India’s Golden Triangle, Shimla, and Amritsar’s Golden Temple

Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi.

This morning, you’ll arrive in the Indian capital of Delhi, meet your friendly tour manager, and be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure, possibly taking it easy and making use of the hotel’s facilities or pottering around the surrounding area. As night falls, you can enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Following a restful night, you’ll rise early, tuck into breakfast and set off on an included morning sightseeing tour of Delhi. This enlightening tour encompasses all the city’s major historical landmarks, including the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s cremation site, and Agrasen-Ki Baoli, a centuries-old step well.

An exhilarating rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, in the heart of Old Delhi, will serve as another memorable moment before the tour commences, passing by the India Gate War Memorial, the Red Fort, with its soaring, scarlet walls, and the impressive Government buildings.

In the afternoon, the tour will visit the striking Qutub Minar, the highest tower in India, consisting of five storeys with projecting balconies. This tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forms part of a complex, which is situated at the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city.

After an educational day of discovering the delights of Delhi, you’ll return to your hotel to unwind and have dinner.

Another early morning and breakfast await before you check-out of your hotel and transfer to the New Delhi Railway Station, the largest station in India. The tour will then switch the road for rails as you embark on a scenic journey to Amritsar, a city in the north-western Indian state of Punjab. You’ll then arrive at your hotel, take some time to freshen up after your travels and enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant.

A post-dinner activity involves a drive to the breathtaking Golden Temple. The most significant shrine in Sikhism, this temple sports a grand, jewel-encrusted dome and overlooks an expansive holy pool. Once here, you’ll be able to watch in awe as the spiritual Palki ceremony, which translates to the ‘putting to bed’ ceremony, takes place. Performed every evening, this ceremony is carried out by devout followers who carry the holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib' from the main shrine to another room for the night. Accompanying the ceremony is singing, drumming, music, and the reading of hymns by a priest. After this special service, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel for the night.

Today, you’ll get to see the Golden Temple again and have more time to uncover its intriguing history and the pivotal role it still plays. Throughout the years, this sanctuary’s main temple serves as a shelter for pilgrims from all over the world, and its wide-reaching dining hall sees the distribution of food to 35,000 people every day. You’ll also have a chance to walk around the Central Sikh Museum, which provides further insight into Sikh history and culture.

The next stop is the Jallianwala Bagh, a historic memorial park of national importance located near the Golden Temple complex. This location commemorates one of the bloodiest days in Indian history and those wounded and killed during the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, in 1919.

This evening, you’ll make the short journey out to the Indo-Pakistani border crossing at Wagah. Here, every day as the sun sets, a military practice referred to as the ‘Beating Retreat’ border ceremony takes place. It has been carried out by the security forces of India and Pakistan since 1959 and entails a colourful, coordinated parade of the lowering of the two nations’ flags.

Once the ceremony is over, you’ll return to the hotel for dinner.

Embrace a more relaxed morning and breakfast that will be followed by a drive to the small, pretty village of Pragpur, backed by the Dhauladhar range. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and get settled.

When afternoon comes around, you can venture on a ‘Heritage Walk’ through the medieval, elevated hamlet, which was named the country’s first ‘Heritage Village’ due to its unique architecture and enclosing unspoilt natural beauty. Meander down its narrow, cobblestone lanes, lined with fort-like houses and villas featuring slated rooves and mud-covered walls.

Head back to the hotel in the evening to make the most of your time in your enchanting 300-year-old accommodation, which is set in a splendid manor house fringed by an exquisite garden looking out over the Himalayas.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head off on an excursion to the city of Dharamshala. Ringed by cedar forests and positioned on the edge of the Himalayas, this mountainside city awash with enthralling sites, is the home of the Dalai Lama. During the excursion, you’ll seek out the impressive Dalai Lama Temple complex, the current residence of ‘His Holiness’ and the site of the Dalai Lama Temple, adorned with statues and filled with ancient books and artefacts.

On the outskirts of Dharamshala, you’ll find the Kangra Fort, the largest fort in the Himalayas and thought to be the oldest in India, which boasts beautiful views of the rugged landscape. At the entrance to the fort, there is a small museum that will unveil more of the structure’s past before you refuel with an included lunch.

In the evening, you’ll go back to the hotel for dinner, perhaps followed by a tipple on the veranda while reflecting on your day.

Arise today for breakfast, followed by a drive to Shimla, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. You’ll then arrive at the magnificent Oberoi Cecil Hotel, a landmark colonial-era property dating from 1884.

Given Shimla’s hillside location, this is the perfect place to stretch your legs, and maybe explore the area on a gentle hike through the pine and oak forests. A loop around the streets, scattered with relics of the past and colonial-style buildings, is also a must. Make sure to check out the assortment of handicraft shops along The Mall, a pedestrian avenue, and the Lakkar Bazaar too.

When you’ve had your fill of wandering, venture back to the hotel for dinner, further enhanced by an arresting vista of the Shimla Valley.

A hearty breakfast is up for grabs before you embark on your day of sightseeing in Shimla. The first landmark of interest is the famous Tara Devi Temple – a holy Hindu temple constructed within the Himalayan peaks in the 18^thcentury and inspired by a vision of the goodness of Tara.

