From mountainous, mighty peaks, to buzzing, diverse cities, from sleepy hillside stations to tropical island paradises, India is a bounty of rich history, vibrant culture and intoxicating spirituality.

The Golden Triangle
This Golden Triangle Tour will take you through the heart of India travelling to Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, taking in sights such as the Taj Mahal and the bustling bazaars of Jaipur. This is one of the most exciting and rewarding travel destinations in the world, wherein you will visit colourful and vibrant cities, exquisite temples and superb scenery.

Shimla
Once the imperial summer capital of the British Raj, this capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, is set in the Foothills of the Himalayas at an average altitude of 7250ft. The city is famous for its beauty and buildings styled in imperial architecture dating from the colonial era.

Shimla known as the "Queen of the hills" was once a summer retreat for the British colonial government, the influence are still present today with the Tudor style Bungalows, Church and Library.

Day 1 - Delhi
Today early morning you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a   representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building and transfer you to your hotel, where you will proceed for check-in.

India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiralling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

Rest of the day is free for Independent activities.

Overnight in New Delhi at the Suryaa Hotel on Bed and Breakfast Basis in a Deluxe Room

Day 2 - Delhi
Breakfast at the Hotel.

Proceed for Full day combined city tour of Old and New Delhi. (The guide will meet you at approximately 9:00 AM unless requested otherwise). In Old Delhi you will visit the 17th century Jama Masjid and walk through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. You have the option of taking a rickshaw ride through these bazaars. Also visit the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort for a photo stop. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.  

Afternoon proceed for New Delhi. Visit Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in Honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. Visit Qutab Minar, the 12th century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India. Also visit the 16th century Humayun’s tomb, a precursor to the Taj Mahal. 

Overnight in New Delhi at the Suryaa Hotel on Bed and Breakfast Basis in a Deluxe Room

Day 3 - Delhi - Agra
Breakfast at the Hotel & after that you will be driven to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra you will check-in at your hotel and our representative will assist you to complete your check-in formalities.

Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire. Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shahjahan.  In modern times, the city of Agra is a thriving carpet industry where you can also find leather workers; sandstone and marble sculptors, some of whom claim to be direct descendants of the craftsmen who had helped build the Taj Mahal.

In the afternoon, you will visit Agra Fort, where the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfillment of his life's dream - the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of of his beloved wife. 

Then proceed to the Taj Mahal. (Closed on Fridays). On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this; it is a special process called pietra dura. It begins with a marble plate, varying in size. Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye. 


Overnight in Agra at the Double Tree by Hilton on Bed and Breakfast Basis in a Guests Room (Approx distance - 204 km - driving time of approx 4 hours).

Day 4 - Agra to Jaipur

After breakfast, you will drive to Jaipur. The colourful city of Jaipur is one of India's first planned cities. Bustling markets, historic buildings, and hidden temples create an oasis of peace set against the majestic backdrop of the Amer Fort, making this a truly must visit city in Rajasthan.

Upon arrival at Japipur, you will check-in at your hotel and a SITA representative will assist you to complete your check-in formalities.

Overnight in Jaipur at the Holiday Inn City Centre on Bed and Breakfast in a Superior Room (Approx distance 232km, 5 hours).


Day 5 - Jaipur

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Following breakfast, you will proceed to visit the cpatial of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. 

Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.

An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room. 

En-route to Amber Fort you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.

Afternoon, you will visit the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. 

Jaipur's Jantar Mantar is the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh in India. Jai Singh was a great admirer of progresses and research made in the fields of science and technology, but he was passionate about astronomy. There is a very interesting story behind the construction of this observatory, considered as the largest stone observatory in the world. Sawai Jai Singh sent his emissaries to all parts of the world before commencing the construction of this observatory. The emissaries returned with many manuals on astronomy containing cutting-edge technological information. One of these manuals was a copy of La Hire's "Tables". The king ordered the observatory to be built according to the details contained in this manual. When the construction ended, for the astonishment of the king and others, the observatory was 20 seconds more accurate than the one mentioned in the Tables.

Overnight in Jaipur at the Holiday Inn City Centre on Bed and Breakfast in a Superior Room 

Day 6 - Jaipur to Shimla

After breakfast, you will be met by a SITA representative and transferred to Jaipur Airport to board your flight for Chandigarh. 

Jaipur 9:20 - Chandigarh: 10:50. Check-in baggage is 15 Kgs allowed & hand baggage is 07 Kgs per person.

