India's Golden Triangle, & Shimla Toy Train

Your adventure begins as we fly to Delhi, the gateway to the unforgettable India Golden Triangle. Over the coming days, discover the vibrant cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, before experiencing one of India's most scenic train journeys to the charming hill station of Shimla.
 

Welcome to Delhi, where we're met by our local guide and begin our journey through India's vibrant capital. Depending on our arrival time, we either start exploring today or begin sightseeing the following morning. Discover the impressive Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, before visiting the elegant Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent example of early Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Please note:

 Pending our flight times this excursion may be the following day. 

Please advise full passport details at time of booking for your Shimla train tickets.

After a day of travel and sightseeing, the rest of the day is free to relax and take things at a gentle pace. Later, we gather for dinner at our hotel, a good chance to unwind and get to know one another.

Please note:

Breakfast is included each day of our stay in India.  

Evening meals are included for 12 nights including a special cooking demonstration in Jaipur, where we enjoy dinner and learn how to prepare some traditional Indian dishes, plus one light snack on the train to Delhi from Shimla and a local lunch in Shimla.

Let's discover the sights and sounds of Old Delhi with a traditional cycle rickshaw ride through its bustling streets. Visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, pass the impressive Jama Masjid, and experience the welcoming atmosphere of Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple.

Later, we journey to Jaipur, Rajasthan's famous Pink City. Relax and enjoy the changing scenery as the vibrant city gives way to the colourful landscapes of rural Rajasthan.
 

Welcome to Jaipur, Rajasthan's captivating Pink City, where we spend the next three nights. After our journey, there's time to settle into our hotel, relax, and soak up the atmosphere before our next adventures begin.
 

Discover the royal splendour of Jaipur as we explore its most iconic landmarks. Visit the magnificent City Palace Museum, admire the remarkable astronomical instruments at the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the beautiful honeycomb façade of the famous Hawa Mahal, the iconic Palace of Winds.

This evening, enjoy a traditional cookery demonstration. Discover the flavours of authentic Indian cuisine, watch freshly made breads being prepared, and share a delicious home-cooked dinner with your fellow travellers.

Let's discover the magnificent Amber Fort, overlooking the tranquil Maota Lake. Travel by jeep to the fort entrance before exploring this impressive hilltop fortress. Afterwards, enjoy a gentle walk through Amber Village, where there's an opportunity to experience everyday life and meet local people. We then return to our hotel for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax at leisure.

Enjoy an evening drive through Jaipur’s illuminated highlights, including Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Jal Mahal on Amer Road, and panoramic night views from Nahargarh Fort. We also pass the brightly lit Amer Fort gates before returning to the hotel.
The tour runs in open jeeps with four to five guests per vehicle and is a relaxed, enjoyable night experience
 

Minimum numbers apply for this tour to run.

2026 this tour is bookable locally. 2027 this tour is prebook able and bookable locally, subject to availability.

This morning, we depart Jaipur for Dholpur, travelling approximately 280 kilometres, with a scenic stop en route to visit the impressive Chand Baori Stepwell, allegedly one of the world's largest and deepest step wells, in the village of Abhaneri.  The journey takes around six hours, with comfort stops along the way.

On arrival in Dholpur, we check in to our hotel for a two-night stay. Relax and unwind after the days journey.

This morning, we explore the magnificent Gwalior Fort, one of India's most impressive hilltop fortresses, where panoramic views stretch across the surrounding countryside. We then visit the elegant Gujari Mahal Museum, originally built for Princess Mrignayani and now home to a fascinating collection of historic treasures. The afternoon is yours to relax at the hotel or enjoy some free time at leisure.

Our journey continues towards Agra, travelling through the rural landscapes of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where colourful villages, fertile farmland and peaceful countryside offer a glimpse of everyday life in India. Along the way, we visit the sacred Machkund Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, before exploring the remarkable Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary former Mughal capital is one of India's finest examples of Mughal architecture.

We have arrived in Agra! The day is not over, let's relax with a refreshing cup of tea while enjoying  views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. On a clear day, the setting sun casts a warm golden glow over this iconic monument, providing the perfect end to the day.

We may our way to our hotel and settle in for the evening. We have a very early start tomorrow for one of the world wonders!

Rise early for a true bucket-list experience as we witness sunrise at the Taj Mahal. Bathed in the soft morning light, this iconic monument reveals its timeless beauty, making it easy to see why it's one of the world's most celebrated landmarks. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is the crowning jewel of the India Golden Triangle.

