Tigers & the Taj Mahal + Shimla

India's Golden Triangle, comprising Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, is justifiably renowned for its famous historical sights: Delhi's immense Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque); the stunning beauty of Agra's Taj Mahal, the 'pink city' of Jaipur and Amber Fort perched on a hillside overlooking the countryside of Rajasthan.

Essential Experiences:

• Enjoy an early morning visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra
• Explore the 'pink city' of Jaipur
• Take game drives in search of the elusive tiger

The tour: Offering an excellent introduction to this magical and enchanting country, our tour combines the highlights of the Golden Triangle a visit to the Sariska National Park in search of the elusive tiger. After continue to Shimla, former capital of the British Raj.

Accommodation: India offers an incredible range of hotels from budget guesthouses to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. On this tour we offer a choice of accommodation. Our standard tour uses good value 3 star hotels or you can upgrade to our first class tour using 4 star properties (please note due to the lack of suitable options at Sariska and Shimla both tours share the same accommodation).

» Day 1: LONDON TO DELHI
Overnight flight from London to Delhi.

» Day 2: DELHI

On arrival into Delhi transfer to your hotel for a 1 night stay. Rest of your day at leisure. (B)

» Day 3: DELHI TO AGRA

This morning enjoy an introductory tour of Delhi visiting India Gate, Old Delhi, the Jamma Masjidwith Mosque, Red Fort and atmospheric Old Delhi with its busy winding streets full of colourful bazaars. Continue south by road to Agra for a 2 night stay. (B)

» Day 4: AGRA
Early morning visit to the incredible Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. Watch as the white marble changes colours as the sun rises. In the evening we visit the impressive Agra Fort, where Shah Jahan spent the last 7 years of his life, placed under house arrest by his son. (B)

» Day 5: AGRA TO SARISKA

Travel from Agra to Sariska Tiger Reserve, stopping en route at the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Spend 2 nights in a heritage property located just outside the reserve. (B)

» Day 6: SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

This famous tiger reserve has attracted much attention, as the original tiger population was poached to extinction. This prompted a major effort by the Indian government in order to reintroduce tigers and provide suitable protection. There are currently 3 tigers in the reserve, with plans to relocate more in the near future. Other wildlife in the park includes leopards, striped hyenas and sambar deer. Today enjoy morning and evening game drives in the park in search of tigers and other faunas (nb: please note tigers are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed). (B)

» Day 7: SARISKA TO JAIPUR

Continue to Jaipur for 2 nights. Explore the main sights of the city including the Palace of the Winds and Jai Singh’s observatory on our introductory city tour. (B)

» Day 8: JAIPUR & THE AMBER FORT

Morning visit to the beautiful Amber Fort, set on a hilltop overlooking Maota lake and the countryside of Rajasthan. More palace than fort, the architecture combines Hindu and Mughal influences. (B)

» Day 9: JAIPUR TO DELHI

Return to Delhi and overnight. (B)

» Day 10: DELHI TO SHIMLA

Transfer to the station and take the morning Shatabdi Express train to Kalka, where we connect with the narrow gaugue 'toy train' through the foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla for 3 nights . (B)

» Day 11 to Day 12: SHIMLA

Time at leisure to explore the many lanes and walks and take in the beautiful view from along the Mall. Optional tours including a visit to the Viceregal Lodge are available locally. (B)

» Day 12: SHIMLA TO DELHI

Return by road to Kalka and catch the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi for a final night. (B)

» Day 13: DELHI TO LONDON

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London. (B)