Take in the highlights of India's Golden Triangle and ride a Toy Train ahead of reaching the former hill station of Shimla. Then explore Chandigarh and its Rock Garden before marveling at the glimmering Golden Temple and witness the fascinating Wagah Border ceremony in Amritsar.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Delhi Sightseeing
Today we explore India’s capital with a full day of sightseeing in Delhi. In the old city we visit Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid, India’s oldest and largest mosque. We also explore Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation, where an eternal flame now burns in his honour. There's time for a thrilling rickshaw ride before we discover the highlights of New Delhi including the ceremonial Rajpath and the India Gate monument. This structure serves as a memorial to those Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast, Dinner
Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. Leaving Delhi, we travel to the city of Agra and visit the striking UNESCO-listed Agra Fort, a part of which is still used by the Indian military today. Later, discover the most famous attraction in India as we tour the legendary Taj Mahal. This iconic white mausoleum was constructed in the 17th century by 20,000 workers under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal was built to commemorate the Emperor’s beloved wife, who tragically passed away. It remains an enduring symbol of love and most magnificent in history.
Overnight: Agra | Breakfast
The princely state of Karauli
Agra - Karauli. This morning we travel to the abandoned but well preserved Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was deserted more than 400 years ago due to a lack of water. Continue to the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli, our home for the night. The royal Maharaja and Maharani of Karauli still reside in part of the palace, but some of the site has been transformed into a heritage hotel. Explore the palace grounds, or if we’re lucky we may be able to join a tour given by the Princess. Later, visit the Karauli City Palace, which is being lovingly restored by the family. There is also the option to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Overnight: Karauli | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jaipur
Karauli - Jaipur. Today we visit a local school to meet the pupils and teachers (if open). We operate our Change for Children programme here and you may wish to bring some educational gifts with you (see trip notes) to give to the pupils - they will be greatly appreciated. After our visit we continue to the famous UNESCO-listed Pink City of Jaipur for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps watch a Bollywood film at the Raj Mandir cinema - the excitable atmosphere is unlike any cinema you’re used to.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Amber Fort and Jaipur sightseeing
This morning you may opt to join a Hot Air Balloon Over Jaipur and sail with the wind over hill-top forts, palaces and temples. We then travel to the impressive 16th century Amber Fort by jeep and enjoy a tour of the well-preserved grounds of this fortress. Amber Fort is laid out over four levels and sits beside the shimmering Maota Lake. Later, visit a cotton weaving house and tour highlights of Jaipur including the beautiful City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar space observatory, home to the world’s largest stone sundial.
Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast
Toy Train to Shimla
Delhi - Kalka - Dharampur - Shimla. Rise early this morning as we board the Shatabdi Express train to Kalka. You then transfer independently to the Himalayan Queen Toy Train for a unique experience to Dharampur. The 33km journey sees us travel along narrow twists and turns, through scenic countryside and numerous tunnels. Pass through forests, over bridges and stop at old, traditional stations. Arriving into Dharampur we complete the journey to our hotel in Shimla by road, where the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Shimla | Breakfast
Shimla Sightseeing
We spend the next 2 days in Shimla. Today we explore the city of Shimla, located 2,100m above sea level at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. Explore the famous main street - The Mall, which is lined with stately English homes and has a distinctly British feel. We also discover the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British Viceroy of India. Stroll down narrow streets and explore colourful bazaars in this scenic city, surrounded by the beautiful valley and the towering mountains.
Day 10 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.
Overnight: Shimla | Breakfast x 2
Chandigarh
Shimla - Chandigarh - Amritsar. Say goodbye to Shimla as we travel to the modern city of Chandigarh for a guided tour. See highlights of the city including the famous Rock Garden. A completely unique and innovative creation, the Rock Garden is a collection of over 2,000 sculptures created over 20 years from a collection of concrete, steel drums, old bicycle frames and broken sinks. If time permits visit the Rose Garden - Asia’s largest botanical garden and home to 1,500 species of roses and also stroll along the shore of the man-made Sukhna Lake. This afternoon we take the train to Amritsar. Upon arrival into Amritsar this evening, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Amritsar | Breakfast
Amritsar sightseeing & Wagah Border
This morning we tour the highlights of Amritsar, including the Jallianwala Bagh memorial and the iconic Golden Temple. The temple is regarded as the holiest pilgrimage site in Sikhism and the dome is made of pure gold. Later we travel to the village of Wagah, on the India-Pakistan border. At sunset watch the colourful, dancelike changing of the guard ceremony and flag lowering, which signals the closing of the border for the day. We then return to Amritsar. The next day is spent at leisure in Amritsar.
Overnight: Amritsar | Breakfast x 2
Amritsar to Delhi
Amritsar - Delhi. Early this morning we transfer to the train start where we board the train to Delhi. Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Delhi | Breakfast
Delhi
Saturday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. We will provide you with an included departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Balloon Over Jaipur!
Add-on an exhilarating 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 6.
Extend your stay in this vibrant country, view our selection of add-ons and short stays.
For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our dedicated travel guide.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All departure dates from 1 Apr 2023 are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. Prior to this date a departure is guaranteed with 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Royale Regent Hotel, Agra
The stylish Royale Regent hotel offers views of the magnificent Taj Mahal from its rooftop pool, so guests can gaze at this World wonder while sipping on a cocktail and retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can also enjoy an array of flavours in the onsite garden or mutli-cuisine restaurant.
Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Karauli
Built in 1938, this stunning property is the residence of the Maharaja (181st in the Royal Dynasty) and Maharani of Karauli. Both the architecture and furniture have been designed in fitting with colonial styles and the property offers a fantastic insight into the history and elegance of a bygone era. The property offers deluxe rooms and luxury suites, each including a range of modern amenities such as a mini bar, a well-appointed ensuite and a plush king-sized bed. In the evenings, guests can tuck into an array of regional specialties as well as international cuisine in the hotel's restaurant.
Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur
Made of pink and red sandstone, the beautiful heritage-style Mandawa Haveli is a fine example of typical Rajasthani architecture. All rooms are well appointed with intricately carved wooden beds and king-size royal portraits, with modern amenities such as free WiFi and ensuite bathrooms. Spend an evening dining on continental, Indian or Rajasthani cuisine on the outdoor terrace or request a private, candlelit dinner on the rooftop under a star-studded sky. Well located in the heart of Jaipur city on Sansar Chandra Road, this hotel is just a few minute’s drive from the Palace of the Winds.
Park Inn by Radisson New Delhi, Delhi
Set in the heart of one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Delhi, the Park Inn by Radisson offers a comfortable stay in India’s bustling capital. With contemporary guestrooms which feature en suite bathrooms, high speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and flat screen TVs. Enjoy al fresco dining and drinks at the 24-hour RBG Bar & Grill, which serves tasty traditional Indian fare and international cuisine. After a busy day of sightseeing, unwind with a swim in the hotel's sparkling pool or work up a sweat in the fitness centre. Ideally located just 20 minutes from the airport and a short walk from a metro station, it's easy to reach popular sites such as the Lotus Temple, India Gate and Connaught Place.
Holiday Inn Mayur Vihar, Delhi
Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida is a modern hotel, located in the heart of bustling Delhi NCR. With Mayur Vihar Metro Station less than 550 yards away, providing easy access to the commercial hubs of Noida, South Delhi and Connaught Place. Comfort is guaranteed in the contemporary guest rooms, which feature an ergonomic chair, high speed WiFi, in room safe and LED TV. Relax and unwind in the outdoor infinity pool and workout at the 24 hour Fitness Centre. There's a choice of dining options, with Café on 3, offering Indian and international delicacies, overlooking the infinity pool and a beautiful alfresco area, while the Kylin Experience restaurant serves delicious Asian cuisine and tasty signature cocktails
Hotel Willow Banks, Shimla
Dating back to 1871, Hotel Willow Banks is housed in a colonial building in the heart of Shimla. Offering amazing views of the surrounding mountain scenery, it is within walking distance of attractions including Christ Church, and is located on The Mall shopping street. Elegant rooms come equipped with ensuite bathrooms, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fridge. There are also balconies in many rooms. There is free Wi-Fi and the onsite restaurant, Eighteen71 Cookhouse serves a variety of local and international dishes. There is also a pub and brewery onsite, with entertainment into the evenings. The hotel also boasts Shimla's only Skybar, the best place for soaking up the mountain scenery with a quiet drink.
Hotel Dhroov, Shimla
Located just a few hundred metres from The Mall, Hotel Dhroov boasts pleasant views of the Himalayas. All guest rooms are spacious, with seating area, TV, ensuite bathrooms and other amenities, with complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Continental and buffet breakfast is offered in the onsite restaurant, and there is also a bar and a comfortable shared lounge area.
Regenta Inn, Amritsar
The newly built Regenta Inn Amritsar is a home away from home, with all standard amenities and facilities along with warm hospitality. Each comfortable air-conditioned room features a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV as well as excellent en-suite facilities. Guests can also enjoy the open-air rooftop restaurant with stunning views over the city offering authentic Pubjabi and international dishes.
Regenta Central, Amritsar
In close proximity to the Golden Temple, the Regenta Central makes an excellent base for travellers looking for a bit of luxury during their time in Amritsar. Each room is pleasantly decorated with creams, browns and gold, making your stay as aesthetically pleasing as possible whilst maintaining a high level of comfort. Guests can dine in the hotel's restaurant, which offers a range of different cuisines, including regional specialities. The hotel is located 14km from the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 recent reviews
Fabulous Trip to India visiting top spots we'd always wanted to see.
We have just returned from a fabulous trip to Amritsar and the Gold Triangle. Our guide, Satendra, was very well-informed, funny and made sure everything ran smoothly. ”
Punjab and the Toy train to Shimla are highlights. There was a lot of travelling involved and all transport arrangements worked out well. There were concerns over the Coronavirus issues at the end and we were kept informed of potential changes. ”
From booking to tour end, excellent costumer service
From booking to end if trip this On the go tours are attentive to the needs of individual travellers
A fantastic trip with informative and caring representative. Very pleased we had local guides in each place visited who were enthusiastic about their local area.
I would definitely recommend On the go tours and consider using them in the future”
Fabulous trip, India by turns challenging humbling and thrilling and always teeming with people, a tad scary at places like Delhi station. Predictable highlights tajmahal, wonderful, lots of people there but didnt feel overcrowded: Amritsar, real feeling for the humble people and their inclusivenes allowing tourists to help make the chapattis; surprise gems chandigar and Kerauli, want to send a donation to their nationla trust to keep the work going there!
Tour guide Sat brilliant. Inexhaustible fund of information, wonderful sense of humour ( he even managed to tune into mine) highly competent administrator with limitless patience. ”
There were only 4 people on the first leg from Delhi, via Amritsar, Chanigarh, Shimla and back to Delhi. We had a driver and guide in each place. The second leg was Delhi via Agra, Karauli to Jaipur with 18 others guided by Yusuf Khan The third leg was for two of us from Jaiput to Jodhput to Udaipur again with a driver and guide in each place. All was very efficient and good personnel. The Ref Fox in Chandigarh and the hotel in Karauli were below par but all others were good”
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Fabulous Trip to India visiting top spots we'd always wanted to see.
We have just returned from a fabulous trip to Amritsar and the Gold Triangle. Our guide, Satendra, was very well-informed, funny and made sure everything ran smoothly. ”
