Golden Triangle and Wildlife Tour with Hill Stations of Himachal

01 Day: Arrival Delhi

Welcome and assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and transfer to the pre-booked hotel by aircon car. After check in, travel document related to the tour plan and services will be handed over to you; our representative will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

02 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. In the evening you can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

03 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, both are conveniently located close to Delhi. Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the noteworthy places to visit apart from the famous Taj Mahal.

04 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

05 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Ranthambore (260 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Ranthambore, enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. After visit proceed to Ranthambore, the hunting place of Royal Family of Jaipur and one of finest tiger reserve of India, on arrival, transfer to the jungle resort. Evening is free for individual activities. Dinner and overnight stay.

Ranthambhore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife locations, It was established as a sanctuary in 1959 and included in the very first phase of Project Tiger in 1972. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambhore, which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest. The fort dates back to the 11th century when it was a vital citadel for the control of central India. Though overrun by vegetation, remnants of the summer palaces, temples and guard stones within the fort still remain. Earlier, the hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Park at Ranthambhore was once the scene of royal hunting parties. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The tigers can be spotted quite often even during the day, busy in their normal pursuits - especially stalking or hunting and taking care of their young.

06 Day: Ranthambore:

After breakfast, take Jungle Safari by open Canter accompanied by an expert naturalist to explore The Ranthambhore wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best places in India to see a tiger in its natural habitat. In the dry season tigers can be seen near the watering holes and are clearly visible in the dry forest. You will love the valley at first sight. It is located on the border of Ranthambore National Park. Leopards avoid the thick inner forest owing to the domination of tigers. You could have a great time going Jeep Safari and viewing various wild animals including dear, wild boar and sloth bear. Return to the hotel for a lunch. Later visit Ranthambhore Fort overlooking the National Park and Jogi Mahal. Also visit the famous Temple of Ganesha in the Fort. Later return to the jungle resort for dinner and overnight stay.

07 Day: Ranthambore – Jaipur (190 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute visit a step well situated in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur; it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Jaipur is worldly famous for hand woven carpets, precious stones, handicrafts, marbles, textiles, blue pottery, handmade papers amongst many others. After refreshment, enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

08 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

09 Day: Jaipur – Neemrana – Delhi (260 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Delhi. En route visit massive and splendid Neemrana Fort, recalling the old world charm of Rajasthani majesty and hospitality. One of the magnificent forts of Rajasthan converted into a heritage hotel, a wonderful architectural marvel. Here you can experience the adventure of India’s first ZIP Tour and opt for lunch at the hotel. (Of your own) Later continue drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Neemrana Fort It was a tributary chief ship of the former kings of Alwar state. The track is sandy and bleak and is known as Rath. The place is said to be the home of chauhan Rajput claiming descent from Prithvi Raj the last Hindu king before the regime of the Mughal kingdom. One of the descendents of Prithvi Raj the, embraced Islam and settled here. That is why the old lineage is shown by the title Rao and was recognized so by the ruler of Alwar.

10 Day: Delhi – Chandigarh (245 kms: 5 – 6 hrs)

Today morning, after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Chandigarh, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting famous Rock Garden: The garden houses sculptures made by using a variety of different discarded waste materials like frames, mudguards, forks, handle bars, metal wires, play marbles, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles etc. Other attractions of Chandigarh are: Doll Museum: contains dolls and puppets from over 25 different countries. The museum was established in 1985 and is managed by the Indian council of Child welfare. Museum and Art gallery: The museum contains antiquities from the Indus valley civilization to different paintings and coins from the ancient and historical times. The gallery also contains the dinosaur fossils which were excavated in the region. Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is a botanical garden located in Chandigarh, in the evening visit to the local market. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. As the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh it is a prestigious city. The face of modern India, Chandigarh, is the manifestation of a dream that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru envisaged and Le Corbusier executed. Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the 'City Beautiful'. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. India’s first planned city, is a rich, prosperous, spic and span, green city rightly called “THE CITY BEAUTIFUL”.

