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Holidays to Shimla, India (Himalayan Queen 'Toy Train') + Delhi + Taj Mahal + Tigers

India: Golden Triangle + Ranthambore + Amritsar + Shimla

16 NIGHTS FROM:

$3,585

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

IPE16D

• Holidays to Shimla, India

• Delhi - Old & New

• Taj Mahal

• Tigers of Ranthambore

• Jaipur

• Amber Fort

• Alsisar

• Shimla

• Walking Tour

• Himalayan Queen 'Toy Train'

Our holidays to Shimla in India combine the spectacular Himalayas mountains with a cultural trip on the Himalayan Queen 'Toy Train' from Delhi. Also explore the cultural treasures of the Golden Triangle - Delhi, the 'pink city' of Jaipur and the incomparable Taj Mahal in Agra - and search for tigers in the wild. All transfers, private jeep safaris & sightseeing with English speaking guides included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Delhi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this ancient capital of kingdoms and empires that is now a sprawling metropolis.

Delhi's strategic location was one of the main reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power and today it is a conglomerate of seven cities. The division between the old walled city and New Delhi marks a division in lifestyles, with the old city retaining its past traditions whilst New Delhi strives to match the pace of the 21st century.

Day 2

Today enjoy a full day private tour of modern New Delhi and the 17th century walled city of Old Delhi, which came to prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital here from Agra.

In Old Delhi enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through 300-year old Chandni Chowk market, a maze of lanes crowded with noisy shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and foods, and past the Jama Masjid (or Friday Mosque), the largest in India, and drive past the imposing walls & battlements of the Red Fort, once the most opulent palace in the Mughal Empire. We continue to the Raj Ghat - the simple but moving memorial on the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

In the afternoon our tour of New Delhi starts with a visit to the Qutub Minar, an ancient victory tower built of red sandstone and marble in 1199 and still the tallest minaret in India. With its imposing cylindrical towers and surrounding ruins, it is today a World Heritage Site. Our next stop is Humayun's Tomb, the beautiful mausoleum of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, that inspired the Taj Mahal.

We drive along the Rajpath - the capital's broadest avenue - where you will see the imposing arch of the India Gate war memorial, Parliament House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential residence built for the Viceroy of India, and the government buildings on Raisina Hill.

Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays.

Day 3

This morning we drive 3.5-hours from Delhi to the ancient city of Agra, set along the banks of the Yamuna River and originally the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Along the way we visit the Agra Bear Rescue Centre. This facility provides sanctuary to over 200 orphaned and distressed sloth bears, including many rescued dancing circus bears.

Afterwards we continue to Agra, which is world renowned as the home of the Taj Mahal - that great symbol of love built by emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century as a memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal.

In the late afternoon, visit the Mehtab Bagh Gardens that are located across the river from the Taj Mahal, to enjoys your first views of this magnificent edifice at sunset.

Day 4

Rise early this morning to visit the stunning Taj Mahal at sunrise. This magnificent white marble mausoleum took 22 years to build and, apart from its stunning design and perfect symmetry, it is noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best marble inlay work ever done. Sunrise and sunset are particularly good times to visit and see the dome subtly change its colour.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, later in the day we visit Agra Fort, a massive structure with walls over 70-ft high and 1.5-miles long that encompasses an astounding collection of well preserved buildings, many of them completed during the reign of Shah Jahan. After he was deposed by his son, he was imprisoned in this fort where he remained until his death - spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting place of his beloved wife.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday. You are allowed a maximum of 3-hours at the monument and cannot take in anything except your camera, water and essential medicine. From mid-January to mid-February there may be early morning fog, in which case you will visit the Taj Mahal a little later.

Day 5

This morning we leave Agra and travel 1-hour to the magnificent red sandstone royal city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by the emperor Mohammad Akbar as the capital of the Mughal Empire. The city was abandoned due to water shortage, when the capital was moved north to Delhi, and in more recent years the fort has provided a dramatic backdrop to several famous films.

We then drive 15-minutes to Bharatpur Station to board the express train (air-conditioned chair car) travelling for 2.15-hours to Sawai Madhopur in southeast Rajasthan.

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel situated near Ranthambore National Park. This world famous tiger sanctuary was originally the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Today it is the largest wildlife reserve in northern India, covering an area of over 250 sq miles (400 sq km).

Note: At Fatehpur Sikri there is a short transfer from the car park in a local bus, that will be very full and will not be air-conditioned.

When you board the train take only a small day pack, as your main luggage will remain with your driver. To avoid unnecessary stress, on the train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children, where a road transfer will be substituted. This will also be done during adverse weather conditions.

