Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla
This comprehensive India Golden Triangle Shimla escorted tour offers an incredible look at the diverse landscape, wildlife, and royal heritage of Northern India. This value-focused holiday is designed for travellers who want to experience India’s most iconic landmarks alongside hidden rural gems and the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. Your journey begins in Delhi, a city where centuries of history live side-by-side with modern energy. You will explore the colonial grandeur of New Delhi’s broad avenues and the ancient, bustling heart of Old Delhi, even meeting the inspiring young people of the Salaam Baalak Trust whose lives have been transformed by local community work.
No trip to India would be complete without visiting the Golden Triangle’s crown jewel: the Taj Mahal. You will have the chance to witness this monument to love at sunrise, seeing the white marble change colour in the early light. The tour continues to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and onto the wild plains of Ranthambore. Here, you will take part in two game drives in search of the Bengal tiger. These safaris are led by expert naturalists, giving you the best opportunity to see these majestic cats in their natural habitat, alongside crocodiles, monkeys, and an array of birdlife.
In Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, you will visit the enormous Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal, before heading into the rural heart of Rajasthan. In the village of Alsisar, you will stay in a heritage hotel and walk through streets lined with havelis—grand merchant houses covered in hand-painted frescoes. This provides a peaceful contrast to the earlier city tours and offers a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani life that many tourists miss.
The final part of your adventure takes you into the mountains. After a smooth train ride to Kalka, you will board the legendary narrow-gauge ‘toy train’ to Shimla. This railway is a feat of engineering, passing through over 100 tunnels as it climbs toward the historic hill station. In Shimla, you will stay at the luxurious Oberoi Cecil, an elegant five-star hotel with Burmese teak floors and views across the Himalayas. You will explore the colonial architecture of the Mall Road and the Viceregal Lodge, reflecting on a era when Shimla served as the summer capital of the British Raj. With return flights from Dublin and expert Tour Managers looking after every detail, this is a truly stress-free way to discover the soul of India.
Are flights from Dublin included in the price?
Is the Shimla Toy Train journey included?
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Ranthambore?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Thirteen nights’ accommodation in hand-picked four and five-star hotels
- Breakfast dailys, 4 lunches, and 13 dinners
- Return flights from Dublin to Delhi
- All transfers and local transport by train or coach as described
- Guided tours of New and Old Delhi, Agra, and the Taj Mahal
- Excursion to the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri
- Two game drives in Ranthambore National Park with an expert naturalist
- Jaipur city tour and visit to the Amber Fort
- Guided village walk through rural Rajasthan and Alsisar
- Walking tour of Shimla and journey on the ‘toy train’
- Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
- The services of an expert Riviera Travel Tour Manager
Itinerary
1Departure+
Your journey begins with a flight from Dublin to Delhi, where you will prepare for an incredible exploration of Northern India.
2Arrival in New Delhi+
Upon arrival, transfer to the five-star Le Meridien Hotel. Later, enjoy a guided tour of New Delhi, featuring the colonial grandeur of the Rajpath, India Gate, and the historic Qutub Minar, the tallest stone-built tower in the country.
3Old Delhi+
Explore the vibrant history of Old Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple. Experience the city's heart on a walking tour with the Salaam Baalak Trust followed by a traditional rickshaw ride through bustling bazaars.
4Taj Mahal at Sunrise - An India Golden Triangle Shimla Highlight+
Witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise as the morning light bathes the white marble in gold. Later, visit the imposing Agra Fort and the serene Mehtab Bagh gardens for a different perspective of the Taj Mahal, followed by a visit to the jewel-like 'Baby Taj' tomb.
5Fatehpur Sikri+
Visit the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, perfectly preserved in red sandstone. After a regal lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace, board the express train to Ranthambore National Park, a premier sanctuary for the Bengal tiger.
6Ranthambore Game Drive+
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in open-top vehicles. In the company of a local naturalist, search for the elusive Bengal tiger, sambar deer, sloth bears, and marsh crocodiles while learning about vital conservation efforts.
7Jaipur+
Travel to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. See the honeycomb facade of the Hawa Mahal, the 18th-century Astronomical Observatory, and the City Palace, which houses a remarkable collection of royal costumes and historic armoury.
8Amber Fort+
Perched on a rugged hillside, the Amber Fort is a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. Explore its ornate halls and the dazzling Sheesh Mahal, where thousands of tiny mirrors reflect the light like a starlit sky.
9Rajasthan Rural Charm+
Head into rural Rajasthan to Alsisar in the Sekhawati region. Take a guided stroll to admire the opulent havelis, grand mansions adorned with intricate frescoes that form the world’s largest open-air art gallery.
10New Delhi Return+
Journey back to Delhi for a final night at the luxurious Le Meridien Hotel, where you can relax and enjoy an included dinner.
11Train to Shimla+
Board the express train to Kalka before switching to the charming narrow-gauge 'toy' train. This historic railway winds through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges on its way to the cool hills of Shimla.
12Shimla Colonial Past+
Visit the Scottish Baronial-style Viceregal Lodge and stroll along the pedestrian-only Mall Road. Discover Scandal Point, the Town Hall, and eclectic markets known for handmade pashmina shawls.
13Free Day in Shimla+
Enjoy a full day of leisure. Unwind in the hotel’s pool and spa, explore the surrounding teak forests, or take a short trek into the hills to connect with the natural landscape.
14Train to Delhi+
Descend from the mountains by car to Chandigarh station for your return train journey to Delhi, spending one final night in the capital at a luxurious five-star hotel.
15Return Home+
Say goodbye to India as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dublin.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 Apr 2027 | Twin | €3,989 | Enquire Now |
| 30 Sep 2027 | Twin | €3,939 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Oct 2027 | Twin | €3,939 | Enquire Now |
| 08 Nov 2027 | Twin | €3,939 | Enquire Now |
| 25 Nov 2027 | Twin | €4,279 | Enquire Now |
| 28 Feb 2028 | Twin | €4,039 | Enquire Now |
| 02 Oct 2028 | Twin | €4,049 | Enquire Now |
| 27 Nov 2028 | Twin | €4,049 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RI
