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

18days from

£2,657^*per person

Overview

Embark on an enrapturing journey through the cities of the Golden Triangle, stopping by some of the country’s most holy sites and sojourning in the shadows of the Himalayas.

An all-encompassing snapshot of India, starting in the capital of Delhi, best explored by rickshaw, and concluding in Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. Time spent in sacred temples and observing local ceremonies in Amritsar, Pragpur and Agra ensure enlightenment and excursions to a host of historical landmarks in Shimla and Dharamshala leave no stone unturned. A stay within the heart of Ranthambore National Park sees you venture into the wilderness on safaris, searching for the elusive Bengal tiger alongside an expert naturalist.

Itinerary

Fly to India - Fly overnight from the UK to Delhi.
Arrive in Delhi and day at leisure - 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. Settle in this morning ahead of an included lunch which will be served in the hotel restaurant. You’ll then 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.
Included morning tour of Old Delhi and a visit to Qutub Minar - 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.
Included train journey to Amritsar and Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple - 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.
Included Golden Temple tour and visit to Jallianwala Bagh - 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, return to the hotel for dinner.
Journey to Dharamshala - Embrace a more relaxed morning and breakfast that will be followed by a drive to Dharamshala, a magnificent hillside city on the outskirts of the Himalayas. It's in this city that the exiled Tibetan government and 14th Dalai Lama still reside. Upon arrival, check into your new hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Included Dharamshala excursion - Today, enjoy a tour of 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, refuel with an included lunch at a local restaurant before taking in the impressive 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.
Included journey to Shimla and day at leisure - 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.
Included tour of Shimla - A hearty breakfast is up for grabs before you embark on your day of sightseeing in Shimla. You'll then head for Shimla Railway station, where you'll board the 'Toy Train' for a ride through stunning mountain scenery to Tara Devi Station. Here you will visit the famous Tara Devi Temple – a holy Hindu temple constructed within the Himalayan peaks in the 18th century and inspired by a vision of the goodness of Tara before heading back into the city to continue your sightseeing. The Viceregal Lodge is next, and this former British summer retreat of teak-paneled 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.
Fly to Jaipur - After breakfast, you'll drive down the mountain to Chandigarh for an included lunch, before transferring to the airport for an afternoon flight to Jaipur (final timings will be confirmed with your final travel details). 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.

Included visit to Amber Fort and afternoon at leisure - Rise this morning and head for the former Rajput capital, Amber. Board your Jeep and climb to the city's vast sixth-century hilltop fort as part of a captivating tour of its Royal Halls. You can then take in the magnificent views over Maota Lake from the ramparts. After a busy morning’s exploration, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to spend as you please.
Included tour of Jaipur and visit to local market or optional walking tour - Kick-start the day of sightseeing around the ‘Pink City’ with breakfast and then visit 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 18th-century building is constructed from red and pink sandstone and lined with ornate windows and screened balconies. Back at the hotel, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. 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.
Drive to Ranthambore and afternoon at leisure - This morning you will 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. You'll then head to your next hotel for check-in, where lunch will be provided. This afternoon, you'll be free to settle into your new surroundings and unwind at leisure.
Included morning and afternoon jungle safaris - 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 heading back to the hotel for an included 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.
Drive to Agra - Drive to Agra this morning – India’s ‘City of Love’ and the site of the Taj Mahal. Make a brief pit stop in Bharatpur for lunch at a local restuarant ahead of the second leg of your journey. 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. 
Included visit to Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal at sunset - 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 16th-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.
Optional sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, drive to Delhi, and fly back to the UK - 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.
Arrive back in the UK - You’ll arrive back in the UK this morning after a once-in-a-lifetime Indian adventure.

What's Included

Holiday Highlights

Discover the historical delights of Delhi and explore the city on a rickshaw
Witness the special Palki ceremony at Amritsar’s Golden Temple
Explore Jaipur’s City Palace, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the ‘Palace of Winds’
Search for Ranthambore's tigers on two safaris in the surrounding jungle landscapes
Watch the sunset over the Taj Mahal from the gardens of Mehtab Bagh plus enjoy a fully guided visit to the monument of love
Visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and Kangra Fort in Dharamshala
Explore the former residence of the Rajput Maharajas, hilltop Amber Fort, and view Jaipur from above
Travel by ‘Toy Train’ from Shimla along a scenic journey
Join an optional walking tour through the atmospheric bazaars of Jaipur at night
Explore Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, a former British summer retreat