Day 6

This morning enjoy a private jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park.

Early morning is the best time to see tigers, but be aware that it is extremely difficult to find them in the jungle and sightings are never guaranteed. Best viewings are generally at the end of the dry season (March to May, although it is extremely hot from April onwards), when the tigers search out the waterholes - but you need to take at least 4 game drives for a good chance of a sighting.

Other animals you can hope to see include leopard, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, caracal, civet, desert cat, mongoose, ratel, sloth bear, langur & macaque monkeys, wild boar, palm squirrel, flying fox, porcupine, long-eared hedgehog, marsh crocodile, tortoise and softshell turtle. Also antelope such as sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara and black buck.

In the afternoon return to the park for another game drive. In addition to the many mammals and reptiles, there are over 270 bird species - including eagles, falcons, owls, greylag geese, flamingos, parakeets, fly catchers, bee-eaters, grebe, terns, woodpeckers, hornbills and kingfishers.

Note: Zones 1 to 5 are closed every Tuesda and during Holi and the monsoon season (July to early October). Zones 6 to 10 are closed every Wednesday, but otherwise remain open all year

You will need to take a copy of your passport with you to enter the national park. Please note that we have no control over the driver and vehicle allocated to you, as this is done by the local park authorities according to a rota. In the winter months wear warm clothes, including woolly hats and gloves to protect you from the wind chill in your open vehicle.

Day 7

Today we drive 4-hours from Ranthambore National Park to the chaotic and colourful "Pink City" of Jaipur that is home to over 3 million people.

On arrival enjoy a tour of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan which has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its cultural heritage. Our first stop is to view the magnificent Hawa Mahal (the "Palace of the Winds") designed in the form of the crown of the Hindu god Krishna. This five-storey frontage looks like a bee's honeycomb with 953 small windows, each decorated with intricate latticework so that the court ladies living in secluded purdah could watch royal processions, without being seen themselves. Built of red and pink sandstone, it is particularly striking early in the morning when lit by the sunrise.

We then visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world and also a World Heritage Site. It is the best preserved of five observatories built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur. It has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

Our day finishes with a visit to the nearby City Palace, the former Royal Residence part of which is now a museum. One of the major attractions here is the armoury with its impressive array of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers used by the Maharajas of Jaipur. The Textile and Costume Museum on the first floor is another fine display, with items from all over India.

Day 8

This morning we visit the imposing Amber Fort - another World Heritage Site.

This magnificent royal palace was built from pale yellow & pink sandstone and white marble and is divided into four main sections, each with its own courtyard. You will enter via the main courtyard (Jaleb Chowk) where returning armies would display their war booty and women could view them from the veiled windows of the palace. Once inside explore the amazing Palace of Mirrors and Hall of Public Audience.

After lunch (own account) enjoy an Elephant Interaction, spending time up close and personal with an Asian elephant cared for by a mahout family. You can touch and feed him, and learn about elephant decoration, medicines and treatment. During the summer you can also see him being bathed.

In the evening enjoy the unique experience of dining with a local family, where you will taste spicy Rajasthan food and gain insight into their lifestyle, with different generations living under the same roof.

Note: If you would like to take a gift for your hosts, we suggest flowers. Avoid edible items, because of varying religious and dietary restrictions.

Day 9

At leisure to explore more of the city of Jaipur with your driver providing your transport. You can walk through the old walled city, explore its many bazaars and shop for textiles.

Alternatively enjoy an optional Market Tour with a cooking demonstration by a local chef, or an optional elephant interaction.

You can also take an optional morning or afternoon jeep safari in Jhalana Wildlife Sanctuary, which is known for its leopards, or visit the town of Sanganer known for its textiles and paper prints (pay entrance fees locally).

Day 10

Transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Amritsar in the Punjab.

You will be met at Amritsar Airport and transferred to your hotel in this pilgrimage city that is the spiritual centre of the Sikh religion. This city is also known for its magnificent carpets and fabrics, farm produce, handicrafts, rich cuisine and culture.

In the evening we visit the Golden Temple to participate in the daily Palki Sahib ceremony where, to the accompaniment of drums and hymns, a gold and silver gilded palanquin decorated with silk brocades is used to carry the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) from the main shrine to the gateway to the inner sanctum. Each person has the opportunity to help carry the palaquin for a few seconds. The next morning the ceremony is repeated, as the holy book is brought out again into the temple.

