Golden Triangle and Kashmir - 12 days
FROM USD $2,969
Experience Indian culture on this classic tour of India's Golden Triangle before spending some time aboard a traditional houseboat in exotic Kashmir. Kashmir is a wonderland at the foot of the snow capped Himalayas which has recently opened up again to tourism and is just waiting to be explored.
Day 1: Delhi
Saturday. Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or independently explore this bustling capital. Overnight - Delhi
Day 2: Old Delhi
This morning, our Welcome Meeting takes place. We’ll then enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Delhi, taking in the impressive Red Fort, Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more. Tonight, we enjoy a group Namaste Dinner at a restaurant specialising in classic Indian cuisine. Overnight - Delhi (B, D)
Golden Triangle and Kashmir - 12 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital. Here, we visit the impressive Agra Fort, which boasts some of India's finest Mughal buildings behind it's fortified walls. Later on we take a motorised buggy to the legendary Taj Mahal and witness a magical sunset. Built by Shah Jahan in the 16th century as an enduring memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz. Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Overnight - Agra (B)
Day 4: Agra
Agra - Jaipur. En route to Jaipur, we visit the ghostly former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandoned due to lack of water. As we get closer to Jaipur we stop for a tasty lunch and visit Chandra Haveli, a charming haveli (mansion house) with small courtyard, lawned gardens and rustic appeal carefully being restored to the splendour of better farming years (if open, currently under renovation till Dec 2012). Once in Jaipur, we visit a cotton trading/tailor shop where you can get clothing tailored for delivery to your hotel before we leave! Overnight - Jaipur (B, L)
Day 5: Jaipur
Maybe opt for an early morning balloon flight over
the pink city of Jaipur. Look out for the snake charmers that dot our route, as we travel to the 16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Day 6: Village life, rural India
Jaipur - Surajgarh/ Shekhawati region. Today, we drive to the semi-desert Shekhawati region. The small towns in this region became important trading posts, a lasting legacy of which are the beautiful painted havelis (mansions) constructed by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Afternoon village walk and time to relax. Overnight - Surajgarh (B, D)
Day 7: Surajgarh to Delhi
Shekhawati region - Delhi. Returning to Delhi, the latter part of the afternoon is free for you to relax or independently explore more of Delhi. Overnight - Delhi (B)
Day 8: Srinagar - Kashmir
Delhi - Srinagar. Today we fly to Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, situated in the northwestern region of India. Jammu and Kashmir is bordered in the north by China, to the east by the autonomous region of Tibet, to the south by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and to the west by the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi and on North Western side by Afghanistan.
Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your houseboat on Nageen Lake, part of Dal Lake, which will be your home for the next 3 nights. Dal Lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres and is lined with stunning Mughal Gardens, resorts, houseboats and colourful shikaras - the small wooden vessels used to transport almost everything around the lake from goods to people. This evening we will take a ride in a shikara to witness the sunset. Overnight - Onboard houseboat (B, D)
Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your houseboat on Nageen Lake, part of Dal Lake, which will be your home for the next 3 nights. Dal Lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres and is lined with stunning Mughal Gardens, resorts, houseboats and colourful shikaras - the small wooden vessels used to transport almost everything around the lake from goods to people. This evening we will take a ride in a shikara to witness the sunset. Overnight - Onboard houseboat (B, D)
Day 9: Mughal Gardens
This morning we visit some of the stunning Mughal Gardens that Srinagar is famous for. We visit the terraced Nishat Bagh or Nishat Garden on the eastern side of the lake, Nishat Bagh translates in Hindustani as "Garden of Joy" which is entirely fitting. Later we visit Shalimar Garden, equally as stunning and located on the northeast side of the lake. The gardens are linked to Dal Lake via channel. After our tour the rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight - Onboard Houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 10: Floating Vegetable Markets
This morning we board one of the colourful shikara to visit the floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, where mounds of earth make for a fascinating display as they protrude from the water topped with all sorts of growing local produce. Tomatoes, cucumbers and melons have been found to grow the best with the constant source of irrigation.
Later we visit the Old City of Srinigar, or as it's also known downtown Srinigar, with its winding streets and alleys lined with shops selling and making the finest Kashmari goods. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Onboard Houseboat (B, L, D)
Later we visit the Old City of Srinigar, or as it's also known downtown Srinigar, with its winding streets and alleys lined with shops selling and making the finest Kashmari goods. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Onboard Houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 11: Relaxing on your houseboat
Today is entirely yours to do as you please. Explore the local markets for some bargains or just relax on your house boat with the stunning surrounds of Lake Dal. Overnight - Onboard houseboat (B, L, D)
Day 12: Delhi
Srinagar - Delhi. We return to Srinagar and transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi you will be met and transferred to the international departure terminal for your onward flight. Please ensure your departure flight is booked for the evening or consider booking another nights accommodation. (B)
Discover Amritsar & the Golden Temple
|
Discover beautiful
Amritsar on our 3 day/
2 night Golden Amritsar bolt-on. Home to the world famous Golden Temple and the seat of the Sikh religion. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. During your stay, we witness the sunset spectacle at Wagah Border - the only road crossing between India and Pakistan where the fascinating changing of the guards and ceremonial lowering of the flags take place with great pomp to a cheering crowd of thousands. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Delhi / Ends in: Delhi
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:11, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 6
- Hotel Rating: 3 - 4 star, heritage hotels and houseboat
- Tour Guide: Yes (for groups of 6 or more)
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Special Offers
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