Overview

Travel throughout beautiful India, city full with diversity with different taste and explore some world famous attraction including Taj, Royalty of Jaipur and some British era place like Shimla, Dharamshala and Amritsar. This tour includes all aspects of Indian life and represents past and present cultural, rural, and beautiful Royal India.

In this tour you are visiting :-

Delhi: Delhi is the best place to experience all that brings people to India: history, culture, food, spirituality, madness, mystery. Spend a day amid its lived-in splendor and you’ll realize why so many battles have been fought over it. Here are the extremes that make India so compelling.

Jaipur: At the heart of Jaipur lies the Pink City, the old walled quarter, whose bazaars rank among the most vibrant in Asia, renowned for their textiles, jewellery and Rajasthani handicrafts. For all its colour, however, the city’s modern outlook and commercial hustle and bustle offer a stimulating contrast to many other places in the state.

Bharatpur: Bharatpur is also home to one of the world’s best-known bird watching destinations, Keoladeo Ghana National Park (KNP). 250 years ago, the then ruler built embankments that allowed flooding of this land, turning it into a marsh.

Agra: The splendour of Agra – India’s capital under the Mughals – remains undiminished, from the massive fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. You can go shopping for designer marble statues and marble carved stones which is also why Agra is famous for.

Shimla: Himachal’s capital, is India’s largest and most famous hill station, where much of the action in Rudyard Kipling’s colonial classic Kim took place.

Dharamshala: Home to the holy abode of the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj, this town located in Kangra Valley has numerous Buddhist monasteries, scattered amidst the hills surrounding this region.

Amritsar: The Sikhs’ holy city of Amritsar is the largest city in Punjab; noisy and congested, but its old city in particular is as lively as any in India and contains the fabled Golden Temple, whose domes soar above the teeming streets. Amritsar is also an important staging-post for those crossing the Indo–Pakistan frontier at Wagha, 29km west.

Other enroute Highlights :

Bhangarh Castle ruins: Believe most haunted palace in the world.

Abhaneri: An Old, beautiful but stunning step well with historic and culturally importance.

Inclusions

• Return Flight from London to Delhi
• Accommodation in hotel as per chosen category
• Meal as mentioned
• All transfer and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Guide at Monuments
• Elephant ride at Jaipur
• Bird Sanctuary visit by Rikshaw at Bharatpur
• Tonga ride at Agra
• Rikshaw ride at Delhi

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Delhi.

Day 2

Arrival Delhi

On arrival meet and greet at airport and proceed to Jaipur. On arrival check into hotel. Evening visit local market on tuktuk, do some shopping and enjoy streets of city or rest at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: No Meal

Day 3

Jaipur

After breakfast, enjoy the guided sightseeing tour of the pink city built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer 260 years ago. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the Maharajas. Jaipur was and still remains the only city in the world symbolising the nine divisions of the universe, through nice rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. It is a royal city and its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The delightfully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvellous heritage hotels, which were once the residence of Maharaja’s are worthy of admiration. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to a feel of royalty and tradition and has plenty of forts and monuments that remind you of the ancient glamour, glory and charm of Rajput rulers. Take an excursion to Amber Fort; add a magical touch to the visit by riding on the back of an elephant from the foot of the hill up to the gates of the fortress in the manner of former kings and queens. Within the complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh takes pride of the place. Also a part of the complex is the Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of the Public audience) with its spectacular display of pillars. Later visit the Maharaja’s City Palace, the home of the erstwhile royal family, the Observatory, Hawa Mahal also known as Wind Palace built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and drive past the old part of Jaipur city. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 4

Jaipur–Bharatpur

After breakfast, proceed to Bharatpur. Enroute visit beautiful and world’s most haunted place Bhangarh’s castle ruins. The town was established in 1573 (VS 1631) during the rule of Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Jaipur Bhagwant Das as the residence of his second son Madho Singh. The next ruler of Bhangarh was his son Chhatra Singh. Bhangarh is also a pre-historic site. The most remarkable of its buildings are the Hindu Mandir of Gopinath, Shiv (Someshwar), Hanuman, Ganesh, Vishal Devta, Lavina Devi and Keshav Rai. Here Govt. of India placed official board to warn tourist not to stay after 5 pm. Later proceed to Abhaneri. Abhaneri was originally named Abha Nagri, which means "city of brightness," but due to mispronunciation, the name was changed. Abhaneri is prominent for ’Baoris’, step wells which were invented by the natives to harvest rain water. These tanks were used as cool places of retreat and as water reservoirs during parched times of the year. Chand Baori is the most popular and beautiful of the wells in the region and it is one of India’s deepest and largest. It was a ritual to wash the hands and feet at the well before visiting the adjoining “Harsha Mata Temple”, dedicated to the goddess Harshat Mata. Harshat Mata is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness. According to myth, the goddess is always cheerful and she imparts her joy and happiness to the whole village. Later proceed to Bharatpur - a hunting place of Maharaja of Bharatpur later converted into a beautiful bird sanctuary where you can see more than 100 of species of birds and other more animal in their natural inhabitant. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Explore the bird sanctuary by Rikshaw along with local guide for 2 hrs. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5

