The Golden Triangle & Shimla  

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Delhi. (N) Meal basis: As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, L*: Packed lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Taj Palace for 1 night. Leisurely afternoon tour visiting the Jama Masjid mosque and exploring the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. Welcome dinner at Haveli Dharampura, enjoy a dance performance, and take in views of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid from the upper terrace. (D)

Accommodation: Taj Palace

Agra

Tour of New Delhi, including a drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutb Minar tower. Drive to Agra and stay at the Trident Agra for 2 nights. (B, D)

Accommodation: Trident Hotel Agra or Similar

Agra

Sunrise visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal before exploring the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort. Visit Mehtab Bagh (‘Moonlight Garden’), for sunset over the Taj Mahal. (B, D)

Accommodation: Trident Hotel Agra or Similar

Jaipur

Continue to Jaipur via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri stepwell. En route, enjoy lunch at the lavish Laxmi Vilas Palace. Stay 3 nights at Ramgarh Lodge, a maharajah's former hunting lodge. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Ramgarh Lodge, Jaipur - IHCL SeleQtions or Similar

Jaipur

Morning visit to Amber Fort and the Anokhi Museum. Afternoon visit to the striking City Palace, home of the present maharajah and the curious Jantar Mantar observatory. (B, D)

Accommodation: Ramgarh Lodge, Jaipur - IHCL SeleQtions or Similar

Jaipur

A day at leisure to relax. Explore Jaipur’s many bazaars or choose from the range of optional activities including a sunrise balloon ride. (B, D)

Accommodation: Ramgarh Lodge, Jaipur - IHCL SeleQtions or Similar

Jaipur - Chandigarh

Explore the Birla Mandir Temple before flying to Chandigarh. Selected as the new capital of Punjab in 1948, Chandigarh was designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier and completed in the early 1960’s. Stay for 1 night at the Taj Chandigarh. (B)

Accommodation: Taj Chandigarh or Similar

Shimla

Take the early morning ‘Him Darshan’ narrow-gauge toy train to Shimla, passing through stunning mountains. Enjoy the panoramic views from the vistadome carriages, which have windows on the ceiling. Stay 3 nights at the Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, the British summer capital during the Raj era. Upgrade to a Premier Valley View room from £165 per person for 3 nights. (B, D)

Accommodation: The Oberoi Cecil or Similar

Shimla

Explore the historic mall and listen to the stories of its many colonial buildings while making your way to the Vice Regal Lodge. (B, D)

Accommodation: The Oberoi Cecil or Similar

Shimla

Day at leisure. Option to explore Shimla on a nature walk from the house where Rudyard Kipling wrote Plain Tales from the Hills to the gallery of a Shimla painter. Alternatively, enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall or visit the princely state of Dhami to spend the day with the noble family, birdwatching and enjoying their stories over lunch. (B, D)

Accommodation: The Oberoi Cecil or Similar

Delhi

Drive to Chandigarh and connect with the midday train to Delhi. Stay overnight at the Taj Palace and enjoy a Farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Taj Palace or similar

Delhi - London

Fly to London with Virgin Atlantic. (B) or Similar