India’s Golden Triangle, Tigers and Shimla

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.

Accommodation
Delhi, Taj Palace

• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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, relish 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 5-star hotel.

Accommodation
Three Nights, Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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 for an indulgent high tea. Later this evening meet for dinner.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Delhi, Taj Palace

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Today, explore Delhi, India’s vibrant, hectic, awe-inspiring capital city. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, and one of 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 Gandhi, the man who Indians call the ‘Father of the Nation’ through informative artefacts and personal effects.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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.

Accommodation
Agra, Hotel Clarks Shiraz

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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 onto your coach for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Savour dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Ranthambore Regency

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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

Accommodation
Two Nights, Jaipur, Taj Amer

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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 Heritage 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. Five storeys of intricate lattice work dotted with 953 small windows. After our tour, enjoy your special Insider Experience. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and you can either unwind at our hotel or explore Jaipur’s excellent shopping options.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

Travel by jeep to your Insider Experience. This afternoon, close 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.

Accommodation
Delhi, Taj Palace

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Delhi , India

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

• Breakfast

Location
Delhi , India