Golden Triangle with Shimla

Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to recover from your journey. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Delhi. Visit New Delhi’s landmarks including India Gate (war memorial), Parliament House, and Laxmi Narayan Temple. Continue to Old Delhi to explore Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque), the Red Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial), Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutub Minar complex with its 12th-century minaret. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and refresh. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. Continue to Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone fortress that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Agra.

Following breakfast, drive to Jaipur. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. Explore its well-preserved monuments including Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza (victory gate), Panch Mahal (five-story palace), and pavilions that once housed Akbar’s courtiers including Birbal and Jodha Bai. Continue to Jaipur, check into your hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit Amber Fort, located on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Enjoy a traditional elephant ride up to the fort’s entrance (subject to availability). Explore this extensive palace complex with its series of courtyards, halls, and chambers. In the afternoon, tour Jaipur city, visiting the City Palace complex which continues to be the residence of the royal family, Jantar Mantar (astronomical observatory), and drive past the pink sandstone façade of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Spend some time exploring the local bazaars known for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore nearby markets. You might wish to visit some of Delhi’s markets such as Connaught Place, Khan Market, or Dilli Haat for souvenirs. Overnight in Delhi.

Early morning transfer to the railway station to board the Shatabdi Express to Kalka. Upon arrival at Kalka, board the famous narrow-gauge “Toy Train” to Shimla. This UNESCO World Heritage railway journey takes approximately 5 hours, passing through 102 tunnels and offering spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival in Shimla, transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure to stroll along The Mall Road, Shimla’s main shopping street. Overnight in Shimla.

After breakfast, explore Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. Visit key attractions including the neo-Gothic Christ Church on The Ridge, Jakhu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (situated at Shimla’s highest point), the Himachal State Museum housed in a colonial building, and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy the pleasant weather and colonial architecture as you walk along the vehicle-free Mall Road and The Ridge. Afternoon at leisure to further explore this charming hill station. Overnight in Shimla.

After breakfast, drive to Kalka railway station to board the train back to Delhi. Alternatively, you can drive directly to Delhi (subject to preference). Upon arrival in Delhi, check into your hotel for your final night in India. Evening at leisure for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping. At the appropriate time, transfer to Delhi International Airport for your departure flight.