Taj and Raj - 12 Days

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

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12 Days From

$2095

$1467

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

12 Days Starting and ending in Delhi

Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Jaipur, Shimla

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

200/TAR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

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:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2095 $1467 Operator discount: -$629 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

  • Agra – Discover the legendary Taj Mahal on a guided tour and marvel at this extraordinary monument dedicated to love

  • Shimla – Stroll down the Mall and explore the Viceregal Lodge in this quintessentially British city at the foot of the Himalayas

  • Himalayan Queen Toy Train – Ride the famous journey through picturesque countryside, over bridges and through narrow tunnels to Dharampur

  • Delhi – Explore the highlights of India’s capital including Jama Masjid and the ceremonial Rajpath

  • Karauli or Dholpur – Spend the night at the Maharaja’s Palace Bhanwar Vilas in Karauli or the Raj Niwas Palace in Dholpur

  • Jaipur – Visit the highlights of the Pink City on our tour including the beautiful City Palace and Jantar Mantar space observatory

  • Amber Fort – Take a jeep to this striking 16th century fortress and enjoy the pretty lakeside views

Places You'll See

Delhi

Jaipur

Agra

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Accommodation
    3 - 4 star & heritage hotels

  • Breakfast daily and 1 dinner

  • 11 nights 3-4 star and heritage hotels

  • Guided sightseeing - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Karauli or Dholpur, Shimla and Chandigarh

  • Narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Train journey from Kalka to Dharampur

  • Travel by jeep to beautiful Amber Fort in Jaipur

  • Entrance fees to museums in Shimla

  • 2 train journeys: Delhi to Kalka and Chandigarh to Delhi (air-conditioned chair class)

  • Escorted by an English-speaking Indian tour guide (for groups of 4 or more)

  • Services of English-speaking Indian specialist guides at some sites

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (For departures in 2024 a departure airport transfer is provided on day 12)

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$4-7 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

  • Entrance Fees: USD$75-85pp, paid in local currency

Age Policy

15 + if accompanied by an adult.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    24

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 11

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 - 4 star

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Gabi Jeffery  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

04-Sep-2018

Our tour was amazing, everything went to plan and our guide was an absolute legend. His knowledge and passion about his country gave us all an intimate insight into the history up to present day and what the future holds for India, I feel privileged to have shared this experience with our group and Yusuf was the best leader ever .

Susan Palmer  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

08-Apr-2017

First time with On the Go. Caroline in the booking office was extremely efficient and helpful. We were very well looked after during our tour and with transfers. The tour was interesting although a couple of the local guides spoke very softly. Our guides in Shimla and the main guide of the rest of the tour were excellent. Hotels were very good.

Alex Berger  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

13-May-2024

Our guide Yusuf was excellent and can’t be praised enough. He always went the extra mile for us. The tour was well organised and everything was clear

Joe Mackay  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

10-Sep-2018

Hi , Just wanted to provide some feed back from our recent tour. It was certainly a trip of the life time for both me and my wife. One of those ‘buck list’ opportunities that went off without a hitch. We'd enjoyed all of the tour immensely. But the star was certainly the Tour Director. Two thumbs up to Jusuf. The whole trip was very well organized and managed by Jusuf, from the very first minute I'd met him in Delhi to sadly the end of our trip. In all he took extremely good care of all of us on the trip – he was very professional, highly informative, kept us entertained with jokes and shared his personal life experiences that touched us all. He left us with an unforgettable memory. A big Thank You Jusuf. He would have to be one of the best tours guide I have ever meet travelling in the last ten years. His caring nature made us all feel safe in the hassle and bustle that is India. Also special thanks to his support team along the way, they also made us feel safe to allow us to enjoy the tour. Special mention all to our ‘Welcome Director’ Raj. What a nice and caring guy. I look forward to my next trip with On the Go Tours in Egypt.

Robert Adey  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

18-Oct-2018

OTG organisation throughout the trip was first class with no problems being experienced. Accommodation was varied and excellent in most cases. As for our guide if you had a 7 star category he would get this. Jusuf is a fantastic asset to OTG. The overall experience was amazing and will stay with us for years to come.

Shannon Thieroff  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

12-Dec-2017

Our guide was awesome. He took special careful of my sister who has food allergies and made sure she was ok. He was patient and organized and calm and polite as well as knowledgeable. We arrived into Delhi at 2:30 am because of a flight delay and had to go to shimla at 5:30 am. Shimla is cool but getting there is brutal. 4 hour train and then the toy train which is a neat concept but 100% uncomfortable. And took 2 hours longer than expected. If there were a way to limit the toy train ride to an hour or two that would be a lot better.

Laura Wainwright  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

27-Feb-2017

I opted to tour with On The Go again after a previous successful trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2014 and I was not disappointed. The tour had two separate sections, it began with a trip to Shimla on trains with a smaller group of 4 - Anu was a wonderful tour guide. We then travelled back to Delhi to meet the rest of our group for the remainder of our trip and our new guide, Vansh. 38 people were booked on this trip so they split into two groups - much nicer group size and a lot more manageable for all. Vansh was very organised, informative and a truly friendly, humorous and approachable guide. My only slight niggle about the tour I personally would've preferred some more free time to explore independently but all-in-all I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would certainly book through OTG again in the future.

Steve Beresford  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

19-Sep-2018

Excellent tour informative active and enjoyable.

Christine Hawke  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

08-Oct-2024

We enjoyed our time in India. The availability of bottled water on the bus was a BONUS! The Park Inn in Delhi was disappointing. A number of issues each stay - we spent 3 separate bookings here. Phone that didn't work on arrival - had to go down to reception after we finally arrived and were ready to collapse - not insurmountable but not ideal! Poor performance of air conditioning in first stay and then we were returned to this room on our second stay! Crack in the bathroom basin which resulted in water leaking onto bathroom floor. But the final 2 nights were the worst. We asked, before we went to Shimla, to be in a different room on our return. Great air con, phone didn't work and the shower was constructed so that the water ran straight out onto the bathroom floor! Pool was lovely and not used by other guests so it was great! Shimla Add-On tour was fantastic! Great guide, excellent driver, beautiful setting, plenty to do at 2500m high! So glad we did that although the final day was really time wasting. Would have been happy to leave Shimla later as the walk by the lake /lunch plus the Rock Garden were overkill. One but not the other! Totally in awe of the Taj Mahal naturally and also the optional jeep sunset drive in Jaipur. So glad we went. Now to look for our next tour! Somewhere not so humid ha ha .

Jessica Lazarus  

Taj and Raj - 12 Days

07-May-2018

Really enjoyed the trip, well organised and good value for the money spent.

Read all 20 reviews

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Prices last published on 23-Nov-2024

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  • Low Deposit

    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.

  • 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.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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