Fly rail holiday featuring India’s famous Toy Train

We depart London on our overnight flight to Delhi, arriving late morning on Day 2. On arrival we transfer to the 5-star Claridges Hotel. This elegant hotel has been a city landmark since the 1950s and is ideally located within walking distance of many of the city's shopping districts, cultural centres and historical landmarks.

Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi is one of India's most colourful and exciting metropolises. A major cultural, political and commercial centre, the old and new cities exist harmoniously together. Today we embark upon an enlightening sightseeing tour visiting the monuments, temples, ancient streets, and colourful markets of Old Delhi. We explore the wide, leafy avenues and admire the impressive British colonial architecture of New Delhi. Our tour includes India Gate,  war memorial with some resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe, and the grandiose Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president. We also visit Jama Masjib, India's largest mosque, and the imposing Red Fort, constructed by the Moghuls in the 17th century.

Today, we leave Delhi on board the Shatabdi Express for a journey north to Kalka. On our arrival we change for the narrow-gauge Toy Train, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and continue on through beautiful valleys and hills to the colonial town of Shimla. Affectionately known as the 'Queen of the Hills', Shimla is nestled in the heart of the Himalayan foothills. In the mid-19th century the town was chosen as the summer capital of the British Raj. Today the colonial heritage is preserved in the town's architecture. Our base for the next three nights is the beautiful 5-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel. Very much part of Shimla's colonial history the hotel's rooms, which are built around a beautiful atrium, offer splendid views of the surrounding mountain ranges and pine forests.

We begin our exploration of Shimla with a sightseeing tour. Whilst the main streets are on the level ridges, many of the town's houses are sprinkled colourfully across the steep mountainsides. Our journey takes us to the Viceregal Lodge, a majestic, grey-hued structure ringed by tall pines. The 19th century Elizabethan-style mansion was the summer seat of the viceroys until the 1940s and is the only building to occupy a hill by itself. Our afternoon is taken at a gentle pace. A leisurely stroll along the Mall takes us past the town's Gaiety Theatre, the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and Scandal Point, the town's popular social meeting place.

Your day is free for you to spend as you wish. Perhaps indulge in a shopping expedition to Shimla's exciting bazaars or visit the State Museum, housed in a colonial mansion and home to a collection of traditional and contemporary art. Maybe you would like to hike up to Jakhu Temple, now home to wild monkeys and situated on Shimla's highest peak offering panoramic views over the Himalayan Ranges. Alternatively enjoy a picnic on Prospect Hill and admire the view of the southern side of Shimla.

We depart Shimla in the morning by Toy Train for the journey back down the mountains through stunning landscapes, tunnels and lush green valleys. This narrow-gauge train has an average speed of 16-19mph (25-30kph) allowing us time to enjoy the full splendour of the passing scenery as we journey to Kalka. Here we join the Shatabdi Express to Delhi where we spend another night at The Claridges Hotel.

We join the southbound Shatabdi Express early this morning to Agra. On arrival we visit Agra's imposing Red Fort, originating from the 15th century and considered India's most important fortification. Built on a hill above Agra, its centerpiece is a tower with a marble balcony where legend tells that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days imprisoned overlooking the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We then travel across the city to the Taj Mahal itself, considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, combining elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. We transfer to the 5-star Mughal Sheraton for the night.

We depart Agra by coach along the newly built Agra to Jaipur highway. Our first stop is at Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved ancient red sandstone city built in the 16th century as India's political capital, but abandoned shortly afterwards due to lack of water. We enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant before continuing our journey north to the Pink City of Jaipur, close to the Thar desert. We spend the next three nights at the 5-star Sheraton Rajputana Palace.

We begin our stay in Jaipur with a tour of the city, including a visit to the City Palace, the astronomical observatory and the colourful market. Jaipur is also home to the red and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, which was originally built in the bustling centre of Jaipur for Royal ladies to overlook the city without being seen. The opulent City Palace is still home to the Maharaja of Jaipur. In the afternoon you are free to relax or continue exploring the city at your own pace.

Today we travel to the Amber Fort, passing the Jal Mahal water palace built in the centre of a lake on the city's outskirts. It may be possible to reach the Amber Fort by elephant. Located high on a hillside, the fort's imposing façade is contrasted by the intricate and beautiful interior. We then pay a visit to the wonderful Palace of the Winds. The red and pink sandstone Palace was originally built in the centre of Jaipur for royal ladies to overlook the city without being seen. Ascending high above Jaipur we then visit the Jaigarh Fort, the original Amber Fort which offers stunning views of the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range.

This morning is free for you to further explore this wonderful city, take advantage of the hotel's many facilities or relax in the extensive grounds. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, a small textile museum dedicated to this ancient craft of hand block painting, or Jawahar Kala Kendra, an arts and crafts centre, it was built in 1986 to provide space to the cultural and spiritual values of India and display the rich craft heritage. Alternatively take a rickshaw to the Monkey Temple (Galwar Bagh). After lunch we travel by coach back to Delhi, where we enjoy a farewell dinner and spend our last night at the 5-star Claridges Hotel.

We transfer mid-morning to Delhi Airport for our return flight to London, arriving late afternoon.

All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.

Can there be a more civilised way to travel than by rail?

Viewing an ever-changing landscape from the comfort of your seat is surely the finest way to travel. When travelling by train, your journey is an integral and delightful part of your holiday experience. What you see from your seat is as much part of the holiday as arriving at the destination.