Bharatpur–Agra

Have a leisurely breakfast and proceed to Agra enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri. One enters Sikri from the Agra Gate, one of the nine gateways on the way to the palace complex. Diwan-i-Aam or the hall of public audience appears first. It is a huge rectangular walled-in courtyard where petitions were heard, proclamations made, ambassadors received and entertainment programme held. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. Though over 400 years old, Fatehpur Sikri is perfectly preserved. Reach Agra and check in at hotel. Later visit Agra Fort; on the west bank of the Yamuna River, Akbar’s (the third of the Great Mughal) magnificent Fort dominates the center of the city. Akbar erected the walls, gates and the first building inside, Shah Jahan built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque, while Aurangazeb (the sixth and last of the Great Moghuls) added the outer ramparts. The Predominantly red sand stone structures combining Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture.

Evening visit Taj Mahal during Sunset. The Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jahan had Lahori’’s hands cut off and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints during sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 6

Agra–Delhi

Morning breakfast and proceed to Delhi. Check in to hotel. Explore Delhi by own in busy markets and streets. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 7

Delhi–Shimla

Morning breakfast and proceed to queen of Hills "Shimla". British established the city in the dense forests of Himalayas as summer capital. 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 with colonial architecture with natural beauty. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Take a short ride of heritage toy train and explore Himalayan beauty at some extent. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 8

Shimla

Today morning after breakfast, visit Naldhera. It boasts of the oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. Crowned with a springing turf the Golf Course was suggested by Lord Curzon. Later drive to Kufri derives its name from ‘Kufr’ which means lake. It is especially popular among trekkers. Thereafter visit the famous mall road of Shimla. Visit the Scandal Point. Evening have a walk to ridge and Church and be witness of buildings which will take you to colonial era. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 9

Shimla–Dharamshala

Morning breakfast and travel to Dharamshala: the very word implies that it is a sanctuary to all. This has been proven over the years when the Government of India offered protection to the Tibetan refugees who settled in this hill station. Home to the holy abode of the Dalai Lama at McLeod Ganj, this town located in Kangra Valley has numerous Buddhist monasteries, scattered amidst the hills surrounding this region. With the establishment of the Tibetan government-in-exile, the traditions and flavours of Tibet have found its way into the culture and cuisine of Dharamshala. The region also has many ancient temples and beautiful churches built during the reign of the British, tucked away among the lush green forests. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 10

Dharamshala

Morning breakfast and later explore beauty of Dharamshala and visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Bhagsunag Fall, Church of St. John, War Memorial, Kangra Art Museum and Norburlinka Institute. Spend rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 11

Dharamshala–Amritsar

Morning breakfast and travel to Amritsar; means pond of nectar, a second largest place visited by tourist in whole north India. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Wagha border; The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah border is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959. The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like maneuvers, which has been described as "colourful". It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries "rivalry", as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 12

Amritsar–Chandigarh

Morning breakfast and visit Golden Temple; The Golden Temple (Sri Harimandir Sahib) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than of a description. Later travel to Chandigarh; is one of the early planned cities in the post-independence India and is internationally known for its architecture and urban design. The master plan of the city was prepared by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, which transformed from earlier plans created by the Polish architect “Maciej Nowicki” and the American planner “Albert Mayer”. Upon arrival check in at hotel. Later visit Chandigarh. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 13

Chandigarh–Delhi

Morning breakfast and drive to Delhi. On arrival check in to hotel. Day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 14

Delhi

Breakfast and proceed for Old Delhi sightseeing, feel real representation of Old Delhi with narrow lanes, traditional people, colourfull market, lot of smiley face with different religion and tradition at one place which represent equality in difference. Witness of Old Delhi daily routine life, enjoy Rickshaw ride with this old heritage and tradition. Visit Jama masjid-one of largest mosque of India where twenty five thousand people can pray at one time. Drive pass through red fort which is almost same as compare to Agra fort. Also visit world leader Mahatama Gandhi’s memorial. Afternoon you will be taken to see the “New Delhi” which came into existence much later and is also known as Lutyens Delhi, taking after the name of a British architect who was largely responsible in designing India Gate, Presidential House, Secretariat, Parliament House and many other buildings in that area. Visit the recent jewel in the crown "Lotus Temple" and then drive on to see the tallest tower in Delhi, known as Qutub Minar, which declared the arrival and rise of Islam in India. Visit Qutub Minar – the great monument of Delhi was built by Qutubuddin Aibek. Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 15

Delhi–Departure

Morning breakfast and departure transfer to airport enabling you to board the flight for your onward journey.

Meal: Breakfast

*GALA DINNER SUPPLEMENT FOR 24^TH AND 31^ST DEC IS EXTRA AND ADVISABLE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.

*Rates are Per person with minimum 2 pax travelling together.

Cost of Package does not include

• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips, Liquor, boating & joy rides.(which is not mentioned in inclusion list)
• Any other item not specified in “Cost Includes”.
• Additional sightseeing or usages of vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary.

Extra Meal Supplement (Optional)

Half Board meal supplement £ 80 Per Person

Full Board meal supplement £ 150 Per Person