Travelpack

Highlights: Delhi - Shimla - Amritsar - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra

Hotels featured or similar:
Delhi- The Connaught
Shimla- Radisson
Amritsar- Ramada Hotel
Jaipur- Alsisar Haveli
Ranthambore- Ranthambore Regency
Agra- Crystal Sarovar Premiere
Delhi- Grand (2nd visit)

Itinerary:
Sun 05 Nov 23 - Depart U.K by VS 300 at 1730 Hrs

Mon 06 Nov 23 - Delhi
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
14:00 Hrs standard check-in time.

Tue 07 Nov 23 - Delhi
A full day sightseeing tour of Delhi. You will get a feel for this city as you explore its historic sights, such as Raj Ghat, which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. This is Mahatma Gandhis Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid, made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India's largest mosque. From the Red Fort explore the bustling cultural delight of the colourful market on a 'cycle rickshaw', through "Chandni Chowk", or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue, - a truly unique experience. You will have a great view of the Red Fort, a 17th-century imposing fortress built in red sandstone and surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens.
In the afternoon you will head into New Delhi, visiting Humayuns Tomb, an impressive garden tomb with high arches and a double dome, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Then continue on to the wonderful Qutab Minar a major landmark in Delhi, with its beautiful grounds featuring the huge tower of victory standing over 72 metres. You will then drive on to Rajpath and through to India Gate and the Lutyens Delhi with its tree-lined boulevards leading to the British Viceroys Palace, (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, India Gate, and Parliament House.

Wed 08 Nov 23 - Delhi to Kalka by train - the Shatabdi Express 0740/1145 hrs
Kalka to Kandaghat by surface
Kandaghat to Shimla by toy train: 1521 1730 Hrs
You will be transferred to New Delhi railway station to board the train for Kalka, departing at 07:40. Local snacks and tea or coffee will be served on board. At 11:45 the train arrives into Kalka railway station.
Upon arrival you met by your driver at the railway station and will drive you to Kandaghat railway station in time to the board the toy train to Shimla (non air-conditioned)
Toy train offers the charm of old-world travel amidst lofty pines and lush green, misty mountains. Laid out on a 96 km long narrow gauge track that passes through 103 tunnels and across more than 800 bridges and viaducts, it is one of the most beautiful hill railways in India. It was considered the crown jewel of the Indian National Railways during British times.
1730 Hrs: Arrive at Shimla
Upon arrival meet & assist at the railway station and transfer to Hotel Shimla. The ambience of this hill city attracted the British so much that it seemed justifiable to shift the complete administration of an Empire from Calcutta to Shimla every summer because of its colonial charm, - and cooler air. Overnight stay at Hotel

Thu 09 Nov 23 - Shimla
This morning you'll enjoy a Heritage Walk, passing through many historical and Heritage buildings, each possessing a different style of architecture and holding many stories of the past. We stop for a break on the way to give you a closer look at the various architectural sites of the British era. Later you'll continue your sightseeing of this hill station by visiting the following: The State Museum (Closed on Mondays): This building was a private residence of Lord William Beresford, the Military Secretary to the viceroys for many years. The Viceregal Lodge Indian Institute of Advanced Study: The site for Viceregal Lodge was selected by Lord Lytton the Viceroy of India between 1876 -1880.Jakhu Temple and Hill (2455 meters.): This is the town's highest peak and a vantage point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to the monkey God, Hanuman. This also offers a superb view of Shimla and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures.

Fri 10 Nov 23 - Shimla
This morning you'll enjoy a fabulous excursion to Kufri & Wildflower Hall Mashobra. Kufri is around 10 miles from Shimla and is a small hill station. Its name means lake in the local language.

Sat 11 Nov 23 - Shimla to Parwanoo by surface 85 Km/ 2.5 hrs
Parwanoo to Chandigarh by surface 36 kms/ 1 hr
Chandigarh to Amritsar by train CDG ASR EXP:1650-2125 hrs
After breakfast, we drive to Parwanoo. Just a couple of decades ago, this was a sleepy little village but today is a pulsating industrial town. Upon arrival in Parwanoo, transfer from the base to the top of the mountain by cable car. Lunch at Moksha Spa & Resort.
After lunch, you're transferred by cable car from the top of the mountain to the base and drive to Chandigarh railway station in time to board your train, departing at 1710, to Amritsar, a holy city of the Sikh community. The famous Golden Temple was built here between 1589 and 1601 and is a superb coming together of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. This extraordinary building is fashioned from marble, mirror work and gold, which is beautifully reflected in a stunning expanse of water. At 21:25 - arrive at the Amritsar railway station. Upon arrival at the Amritsar railway station, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Sun 12 Nov 23 - Amritsar
This morning you'll explore the spiritual centre of the Sikh religion, - the Golden Temple. This is one of the most spiritual locations and includes the Divine Temple and the Pool of Nectar. The temple kitchen provides amazing meals every day to the thousands of devotees and you will take part in preparing community meals. You'll then also visit Jallianwala Bagh, the site of an infamous massacre that took place in 1919. Visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes, wash their feet and cover their heads with a scarf.
In the late afternoon, you will travel to Wagah border, where India meets Pakistan, to watch the Flag ceremony, also known as the beating the retreat ceremony.
Every day of the year at sunset, the soldiers of both India and Pakistan lower their respective flags in unison.

Mon 13 Nov 23 - Amritsar
Morning visit Sada Pind (Sada Pind means our village):- At Sadda Pind, you can experience the old-world charm of Punjab through cultural performances, folk dances, local handicrafts, songs, stories and of course, cuisine. Sadda Pind is a fantastic place to connect with the Punjabi rootsand experience Punjabi culture around it.
It recreates a Punjabi village in the true sense. As a guest, you can see, participate and interact with people from the village and their culture. Sadda Pind has everything to keep you busy and entertained for an entire day. It offers day packages and also stay packages. You can learn a traditional art or create a masterpiece of your own.
Phulkari, Punjabi jutti, clay toys and utensils, ironwork, durries, agricultural implements are some of the traditional arts showcased here. Punjab can never be complete without its music and dances.
At Sadda Pind, treat your senses to the vibrance and beats of traditional Punjabi folk dances like bhangra, gidha, jhumar and kikli.
Afternoon free to explore Amritsar.Evening attend the Palki ceremony: The Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a daily religious procession that takes place within the temple complex. The ceremony involves the carrying of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikh faith, from the Akal Takht (the seat of the Sikh temporal authority) to the Harmandir Sahib and vice versa. The Palki is a decorated canopy that is carried by four to six persons, accompanied by a choir of hymn-singers, known as Raagis.
The Palki ceremony is an important part of the spiritual experience at the Golden Temple and is considered a deeply moving and awe-inspiring event by those who attend it. For many devotees, participating in the Palki ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique glimpse into the rich religious traditions of the Sikh faith.

Tue 14 Nov 23 - Amritsar to Jaipur by afternoon flight
Morning breakfast at leisure. Afternoon transfer to airport to board flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Jaipur, the famed Pink City and the capital of Rajasthan, known for its palaces, its three hill forts and for being a shoppers paradise. Overnight stay.

Wed 15 Nov 23 - Jaipur
Today after breakfast enjoy temple tour of Khajuraho
Western Group of Temples including Varaha Temple This small rectangular temple, built on a rock foundation has a pyramidal roof of receding tiers, supported on 12 pillars. In the middle of the shrine stands a monolithic, colossal image of Varaha (Roar). The image is carved of one piece of yellow sandstone and is exquisitely finished to a glossy lusture. Nandi Temple This temple is really a pavilion containing a colossal image of nandi, the bull mount of Shiva. Lakshmana Temple This temple dedicated to Vaikuntha-a form of Vishnu, distinguished by three heads respectively of lion, man and boar, is the earliest and best preserved temples of Khajuraho. Visvanatha Temple True to its traditional name Visvanatha, it is dedicated to Shiva. Although, the stone Linga alone survives today, there is no doubt by its architectural grandeur and sculptural exuberance, that it is a monument worthy of a king of Khajuraho.
Eastern Group of Temples including Brahma Temple. It is because of the four-face Linga, which now forms that main city of the shrine, that it is popularly called the temple of Brahma. Three faces of the Linga are benign whereas the Southern face shows a Skullon the Jatamukta, protruding eyes and a gaping mouth. This temple was originally dedicated to Vishnu as is evident from the carvings on the doorways. Vamana Temple Dedicated to Vamana (dwarf) incarnation of Vishnu.
Unlike the other temples, critic scenes are conspicuous here by their absence, except of the roof pediments. Jevari Temple Again dedicated to Vishnu, this is a small, well-proportioned shrine. the temples is a gem of architecture and is remarkable as much for its ornate entrance, as for the slender soaring outline of its spire.
Ghantai Temple The Ghantai temple is locally so called because of the echain-and-bell (Ghanta) motifs prominently carved on its tall pillars. The Ghantai is dedicated to the Digambara Set of Jainism. Adinatha Temple. The temple enshrines a modern image of Adinath in place of the old one, of which only the pedestal has survived.
Overnight stay at Hotel

Thu 16 Nov 23 - Jaipur to Ranthambore by surface ( Approx 180 Kms, 4 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Ranthambore. Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in northern India and is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. It was established in 1980 as a wildlife sanctuary and was declared a national park in 1990. The park is known for its Bengal tigers, as well as its large variety of other wildlife species, including leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and wild boars. It also has a rich history, as it was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur.
The park covers an area of approximately 1,334 square kilometres and is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, lakes, and open grasslands. The park's terrain is dotted with ancient temples, fortresses, and hunting pavilions that offer a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.
Upon arrival at Ranthambore, check-in at your hotel

Fri 17 Nov 23 - Ranthambore
Today we take you searching for tigers on an early morning as well as an afternoon safari game drive in Ranthambore National Park. Morning Jeep Safaris usually start around 6:00 am and last for about 3-4 hours, while evening Jeep Safaris start around 2:30 pm and last for about 2-3 hours. Visitors are advised to wear light-colored, comfortable clothing, as well as sun protection, as temperatures can be high during the day.

Sat 18 Nov 23 - Ranthambore Agra by surface
After breakfast, Today you drive from Ranthambore National Park to Agra, which is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is approximately 286 kilometres and takes about 5-6 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The drive is mostly on smooth highways and is well-connected, making it a convenient and scenic journey.
The route from Ranthambore to Agra passes through several small towns and villages, as well as fertile farmland, which offer a glimpse into rural India also you stop at interesting places such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Continue your drive to Agra and check in at your hotel.

Sun 19 Nov 23 - Agra
After breakfast, enjoy visiting the world-famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631, built one of the world's most famous buildings, the Taj Mahal. Its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as a vision, a dream, a poem, and a wonder.
You'll also visit the 16th century Agra fort. This commanding red sandstone monument stretches for 2.5 kilometres along the banks of River Yamuna, encompassing serene gardens and terraced pavilions, with striking views of the magnificent Taj Mahal across the river, as well as the Tomb of Itmad-ud Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj.
In the evening you'll enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, which is a garden complex, situated on the riverbank opposite the Taj Mahal.

Mon 20 Nov 23 - Agra to Delhi by surface, 210 km / 4 Hrs
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Tue 21 Nov 23 - Depart Delhi
Transfer from your hotel to Delhi airport in time to board your flight to onward journey.

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