Arrive at New Delhi International airport. After completing the immigration and customs, proceed towards the arrival hall. Meeting and assistance upon arrival with a traditional welcome of garlanding and transfer to the hotel (the room being held from 1400 hrs).

Overnight in Delhi

After an early breakfast, set off for a quick exploration of Old and New Delhi covering a few highlights of the city. The combined tour of Old and New Delhi includes the visit to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk is one of the liveliest places in Old Delhi which happened to be the imperial avenue where Emperor Shah Jehan rode at the head of the royal parade. Now, Chandni Chowk is full of shops, ateliers and stalls. Later, we explore New Delhi to include the visit to India Gate, built-in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. After this, we will head to New Delhi to visit India Gate which was built as a war memorial for the soldiers who were killed during WW I. Next, we will visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Viceroy’s imperial residence which was built in the 20th century. Today, it is used as Parliament and official residence of the President of India. After exploring this royal building, we will explore the first Mughal garden tomb, Humayun’s Tomb built in the 16th century. This afternoon, departure transfer to Delhi airport to board the flight to the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur. The City of Victory was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well- planned city built from rose-colored terra cotta. Evening, visit Hawa Mahal before participating in the evening prayer ceremony in the Govindji temple. The peaceful transcending end to the day is by a visit to the Govind Devji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the City Palace. It is one of the most followed temples of Jaipur and the royal family is a great devotee of this temple. There is daily aarti (prayer) at different times of which the most spectacular is in the evening.

Overnight in Jaipur

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to the nearby 16th-century hilltop fortress of Amber, ascending the tortuous paved pathway to the fort on a four-wheel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Raja Man Singh began this medieval capital of Rajputs with highly decorated palaces and apartments and was used as a stronghold. When Sawai Jai Singh II became the king, he moved the capital to Jaipur which was newly created. Afternoon, visit the Jantar Mantar and the City Palace. Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by the astronomer king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, consisting mainly of 18 stone instruments that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. It is no longer a working science center but is maintained as a monument by the archeological department and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The City Palace Museum which includes the Mubarak Mahal (The Palace of Reception) that now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk sarees, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and embroidery.

Overnight in Jaipur.

Experience – Cycling In Pink City or Heritage Walk

This morning, after an early breakfast drive to Agra with a stop along the way at the deserted 16-century city of Fatehpur Sikri, the most important artistic center in South Asia in its heyday. After the visit continues the drive to Agra - India’s capital during the 16th and 17th centuries, the city is home to an outstanding collection of Mughal architecture. This evening during the Sunset, visit the long-standing symbol of love and devotion, The Taj Mahal(closed on Friday), was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan in the image of his deceased queen.

Overnight in Agra

This morning repeat visit to the greatest Indian monument of all – The Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) during Sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Late morning visit Agra Fort - on the west end of the Yamuna River, Akbar’s magnificent fort dominates the center of the city. Also, visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, the tomb also referred to as the ‘Baby Taj’, as it was the very first Mughal structure to be built from marble and make extensive use of Pietras. (Room being held till 1200 hrs or Noon hrs) Afternoon drive to Tundla railway station (60 km/about 1.5 hrs), to board the overnight train to Kalka railway station – this is the terminus for the main railhead before the start of the mountain rail journey.

Overnight onboard the train

Arrival at Kalka station during the early morning hours and board the five-hour mountain railway journey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects Indian plains to the Queen of Hills Shimla - spread along the ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivation, it is magnificently robed in dense forests of oak, pine, fir and rhododendron. Originally a small village with a temple to Shamla Devi as its main attraction, the British developed the settlement for its bracing climate and scenic location to make it the summer capital of India for many years. The toy train journey is one of India’s incredible feet covering through a series of tunnels, bridges and curves. Meeting on arrival at Shimla station and transfer to the hotel. (Room will be available at 1400 hrs).

Overnight in Shimla

This morning after a leisurely breakfast we set off to explore this hill town. The visit to the places of interest to include The Mall, Simla's principal promenade which terminates at Scandal Point, from where the views of the Himalayas are unmatched; the Viceregal Lodge, the erstwhile viceroy's residence is today the Institute of Advanced Studies. The Shimla State Museum houses numerous art objects from around India including a priceless collection of paintings.

Overnight in Shimla

This morning after an early breakfast we embark on a long journey along the foothills of the western Himalayas to Rishikesh – a renowned center of Yoga discipline and learning, Rishikesh is dotted with shrines and ashrams, located right on the Bank of Ganga, surrounded on three sides by the Himalayan Ranges. The evening is the time to witness the Aarti ceremony (this happens at a specific time only)

Overnight in Rishikesh

This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we set off to visit the famous temple of Laxman Jhoola, dedicated to Laxman, the brother of Lord Ram, where he is believed to have performed penance. We have the rest of the day at leisure or you could also enjoy the rejuvenation packages.

Overnight in Rishikesh

The morning is at leisure. Later in the afternoon, we drive along the mighty Ganges to explore Haridwar (the closest railhead to Rishikesh). In the evening we board the superfast train Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Meeting and assistance upon arrival Delhi railway station and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Delhi

Today you will be transferred to the airport to board your onward international flight back home taking back fond memories of the trip Mughal Maharajas and Himalayas.