11-Day India Essences with Taj Mahal & Toy Train

Welcome to India! Our tour guide will meet you at India Gandhi International Airport, escort you to the hotel for check-in and brief you about the following tours. Then enjoy free time to recover from the jet lag.

Overnight: Delhi

After breakfast, visit Old Delhi for India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, before taking an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on rickshaw. Pass by the fantastic Red Fort, drive to New Delhi for a unique glance at the 800-year-old Qutub Minar, the tallest ancient Hindu stone tower in India. Continue to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive along the city landmarks of the India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings before ending today’s tour with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple to appreciate the local religion.

Tips: Before entering Jama Masjid, female tourists are required to cover up their body. You can rent a scarf at 50 rupees from the temple.

Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, head for Agra by car. You can stop to take a coffee break or take photos at any time en-route. After arrival in Agra, transfer to hotel for check-in and afternoon is free time for a good rest.

Note: Driving time of the journey is only estimation due to the road condition and weather.

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the glorious Taj Mahal (closed on Friday), a marvelous world wonder which was built by an emperor in ceremony to his beloved. Later, take an insight into the royal Mughal lifestyle by exploring the palatial Royal Pavilions at the red sandstone, Agra Fort. The rest of the day is at leisure and the vehicle with driver is at your disposal.

Tips: Visitors need to pass strict security check before entering the Taj Mahal. Prohibited things include foods, plastic bags, chargers and the like. It’s suggested to catch the sunrise in the early morning as it's cooler and there are fewer tourists than in the daytime. 

Overnight: Agra
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, head east to Jaipur. Stop at the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs) en-route to admire Mughal architectural splendor built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. Check into the hotel on arrival and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast

Start today with a jeep ride full of unbeatable views and fun to the ancient Amber Fort to experience the kingly palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). 

Drive back to the pink city of Jaipur, you can take a perfect picture at the best angle by a stopover at façade of the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Then, visit the City Palace Museum displaying superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury, especially Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory in the world that is still in use. Later, ride through the pink rose residential and business areas by car. 

Tips: If you have no desire to buy from the hawkers at Amber Fort, don't have conversations with them. Prepare sun protection when taking the jeep ride to Amber Fort. 

Overnight: Jaipur
Meal: Breakfast

This morning, board a flight for Chandigarh. Arrive and be transferred to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Chandigarh
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast drive to Dharampur (about 4 hrs driving) and visit the Pinjore Garden en-route. Afterward, you will board the Toy Train to Shimla (Himalayan Queen at 13:42-17:20). This scenic train ride is interesting and a unique experience. On arrival in Shimla, you are greeted at the railway station (assistance) and transferred to hotel. 

Overnight: Shimla
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit India Bungalow & the Himalayan Zoo on the way of a half day excursion to Kufri. You have the options of taking a hike or ride a pony up to Mashu Peak (pony rides at Kufri are on direct payment basis). Explore the Shimla Mall Road in the afternoon. Attractions of the mall road include Shimla Church, Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre, Town hall where you can have a shopping spree. 

Note: There will be no guide service for Kufri Excursion.

Overnight: Shimla
Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning before our driver meets you at the hotel lobby and drive you to Kalka (about 2.5 hrs) to catch the Shatabdi train for Delhi (leaves at 17:45, 17:45-21:55). Upon your arrival, you will be met by representative and stay overnight at Delhi.

Overnight: Delhi
Meal: Breakfast

Today is at your own leisure before being escorted to the airport for your flight to next destination.

Meal: Breakfast