India’s Golden Triangle with Ranthambore National Park & Shimla: the Summer Capital of the British Raj

DAY 1: NEW DELHI
Namaste & welcome to India! Arrive in Delhi and after having done all the formalities of immigration, baggage, and customs as you exit the arrival halls, you will be greeted by an Affordable Luxury Travel representative waiting to receive you with a placard bearing your name. You will then be assisted & transferred to your hotel for your check-in. Relax for the day. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2: NEW DELHI
After breakfast, proceed for a tour of both Old and New Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans. Later visit Chandni Chowk, Asia's largest wholesale market, a massive area packed with shops, bazaars and people. Drive past the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 17th century. Also visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch, we will visit Humayun's Tomb. It was built in 1570 and is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. We will also drive past the India Gate, Parliament House, the Secretariat Buildings, and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India. Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 3: AGRA
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Agra in your private car (04 hrs approx) On arrival, you will be met and assisted with your check-in at the hotel. Evening, proceed to view the Taj Mahal at sunset. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Overnight is at the hotel Note : The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday

DAY 4: SAWAI MADHOPUR
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bharatpur railway station to board your train to Ranthambhore. en route, we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (approx 01 hour). An Indo-Islamic Masterpiece, it is derived from Arab and central Asian tent encampments. The Imperial Complex is a work of pavilions arranged in formal geometry on a piece of land. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and later transfer to Bharatpur railway station (30 minutes approx) to board the train to Ranthambhore. KOTA JANSHTABDI (12060) 1450 / 1713 Hrs Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It is named after the historic Ranthambore fortress, which lies within the park. The park used to be the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur but later in 1972, the sanctuary came under the Project Tiger scheme. Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. On arrival, you will be met and assisted with your check-in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5: SAWAI MADHOPUR
Today enjoy early morning & afternoon game drives in Ranthambhore National Park by shared canters. Experience its lush forests that are home to Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, and over 250 species of birds. The duration of the safari is around 03 hours and is accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 6: JAIPUR
After breakfast, check out and you will be transferred in your private vehicle to Jaipur (approx 4.5 Hrs). On arrival in Jaipur, you will be met and assisted with your check-in at the hotel and relax. The colorful city of Jaipur is one of India's first planned cities. Bustling markets, historic buildings and hidden temples, and an oasis of peace set against the majestic backdrop of the Amer Fort make this a must-visit city in Rajasthan. Overnight is at the hotel.

DAY 7: JAIPUR
In the morning, drive just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort, en route stop for a photo stop at `The Palace of Winds, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. After lunch, proceed to visit the City Palace, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur in 18th century and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 8: NEW DELHI
Morning is at leisure. Afternoon, check out and you will be transferred to Delhi in your private car (approx 5.5 hrs). On arrival, check-in at the hotel and relax. Overnight is at the hotel

DAY 09: DELHI - KALKA - SHIMLA (BY TRAIN)
Today morning transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi express train for Kalka. 2011 (Shatabdi Express) Delhi / kalka - 0740/1145 hrs. Arrive Kalka and board Himalayan Toy train, which will take you through the Shivalik ranges to Shimla. 255 (Himalayan Queen) Kalka/Shimla - 1210/1720 hrs Your car will simultaneously drive with you can do part of the journey by train & part by Car. Arrive Shimla and transfer to hotel Shimla – the Queen of the Hill Stations. This is little long drive for majority on plains then some 70 kms on hills and it should take approximately 8 hours. Set at an altitude of 2130 metres, Shimla is the capital and the most important town of Himachal Pradesh. It derives its name from an ancient temple of goddess Shamla, also known as Kali, and was discovered by the British in 1819 but it was only in 1822 that the first permanent house was built here by a young officer, Major Kennedy - and it is still there. Shimla became the summer capital of the British Raj and was not only famous for its high-flown social life, but eventually became a centre of many important activities which are landmarks in the political history of India. The most significant was discussions that led to the partition of India in 1947.
Overnight stay at hotel

DAY 10: SHIMLA
After breakfast full day sightseeing in Shimla, Jakhoo Temple is one of the top attractions of Shimla because of a short trek that you need to take to reach there. The trek allows you to experience the amazing vegetation around you and have fun while trekking. Viceregal Lodge and the State Museum are the other two attractions of the hill station. You can see the influence of British rule in the hill station, as it was the summer capital of India once. Afternoon Free at leisure
Overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: DRIVE FROM SHIMLA TO KALKA TO BOARD SHATABDI EXPRESS FOR DELHI (BY TRAIN)
Today transfer to Kalka station to board train for Delhi Kalka – Delhi 1745 / 2155 hrs Meeting and assistance on arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO DELHI AIRPORT
Today departure transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.