Golden Triangle, Amritsar and Shimla Tour

You’ll be met at Amritsar Airport by your Authentic India Tours representative and taken to your hotel by a private car transfer. This will take about 30 minutes.

The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of the Hyatt Regency hotel or explore the local area.

In the evening, a visit to the Golden Temple has been arranged to see the “Palki Ceremony” also known as the putting to bed ceremony. To the sound of hymns and drums, a gold and silver gilded palanquin (a carriage carried by bearers) decorated in silk carries the Guru Granth Sahib holy book from the main shrine to the gate of the inner sanctum.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Amritsar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s half-day sightseeing tour of Amristar is an excellent introduction to this amazing city.  Amritsar was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das. It was built on a site donated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and is today the spiritual centre for Sikhs.

Located in the heart of the city is the iconic Golden Temple which is surrounded by a water tank, the Amrit Sarovar, from which Amritsar gets its name. Believed to have healing powers, you can see pilgrims who have often travelled many miles bathing in the lake. The city is known for its rich cuisine and culture, and for the tragic incident of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 under British Rule. During the tour, you can also visit the Durgiana Temple and have a haggle in Katra market, where you’ll find everything from fabric and beaded dresses to shoes and street food.

Late in the afternoon, you’ll be taken to the Atari (Wagah) Border, to witness the Flag Retreat ceremony. Since 1959, the security forces of India and Pakistan have lowered flags accompanied by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres. The ritual signifies both rivalry and cooperation between the two nations.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Amritsar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning your tour takes you to Chandigarh which will take about 4 hours.

In the afternoon you can enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Chandigarh is the definition of modern India, a well-planned city designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. It is a perfect example of urban development full of boulevards, gardens, lakes and parks. On the tour, you’ll visit the Rose Garden, home to over 1,500 varieties of rose, walk along Sukhna Lake stopping in the nearby ornamental gardens and explore the Rock Garden. A completely unique and innovative creation, the Rock Garden is a collection of over 2,000 sculptures created over 20 years from a collection of concrete, steel drums, old bicycle frames and broken sinks.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours 40 mins, 225 kms

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Chandigarh

Meals included: Breakfast

For some, this is the highlight of the holiday. After the morning drive to Kalka Station, you’ll board the narrow gauge train ‘The Himalayan Queen’ which will take you to Shimla. The train journey takes about 5 hours giving you plenty of time to appreciate the dramatic views en route.

You’ll be met on arrival at Shimla Station and transferred to your hotel.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 115 km

Accommodation: Clarkes Hotel, Shimla

Meals included: Breakfast

Until the British arrived, there was nothing at Shimla but a sleepy forest glade known as Shyamala (a local name for the Goddess Kali). By the mid-1860s, owing to the cooler climate and crisp, fresh air, Shimla had developed into the summer capital of the Raj. Every summer until 1939, the entire government of India fled here from the sweltering heat of the plains, with servants, families and all their clerks’ books and forms filled out in triplicate. When the Kalka to Shimla railway line was constructed in 1903, Shimla’s status as India’s premier hill station was assured.

This morning’s tour, includes a visit to the mock Tudor Library, the famous Gaiety Theatre, and the Viceregal Lodge. You’ll also have time to explore the Mall.

The afternoon is free to explore the hill station at your leisure.

Accommodation: Clarkes Hotel, Shimla

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a day of leisure or if you wish there are some optional extra activities which can be arranged.

Perhaps explore Shimla on a nature walk from the house where Rudyard Kipling wrote Plain Tales From The Hills. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall or visit the princely state of Dhami to spend the day with the noble family, birdwatching and enjoying their stories over lunch.

Accommodation: Clarkes Hotel, Shimla

Meals included: Breakfast

After a leisurely morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Kalka Station for the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi.

At Delhi Station, you’ll be met by your driver for a private car transfer to your hotel.

Approximate travel time and distance: 7 hrs 20 mins, 345 kms

Accommodation: Hotel Suryaa, New Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an opportunity to explore the historical city of Delhi with a full sightseeing tour packed with iconic places to discover.

Your tour will include a visit to the wide avenues of New Delhi where you will see Lutyen’s Delhi, an area designed and built by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens during the period of the British Raj. You will also see Redfort Parliament House, Rashtrapathi Bhawan and the India Gate memorial.  This is followed by a visit to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India and Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi

Later you’ll visit the impressive tomb of Humayan and Qutab Minar and experience a traditional rickshaw ride through the bustling and vibrant streets of Chandani Chowk, Old Delhi.

Accommodation: Hotel Suryaa, New Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your adventure continues to Agra, famous for the Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Mughal architecture. The journey takes about 3 – 4 hours on India’s busy roads.

In the afternoon you can explore Agra Fort, another impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site which was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638.

This is followed by a visit to Mehtab Bhag, the Mughal Park on the other side of River Yamuna to enjoy beautiful views of the Taj Mahal during sunset

When arranging your dates please be aware that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours, 230 km

Accommodation: Taj Hotel & Convention Centre Agra

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning offers a real highlight with a sunrise visit to the iconic Taj Mahal.

You’ll then travel to Jaipur on a journey which in total takes about 6 hours. It includes a stop en route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which dates back to the 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri is a magnificent fortified ancient city, which was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire.

Jaipur which is also known as the ‘Pink City’ is one of India’s best-loved destinations and is home to wonderful cultural and historic sites, as well as the film ‘The Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

Approximate travel time and distance: 4 hours 18 minutes, 240 km

Accommodation: Holiday Inn, Jaipur City Centre

Meals included: Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, there’s plenty to see today on a full-day tour of Jaipur. It starts with a morning visit to the impressive Amer Fort with a fully-escorted guided tour.

Then in the afternoon, the sights of Jaipur including the City Palace, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar Mantar (an observatory housing the world’s largest sundial) and the Museum are all waiting to be explored.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn, Jaipur City Centre, Jaipur

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning is at your leisure and a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs in the busy bazaars of Jaipur.

After lunch, you will then be taken back to Delhi for an overnight stay, prior to catching your flight the following day. This journey normally takes about 5 hours.

If however, you wish to extend your holiday with a visit to South India or a beach extension we can transfer you to Jaipur Airport for your internal flight.

Approximate travel time and distance: 5 hours, 235 km

Accommodation: Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

In plenty of time, you will be transferred to Delhi International airport to board your return flight.

If you have a little more time and fancy exploring another area of India such as the beautiful backwaters of Kerala, or you may wish to relax on a beach in Goa or on a riverboat cruise, please let the team know as this can easily be arranged.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing & Inclusions

Price guide for this 13 day Golden Triangle, Amritsar and Shimla Tour is:

• £2290 in low season (May – September inclusive)
• £2590 in high season (October – April inclusive)

The prices do not include flights.

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid-December to mid-January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included in this Golden Triangle, Amritsar and Shimla Tour are the following:

• Authentic India Tours meet & greet assistance on arrival
• All transfers and sightseeing tours using an air-conditioned car with a private chauffeur
• Accommodation for 12 nights on twin sharing basis. The properties are used regularly for our discerning clients and are tried and trusted. All have en suite facilities.
• Standard category rooms at all hotels unless otherwise mentioned
• Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast
• English speaking guide for sightseeing tour
• All train tickets as per the itinerary.
• Entrances at all national parks, museums and monuments as per the itinerary
• Mineral water on all days of travel

Price does not include:

• International flight tickets
• Travel insurance & Visas
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
• Meals other than those mentioned in the above meal plan
• Camera & video fees at national parks, museums & monuments

The prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Shimla tour is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.