Our Price Includes

15 nights' dinner, bed, and breakfast accommodation in a series of four or five-star hotels and one heritage hotel in Delhi (2), Amritsar (2), Pragpur (2), Shimla (2), Jaipur (3), Ranthambhore (2), and Agra (2), and two nights on the aircraft
15 breakfasts, six lunches and 16 dinners
Porterage at all hotels
Guided tour of Old Delhi and visit to Qutub Minar
Train journey to Amritsar and Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple
Golden Temple tour and a visit to Jallianwala Bagh
Guided ‘Heritage Walk’ around Pragpur village
Guided Dharamshala excursion and tour of Shimla
Guided tour of Jaipur and visit to a local market
Morning and afternoon jungle safaris in Ranthambore National Park
Visit Mehtab Bagh gardens for views of the Taj Mahal
A guided tour of the Taj Mahal at sunset and Agra For
Ride on the 'Toy Train' from Shimla to Solan
Return flights from the UK to Delhi
Air-conditioned coach travel and, where road conditions make it necessary, transfers in smaller vehicles
The services of a friendly, experienced tour manager
Complimentary bottled water is available every day on board the coach journeys
Tipping is included for airport and hotel porters, restaurant and monument staff, naturalists and rickshaw drivers. Tipping is at your discretion for your tour manager, driver and driver’s assistant
Entrance fees to all monuments
All local taxes, fees and charges

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Dates and Prices

Accommodation

India's Golden Triangle, Shimla and Amritsar's Golden Temple Touring Hotels -

Introduction
You'll be staying in a series of well-located hotels, all of which will be of a four- and five-star standard. In all cases, rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning.

Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Delhi (nights 2-3)
Spread across two towers, this striking, contemporary hotel is ideally located for exploring Delhi. There are two restaurants, a café, a cocktail bar and a club. Guests can enjoy access to two swimming pools, a fitness centre, and a spa. Refined guestrooms, with views of the city, have wooden floors, TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi.

Welcomehotel by ITC, Amritsar (nights 4-5)
Vintage architecture, a colonnaded exterior and expansive lush grounds make for a sublime setting and stay. Positioned just a short drive from the Golden Temple, this hotel housed within a mansion dating back to the 1900s, offers sophisticated guestrooms with mini-bars, TVs, and Wi-Fi. On site, there is an outdoor pool, a gym, a spa, a café, a tea lounge, a sleek bar and two restaurants specialising in local and international cuisines.

Infinitea Centric, Dharamshala (nights 6-7)
Nestled in a serene Himalayan valley, this sleek modern hotel boasts truly spectacular views of the cedar-lined mountain landscapes and is within easy reach of the city’s major sights. There is an outdoor swimming pool on the hotel’s rooftop, with panoramic views over the local area, as well as a refined restaurant, serving international cuisine, and a casual bar and lounge area. Guestrooms are stylishly decorated and include TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bars and safes, as well as free Wi-Fi and balconies.

Oberoi Cecil Hotel, Shimla (nights 8-9)
Dating back to 1884, this colonial-era hotel has been an institution since the days of the Raj. Boasting exquisite views of the Shimla Valley, this property combines the elegance of its grand main dining room, bars, and lounges with the convenience of a modern luxury hotel. Guestrooms have a sumptuous feel and feature marble bathrooms, Burmese teak floors and period trinkets, along with mini-bars, TVs, and free Wi-Fi. A former ballroom is where meals are served, and guests can make use of the atrium lounge bar, spa, gym, and heated indoor pool.

ITC Rajputana, Jaipur (nights 10-12)
With a city-centre location, this opulent, red-bricked property is structured round an ornate outdoor swimming pool and interspersed with courtyards and trickling fountains. Guestrooms are equally as lavish in décor and include TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, and safes. Three restaurants each sporting elegant designs, provide an assortment of dining options and there are two bars, along with a gym and spa.

Ranthambhore Kothi, Ranthambhore (nights 13-14)
A jungle resort inspired by a British bungalow and surrounded by lush green forests and a natural water lake. The outdoor swimming pool is at the heart of the lodge, and there is a library, a spa, a pool bar, and a dining area with seating in the garden. Guestrooms feature natural woods and elegant décor. Amenities include mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, safes, and outdoor showers.

ITC Mughal, Agra (night 15-16)
Modern in design but surrounded by a Mughal-style garden scattered with fruit trees, walkways and channels of water, this hotel is near the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Polished, marble-floored guestrooms come with tea/coffee-making facilities, TVs, and Wi-Fi. The outdoor pool is a highlight of the property, and there is an award-winning spa, tennis courts and a mini-golf course. Guests can choose from three lavish dining options and enjoy drinks in the lobby bar or lounge. Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in conveniently located, alternative hotels of a similar standard.

Other Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Assisted travel

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the venue you're visiting. For this tour specifically, it is important to note: - Anyone with limited mobility may struggle to experience the itinerary to its full. - Historic sites and temples are not well equipped for those with mobility considerations. - Should you have walking difficulties, getting around may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. This tour is therefore not recommended for those with limited mobility. If you have any queries, please do contact us prior to travel.

Changes to your hotel

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Road conditions

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.

Domestic flights in India

These are generally provided with airlines such as Air India, Indigo and SpiceJet. Service on board usually includes the option to purchase drinks and snacks. Baggage allowance is 20kgs per person - the opportunity to purchase extra allowance is possible at check in at the airport.

Mobile phone ban in national parks

A new ruling from the Indian Government means that all mobile phones are effectively banned from all National Parks, including Ranthambore. For photography purposes, only actual camera equipment is permitted.

Holiday code

N2307

Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)

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