Highlights of India – From the Golden Triangle to Kerala

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Board your overnight flight to India. 
• Day 2
  After your overnight flight, you’ll arrive in Delhi, and be welcomed by your friendly, local tour manager. Check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the surrounding area or taking advantage of the outdoor swimming pool.
• Day 3
  Following breakfast, set off on a morning sightseeing excursion of Old Delhi, where you’ll witness its vibrant culture and rich history. This enlightening tour encompasses all the city’s major historical landmarks, including the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, Raj Ghat, the majestic Humayun's Tomb, a stunning example of Mughal architecture Gandhi’s cremation site, and Agrasen-Ki Baoli, a centuries-old step well. An exhilarating rickshaw ride around Chandni Chowk, known for its markets and street food, will provide another memorable highlight. Later, you’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, known as the Lal Qila, deriving its name from the red sandstone that embellishes its soaring walls. This historic fortress is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The journey then takes you to the India Gate, modelled after the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It serves as a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought during World War I. Lastly, you'll drive by the grand government buildings, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and the impressive Parliament House. These colonial-era architectural marvels blend British and Indian design influences. After a full day, join your fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel.
• Day 4
  Breakfast will be followed by a journey by express train to Chandigarh. Rail travel in India is always a colourful and entertaining experience! You’ll be met on arrival in Chandigarh and driven to Shimla, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. You’ll then arrive at the next 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 make a loop around the town’s streets, scattered with relics of the past and colonial-style buildings. When you’ve had your fill of wandering, return to the hotel for dinner, further enhanced by an arresting vista of the Shimla Valley.
• Day 5
  A hearty breakfast is up for grabs before you embark on your day of sightseeing in Shimla. Serving as the former summer retreat for the British colonial government, this hill station is where they would escape to, avoiding the sweltering Delhi heat in the 1860s. Shimla’s cool climate meant it became their ‘Summer Capital’, and it still exudes quintessential British charm as seen in the architecture today. You'll then head for Shimla Railway station, where you'll board the 'toy train' for a one-hour ride through stunning mountain scenery to Tara Devi station. Here, you’ll visit the famous Tara Devi Temple – a holy Hindu temple constructed within the Himalayan peaks in the 18th 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-panelled interiors was where the map of the Indian Partition was drawn up in 1947 by Lord Mountbatten. 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 have a chance to browse an assortment of handicraft shops along the Mall, a pedestrian avenue. Later in the evening, return to the hotel for dinner.
• Day 6
  After breakfast, you'll be driven to Chandigarh airport to board your flight for Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’. Once you've landed, you’ll be picked up and driven to the hotel, which is located across from Man Sagar Lake and backed by the Aravalli Range. There will be time to settle in before dinner.
• Day 7
  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. In the afternoon, 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 is located outdoors and features expansive geometric ‘toys’, 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.  This evening will be free to visit one of the many atmospheric local markets in the heart of Jaipur before dinner at the hotel.
• Day 8
  Following breakfast this morning, you’ll be driven 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. Lunch will be served upon arrival at the jungle resort, which is surrounded by lush green forests and a natural water lake. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the resort’s amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and spa. You can also opt to join an excursion to the nearby 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. Join the other travellers for dinner this evening. A local naturalist will also give a fascinating ‘tiger talk’. This briefing will introduce you to the ecosystem of the park, shedding light on the diverse flora and fauna and its conservation efforts
• Day 9
  Wake early this morning and board your vehicle to explore the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, an opportunity to explore the untamed landscapes alongside your knowledgeable naturalist guide. As the sun rises over the treetops, you’ll venture off to witness the park’s incredible biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild dogs, and hyenas that call Ranthambore National Park home. Your naturalist will share their expertise, providing insights into the behaviour, habitats, and unique characteristics of the animals you encounter. Breakfast will then be served back at the resort followed by some time to relax, perhaps by the swimming pool before lunch. In the afternoon, gear up for a safari, another chance to spot more animals on your wish-list and survey more of the prey-rich woodlands and bird species before dinner in the evening.
• Day 10
  After breakfast, board the coach for Agra, taking in the Indian countryside as you go. On the way, you’ll pass the Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri, which was built over 1,000 years ago and is one of the biggest stepwells in the world. With intricately geometrically designed staircases, this architectural wonder serves as a source of water and a place of respite in the desert heat.    A stop for lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before you arrive at the hotel, situated close to the Taj Mahal. The rest of the day will be free for you to unwind, perhaps by the outdoor swimming pool.   Dinner will be served at the hotel.