India Tour: Taj Tigers and Shimla

After breakfast at your hotel, leave for Agra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Itmad-ud-Daulah and the grand Agra Fort. Later, head to Mehtab Bagh, located across from the Taj Mahal, to admire a stunning sunset view of the monument. Afterward, explore marble inlay workshops and enjoy shopping in Agra’s vibrant markets. Overnight stay at the hotel in Agra.

Early in the morning, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and admire its breathtaking beauty. Later return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Ranthambore. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Akbar in the late 16th century. After sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri, proceed to Ranthambore for an overnight stay.

Start your day early with a morning jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park. As the sun rises, venture into the wilderness, where you might spot Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of deer species like sambar and chital. The park is also home to Indian wild boars, marsh crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds. After the safari, return to the resort for a hearty breakfast, followed by some leisure time to relax or enjoy the resort's amenities. Lunch is served at the resort, offering a taste of local flavors. In the afternoon, embark on your second jeep safari, where the late-day light enhances your chances of spotting wildlife such as the Indian leopard, hyenas, and jungle cats. You may also see more of the park's vibrant birdlife, including kingfishers, parakeets, and eagles. After the safari, return to the resort for dinner, savoring a variety of dishes as you unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures before settling in for the night. Enjoy an overnight stay at the Resort.

After enjoying breakfast at the resort, depart for Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, explore the charming markets of Jaipur's historic walled pink city, where you can witness the timeless traditions and vibrant local culture. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Jaipur. Begin your exploration with Rajasthan's iconic attraction, the "Amber Fort and Palace," a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by Raja Man Singh in 1592 using red sandstone and marble. This majestic fort complex is perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of Maota Lake and the surrounding landscapes. Explore its extensive palace sections and intricate architecture, which blend seamlessly with the natural terrain. Following your visit to Amber Fort, continue your Jaipur sightseeing with a visit to Jal Mahal, the serene Water Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake.

Proceed to City Palace, a magnificent blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that houses museums showcasing royal artifacts. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, featuring impressive instruments designed for accurate celestial observations. Continue to Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, renowned for its intricate facade adorned with hundreds of windows that allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities. Explore the Albert Hall Museum, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture housing a diverse collection of artifacts. Conclude your day with a visit to Birla Mandir, a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. After an enriching day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Jaipur.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, set off for New Delhi, a journey of approximately five and a half hours. Upon arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring this vibrant and diverse city at your leisure. Conclude your day with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Early in the morning, our representative will transfer to New Delhi Railway Station and assist you with boarding a train to Chandigarh. Breakfast on board. On arrival at Chandigarh Railway Station, our local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day visit Sukhna Lake, Sector 17 Marketing, and Rock Garden. Overnight stay at the hotel in Chandigarh.

Train Details: KLK SHATABADI (NDLS to Chandigarh) – Departure time 07:40 hrs

Embark on an exciting road journey from Chandigarh to Kalka, setting the stage for a scenic toy train adventure leading to the enchanting hill station of Shimla. Our dedicated representative will be at your service, guiding you through the boarding process for the toy train at Kalka. Upon reaching Shimla Railway Station, another representative will warmly welcome you and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Train Details: HIMALYAN QUEEN (Kalka to Shimla) – Departure time 11:55 hrs.

Embark on a post-breakfast exploration of Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital of British India, steeped in colonial charm. Ascend to Jakhoo Hills, offering panoramic vistas of the valley and its snow-covered surroundings, providing a breathtaking embrace of nature's beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage at the Himachal Museum, showcasing a rare collection of temple carvings, historical sculptures, weaponry, miniature paintings, and local handicrafts.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Neo-Gothic masterpiece, Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, celebrated for its exquisite stained-glass windows dating back to 1850. Explore the Vice regal Lodge, a majestic summer residence that housed the Indian Viceroy from 1888 to 1946, echoing with historical significance.

As the day unfolds, venture to Kufri, a serene retreat ensconced in dense forests and snow-capped mountains, offering a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. In the evening, relish leisure time or indulge in shopping along the iconic Mall Road in Shimla, capturing the essence of the town. Retreat to your hotel for an overnight stay.

The day is free for own leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel in Shimla.

Embark on a captivating road trip from Shimla to Kalka, and then transition into a scenic train journey back to the heart of New Delhi. Upon your arrival at the New Delhi railway station, our representative will meet you, and transfer you to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Train Details: KLK SHATABADI (Kalka to New Delhi) – Departure time 17:45 hrs.

Today, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Delhi, a city with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC. Begin your tour at Rajghat, the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Next, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi's busiest market. Drive past the Presidential House and India Gate in Edwin Lutyen's Delhi. Explore Humayun's Tomb, built in 1562 by his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Conclude your day with a visit to the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

In the morning, an Alkof Holidays representative will accompany you to New Delhi Airport for your onward journey.