Golden Triangle with Shimla Tour

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

Welcome, on your arrival at Delhi. You will be greeted by Optima Travels representative and transferred to the pre-booked hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2

Delhi tour

After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour to explore Delhi. Delhi, the capital of India with 20 million inhabitants, is a metropolitan city, divided into two segments from traveler’s perspective - old Delhi and New Delhi, the new city founded by the English. Delhi extends on the right bank of the Yamuna. The old town is characterized by an intricate network of lanes clustered around the main axis comprising Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India's largest masque in the heart of Old Delhi. Explore old Delhi by visiting Mughal monuments. Other monuments on chart of sightseeing are Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Akshardham Temple , Qutub Minar, Qutub Minar 72 meters high minaret. Take a scenic tour of the city to see the government buildings up to the impressive India Gate , You will have opportunity to see the parliament en route.

Later in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 3

Delhi – Jaipur

After early breakfast in Delhi hotel, depart for Jaipur, the capital city of desert state of Rajasthan. Because of the rose (pink) –painted walls & gates of the enclosure, Jaipur is nicknamed Pink City of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the "city of Jai" bears the name of its founder, the astronomer prince Maharaja Jai Singh II who designed and built the city in 1727 AD. The northern landscape is characterized by a chain of hills with ancient fortifications on top of them. On arrival at Jaipur, you will be directly transferred to pre-booked hotel. Post-lunch, proceed on a guided tour of Jaipur that includes sightseeing of City Palace, Jantar Mantar (ancient solar observatory) and Hawa Mahal (palace of winds). In the evening, attend mesmerizing aarti in Govind Dev Ji Temple.

Overnight stay is scheduled in Jaipur.

Day 4

Jaipur tour

After breakfast proceed on a guided tour in & around Jaipur. The first destination outside the city is Amber, site of several historical monuments like Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jagat Shriromani Temple, Amber Fort is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Built in 16th century by Raja Man Singh, the fort consists entirely of red sandstone and marble. Within the fort-palace complex, see Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pol. At the foot of the fort, one can enjoy picturesque atmosphere of the village streets and watch remains of many ancient Havelis. An elephant ride from foothill to hilltop, where the main gate of the fort is located, is carried out. It’s an exotic experience. Having explored Amber, return to Jaipur city centre. On the way, stop for few minutes in front of Jal Mahal to capture beautiful pictures of pleasant setting. Have lunch in the city and explore colorful local market.

If you are interested to explore Jaipur further, then, on special request & additional payment, late afternoon, you will be taken to Birla Temple & Chokhi Dhani. Spread over 4 acres of pretty & rustic gardens, Chokhi Dhani is recreated every evening to celebrate Rajasthan's rich and vibrant cultural heritage. Enjoy a traditional meal and enjoy activities such as folk dances, puppet shows, orchestra, ox cart ride or a horse carriage ride.

Overnight stay is scheduled in Jaipur.

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Day 5

Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

After breakfast, drive towards Agra. On the way, visit two historical sites – Abhaneri village & Fatehpur Sikri. Abhaneri, earlier known as Abha Nagari, is home to thousand years old monuments like Chand Baori and Harshat Mata Temple.

Hereinafter, continue your drive to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri. It was the last city built by Akbar and abandoned for lack of water. It is the first planned city of Indo-Islamic architecture built by Mughal ruler Akbar. Akbar, without an heir, used to go to the village of Sikri where a Sufi hermit Salim Chishti lived. The Mughal ruler sought the hermit’s blessings. These visits bore fruit because Akbar ended up having three sons. To give thanks, he decided to build his new capital on the site. Visit the monuments of Fatehpur Sikri: Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, private library, palaces of Mariam, Jodhabai and Birbal; Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza and tomb of Salim Chishti.

On arrival at Agra, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 6

Agra tour – New Delhi

Agra is one of the main cities of the state of Uttar Pradesh & located 200 km from Delhi. The present fortified Agra has imprints of Mughal era. Mammoth construction in Agra started in 1566 by Akbar and continued unabated till the regime of Shah Jahan. Under the reign of Shahjahan (seventeenth century), the splendor of the city reached its peak. Aurangzeb transferred the capital to Delhi. The city was conquered in 1761 AD by the Jats and in 1779 AD by the Marathas. In 1803 AD, it was occupied by the English. It is here you will find the Taj Mahal which is miracle in itself. Today, it is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Taj Mahal looks amazingly beautiful during sunrise. You will be taken to Taj Mahal in dawn hours by Agra tour guide. Visit the Taj Mahal, which by its unsurpassable architectural perfection captivates attention of all and sundry. After visiting Taj Mahal, come back to hotel, refresh and have breakfast. Check out from hotel and visit Agra Fort. Agra Fort of Agra, classified by UNESCO as "World Heritage", is on the banks of River Yamuna in the heart of the city. It reflects Indian architecture under three Mughal rulers: Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Next monument is the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daula, known as the Baby Taj too. Have dinner after sightseeing, explore local market and drive to New Delhi.

On arrival at New Delhi, you will be transferred to the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

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Day 7

New Delhi – Shimla (by Toy Train)

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Delhi railway station to board train for Kalka. On arrival at Kalka, board Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage, for Shilma. About 6 hour journey through 102 tunnels in scenic hilly terrain of the Himalayas is a lifetime memory. The train meanders through panoramic valleys at sleepwalking speed. On arrival at Shimla, check in at pre-booked hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

Day 8

Shimla tour

The whole day is meant for exploring Shimla’s historical & cultural attractions and enjoying pleasant weather and scenic beauty all around. Shimla, a hill resort & capital of Himachal Pradesh, is surrounded by lovely greenery and snow peaked mountains. During colonial rule of the British, Shimla was summer capital of India. Among the prominent and popular places to be visited are Botanical Gardens, the Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Himachal State Museum and Summer Hill. Enjoy a relaxing stroll on the Mall Road in the evening.

Overnight stay is scheduled in Shimla.

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Day 9

Shimla – Kalka (by car) – New Delhi (by train)

Today, drive to the Kalka railway station to board the train to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10

New Delhi – Departure

At the end of Golden Triangle with Shimla Tour, after breakfast, you will be in-time transferred to the airport/ railway station for your onward destination.

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