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Golden Triangle & Shimla Car & Driver Holiday

HOME > India > Car & Driver > Golden Triangle & Shimla

Extend our classic ‘Golden Triangle’ tour with a few days at Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, making it a perfect escape from the heat of the plains. Also take in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart

Fly from Heathrow to Delhi, arriving the next day. Other departure points including Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow are also available.

Day 2- Delhi

Welcomed by your representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, visit Old Delhi and New Delhi, starting at Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Here you will also enjoy Rickshaw Ride in narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, once an imperial avenue of Mughal Royalty which today is the busiest commercial market of City. Drive past from the magnificent Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Continue visiting New Delhi - make a photo stop at the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of the Indian soldiers), and drive past Government buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's house) - formerly the Viceroy's Palace, Parliament House and the Secretariat Buildings, an interesting blend of the Victorian and 20th century architecture. Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli Stepwell and The Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple. Overnight at your chosen hotel.

Day 3 - Delhi to Agra

Drive from Delhi to Agra (approx 220 km / 4 hours). Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the little village of Agra into a befitting second capital of the Mughal Empire, giving it the name Dar-ul-Khilafat - seat of the Emperor. Today, a visitor to Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow lanes and quaint buggies, and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. It is not surprising that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously. In the late afternoon visit Mehtab Gardens for a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal, from across the River Yamuna. Overnight at your chosen hotel.

Day 4 - Agra to Jaipur

In the early morning visit the mesmerizing Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World heritage site. The 17th century Taj Mahal is often called a poem in stone. If so, the mausoleum is a love poem, created by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by a Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever seen. It is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage (Please note: Taj Mahal remains closed on Friday).

Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World heritage site. An imposing structure with walls of red sandstone, almost two miles long and contains palaces, audience halls and mosques. The fort presents a good sampling of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. It was built by the third Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Subsequent additions were made to the fort by his son Jahangir and grandson Shahjahan. Continue your journey to Jaipur (approx 260 km / 5 hours). Overnight at your hotel.

Day 5 - Jaipur

Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-coloured terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Visit Amber Fort, superbly located and protected by wild Aravali Hills on all sides. Originally built in the 11th Century, it was extended by Raja Mansingh I in the late 16th Century. Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century.

Visit a local school, interact with kids and perhaps do some charitable work. Later visit the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. The sprawling City Palace was an integral part of Raja Sawai Jai Singh II’s new city of Jaipur. Today it is a museum that displays some of the finest collection of paintings, costumes, carpets and armoury of that period. Nearby is the ornate Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It is a delightfully idiosyncratic five-tier composition of arches and balconies. The opportunity to wander about a local market famous for cotton. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 6 - Jaipur to Delhi

Today after a relaxed breakfast drive to Delhi (approx 250 km / 6 hours). On arrival, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 7 - Delhi to Shimla

Morning check out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi railway station to board the train to Chandigarh (approx.4 hours). On arrival you will be met and assisted with your drive to Shimla (approx. 3 hours). Check in at your hotel in Shimla. Overnight at your hotel in Shimla (vehicle for transfer).

Day 8 - Shimla

Today you go for half day city tour of Shimla. Shimla was declared the summer capital of India. Visit the Ridge which is a large open space in the heart of the town and presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Also visit the six-storeyed Vice-Regal Lodge or Rashtrapati Niwas built in 1888, which was formerly the residence of Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy. Another of Shimla's major landmarks is the Christ Church and St. Michael's Cathedral, known for its stained glass windows. Overnight at your hotel in Shimla (vehicle for sightseeing).

Day 9 - Shimla to Delhi

Check out from hotel in time and drive to Kalka (129 km / approx.2.5 hours) to board the train to Delhi (approx. 4 hours). On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at your hotel (vehicle for transfer).

Day 10 - Departure

Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight.

2023/24 package holidays India Car & Driver holidays Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing.

Prices include flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details.

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