11 Day: Chandigarh – Shimla (115 kms: 3 - 4 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the and drive to Shimla, en route you may opt to visit to Pinjore Garden, a must-visit place in a village named Pinjore. This garden is coupled with few elegant palaces named Shish Mahal, Rang Mahal, Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal. Later continue drive to Shimla, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment visit Christ Church, Shimla, is the second oldest church in North India, after St John's Church in Meerut. It is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India. In the evening visit to famous The Mall and The Ridge, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

12 Day: Shimla (Excursion to Kufri and Naldhera)

After breakfast depart for the winter sports capital Kufri 16 kms, where you can photograph yourself in Pahari or Himachal outfit, available on hire. You can also enjoy horse riding or Yak riding. (On own your own) Afternoon proceed to Naldhera, which is famous for its Golf Course and scenic beauty. On a clear day you can also view the Kailash Ranges. Later visit Sankat Mochan Temple and Jakhu Temple; The Rashtrapati Niwas, also known as Viceregal Lodge, is located on the Observatory Hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India. Evening will be at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Shimla in the days before independence, Shimla was the most important British hill station, and in the summer season became the summer capital. The British in 1819A.D first discovered Shimla, but it was not until 1822 A.D that the first permanent house was erected and not until many years later that Shimla became the summer capital. The name Shimla is derived from the Himalayan Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali.

13 Day: Shimla – Kullu – Manali (250 kms: 7-8 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Manali. On the way glance at the scenic spots like Pandoh Dam, Mandi, Beas River, and Dashehra Maidan. Optionally you can visit Kullu to visit the Shawl factories to purchase warm cloth material, Kullu shawl is a handloom product, also en-route visiting Manikaran has the World’s hottest Suplhur Spring Waters and is a holy place for Hindus & Sikhs alike. Later proceed to Manali, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening free for leisure and individual activities. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Manali is the Northern end of the Kullu Valley and is the main resort in the area. It is beautifully situated and there are many pleasant walks around the town. Surrounded by towering peaks at arm length, Manali’s major asset is its proximity to the snowline, never more than few hours’ drive from the town nestling at comfortable 2050meters. It is the centre of the flourishing orchard industry a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks.

14 Day: Manali

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Manali town, visiting Hadimba Temple, dedicated to goddess, Manu Temple of Manu Rishi (Holy man) who was the creator of human race on the earth, Club house, a picnic spot, Tibetan monasteries, 3 colourful monasteries, on the bank of beas river you can buy Tibetan handicraft over here, Vashist Kund, it is a small village located on the left bank of river Beas renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here, if time permits you can visit to Mountaineering institute. In the evening visit at the famous mall road to enjoy the atmosphere of the hill station. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

15 Day: Manali (Rohtang Pass Excursion: 55 kms one way)

Today morning after breakfast take an excursion to Rohtang Pass (3979 m) Rohtang pass on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular Mountain View. Rohtang, it is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. En route Stop over to enjoy breathtaking beauty of Kothi, Rahalla Falls to enjoy the sight of fascinating waterfalls, and Marrhi. Continue to drive to Rohtang, There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan’s Enjoy skiing and trekking and snow-capped mountains. After visit drive back to Manali, evening free for leisure and relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Rohtang Pass - Situated at an altitude of 3979 metres above sea level and 51 kms outside Manali is the mighty Rohtang Pass - the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley. Open for just about four months a year, it affords a wide panoramic view of the mountains. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul valley. There is the beautiful Dashohar Lake left of the pass. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

16 Day: Manali – Parwanoo (280 kms: 8 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Parwanoo, the drive to Parwanoo is full of beautiful views of twisting and turning roads and soaring peaks, quite characteristic of this hilly region. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation one can enjoy the stay on the mountains by the river flowing by. Enjoy the nature ambience of the hill station. In the evening you can enjoy cable-way ride of the Shivalik Hills. The trail is spread over two hills of the Shivalik Range and is connected by a cable car. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Parwanoo, a couple of decades ago, this was a sleepy little village and today, it is a pulsating industrial town. Surrounded by wooded hills, the Kaushalya River meanders its way between the two hills. Hills where the clouds pause to rest and time stands still. Though just a few kilometers away from bustling Chandigarh, the hustle and bustle of the city is forgotten as soon as you find yourself in Parwanoo. The air, full of pine scent and bird song, it takes one's breath away. A world of spectacular sunsets, Nature paints the sky in unbelievable colors. And as darkness creeps in, the distant lights of Chandigarh take over to create the shimmering magic of a million stars.

17 Day: Parwanoo – Delhi (265 kms: 5 – 6 hrs) – Home Town

Today morning after an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Delhi. Later transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for home town/onwards journey. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.