The Viceregal Lodge is next, and this former British summer retreat of teak-panelled interiors was where the map of Indian Partition was drawn up. You’ll then stop over at the Indian Institute of Advanced of Studies, a research institute housed in a historical building of Indo-Gothic style.

Later in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll to Scandal Point, which is positioned on the western edge of Shimla where two of the city’s roads meet –The Ridge and Mall Road. This traditional meeting place for locals features a small square with a mock-Tudor state post office. You’ll then pass the Gaiety Theatre, boasting colonial architecture, and if time permits have a look inside before returning to the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Shimla Railway station, where you'll board the 'Toy Train' to Solan. After an included lunch, you'll continue to Chandigarh airport for a flight to Jaipur.

Once you've landing, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel – a remarkable property with a red brick exterior inspired by the royal era. Unpack, perhaps have a sundowner at the bar, and then sit down for an Indian feast.

Kick-start the day of sightseeing around the ‘Pink City’ with breakfast and then visit the former Rajput capital, Amber. You’ll climb by jeep to the city's vast sixth-century hill-top fort to wander its Royal Halls and take in the magnificent views over Maota Lake from the ramparts.

After lunch, you'll head off to the City Palace, a red-hued intricate complex of temples, courtyards, pavilions and gardens, and a major heritage landmark. The Jantar Mantar, an observatory constructed in 1724 is the following highlight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the world’s largest sundial and an assortment of 19 astronomical instruments.

While returning to the hotel, you’ll pass by another poignant palace – Hawa Mahal. Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, this 18^th-century building is constructed from red and pink sandstone and lined with ornate windows and screened balconies.

Tonight, join an optional walking tour. This tour will lead you into the labyrinth of Jaipur’s atmospheric antique bazaars and shops while sampling traditional delicacies and learning about the artistic traditions of the city. After an evening of unique experiences, you’ll return to the hotel for dinner.

Breakfast will be more relaxed today before you start the drive to Ranthambore – one of the largest and most famous national parks in Northern India. This former royal hunting ground is now a key centre for ‘Project Tiger’, and its grasslands, streams and pools are home to striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and of course, the elusive and still endangered tigers of Ranthambhore.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive at your villa accommodation, tucked away in a jungle setting teeming with wildlife.

Take your time to get comfortable and look around the property then enjoy dinner at the resort.

You’ll rise early this morning as a day of delving into the surrounding wilderness is on the cards. Accompanied by a local, expert naturalist, you’ll go on your first jungle safari in an open-air vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Royal Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, and leopards.

After an exciting morning, you’ll be taken back for breakfast, and have time to rest, maybe having a swim to cool off before lunch. In the afternoon, you can set off on another safari, alongside your guide, learning more about the local flora and fauna living across the diverse terrain as you go.

Dinner this evening will be served at the hotel, and you can then return to your villa, completely content.

Have a slow-paced morning or partake in the optional excursion to Ranthambhore Fort. Perched at the top of a hill, ringed by a towering stone wall, this structure presents panoramic views of the national park once you’ve climbed the 273-step path.

In the afternoon, after an early lunch, you’ll be driven to Dholpur, resting on the bank of the Chambal River. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your stately heritage hotel, built from the red sandstone, for which the city is famous.

A pre-dinner tipple at the Old-World Bar might be calling your name or a seat on the polished restaurant’s veranda. You’ll also get the chance to watch a short cooking demonstration by the resident chef.

The tour will take to the waters of the Chambal River after breakfast today if the levels permit. A picturesque boat ride allows you to see the splendours of the jungle from a different angle.

You’ll return to the hotel for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to pack up before being transferred to Agra – India’s ‘City of Love’ and the site of the Taj Mahal.

Upon arriving in Agra, you’ll be taken to Mehtab Bagh – a garden complex away from the bustle of the city, showcasing a splendid view of the Taj Mahal in all its glory. Find your position on the opposite side of the Yamuna River to snap the perfect photograph.

The tour will then head to your luxury hotel, encased in a beautiful garden of water channels, walkways, and fruit trees, so you can check-in and have dinner.

Wake up in a serene paradise, taking the morning at your own pace after breakfast. You’ll then embark on an excursion to the royal pavilions, palaces, and courtyards of the majestic Agra Fort. This 16^th-century fortress set on the Yamuna River, near the gardens of the Taj Mahal, is built from the city’s red sandstone. 

To conclude this day, you’ll travel to the Taj Mahal at sunset and watch as this monument of love is dappled in different casts of colours as the light gradually dips behind the building. After a guided tour, you’ll then return to the hotel for dinner and perhaps muse over a drink at one of the on-site bars.

Start your day in a truly unforgettable way by joining an optional excursion to view the Taj Mahal at dawn.

You’ll then return for breakfast at the hotel and afterwards, you can dabble in the state-of-the-art facilities, like the tennis courts, mini-golf course, fitness centre, and spa.

In the late afternoon, you’ll leave the hotel and begin the drive to Delhi. A final and celebratory dinner will be served in Delhi, as you bid farewell to your newfound friends and travel to the airport for your overnight flight home.

You’ll arrive back in the UK this morning after a once-in-a-lifetime Indian adventure.