Travelpack

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

Hotel featured or similar
Delhi - Le Meridien
Shimla - Radisson
Amritsar - Ramada
Jaipur- Alsisar Haveli
Ranthambore - Ranthambore Regency
Agra - Crystal Sarovar Premiere
Delhi - The Grand

The "Uncovering India's Rich Cultural Legacy" tour is a comprehensive and memorable journey through some of northern India's most iconic cities. From the spiritual centre of Amritsar to the natural beauty of Ranthambore, this tour covers a range of fascinating destinations that offer a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage. Visitors will get to explore the historic Golden Temple in Amritsar, the bustling shopping and dining street of Shimla's Mall Road, the world-renowned Taj Mahal in Agra, and much more. The tour also includes several scenic drives through the Indian countryside and visits to important cultural and historical sites, such as the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Amber Fort, and City Palace. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or simply want to immerse yourself in the vibrant and diverse fabric of Indian life, the "Uncovering India's Rich Cultural Legacy" tour is the perfect way to experience the best of northern India.

Highlights
Visit the Golden Temple, the most important Sikh shrine and one of the oldest spiritual centres in India
Explore the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, which honours the victims of the 1919 massacre by British troops.
Experience Traditional Punjab village.
Visit the famous Mall Road, Heritage walk of Shimla with english speaking with every building has a story to tell.
See the Viceregal Lodge, a former residence of the British Viceroys.
Enjoy a morning and an evening Jeep Safari in Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat
Visit the famous Amber Fort, a 16th-century hilltop palace
See the City Palace, a complex of buildings that serves as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur
Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
See the Agra Fort, a 16th-century Mughal fortification

Itinerary:
Day 1: 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.

Day 2: 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 Gandhi’s 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 Humayun’s 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 Viceroy’s Palace, (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, India Gate, and Parliament House.

Day 3: 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

Day 4: 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.

Day 5: 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.

Day 6: 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.

Day 7: 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.

Day 8: 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 roots and 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.

Day 9: Amritsar to Jaipiur 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 shopper’s paradise.
Overnight stay.

Day 10: Jaipur
This morning we take you to Amber, capital of the old state of Dhundhar, which is located on the rugged hills that surround Jaipur. Ride the colourfully painted elephants up the hill, admire the massive gateways, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces that recall the glory and wealth of Amber’s association with the Mughals. During the afternoon visit the City Palace (which still houses the erstwhile Royal family); Jantar Mantar, the Royal Observatory and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - built for the royal ladies to watch the activities on the market street below, without being observed.
Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 11: 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

Day 12: 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.

Day 13: 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.

Day 14: 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.

Day 15: 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.

Day 16: Depart Delhi
Transfer from your hotel to Delhi airport in time to board your flight to onward journey.

Offer Includes

Meal Plans