Visiting the deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri Seeking out wildlife in Ranthambore National Park Exploring the former summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla On our bestselling Indian holiday, uncover northern India, stay in 4 & 5-Star hotels and visit Shimla – the only tour operator to combine the Golden Triangle and the former summer capital of the British Raj. Days 1 & 2. Arrival in Delhi Your holiday begins with an overnight flight to Delhi, India’s bustling capital. On arrival, we check in to our five-star hotel, where you have time to relax. Days 3-5. Discovering Shimla Today, we take the UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge Himalayan Queen, known as the ‘toy train’, to our five- star hotel in the hill town of Shimla. On Day 4, historian Raaja Bhasin gives an immersive presentation about the city’s history when it was the summer capital of the British Raj. On a tour in private cars, we visit the Viceregal Lodge, where discussions took place for the Partition of India in 1947. We also explore the colourful Sankat Mochan Temple and the Gothic revival Gaiety Theatre. Day 5 is at leisure. Days 6 & 7. Sightseeing in Delhi We depart Shimla in private cars, navigating the twisting route down the Shivalik hills and boarding a train back to Delhi. On Day 7, we uncover Delhi’s attractions on a sightseeing tour with India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla 12 “The whole trip was mind-blowing and I’ll never forget the tigers.” Brian, 2024 YOUR ITINERARY a local guide, experiencing a short rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar and passing the Red Fort and the Gandhi memorial, Raj Ghat, before finishing at the Gandhi Smriti Museum. Day 8. Royal Agra and the Taj Mahal Today, we take the Gatimaan Express to Agra to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – the Taj Mahal. On a guided tour, we discover why this iconic marble structure is regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture and the most beautiful building in the world. Later, we check in to our five- star hotel to relax before visiting the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort. Days 9-11. To Ranthambore Travelling by coach to the preserved sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, we enjoy a guided tour, visiting Akhbar the Great’s private chambers and the Palace of Jodha Bai. Continuing into Rajasthan, we stop at the Laxmi Vilas Palace before reaching Ranthambore. On Day 10, a naturalist joins us for a talk on the region’s wildlife before we embark on a safari through Ranthambore National Park, hoping to seek its most treasured residents – the mighty Bengal tiger. On Day 11, we set out again on an early morning safari accompanied by local experts. In the afternoon, we travel by coach to beautiful Jaipur, where we check in to our five-star hotel before dinner. Days 12 & 13. Pink City of Jaipur Our sightseeing tour this morning includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, an early 18th-century astronomical observatory, and the 17th-century City Palace. Later, we ride through the streets in pink tuk tuks operated entirely by women. On Day 13, we travel by Jeep to the remarkable Amber Fort, a serene palace overlooking Maota Lake. In the afternoon, we return to Delhi. Day 14. Homeward bound Checking out of our Delhi hotel, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London Heathrow, where your discovery of India concludes. INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE, TIGERS & SHIMLA India DELHI SHIMLA AGRA Ranthambore JAIPUR Fatehpur Sikri 2 1 1 +2 +1 2 3 by Rail Nights in Hotel by Coach 1 Classic
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