Shimla Tour

Day 01: Arrival / Delhi

Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Late night arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.

Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.

Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room)

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour also includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House as well a stop at India Gate. Next, we will continue our journey with a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, and commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death.

Our tour also includes a visit to the Isa Khan’s Tomb complex located adjacent to Humayun’s Tomb and is the resting place of Isa Khan Niyazi, a noble of influence at the court of Sher Shah Suri.

We will be also visiting the Safdarjung Tomb. Then, we will make our way to the Agrasen Ki Baoli (Beautifully Sculpted Step Well) - a water reservoir or a step well that is known for its heritage value. Indeed, the builders were way ahead of time when creating this architectural marvel that dealt with sorting out the water problem.

Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.

The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawala (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the color of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers. (Pleases do accept that some shops are closed on Sundays)

Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room)

Day 03: Delhi / Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive – One Way) (Taj Mahal is Closed on Fridays)

Today, we will drive to Agra along one of India’s finest freeways.

Upon arrival in Agra, we will visit Taj Mahal

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. We will visit the Taj Mahal to witness this spectacular monument built for love. Besides perfect symmetry in every aspect of its construction, the inlay work of semi precious stones into marble in pietra dura style is absolutely remarkable. Later, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire

Following the tour, we will drive to Delhi, along one of India’s finest freeways

Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room)

Day 04: Delhi / Chandigarh (6E 937 – 1340 / 1440 Hrs)

After a leisure morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Chandigarh

Meeting and assistance upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Lemon Tree

Rest of the day is at leisure

Overnight at Hotel Lemon Tree (Superior Room)

Day 05: Chandigarh / Kalka (98 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs. Drive) Kalka / Shimla (Himalayan Queen – 1210 / 1730 Hrs. – AC First Class)

After breakfast, we will drive to Kalka train station to board your toy train to Shimla

Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Shimla and transfer Hotel Clarke’s

Evening is at leisure for your independent activities

Overnight at Hotel Clarke’s (Deluxe Room)