Taj and Raj - 11 Days
Discover the lofty peaks and breathtaking views of Shimla, India's largest and most famous hill station and former summer capital of British India. Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train and explore Delhi, the Pink City of Jaipur and the legendary Taj Mahal.
Day 1: New Delhi
Wednesday. Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arriving to Delhi International Airport you will be met by our representative and included onward transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to relax or explore the city your own way. Our welcome meeting takes place at 8pm this evening. Overnight - New Delhi
Day 2: All aboard! Toy Train to Shimla
Delhi - Kalka – Shimla. Bright and early this morning we board the Shatabdi Express bound for Kalka. Here, travellers will transfer (independently) to the narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Train travelling to Shimla.
The Guinness Book of 'Rail Facts and Feats' records the Kalka to Shimla railway as 'the greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in India’. The scenic 96 kilometre journey built on a 2 feet six inches gauge has 919 curves, passes through 20 railway station and clatters across 5 level crossings, each to the cacophonous symphony of greetings, tooting horns and the hubbub of Indian life. There are 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.
To the commotion of the steam locomotion's arrival to Shimla, we meet our representative on the station platform and transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight - Shimla (B)
The Guinness Book of 'Rail Facts and Feats' records the Kalka to Shimla railway as 'the greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in India’. The scenic 96 kilometre journey built on a 2 feet six inches gauge has 919 curves, passes through 20 railway station and clatters across 5 level crossings, each to the cacophonous symphony of greetings, tooting horns and the hubbub of Indian life. There are 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.
To the commotion of the steam locomotion's arrival to Shimla, we meet our representative on the station platform and transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight - Shimla (B)
Taj and Raj - 11 Days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Former ‘summer capital’ of British India, Shimla sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100m. The famous main street, ‘The Mall’, lined with stately English homes and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge, reinforces Shimla’s quintessential English look. 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.
Overnight - Shimla (B)
Shimla - Kalka - Delhi. Today offer free time for you to independently explore, opt to stroll, drop by the colourful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit of Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point where visitor’s are rewarded with panoramic views of the eternal snows set as a backdrop to the sleepy township of Shimla beneath.
Hotel check out is at 12 noon, opt for some lunch and pack an evening picnic meal before boarding the Kalka Shatabdi Express at sunset and arriving to Delhi late this evening. Overnight - New Delhi (B)
Hotel check out is at 12 noon, opt for some lunch and pack an evening picnic meal before boarding the Kalka Shatabdi Express at sunset and arriving to Delhi late this evening. Overnight - New Delhi (B)
Day 5: Old Delhi
Today we 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 - New Delhi (B, D)
Day 6: Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. Departing Delhi, we journey to Agra, once India’s Mughal capital. Here we explore the legendary Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal has no peers. Continuing, we visit Agra fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind it’s fortified walls. Overnight - Agra (B)
Day 7: Agra
Agra - Jaipur. En route to Jaipur we visit the stunning former Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri - Emperor Akbar’s vision in red sandstone. We enjoy lunch at Udai Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before taking a walk in the traditional rural village of Peharsar. In Jaipur, we visit a cotton trading/tailor shop where you can get clothing tailored for delivery to your hotel before we leave Jaipur! We will also have the opportunity to ride a hot air balloon whilst staying in the Pink city. Overnight - Jaipur (B, L)
Day 8: Jaipur
This morning, we drive just beyond
Jaipur to the 16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant
ride transports us to the lofty fortress, where we will enjoy
a tour. Back in Jaipur, we visit the City Palace, which has
an interesting museum of regal attire and Jantar Mantar,
an ancient astronomical observatory. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Day 9: Village life, rural India
Jaipur - Surajgarh in the 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. Overnight - Surajgarh (B, D)
Day 10: Surajgarh - Delhi, free evening
Surajgarh - Delhi. Returning to Delhi, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to further discover the city. Opt for a meal in the heart of the city or simply relax and chat with group members at the hotel . Overnight - New Delhi (B)
Balloon Over Jaipur!
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Bolt-on an exhilerating hot air balloon ride over the majestic Pink City of Jaipur. Sail within a breath of lofty hilltop forts and fine regal palaces. Look down upon sleepy villages waking in the early morning sun. Drift past expansive waterside manors and intricately carved temples on a magical hot air balloon adventure! The balloon flight will take place in the early morning of day 5. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: New Delhi / Ends in: New Delhi
- Departs: Every second Wednesday, September - April
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:10, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2
- Hotel Rating: 3 - 4 star & heritage hotels
- Tour Guide: Yes (for groups of 6 or more)
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