Beaches Tours Car & Driver

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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. Rest and relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi (Vehicle for transfer).

Day 3 -  Delhi to Agra (220 Kms/4 Hrs)    

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed for sightseeing tour of Old 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. Visit Raj Ghat, the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, 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 - drive past the India Gate (war memorial dedicated to the lives of the Indian soldiers), 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.

In the afternoon drive to Agra. Upon arrival at Agra check in at your hotel. Overnight at  hotel in Agra (Vehicle for sightseeing and transfer).

Day 4 -  Agra to Jaipur ( 260 Kms/ 5 Hrs)
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 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).

Return to hotel for breakfast . Check out and 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.

In the afternoon drive to 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. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your hotel. The rest of the day free to you. Overnight at your hotel in Jaipur (vehicle for  transfer & sightseeing).  

Day 5 - Jaipur

After breakfast this morning 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 1 in the late 16th Century.  Its history can be traced backed to the 12th century.  Elephant Ride up to Amber fort. Later visit the City Palace, Observatory 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. Amongst the observatories in India, Jaipur’s Astronomical Observatory built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II is the most accurate and well kept. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur (vehicle for sightseeing).

Day 6 - Jaipur to Delhi (250 Kms/6 Hrs)    

Today after a relaxed breakfast drive to Delhi. On arrival, check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Delhi (vehicle for transfer).  

 

Day 7 - Delhi to Shimla

Morning check out from the hotel and transfer to Delhi railway station to board the train to Kalka (approx. 4 hours). On arrival at Kalka, change trains and board the toy train to Kandhaghat (approx. 3 hours). On arrival at Kandhaghat railway station, you will be met and assisted with your drive to Shimla (approx. 2 hours). Check in at your hotel in Shimla. Overnight at your hotel in Shimla (vehicle for transfer).

Day 8 - Shimla

Today you could 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. You will also visit the Jhaku temple, located at a height of 8048 feet above sea level. Overnight at your hotel in Shimla (vehicle for sightseeing).

Day 9 - Shimla to Delhi

Check out from hotel in time and drive to Chandigarh (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.

Golden Triangle & Shimla Car & Driver Holiday

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.

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2025/26 package holidays India Car & Driver holidays Holiday prices are per person based on two sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation, and are subject to availability. Flights from Heathrow - other departures also available, call for details.