dharampur – Shimla

It’s an early start 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: 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. Overnight in Shimla (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10: Shimla

Day is left at leisure for you to independently explore Shimla. You can opt for a stroll around the town, drop by the colourful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit of Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point. Here visitors are rewarded with 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 – Delhi

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 back to Delhi, and on arrival to Delhi we transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Delhi (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 12: Delhi – Departure

Transfer to airport for onward journey