Day 11

This morning we visit the magnificent Golden Temple shining in the morning light, with its large dome surrounded by elegant minarets and splendidly gilded interior panelling. This temple is an important place of worship for devotees of the Sikh faith worldwide.

Near the temple we visit the Sarovar, a sacred holy water pool, and Langar - one of the largest community kitchens in the world. Here you can volunteer to help in the kitchen or serve food to the devotees.

Afterwards we visit Jallianwala Bagh where on 13 April 1919 British Indian Army troops under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer, fired into a crowd of hundreds of protesting men, women and children. This Amritsar massacre site is now a memorial garden.

In the afternoon we drive 2-hours to the Wagah Border, the only crossing point between India and Pakistan. Here the changing of the guards and flag-lowering ceremony is performed daily with blustering pomp and perfect drill by both side - described by Michael Palin as "carefully choreographed contempt". A jawan (infantryman) stands at attention on each side and as the sun sets, the iron gates at the border are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the closing of the gates again.

Day 12

Today leave Amritsar and transfer 5-hours to the modern city of Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryanaa and one of the best planned cities in India.

In the afternoon enjoy a short city tour - including a visit to the Capitol Complex, which includes the Assembly and Secretariat, followed by a visit to the Rock Garden.

Alternatively from December to April you could visit the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, a botanical garden spread over 30 acres, with over 50,000 rose-bushes representing over 1,600 different species. The roses are at their best in February and March, but at other times of year it is a pleasant park.

Day 13

This morning transfer 1.5-hours from Chandigarh to Dharampur Station to board the narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Train, departing at 13.27 and travelling for 3-hours through beautiful mountain scenery to Shimla.

One of India's five 'toy trains' built by the British, it is registered in the Guinness Book as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India. The train passes through breathtaking landscapes of the majestic Himalayas - with 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and over 20 railway stations along the way. Enjoy splendid views of the snow-clad Himalayas, covered with thickly populated pine and oak forests.

Arrive at the hill station of Shimla in the late afternoon, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Referred to as the "Queen of Hills", Shimla was the summer capital of British India and is steeped in colonial history. On arrival check into your hotel and relax in the fresh mountain air.

Note: The small Toy Train is not air-conditioned and has no facilities, so be prepared for an interesting cultural experience (not a luxury journey).

Day 14

Today enjoy a half day walking tour of Shimla.

We start with a visit to the splendid Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge) that was built in 1888 by Lord Dufferin in Scottish baronial style, to house the British Viceroy and his staff for the six months they were based in the town. It is now a museum with beautifully laid out Botanical Gardens and a touching collection of 'hotographs' (autographs from desireable people) from the late Victorian era and the last years of the Raj. It also houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

We also walk along the pedestrianised Mall from Scandal Point and Christ Church, past the Post Office, Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall. Here commerce rubs shoulders with stately colonial buildings, churches and other landmarks and at the end you will find the colourful local market - the Lakkar Bazaar. Shimla is particularly well known for the quality of its local pashmina shawls.

Afterwards we walk 50m up a steep hill to the ancient Jakhu Temple (the 'Monkey Temple') which is situated at the highest point in Shimla, with magnificent views. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Hanuman, whose statue is 108 ft tall - making it one of the tallest statues in the world.

The afternoon is free to relax at your hotel or visit the hot springs that are believed to have medicinal value.

Note: All public buildings in Shimla are closed on Mondays.

Day 15

At leisure to relax at the hill station of Shimla, with wonderful views of the mighty Himalayas.

Your driver will provide any transfers you may need (pay any entrance fees locally).

Day 16

This morning transfer to Shimla Railway Station to board the Himalayan Queen Train, travelling through beautiful scenery towards Kalka.

One of India's five 'Toy Trains' built by the British, it is registered in the Guinness Book as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India. The train passes through breathtaking landscapes of the majestic Himalayas - with 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and over 20 railway stations along the way. Enjoy splendid views of the snow-clad Himalayas, covered with thickly populated pine and oak forests.

As the Toy Train is not very comfortable, instead of travelling for 5-hours to Kalka we recommend you alight after 2-hours at Kandaghat Station (the stop after the busy market town of Solan) where a driver can meet you and transfer the rest of the way by road. This way you can have a comfort and lunch break midway (own account).

Arrive in Kalka in good time to board the 17.45 express train travelling 4-hours to Delhi (air conditioned chair class). You will be met at Delhi Railway Station and transferred to your hotel situated near the airport.

Note: The small Toy Train is not air-conditioned and has no facilities, so be prepared for an interesting cultural experience (not a luxury journey).

To avoid unnecessary stress, on the express train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children.

Day 17

Transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight home.

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