On arrival in Chandigarh Airport, a SITA representatitve will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Shimla. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Situated in the lower ranges of the Himalayan Mountains, Shimla is surrounded by pine deodar, oak, and rhododendron forests. It was once the Summer capital of British India for well over a century. Shimla is home to a number of buildings that are styled in the Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architectures dating from the colonial era, as well as multiple temples and churches. The city is also known for the Kalka–Shimla Railway route, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Overnight in Shimla at Clarks Hotel on Bed and Breakfast in a Superior Room (Approx distance: 125km / 4 hours)


Day 7 - Shimla

Start the day by visiting the Vice-regal Lodge. This is the place where the partition of INdia into two parts (India and Pakistan) was planning on the world map. 

The British architecture here is amazing; the wooden work inside the building is still kept alive as it was during the British rule. The building is now used by Indian scholars and is called the Institute for Advanced Studies. After a tour of this impressive building you will visit a Hindu temple containing shrines to the many and various Hindi gods. 

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll back along the Mall to Scandal Point. En route, it may be possible to have a quick look inside the Gaiety Theatre or Christ Church. Alternatively find a spot for refreshments whilst viewing snow-capped Himalayan peaks (if weather is clear).

Overnight in Shimla at Clarks Hotel on Bed and Breakfast in a Superior Room

Day 8 - Shimla - Delhi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Shimla Railway Station to board the toy train for Solan.

Shimla 10:35 - Solan: 1312 (Himalayan Queen - First Class Non AC)

Visiting Shimla is equal parts journey and destination. For For optimal snow-clad Himalayan views, chug back in time on the narrow-gauge Kalka Shimla Railway (above), one of three Indian lines on the World Heritage List. It passes through 102 tunnels, across 864 bridges, and up 4,659 feet (1,420 meters) to the Shimla Hill station in northern Himachal Pradesh. Colonialists built the engineering marvel in the late 19th century to service the Shimla Highlands, an escape for the British from the summer heat. Toy train offers a grand view of pine covered hill tops, flora and fauna, and the typical picture which makes the hills, queen of hills.

Upon arrival at Solan you will be transferred by surface to Kalka (approx. 02.30 hrs drive)
Upon arrival in Kalka, stop at a restaurant for some refreshments (meals on direct payment basis)

Later transfer to Kalka railway station board the train Shatabadi Express for Delhi. 
     
Kelka 17:45 - Delhi 21:55 (Shatabdi Express - Chain Car)

Upon arrival in Delhi, check-in at the hotel. 

Overnight in Delhi at Pride Plaza Aerocity on Bed and Breakfast in a Deluxe Room (Approx distance 100km / 3 hours from Shimla to Kalka, approx distance 303km / 4 hours from Kalka to Delhi).

 
Day 9 - Delhi
 
A SITA representative will meet you and assist in your transfer from the hotel to airport for your flight back home. (Approximately 3.5 hours prior to flight departure time). The standard check out time at the hotel is 12:00. 

Travel distance: .3km / 10 mins 

 Suryaa New Delhi
Located in the New Friends Colony, this luxurious 5* hotel has contemporary decor and offers a fitness centre and deluxe Spa with spa bath tubs, a sauna and relaxing massage services.

Each of the spacious rooms are beautifully furnished with flat screen TVs, minibar and tea/coffee making facilities.

The restaurant boasts a superb fine dining Indian restaurant which also serves international cuisine, a pastry shop and a rooftop Chinese restaurant.

4* Agra DoubleTree Hilton 
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, sophisticated spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, and elegant rooms, the Agra DoubleTree by Hilton is a modern and sleek property just a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Here you can dine at the onsite restaurants like North27, Kebab-e-que, an a stylish rooftop bar with views of the Taj Mahal.

4* Holiday Inn City Centre Hotel Jaipur
This contemporary hotel is set within a short drive fro the architectural marvel of the City Palace and Amer Fort and features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and wellness centre. Rooms are elegant and air-conditioned and come equipped with a fully stocked private en-suite bathroom.

4* Clarkes Hotel Shimla

Located on Shimla’s Mall Road, Clarkes Hotel is an oasis of calm on the bustling promenade. Here, guests will enjoy a daily sumptuous buffet breakfast, elegant fan-cooled rooms with carpet flooring and traditionally British-inspired decor, this heritage property is rich in character and history.

4* Pride Plaza Hotel

Welcome to the modern and upscale Pride Plaza Hotel in New Delhi. Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa centre, here you will find contemporary delights within convenient location of some of Delhi's most historic sights. Each well-equipped and designed room features a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and upscale comforts like complimentary WIFI.