Tour Plan
Explore Delhi, Agra-the home to the greatest monument of love and the wonderful Pink city of Jaipur. Enjoy the ride in the Himalayan Queen Toy train experiencing the breathtaking views enroute Shimla, the former summer capital of the British era and one of India’s largest hill stations.
Duration | 09 Nights / 10 Days |
Destination Covered | Delhi – Kalka – Shimla – Agra – Jaipur – Alsisar – Delhi |
Exclusions |
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Itinerary
On arrival, you will be welcomed by Vacations International representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or independently explore this bustling capital. Overnight in Delhi
Bright and early this morning we board the Shatabdi Express bound for Kalka and on arrival travelers will transfer to the narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Train to continue their journey on to Shimla. The Guinness Records Book of 'Rail Facts and Feats' named the Kalka to Shimla railway as 'The greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in India’. The scenic 96 kilometre journey winds around 919 curves, passes through 20 railway stations and clatters across five level crossings, each to the cacophonous symphony of greetings, tooting horns and the hubbub of Indian life. There are also 102 tunnels to navigate and some 863 multi-arched galleries bridges – similar to ancient Roman aqueducts, to cross where spectacular landscapes of rolling hills, lush valleys and panoramic vistas can be seen. Upon arrival in Shimla, meet our representative on the station platform who will assist you to transfer to hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure. Overnight in Shimla (Meals Breakfast)
Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the lofty settlement, venturing into the narrow streets, which fall steeply away from the ridge giving way to colourful bazaars and fine views of the surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks. The most famous of the British hill stations and the former summer capital of the Raj, Shimla is set in the foothills of the Himalayas along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100 metres. The famous main street, The Mall, is lined with stately English homes and retains a quintessentially British look. Overnight in Shimla (Meals Breakfast)
Today offers free time for you to independently explore Shimla. You can opt for a stroll around the town, drop by the colourful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit of Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point. Here visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks set as a glorious backdrop to the sleepy township of Shimla below. Hotel check-out is at noon, opt for some lunch and pack an evening picnic meal before boarding the Kalka Shatabdi Express and arriving into Delhi late this evening. Overnight in Delhi (Meals Breakfast)
After breakfast, your exploration of India's capital city commences with a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi, taking in the Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque and Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation in Old Delhi, and the Rajpath and India Gate in New Delhi. Tonight, In the evening have a group dinner at restaurant. Overnight in Delhi hotel, Meal: Breakfast
Departing Delhi, we make our way to Agra, the erstwhile capital of the Mughal empire. Our first stop here is the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind its fortified walls. Later we travel on to the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by the order of Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in affectionate memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal is perhaps one of the most extravagant monuments to love ever built. Overnight in Agra (Meal Breakfast)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Morning transfer by road to Jaipur en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri (approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes drive including stops) We visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which has been deserted for over four centuries after it was allegedly abandoned due to a lack of water Thanks to the very durable red sandstone from which it was built, Fatehpur Sikri still remains well-preserved and is a fascinating place to explore. Later we drive to Jaipur, the bustling capital of the state of Rajasthan. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your own leisure. Overnight at Jaipur hotel Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Jaipur hotel (Meals Breakfast, Lunch)
Very early this morning there is the opportunity to sail over the lofty hilltop forts and regal palaces of Jaipur in a hot air balloon. In the morning excursions to Amber Fort with an Elephant ride up the hill and descend by jeep followed with city tour Later we visit a cotton weaving house to see a demonstration of fabric dyeing and block printing before touring the City Palace and Jantar Mantar - an old yet cleverly designed space observatory.
In the late afternoon proceed to the semi-desert Shekhawati region, which lies in a triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. The small towns in this region were once important trading posts, and today their legacy is carried on through the beautiful painted havelis that were constructed by wealthy merchants here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Later we enjoy a walk through a local village and time to relax. Overnight at Alsisar hotel (Meals Breakfast, Dinner)
In the morning quick visit to village then proceed to Delhi and on arrival check –in into the hotel The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to further explore the city. Opt for a meal in the heart of the city or simply relax and chat with group members at the hotel. Overnight at Delhi (Meals Breakfast)
After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.