Later, we explore the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive Mughal architecture. From its historic walls, enjoy sweeping views of the Yamuna River and the distant Taj Mahal, bringing another unforgettable chapter of our journey through Agra to a close.

Please note:

The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. This excursion may change to sunset due to operational reasons.

Today we bid farewell to Agra and travel by coach to Delhi, India's vibrant capital, on a journey of approximately five hours (237 km) with comfort stops along the way. Sit back, relax and enjoy the changing scenery of northern India, from rural villages and farmland to bustling towns, or simply unwind with a podcast or audiobook as we continue our Golden Triangle adventure.

We have arrived in Delhi. Enjoy your last evening at leisure in your hotel, stretch your legs after a day of travel by coach, tomorrow we set off on a new adventure!

Tonight let's gather together and have dinner in our hotel and say our final farewell to our new found friends.

An early start sees us transfer to Delhi Railway Station to board the Kalka Shatabdi Express for our scenic rail journey to Chandigarh (approximately 3 and a half hours). Sit back and relax as we travel through the ever-changing landscapes of northern India, passing rural villages, farmland and bustling towns.

On arrival in Chandigarh, we meet our coach for the approximately four-hour drive into the Himalayan foothills and the famous hill station of Shimla. As the road climbs, enjoy sweeping mountain views, lush green valleys and the cooler climate before arriving at our hotel.

Now it's time to unpack and settle in for the next three nights in beautiful Shimla. Dinner is included this evening.

*Please note that your extension to Shimla is based on an individual rather than a big group format.

Dinner is included at your hotel for the three night stay in Shimla. 

Discover the heritage and mountain charm of Shimla on a guided walking tour. Set amongst the Himalayan foothills at 2,205 metres, this picturesque hill station is renowned for its grand architecture, scenic mountain setting and vibrant atmosphere.

Visit highlights including the State Museum and Library, the Vice Regal Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, closed on Sundays), the Victorian Gaiety Theatre, the colourful Mall and the historic Loreto Convent School.

Enjoy free time to discover Shimla at your own pace. Nestled in the Himalayas, this charming hill station is renowned for its cool mountain climate, sweeping views and relaxed atmosphere. Stroll along the lively Mall Road, stop for a cup of authentic Indian chai, browse local shops, or simply soak up the scenery. If you're feeling energetic, take a walk through cedar forests to Jakhoo Temple, home to one of the world's tallest statues of Hanuman and rewarding panoramic views across the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for the famous UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Railway, one of India's most celebrated mountain railways.

Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.

Discover the peaceful beauty of the Mashobra Hills on a guided coach tour through forests, apple orchards and scenic Himalayan landscapes. Visit Talai Meadow before exploring Craignano Nature Park, home to over 500 plant species and its 800-metre Academic Trail. Continue to the Regional Horticultural Research Station, renowned for its heritage apple orchards.

Enjoy a gentle village walk before a traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family, offering an authentic insight into the culture and hospitality of Himachal Pradesh.

Later, return to our hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Relax or head back into Shimla to make the most of your final opportunity to soak up the scenery and mountain charm of this popular Himalayan hill station.

Shimla to Kandaghat Toy Train

Today we board the iconic Himalayan Queen Toy Train on the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Railway for a memorable narrow-gauge rail journey from Shimla to Kandaghat, approximately two hours. Winding through the lower Himalayas, this historic mountain railway passes pine-covered hills, hillside villages, historic tunnels and impressive stone bridges, offering some of northern India's most spectacular scenery.

The heritage Toy Train is simple in style and does not have air conditioning, adding to the authentic charm of this historic rail experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy the slower pace as the scenery unfolds along one of India's most celebrated mountain railways.

Transfer from Kandaghat to Delhi - Coach and Express Train

After a comfort break in Kandaghat, we continue by coach to Kalka Railway Station, a journey of approximately two hours, to board the Kalka Shatabdi Express to Delhi, the journey will take four hours.  Sit back and relax as we travel through the changing landscapes of northern India, with a light snack served on board this evening (included). 

Arriving in Delhi at night we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Today we bid farewell to Delhi as our unforgettable journey through India's Golden Triangle and the Himalayan highlights of Shimla comes to an end. Filled with memories of iconic landmarks, scenic rail journeys and spectacular mountain landscapes, we transfer to Delhi Airport for our flight home.