The Shatabdi Express trains are some of the fastest in India and are the pride of Indian Railways. Fully air conditioned and of a far superior standard to most Indian trains, the Shatabdi Express apparently always arrives at the best platform a station has! The average speed on most lines is 68mph (110km/h) although the service between Agra and Delhi can reach speeds of 80mph (130km/h). During our journeys on the Shatabdi Express we travel in air conditioned Chair Class. Complimentary snacks, meals and beverages are generally provided during the journey.

PLEASE NOTE:
The Shatabdi Express service between Jaipur and Delhi will cease operating Wednesdays from 1 April 2010. All Golden Triangle tours scheduled to use this service in 2010 will make this journey by coach after 1 April. Tours in 2011 will not be affected by the schedule changes. Please see the tour itinerary for details.

We travel on the narrow gauge Toy Train between Kalka and Shimla and on some tours we travel in the exclusive Shivalik and Heritage carriages. The 60-mile (96.5km) line was opened in 1903 to connect Shimla with the rest of the Indian rail network and it has been carrying passengers ever since on the wonderful journey up into the mountains. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008, the railway itself is a marvel of engineering, travelling from the Shivalik foothills through 102 tunnels, over 864 bridges and around 919 curves. During the climb up to Shimla on a gradient of 1 in 33, we have time to soak up the awe-inspiring, panoramic views of the Himalayas, making stops at stations such as Dharampur, Kandaghat and Summerhill on the way.

Our hotels have been chosen based on their location, the facilities and value for money. Where possible we select hotels with individual style and character, preferably run by local families as we find this gives our hotels a friendlier, more personal feel. We have worked with many of our hotels for over a decade.

The 5-star ITC Mughal in Agra is set in 35 acres of gardens close to the city centre and the Taj Mahal. Part of the Sheraton group, this modern hotel has four restaurants serving a selection of Indian, Oriental and international cuisine, as well as a lobby bar which offers a selection of drinks and light snacks.

The ITC Mughal also boasts the largest spa in India, covering 99,000 square feet. Facilities within the spa include a heated outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, state-of-the-art fitness centre, beauty parlour, outdoor rain showers, yoga gardens and a Hamam. A range of holistic therapies and treatments are available. (Please note: fees for use of the spa and treatments are payable locally.)

The modern, recently-renovated rooms are air conditioned and feature a telephone, television, radio and coffee maker. Many of the rooms have a garden view.

A Delhi landmark since the 1950s, The 5-star Claridges hotel is set in three acres of land in the diplomatic area of the city, a short taxi ride from the shopping and cultural centres and historical landmarks. The hotel is a blend of classic and contemporary styles and has a beauty parlour, swimming pool, health club and tennis courts, as well as a number of restaurants and bars. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with all modern amenities including a minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, telephone and a television.

The 5-star Sheraton Rajputana Palace Hotel is located 500 metres from the bustling centre of Jaipur and combines modern rooms and excellent amenities with architecture influenced by Rajasthan's history. The hotel has two restaurants offering a selection of Tandoori and international cuisine, a coffee shop and bar - both of which serve light meals and snacks. Leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and a beauty salon (pay locally). Rooms are air conditioned and have a telephone, television, radio, minibar and a coffee maker.

The wonderful 5-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel in Shimla is reminiscent of a bygone era, a celebration of colonial elegance and grace. Restored to its original grandeur with wooden floors and period furniture it boasts fabulous views of the mountains and valleys. A heated swimming pool, billiards rooms and many opportunities for nature walks, make this luxury resort an all season destination. Rooms include satellite television, air conditioning, telephone, minibar, hairdryer and a safe.

British Citizens require a visa to enter India. Please see the Visa section of 'Things You Should Know' for further details.

• Scheduled flights London to Delhi and return in Economy Class
• Rail travel in India in air conditioned Chair Class on the Shatabdi Express and one class only on the Toy Train 
• 11 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day
• 10 dinners and 1 packed dinner, 3 lunches and 1 packed lunch
• All excursions with local guide as described in the itinerary
• Services of your Tour Manager throughout
• Luggage handling in India
• Transfers in India
• Flight taxes and charges
• Single room prices include the supplement for single accommodation throughout: £695 (Apr and Sep), £795 (Oct and Nov)

• Cancellation, medical & travel insurance: from £86
• India entry visa
• Airport departure tax 1300 rupees (approx £17.50)

Make even more of your holiday with some of these upgrades designed to make your holiday even easier. 

Extend your holiday by making alternative flight arrangements. Please call us to discuss your ideas and requirements.

Flight upgrades are available. Please see the information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use in the Add-ons section of 'Things you should know' or call us for details.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to London to join your holiday. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes. Detailed below are our specially negotiated Standard Class off-peak return prices to London, based on your county of departure. Prices to non-London joining point (ie Edinburgh, Torquay and Holyhead) and prices for First Class travel are also available - please ask us for a quotation.

Prices are per person and are subject to change without notice.

We are able to book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport for the night before your holiday. The hotels listed below are some of the more popular hotels our customers book, others available on request.

Prices are based on 2 sharing a twin room in May 2009, subject to availability. Prices may change without prior notice. Booking conditions apply.

This page was printed from www.greatrail.com/tours/indias-golden-triangle-2010.aspx on 11 September 2010.
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