Glimpses of Taj and British Raj

Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Tonight, arrive New Delhi, the capital city of India. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, transfer to your hotel for 2 nights stay

Day 2

Delhi – Jaipur (260 Kms/6 Hrs)

This morning, take a tour of old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; take a rickshaw ride through narrow alleys and lanes in Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and largest trading markets of the country; and drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj.

This afternoon embark on your drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

Day 3

Day in Jaipur

Rise early this morning to visit Jaipur’s famous Amber Fort. Enroute, take a guided walk through the flower market of Jaipur seeing the beautiful yellow and orange marigolds and other seasonal flowers being traded. In close vicinity is also the wholesale vegetable market where farmers bring fresh produce to begin the days trading. Walking through the markets brings you to a junction where you will find the interesting and unusual milk traders of Jaipur, who bring their cattle’s fresh milk to be tested for quality, priced and traded on the spot. Be amazed at the primitive technique of testing quality of milk by dipping hands into large metal milk containers and evaluating the creaminess of milk supplied !

After a brief walk through the local trading markets, drive onwards to visit Amber fort, built in the 16th century. The fort is a mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The Amber Fort was used by the Rajputs for the dual purpose of defense and private residence. The fort encompasses charming gardens and magnificent palaces made from marble and precious stones, richly decorated with intricate stonemason works and paintings, which represented royal splendor and luxury of the Rajput era. To ascend up the fort, you may choose to walk, drive or take an elephant ride.

This afternoon take a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, with its unique layer-cake honeycomb windows designed to enable erstwhile women of the royal court to observe passing life without being seen; Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built in stone, and the City Palace complex with its impressive gardens and museums.

Day 4

Jaipur – Agra (240 Kms / 5 Hrs)

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Jaipur.

Before noon, embark on a leisurely drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal. En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for 02 nights stay

Day 5

Day in Agra

This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. You may choose to wake up early to witness the glistening white marble beauty at sunrise.

Later visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.

Day 6

Agra – Delhi (204 Kms / 4 Hrs)

After an early breakfast, embark on your return drive to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi this afternoon, visit Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the world’s tallest brick minaret. Then take an orientation tour of New Delhi, driving past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi and take a photo stop at the iconic war memorial arch, the India Gate. This evening visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold dome, still in active worship.

Day 7

Fly Delhi – Chandigarh ; Drive to Shimla (130 Kms/3 Hrs)

This morning, catch your flight to Chandigarh. Upon arrival in Chandigarh, drive to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, set amidst the snow capped mountains, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival in Shimla, transfer to your hotel for 3 nights stay.

Day 8

Day in Shimla

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Shimla, visiting the famous Christ Church, the second oldest church in Northern India.

Also visit the Shimla State Museum, which houses a collection of miniature ‘Pahari’ paintings, sculptures, coins, woodcarvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. Conclude the day with a visit to the Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, which is located on the Observatory Hill of Shimla. Built in 1888, this was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India. This historic building with its beautiful surrounds houses a collection of ancient articles and photographs dating back to the times of the British rule in India.

Day 9

Day in Shimla

Enjoy the day at leisure.

You may opt for a leisurely walk in the hills, horse riding on mountain tracks, strolling down the mall road and mingling with the locals or just relaxing or pampering yourself at the spa at your hotel (supplement charge applies for activities and spa therapies).

Day 10

Drive Shimla – Chandigarh (130 Kms/3 Hrs) ; Fly to Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Chandigarh airport, to catch your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, connect to your flight back home.