The Golden Triangle & Shimla

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Delhi with Virgin Atlantic.

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the Le Meridien for 1 night. Visit the Jama Masjid mosque and explore the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. Tour of New Delhi, including a drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence. Welcome dinner at Haveli Dharampura, enjoy a dance performance, and take in views of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid from the upper terrace. 

Visit Humayun’s Tomb, and the Qutb Minar tower. Drive to Agra and stay at the Trident Agra (or similar) for 2 nights. 

Sunrise visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal before exploring the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and Agra Fort. Visit Mehtab Bagh (‘Moonlight Garden’), for sunset over the Taj Mahal. (B, D)

Continue to Jaipur via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri stepwell. En route, enjoy lunch at the lavish Laxmi Vilas Palace. Stay 3 nights at a converted royal hunting lodge, Ramgarh Lodge (or similar). (B, L, D)

Morning visit to Amber Fort and the Anokhi Museum. Afternoon visit to the striking City Palace, home of the present maharajah and the curious Jantar Mantar observatory. (B, D)

A day at leisure to relax. Perhaps explore Jaipur’s bazaars seeking out traditional Indian crafts, including jewellery, silver, and silk. (B, D)

Explore the Birla Mandir Temple before flying to Chandigarh. Selected as the new capital of Punjab in 1948, Chandigarh was designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier and completed in the early 1960s. Stay for 1 night at the Taj Chandigarh. (B)

Take the early morning Kalka Shimla Express narrow-gauge toy train to Shimla, passing through stunning mountains. Enjoy the panoramic views from the vistadome carriages, which have windows on the ceiling. Stay 3 nights at the WelcomHeritage Elysium Resort & Spa (or similar) in Shimla, the British summer capital during the Raj era. (B, D)

Explore the historic mall and listen to the stories of its many colonial buildings while making your way to the Viceregal Lodge. (B, D)

Day at leisure. Option to explore Shimla on a nature walk from the house where Rudyard Kipling wrote Plain Tales from the Hills to the gallery of a Shimla painter. Alternatively, enjoy afternoon tea at the Oberoi Wildflower Hall, or visit the former princely state of Dhami to spend the day with its noble family, birdwatching and enjoying their stories over lunch. (B, D)

Drive to Chandigarh and connect with the train to Delhi. Stay overnight at the Le Meridien and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)