NORTH INDIA TOUR PACKAGES

TOUR CODE NR001 : Golden Triangle : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur (8 Days)

TOUR CODE NR002 : Foothills of Himalayas (8 Days)

TOUR CODE NR003 : Royal Rajasthan

TOUR CODE NR004 : Kailash Manasarovar

Day 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi. Late night arrival in Delhi followed by transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 2
New Delhi is a spacious open imperial city created by the British as the capital of India in 1911. By contrast Old Delhi is a 17th century walled city with city gates, narrow alleys, the enormous Red Fort, temples, mosques and bazaars. This is the Delhi of the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan, and is largely preserved in its original layout. On the outskirts of the city stands one of its most lasting monuments – the Qtub Minar, a soaring tower of sandstone and marble built as a Moslem symbol of victory over the Hindu Kingdom in the 12th century.
Included afternoon sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visits will be made to the Red Fort, Jami Masjid Mosque and the Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi. Also included is a drive through the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk.

Day 3
This morning we have included a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb (aptly described as the predecessor of the Taj Mahal) and the Qtub Minar. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President and the Indian Gate. Afternoon departure travelling south-west to the famous ‘pink city’ of Jaipur which is set amongst barren hills and is the capital of Rajasthan. Here, India is arguably at its most colourful and exotic. Under the British, Rajasthan continued as a collection of princely states, each with its own Maharaja. Huge, battle-scarred forts dominate almost every town, the most spectacular of which is the Amber Fort, eight miles outside Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 4
Morning visit to the Amber Fort, set high above its surrounding valley and lake. In the afternoon we have included a sightseeing tour of Jaipur.

All the buildings here are painted pink by Maharaja’s decree. The central landmarks are the City Palace and the Hawe Mahal (Palace of the Winds) which is considered to be one of the best sights in all India.

Day 5
Morning drive from Jaipur to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This graceful sandstone city was built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son. Continue to Agra for a two night stay.

Day 6
The highlight of your tour will, of course, be a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Twenty thousand men took twenty years to complete the world’s most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man’s love of a woman. You will also visit Agra Fort and see the exquisite Chowk Pearl Mosque and Jasmine Tower. A visit to the Tomb of Emperor Akbar the Great at Sikandra is also included.

Day 7
Morning free before travelling overland to Delhi. On arrival, enjoy dinner at a hotel before transferring to the airport for your late flight back

Day 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Delhi. Arrive late evening and transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 2
Delhi is actually two cities – Old and New Delhi. New Delhi is a spacious open imperial city created by the British as the capital of India in 1911. By contrast Old Delhi is a 17th century walled city with city gates, narrow alleys, the enormous Red Fort, temples, mosques and bazaars. Today we have included a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi you will see the Red Fort, Jami Masjid Mosque and the Raj Ghat, the cremation grounds of Mahatma Gandhi, and the fabled street bazaar of Chandni Chowk. This afternoon it’s on to New Delhi. You will visit Humayan’s Tomb (aptly described as the predecessor of the Taj Mahal) and the Qtub Minar, one of the most impressive towers in the world. You will then drive through the diplomatic quarter seeing the official residence of the President and the Indian Gate.

Day 3
Transfer to the station to board the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar. Evening visit to Wagah, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan, to witness the ‘Banging on the Gates’ ceremony and changing of the guards at sunset. Continue to the spectacular Golden Temple, the most sacred of all Sikh temples and perhaps the most striking in India. The temple stands serenely in the centre of a lake; a unique setting that emphasises its beauty. Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 4
This morning we include a short sightseeing tour of Amritsar. Among the city’s many attractions are the Sri Akal Takht temple and the Tower of Baba Atal. We visit the Jallianwal Bagh, a moving memorial to those who died in protests here in 1919.

Depart for the drive to your hotel in Dharamsala for a two night stay.

Day 5
Situated on the high slopes of the Kangra Valley in the lower Himalayas, Dharamsala is one of India’s loveliest hill resorts. The area has grown in popularity since the Dalai Lama made his home here in 1959. We include a visit to Upper Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj and the centre of the exiled Tibetan Buddhist community, and the War Memorial at the entrance to the city. Continue to the Norbulingka Institute, which is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. You will also visit the towns of Triund, Kunnal Pathri and Dal Lake.

Day 6
Depart for the overland journey to Shimla in the Himalayas. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 7
Beautiful Shimla is known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. At 6,500 feet above sea level it offers relief from the searing heat of the Indian summer, which is why the British made it their summer capital. Today it is a calm and relaxing place to spend a couple of days, and is packed with wonderful sights. We include a half day tour visiting the Mall in the heart of the city, the majestic Christ Church with its superb stained glass windows, Shimla State Museum and the serene gardens of the Viceregal Lodge. Afternoon and evening at leisure or join an optional excursion.

Day 8
Depart Shimla to join the narrow gauge train to Kalka. This picturesque journey passes through tunnels and over bridges through spectacular landscapes. On arrival join the Shatabdi Express train for the journey to New Delhi, where you will visit a local restaurant for dinner. Continue to Delhi airport for your return flight