Golden Triangle with Shimla - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Shimla Tour

Arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, meet & greet with Traditional Indian welcome. Transfer to the hotel.

Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors, which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Old Delhi. It was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.

Also take a Cycle Rickshaw Puller Ride through the bustling and colorful market of the old city is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi.

Afternoon visit New Delhi. It was designed and built by the British in the 1920's-it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eight cities - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. drive pass through the Raisina Hill, ceremonial avenue past the imposing India Gate, Government Buildings, President House and Parliament House. Also visit Sikh Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to see the worship etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Agra. It was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great.  The city's origins are dim but Akbar’s grandfather Babar is credited with Agra's founding.  The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal upon arrival Check in hotel Later visit to Agra Fort built by Akbar the Great and the city. Also visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built by Empress Noor Jehan in the memory of her Father.

In the evening, take Horse cart (Tonga Ride) both way. Enjoy the Magnificent Taj Mahal – The New 7 wonder of the world and Monument of Love in the warm glow of Sunset, which was built in 1630 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori.  Legend has it that once construction was completed, what makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation.  Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughal brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of Incomparable artistry. As you drive through the city witness the local life, shopping and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur through the Rajasthani countryside, See villages, woman dressed in the brilliantly colored saris of the region, Camels, Elephants & scenes of rural lives, en route visit Ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri- the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

Also visit Abhaneri, one of the biggest baolis of Rajasthan. This vertiginous well was a source of freshness for noble families in the region.

Jaipur, once the capital of Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs" Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. It has the distinction of being a well-planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India -especially with regard to textiles, jewellery, stones carpets, etc. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the 17th century fortress of Amber Fort - marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort ascended on Caparisoned Elephant true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings.

Afternoon, visit to Maharaja’s City Palace - where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art, The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 A.D.), Birla White Marble temple and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires Evening time to walk in local Market. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast driving through the rural countryside you will chance upon an ancient wall travelling beside you and wonder what lies behind. On entering the wide gates you will notice the horses being groomed in the stables. A palatial marble façade will rise up in panoramic magnificence in front of your eyes. Laid out 250 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singh ji of Samode, the Samode Bagh is the private garden retreat of the Samode Royal family. Designed in the classical “Char Bagh” style, complete with water channels and fountains, it is one of the oldest functional Mughal gardens of Rajasthan. Late afternoon take adventurous camel ride around the rugged countryside – into villages and fields- into Samode and around. Have a meal with the village folk. Drive up to the splendid Samode Palace – ideally dine there or have tea or a drink. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for Delhi. Upon arrival, dinner at the restaurant. Later, transfer to old Delhi station to board the night train Kalka Express. Overnight journey by the first class air conditioned cabin.

Arrive Kalka station. Upon arrival, change the train, boarding the narrow–gauge rail. The train snakes its way through cedar and pine forests, passing pear and pomegranate orchards as we climb into the misty peaks of the lush green Himalayan foothills. The narrow-gauge railway covers 96 kilometers, with stunning feats of engineering found around every corner of track, past little hamlets and terraced fields. The train crosses more than 800 over breathtaking bridges and viaducts and travel through 102 tunnels, 991 curves and passing by important station/ points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Tara devi, Barog, Salogra, and Summer Hill through beautiful valleys and hills to the colonial town of Shimla known as “Queen of Hills”. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today begin with a sightseeing tour to Viceregal Lodge. It is a majestic, grey-hued structure ringed by tall pines is located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British. This brilliant building served as the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Duffer in. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. The 19th century Elizabethan-style mansion is the most impressive colonial building in Shimla and was the summer seat of the viceroys until the 1940s. It is the only building in Shimla to occupy a hill by itself. The lodge has famous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. In the afternoon, a leisurely stroll along the Mall takes you past the town's Gaiety Theatre, the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and Scandal Point, the town's popular social meeting place, so-called because it was where traditionally people would meet to gossip, Tibet Market, Lakkar Bazaar and Ridge. The area was developed by the British and to keep the area clean and unaffected by pollution, vehicles are not allowed on the road and evening on mall road. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Today you are free to explore at leisure. This provides you with a great opportunity to travel further into the Himalayas for majestic views towards the higher, snow-capped mountain peaks of the world's tallest mountain range. Alternatively you can explore more of Shimla, visiting Wildflower Hall, a former residence of Lord Kitchener. In the afternoon, transfer to Shimla station to board the train. Arrive Kalka station to connect the Kalka mail. Overnight Journey by First class air conditioned cabin.

Arrive Old Delhi Railway Station. Upon arrival, transfer to aerocity hotel. In the evening check out from the hotel and transfer to IGIA Terminal 3 to board the international flight for onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.