Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi
Welcome to India!
Upon your arrival, our representative will be waiting for you in the arrival area of the airport, ready to assist you once you have completed all immigration and customs formalities. They will be there to guide you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, where you will check in for your stay.
Delhi, the capital of India and a significant gateway to the country, is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi Tour
Following breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour of both Old and New Delhi, beginning with a visit to the 17th-century Jama Masjid. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chandni Chowk with a traditional rickshaw ride through its narrow lanes. Pause for a photo opportunity at the magnificent Red Fort, a symbol of the Mughal Empire's grandeur. Continue to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, for a moment of reflection.
In the afternoon, explore New Delhi with highlights including the Presidential Palace, once the residence of British viceroys, and India Gate, a memorial honoring Indian soldiers. Drive along the majestic Rajpath, passing Parliament House and government buildings. Visit Qutab Minar, a 12th-century victory tower, and Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reminiscent of the Taj Mahal.
Conclude the day at your leisure, allowing for relaxation and personal exploration.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi to Amritsar by train
After breakfast today, our representative will meet you to introduce you to your driver, who will transfer you to Delhi railway station for your journey to Amritsar. Upon arrival at Amritsar railway station, our representative will be waiting outside your coach to greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel.
Amritsar, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, holds great significance as the center of the Sikh religion. The highlight of Amritsar is the Golden Temple, revered as the holiest of Sikh sites.
In the late evening, around 2100 hrs, you will be taken to the Golden Temple to witness the Palki ceremony. During this ceremony, devotees form a human conveyor belt to carry the Granth Sahib, a shrine containing the Adi Grantha, from the main shrine to the sanctum. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in the ceremony by shouldering the weight of the shrine in turn.
Overnight in Amritsar
Day 4 : Amritsar
In the morning, embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Amritsar. Explore the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith with a visit to the Golden Temple, followed by a stop at the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant memorial commemorating the tragic massacre of innocent Indians by British forces.
In the afternoon, you will be escorted to the Wagah Border to witness the impressive retreat ceremony. Located 35 kilometers from Amritsar on the road to Lahore, Pakistan, the India-Pakistan border at Attari-Wagah is renowned for its symbolic significance and patriotic fervor.
Overnight in Amritsar
Day 5 : Amritsar to Shimla by surface ( (Approx. 270 Kms / 6-7 Hours)
Following breakfast, proceed with a drive to Shimla.
Upon reaching Shimla, complete the check-in process at the hotel.
Situated at an altitude of 2,213 meters above sea level, Shimla serves as the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and lies approximately 343 kilometers away from Delhi.
Overnight in Shimla
Day 6 : Shimla Sightseeing
This morning, following breakfast, you will be transferred to Shimla Railway Station to embark on a scenic toy train journey to Kandaghat.
Upon arrival at Kandaghat, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.
Later, you will return to Shimla by car, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. During your time in Shimla, visit the Vice-regal Lodge, which holds historical significance as the location where the partition of India into India and Pakistan was planned on a world map.
After lunch (payment directly), enjoy a leisurely stroll back along the Mall to Scandal Point. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to peek inside the Gaiety Theatre or Christ Church.
Overnight in Shimla
Day 7 : Shimla at leisure
Overnight in Shimla
Day 8 : Shimla to Chandigarh by road and then to Jaipur by flight
After enjoying breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Chandigarh, covering approximately 110 kilometers over a duration of 3 to 4 hours.
Chandigarh, often referred to as the "City Beautiful," defies the conventional notions of serenity and urbanity, blending them seamlessly.
In the afternoon, embark on a captivating half-day tour of Chandigarh's highlights. Explore the architectural marvels of the Capitol Complex, a masterpiece by Le Corbusier, set against the majestic backdrop of the Shivalik Mountains. The impressive structures within the complex, including the High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly, symbolize the authority of governance over the states of Haryana and Punjab. At the heart of the complex stands the iconic Open Hand Monument, Chandigarh's official emblem, representing the city's ethos of openness and exchange.
Later, proceed to the airport to catch your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is renowned for its vibrant arts, crafts, jewelry, and architectural marvels. It stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Rajput and Mughal architecture, making it a treasure trove of North Indian culture and craftsmanship.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 9 : Jaipur Sightseeing
This morning, following an early breakfast, embark on a visit to the hilltop fortress at Amber. A jeep will be provided for your convenience to reach the fortress, sparing you the effort of ascending on foot. Upon reaching the summit, take a leisurely stroll through the expansive complex of courtyards and halls.
On the way to Amber Fort, you will pause to admire the Palace of Winds, also known as Hawa Mahal (drive past only). This elaborate façade, crafted from pink sandstone, showcases intricate carvings.
In the afternoon, explore the City Palace, a magnificent complex featuring palaces, gardens, courtyards, and ornate doorways. Next, visit Jaipur's Jantar Mantar, the most renowned of five observatories constructed by Sawai Jai Singh in India. Known for his admiration of scientific progress, Jai Singh was particularly passionate about astronomy.
Overnight in Jaipur
Day 10 : Jaipur to Agra by road (Approx. 240 Kms / 5 Hours )
Today marks your departure from the Pink City as you make your way to Agra – famously known as the city of the Taj Mahal!
Bid farewell to Jaipur as you check out from your accommodations and embark on a drive to Agra. Along the way, you will visit the remarkable Abhaneri step well, known as Chand Baori. This architectural marvel was ingeniously crafted by the people of Abhaneri for rainwater harvesting. With a depth of 20 meters and 13 levels, Chand Baori is renowned as one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. Admire its intricate carvings and surrounding structures before continuing your journey to Agra.
En route to Agra, you will make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri for a guided tour. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri stands as a splendid testament to Mughal architecture. Explore notable landmarks such as the Buland Darwaza, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Palace of Jodha Bai.
Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel and unwind. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Once a quaint village nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra was transformed by the great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jehan, into the grand capital of the Mughal Empire – Dar-ul-Khilafat, or the 'seat of the Emperor,' during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Overnight in Agra
Day 11 : Agra to Delhi by road (Approx. 205 Kms / 5 Hours)
In the early morning, you will embark on a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (Closed on all Fridays) accompanied by your guide. As the sun casts its golden glow upon the iconic monument, marvel at the intricate designs crafted from jewel-like stones embedded in white marble. The Mughals mastered the art of pietra dura, the process of embedding semi-precious stones into marble, and the Taj Mahal stands as the epitome of their craftsmanship. Witness the seamless integration of delicate jewels into marble plates, creating mesmerizing designs that appear invisible to the naked eye.
Return to the hotel for breakfast and a refreshing wash and change.
Following breakfast, proceed to explore the majestic Agra Fort. This imposing fortress, constructed of red sandstone, was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. Encircled by a moat, the fort served as the palace of three notable emperors – Akbar, Shah Jehan, and Aurangzeb. Each emperor left their mark on the architectural marvel, blending Persian Islamic and local Hindu styles within the inner buildings.
Later, visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. Built in 1622, this exquisite tomb commemorates Mir Ghiyas Beg, the father of Empress Noor-Jahan. Admire its elegant white marble construction adorned with intricate mosaics and lattice work, setting a precedent as the first Mughal building faced with white marble inlaid with contrasting stones.
Upon concluding the tour, check out from the hotel and commence your journey back to Delhi. Check in at an airport hotel for your convenience.
Overnight in Delhi
Day 12 : Return Home
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Delhi International Airport. Our team ensures a timely departure as we assist you with your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
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