Taj and Raj - 12 Days
Taj and Raj - 12 Days
Taj and Raj - 12 Days
12 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur, Shimla
Tour operator:
Tour code:
200/TAR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16 + if accompanied by an adult.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Explore Delhi, the Pink City of Jaipur and the legendary Taj Mahal in Agra and discover the lofty peaks and breathtaking views of Shimla, India's largest hill station and the former summer capital of British India. Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Saturday. Welcome to Delhi! On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India’s capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
Day 2: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delhi - Agra. This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb and Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King’s Way’ and see the famous India Gate monument.
This afternoon, we will drive to Agra. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a group Namaste dinner for departures in 2024. Please note there is no dinner included for departures in 2025.
Day 3: Agra
Location: Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll visit the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most renowned monument. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century as a tribute to his beloved wife, this iconic white marble mausoleum is an unparalleled symbol of love and devotion, standing as one of the most extraordinary architectural masterpieces in the world. Be sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime experience with plenty of photos!
Following our visit to the Taj Mahal, we’ll journey to the impressive Agra Fort. This massive red sandstone fortress houses some of India's most exquisite Mughal buildings, all safeguarded behind its towering fortified walls. It’s a site rich with history and grandeur, offering a fascinating glimpse into the Mughal era.
Day 4: Karauli
Location: Karauli
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Karauli or Dholpur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Agra - Karauli/Dholpur. This morning we journey to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route.
In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer).
Please note: Lunch will be included in 2024. Please note there is no lunch included for departures in 2025, instead you will have time to enjoy lunch at your own expense.
Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Karauli/Dholpur - Jaipur. This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur. On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments.
Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaipur.Early this morning why not experience an optional hot-air balloon ride (booked and paid locally, see trip notes for further information). Later, enjoy a jeep ride to Amber Fort for a guided tour and visit a cotton weaving house for an authentic demonstration of fabric dyeing. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, why not opt to explore the Johari Bazaar in the Old Pink City.
Day 7: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaipur - Delhi. This morning we drive back to Delhi where you’re free to explore the city as you please. Perhaps visit the striking Akshardham, which is the largest Hindu temple in the world.
Day 8: Shimla
Location: Shimla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delhi - Kalka - Dharampur - Shimla. Rise early this morning as we board the Shatabdi Express train to Kalka. You then transfer independently to the Himalayan Queen Toy Train for a unique experience to Dharampur. The 33km journey sees us travel along narrow twists and turns, through scenic countryside and numerous tunnels. Pass through forests, over bridges and stop at old, traditional stations. Arriving into Dharampur we complete the journey to our hotel in Shimla by road, where the evening is at leisure.
Day 9-10: Shimla
Location: Shimla
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend the next 2 days in Shimla. Today we explore the city of Shimla, located 2,100m above sea level at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. Explore the famous main street - The Mall, which is lined with stately English homes and has a distinctly British feel. We also discover the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British Viceroy of India. Stroll down narrow streets and explore colourful bazaars in this scenic city, surrounded by the beautiful valley and the towering mountains. The next day is spent at leisure in Shimla.
Day 10 offers free time for you to independently explore Shimla. You can stroll around the mall, take in the snow-capped panoramic surrounds, or drop by the colourful Lakkar Baazar.
Day 11: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Shimla - Chandigarh - Delhi. Say goodbye to Shimla as we travel to the modern city of Chandigarh for a guided tour. See highlights of the city including the famous Rock Garden. A completely unique and innovative creation, the Rock Garden is a collection of over 2,000 sculptures created over 20 years from a collection of concrete, steel drums, old bicycle frames and broken sinks. If time permits visit the Rose Garden - Asia’s largest botanical garden and home to 1,500 species of roses and also stroll along the shore of the man-made Sukhna Lake. This afternoon we take the train back to Delhi. Upon arrival into Delhi, you'll be met and transferred to our hotel.
Day 12: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wednesday. Our Indian adventure comes to an end today. A departure transfer is included today for departures in 2024. If you are travelling in 2025 this can be booked for an additional supplement if required.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 - 4 star & heritage hotels -
Breakfast daily and 1 dinner
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11 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels
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Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Karauli or Dholpur, Shimla and Chandigarh
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Narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Train journey from Kalka to Dharampur
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Travel by jeep to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur
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Entrance fees to museums in Shimla
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2 train journeys: Delhi to Kalka and Chandigarh to Delhi (air-conditioned chair class)
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Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)
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Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (For departures in 2024 a departure airport transfer is provided on day 12)
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
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Entrance Fees: USD$75-85pp, paid in local currency
Age Policy
15 + if accompanied by an adult.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
24
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 11
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
3 - 4 star
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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