India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers and Shimla

Discover the highlights of North India on a 13-day trip with Great Rail Journeys. Explore Delhi and Jaipur, stay nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Shimla, admire the Taj Mahal, discover the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, and delight in wildlife spotting at Ranthambore National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Perhaps explore the local area and take in the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and flavours on offer. Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Delhi, Shimla

This morning, transfer to New Delhi for your journey to Kalka in the foothills of the Himalayas. From your seats in your AC Chair Class carriages on the Shatabdi Express, enjoying a picnic lunch at your seats. From here, you’ll embark on your Insider Experience and board the Toy Train to Shimla, once the summer capital of the British Raj, arriving by early evening. Enjoy dinner with fellow guests tonight at your historic five-star hotel.  

Insider Experience – Ride the Legendary Toy Train

Ride the legendary Toy Train to Shimla. The World Heritage-listed Toy Train provides one of the country’s most idyllic train journeys. This vintage train chugs its way up a winding route through the Shivalik Hills, passing lush green countryside and tree-covered valleys, crossing hundreds of bridges and traversing 102 tunnels. 

Day 3: Shimla

After breakfast today, enjoy your fascinating Insider Experience then embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Shimla and see a number of colonial sights including the Viceregal Lodge, once the summer residence of the Indian viceroys, and the Gaiety Theatre. Continue to the Sankat Mochan Temple before an afternoon stroll past the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and to the mysterious Scandal Point, once popular for people to gather and share gossip. Later enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Insider Experience – Special Presentation from Raaja Bhasin

Enjoy a talk from author, historian and journalist Raaja Bhasin as he presents an informative talk full of spellbinding stories about his hometown as he brings to life the history of Shimla. 

Day 4: Shimla

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, Shimla is a delight to visit and was a favourite with the Sahibs from the time of the Raj. Make the most of your free day in this charming town as you discover it further on your own. Perhaps explore the Himalayas outside Shimla or visit Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, for an indulgent high tea. Later this evening, meet for dinner.

Day 5: Shimla, Delhi

After breakfast, travel from Shimla to Chandigarh by road, navigating the twisting route amid incredible scenery of verdant valleys, before boarding the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi, with a simple picnic lunch at your seat. Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel and spend some time at leisure before regrouping for dinner.

Day 6: Delhi

Today you will explore Delhi, India’s vibrant, hectic, awe-inspiring capital city. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, and India’s largest. Sit back and enjoy your Insider Experience. There is free time to enjoy lunch before embarking on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. See India Gate, a triumphal arch commemorating Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. At the other end of this magnificent boulevard is Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of India’s president, built in a blend of Mughal and European architecture. After a visit to the opulent 16th-century tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, conclude your tour at the Gandhi Smriti Museum. Learn about the life of Mahatma Ghandi, the man who Indians call the ‘Father of the Nation’, through informative artefacts and personal effects. 

Insider Experience – Old Delhi Rickshaw Ride

Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi’s lively Chandni Chowk bazaar. One of the oldest markets in the city, Chandni Chowk was built in 1650 and is bursting with vibrant life. 

Day 7: Delhi, Agra

Set off this morning to the station where you will board the Gatimaan Express, travelling from Delhi to Agra, a journey that takes just over an hour and a half, on India's first semi high-speed train and the fastest train in India. Enjoy simple Indian snacks as you relax in fully air-conditioned carriages and enjoy the passing scenery. Once in Agra, embark on your Insider Experience and later a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city’s most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past. 

Insider Experience – Visit the Taj Mahal

Be in awe at the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum inlaid with semi-precious stones. Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The structure took over 22 years to build and is a wonder to behold. Its awe-inspiring, glittering white marble domes almost seem to change colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun. 

Day 8: Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the abandoned ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage Site, for a guided tour. This town to the west of Agra was once known as the City of Victory. Built in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri is home to a number of impressive monuments and temples. Enjoy your Insider Experience before jumping back on your coach for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Dinner is at your hotel.  

Insider Experience – Traditional Rajasthani Lunch

Indulge in a traditional lunch of Rajasthani cuisine at the opulent Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was built in the 1890s as a home for a prince of the Kingdom of Bharatpur. 

Day 9: Ranthambore National Park

Enjoy a morning Insider Experience. After lunch, head out for a guided game drive in canters, open topped safari vehicles, through the national park, and go in search of the Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the best parks to view this elusive cat, so make sure to have your camera at the ready. After an afternoon of exploration, return to your hotel for dinner. 

Insider Experience – Naturalist Lecture

This morning, enjoy a lecture from a local naturalist about Ranthambore National Park as you delve deeper into the wonders of this precious ecosystem. 

Day 10: Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur

This morning, set out on an early morning safari, during the best time of day to see native wildlife, such as sloth bears, macaques, wild boar and leopards, and perhaps have a chance to see an elusive Bengal tiger.  Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast then travel by coach to Jaipur. Visit Birla Mandir temple for your Insider Experience en route to your premium accommodation in the Pink City of Jaipur.  

Insider Experience – Watch an Evening Aarti

Witness an evening Aarti, a mesmerising Hindu fire ritual accompanied by lively singing and dancing, offered as part of a temple blessing.

Day 11: Jaipur

Begin the day with a visit to the City Palace, a gorgeous 17th-century palace blending decorative Mughal and Rajput architecture and home to the current Maharaja, before travelling to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, an early 18th-century astronomical observatory. View one of Jaipur’s most renowned sights, the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds. The eastern façade of this pink and yellow sandstone structure is incredibly ornate, with five storeys of intricate lattice work dotted with 953 small windows. After your tour, enjoy your special Insider Experience. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and you can either unwind at your hotel or explore Jaipur’s excellent shopping options.  

Insider Experience – Jaipur Tuk Tuk Tour

Explore the Pink City of Jaipur aboard a pink tuk tuk driven by a local woman. This tour is part of a social enterprise project which empowers women from low-income households and provides them with employment opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Along the way, discover why Jaipur’s beautiful buildings are coloured in a distinctive hue. 

Day 12: Jaipur, Delhi

Travel by Jeep for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, venture to the sides of the Golden Triangle as you are transferred by coach back to Delhi. Tonight, say goodbye to your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner. 

Insider Experience – Explore the Amber Fort

Spend time touring through the Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history and uncovering rooms which are elaborately painted and dotted with decadent mirrors and precious stones. Constructed in 1592, the impressive fort is built entirely out of pink and yellow sandstone. 

Day 13: Depart Delhi

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight.