India's Golden Triangle - Solo Traveller & Shimla Train Journey

It is time to begin your Solo Traveller holiday to India. Fly to Delhi, full of anticipation for the remarkable sights, rich culture and memorable experiences awaiting us in India.
 

On arrival in Delhi, we meet our local guide and begin our journey through India's Golden Triangle. 

Depending on our flight times, we either start exploring straight away or begin our sightseeing the following day.

Our half day Delhi tour introduces us to two of the city’s most significant historic landmarks. Our first visit is to the Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret and an extraordinary UNESCO listed monument that has stood for centuries. After, continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning 16th century structure and the final resting place of Emperor Humayun, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

This evening is free to relax and enjoy a slower pace. Later, we come together for dinner at our hotel, a nice opportunity to unwind and get to know one another.

Please note:

Breakfast and  most evening meals are included throughout our thirteen night stay in India. This includes eleven nights of dinners at our hotels, as well as a cooking demonstration in Jaipur, where we enjoy dinner and learn how to prepare some traditional Indian dishes and one light snack on the train from Shimla to Delhi.

Delhi

This morning, we head out to discover the colour, character and energy of Old Delhi. Let's get the morning started with a cycle rickshaw ride through its busy lanes, giving us an up close view of daily life and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

We then visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where an eternal flame marks the site of his cremation. Our tour continues past the impressive Jama Masjid Mosque, (viewed from the outside), before we visit the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple, one of Delhi’s most important places of worship.

Jaipur

In the afternoon, we travel onwards to Jaipur, fondly known as the Pink City. The journey is approximately 270 kilometres and takes around five and a half hours, with comfort stops along the way. Sit back, relax after our action packed morning; enjoy the changing scenery as the city gives way to the countryside.

We have arrived in the jewel of India Jaipur, where we spend three nights. Let's settle in after our journey.

This morning we take in the wonders of some of Jaipur’s most famous landmarks, starting with the City Palace Museum, once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. This impressive complex offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life, with its elegant courtyards, ornate architecture and historic collections.

Next, we explore the UNESCO listed Jantar Mantar, home to nineteen remarkable astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, showcase the city's rich scientific heritage.

Our sightseeing ends with a stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, viewed from the outside. Also known as the Palace of Winds, its distinctive honeycomb façade is one of Jaipur’s most recognisable and photographed landmarks.

The day is not over, in the evening we visit a local family for a cookery demonstration. Let's get together and prepare traditional Indian dishes and freshly made breads, before enjoying a relaxed and enjoyable dinner together as a group.

Let's discover one of Jaipur's gems with a visit to the impressive Amber Fort, perched high above the Maota Lake. We travel by jeep up to the fort entrance, a memorable approach that reflects the grandeur and royal lifestyle of the Maharajas.

Next, we enjoy a gentle walking tour of Amber Village, and take the opportunity to meet local residents and observe daily life in this traditional setting. After we return to our hotel for lunch, with the remainder of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy some time at leisure.

Discover the beauty of Jaipur on an optional excursion 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.
The tour is in  open jeeps with up to four or five people per vehicle, offering a relaxed, illuminated night experience in Jaipur.
 

Minimum numbers apply for this tour to run.

This tour is pre-bookable and bookable locally, subject to availability.

After breakfast, we leave Jaipur and travel onwards to Dholpur, covering a distance of approximately 280 kilometres. Along the way, we take a scenic stop at the masterpiece the Chand Baori Stepwell. This wonder sits in the village of Abhaneri, believed to be one of the largest and deepest stepwells in the world. Today's journey takes around six hours, with comfort stops included.

We have arrived in Dholpur! Let's check in to our hotel for a two night stay. It's time to relax and unwind after the day’s journey.

We set out on a half day guided excursion to the marvellous Gwalior Fort, once regarded as one of the most impregnable fortresses in northern and central India. After, we visit the Gujari Mahal Museum, originally built by Raja Man Singh as a palace for his wife, Princess Mrignayani, who requested a residence of her own befitting her royal status.

This  tour is a highlight for history enthusiasts, offering insight into the grandeur, legends and intrigue of India’s former rulers.

The rest of our afternoon and evening are free to relax at the hotel, it's time to recharge.

This morning, we leave Dholpur for our next destination Agra, let's experience a few more highlights along the way with a visit to the sacred pilgrimage site of Machkund Temple.

Next, we stop to discover the remarkable red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, often referred to as the Ghost City. The journey covers approximately 270 kilometres and takes around three hours, including comfort stops. Built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was created in honour of the revered saint Sheikh Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of Akbar’s three sons. Take in the history and significance of this extraordinary former capital as it is brought back to life on our guided tour.

On arrival in Agra, we enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while taking in beautiful views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. On clear days, the setting sun bathes this iconic monument in a warm golden light, creating a memorable end to the day.

We begin the day very early to see the sunrise over Agra’s most celebrated landmark, the Taj Mahal. The first light of morning softly illuminates the marble, we admire the beauty and elegance of one of the world’s greatest symbols of love. Sunrise provides ideal conditions for photography, with gentle light creating a magical atmosphere around this iconic mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. It is easy to see why the Taj Mahal is considered one of India’s most treasured highlights and one of the diamonds of India.

We then continue with a guided tour of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. This vast red sandstone fortress has played a significant role in the country’s history, including during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. From within the fort, we enjoy views across the Yamuna River, with the Taj Mahal visible in the distance.

Please note:

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

Today we say farewell to Agra and transfer to Delhi by coach, the journey will take approximately five hours  (237 km) with comfort stops. Sit back relax and watch the scenery as we make our way to Delhi. Now is a perfect time to listen to that audio book or podcast. 

We have arrived in Delhi, after our long journey, take time to stretch your legs, recharge as tomorrow we set off on another adventure.

This morning, we set off bright and early for Delhi Railway Station to begin our train journey to Chandigarh. The rail journey takes just over three hours, so it's all aboard as we settle into our seats and depart bustling Delhi.

On arrival in Chandigarh, we meet our coach and continue our journey with a four-hour drive to our hotel in Shimla.

We've arrived! Take in the stunning Himalayan scenery, breathe in the cool, refreshing mountain air, and admire the lush greenery as we discover one of India's most iconic hill stations.

Now it's time to relax and unpack as we settle in for the next three nights in beautiful Shimla.

Dinner is included tonight.

 *Please note that your extension in Cambodia is based on an individual rather than a group format.

Let’s discover the heritage and mountain charm of Shimla on a guided walking tour.

Surrounded by pine-clad hills at 2,205 metres, this picturesque hill station is known for its striking architecture and scenic Himalayan setting. 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 some free time to discover Shimla at your own pace. Perched high in the Himalayan foothills, this charming hill station is loved for its cool mountain climate, sweeping views and relaxed atmosphere. Stroll along the lively Mall Road, stop for a cup of authentic Indian chai in one of the town's welcoming cafés, browse the local shops, or take a walk through cedar forests to Jakhoo Temple, home to one of the world's tallest statues of Hanuman and spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding mountains.

Dinner is included tonight.

Let's discover the peaceful beauty of the Mashobra Hills on a guided coach tour through forests, orchards and spectacular Himalayan scenery. Visit the scenic meadow of Talai before exploring Craignano Nature Park, where woodland is home to over 500 species of plants, an 800-metre Academic Trail and beautifully landscaped gardens. Continue to the Regional Horticultural Research Station, renowned for its heritage apple orchards and collection of temperate fruit trees. Round off the experience with a gentle village walk before enjoying a traditional home-cooked lunch with a local family, offering a wonderful insight into local customs, rural life and the warm hospitality of Himachal Pradesh.

Dinner is included tonight.

This morning, board the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Himalayan Narrow Gauge Railway for a memorable two-hour journey to Kandaghat. Travelling downhill through the lower Himalayas, this iconic rail journey is regarded as one of India's most scenic. While the train is simple in style and does not have air conditioning, it's all part of the authentic experience. Sit back and admire spectacular mountain views, pine-clad hills, charming hillside villages, historic tunnels and impressive stone bridges as the train winds its way through this breath-taking landscape.  

After a leisurely comfort break in Kandaghat, continue by coach to Kalka Railway Station to board your train to Delhi. Relax and enjoy the changing landscapes of northern India on this memorable four-hour rail journey, with a light snack served on board this evening (included). Arriving in Delhi later tonight, we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay, after an unforgettable day of scenic rail travel from Shimla to Delhi.

Today we say farewell to Delhi and our journey through the Golden Triangle and the northern highlights of Shimla. Depart for Delhi Airport for our flights home.