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India Style with Shimla

India in style with Shimla – 12 nights/13 days

Destinations of Shimla - Delhi - Shimla – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Mumbai

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi. Met on arrival and transfer to Hotel The Oberoi.
The Oberoi, New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city center near business, commercial and shopping districts, the luxury hotel overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. Exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make this the Capital’s most graceful and elegant hotel. The award winning hotel is ideal for business travel or holidays to explore the cultural wonders of Delhi.

Delhi is the capital of India and its third largest city. Delhi consists of two parts - New Delhi, the city created in 1911 as the imperial capital of India by the British and the Old Delhi, the Muslim capital of India between the 17th and 19th centuries. In fact there have been at least eight cities on the site of modern Delhi - the earliest known settlement, Indraprastha, featured in the epic Mahabharata over 3000 years ago. Though not always the capital, Delhi has always been an important city in the northern region of the subcontinent. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 02 – In Delhi

Full day city tour of Old and New Delhi visiting:



Red Fort: - derived from a Hindi word Lal (meaning Red) and Quila (meaning Fort), is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon, surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 kms in circumference and built of red sandstone. Shah Jahan started construction of this massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648.

Jama Masjid: In Old Delhi, an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, is the country's largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offers prayers even today. It was built in 1658.

Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): is the colourful main street and shopping bazaar of Old Delhi and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was originally the home of well-to-do families.

Raj Ghat -- the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi

India Gate: This 42m high, free standing arch was built in 1931. and was originally called All India War Memorial in the memory of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I.

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House): is the official residence of President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India.

Humayun's Tomb: Built by Haji Begum (widow of the Emperor Humayun) in 1565 - 66, nine years after his death.

Qutub Minar: This magnificent structure was built by the Muslim King Qutab - ud - din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar is 72.5 mtrs high and its base is a mosque.

Bahai Temple -- shaped like a lotus flower and a proof of India's secularism. Overnight in Delhi

Day 03 - Train Delhi - Kalka & Drive Kalka - Shimla (100 kms/ 03½ hrs)

Transfer to Railway Station in time to board Train Kalka Shatabdi for Kalka at 0740 hrs. Arrive Kalka at 1200 hrs. Met on arrival at Kalka Railway Station and drive to Shimla. On arrival in Shimla check in at the Oberoi Wild flower Hall.

Located just 13 kilometers from Shimla city , at an altitude of 8,350 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 23 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the rooms, restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Nature lovers can explore the Himalayas and enjoy adventure sports. For the ultimate in pampering our luxury spa pavilions are tranquil havens for revitalizing the body and soul.

Resting at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas is Shimla, the queen of hill stations and once the summer capital of the British Raj. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and many attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts in the Himalayan lower ranges. It is surrounded by pine, cedar, oak and rhododendron forests.

Towards the north lie the snow-covered high ranges, while the valleys below hold streams and swaying fields. Within the town are splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. You can go shopping on the fashionable Mall; visit its neo-Gothic churches, the grand former Vice-regal Lodge or the cemeteries. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 04 – In Shimla

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day at leisure to either enjoy the Resorts facilities or to explore Shimla on your own. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 05 – In Shimla

Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day at leisure to either enjoy the Resorts facilities or to explore Shimla on your own. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 06 – Drive Shimla – Kalka & Train Kalka - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Kalka Railway station in time to board train Kalka Shatabdi for Delhi at 1730 hrs. Arrive Delhi at 2140 hrs. Met on arrival and transfer to Hotel The Oberoi.

Day 07 – Drive Delhi – Agra (220 kms/04 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra check in at Hotel Amar Vilas.

Only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal stands the Oberoi Group's new luxury resort, the Amarvilas. The classical architecture of the hotel is complemented by the elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. The hotel has been designed to give guests uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites. The lobby, restaurants, bar and tea lounge also offer spectacular views of the world famous monument. The décor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.

Agra, is home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. Other than the Taj and the Agra Fort, built by the Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, Agra is a fairly unremarkable town, typical of the northern plains of India.

Half day sightseeing tour of Agra visiting:

Taj Mahal was constructed between 1631 and 1654. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Legend has it that her last wish to the Emperor was for a symbol or a monument to their love. He kept his promise and built her tomb, the Taj Mahal, in Agra. It took more than 20 years, and most of the treasury, to finish it. Today, it stands as the ultimate monument to love and homage to her beauty and life.

Agra Fort is located about 2.5kms northwest of the Taj Mahal and is a crescent shaped walled city, surrounded by a moat and facing out over the Yamuna River. The perimeter wall measures about 2.4kms and is built of red sandstone – the Fort is also known as Lal Qila, the Red Fort. Construction commenced in 1565 under the Emperor Akbar but it was his grandson, Shah Jahan, who added more palatial accommodations. At the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the fort by his son Aurangzeb, a punishment which might not seem so harsh, considering the palace luxury. It is rumored that Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony that offers an excellent view of the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.

Day 08 – Drive Agra – Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive to Jaipur. En-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri -- The deserted capital of Emperor Akbar approximately 35 kms outside Agra. Built in the 16th century, this city was abandoned 12 years later due to a scarcity of water. The entire city of Red sand stone (sand stone palaces and temples) is virtually intact and a site worth seeing is the 54 m high main entrance -- The Buland Darwaza, The gate of victory constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Gujarat.

On arrival in Jaipur check in at Hotel Raj Vilas.

Raj Vilas, set amidst 32 acres of lush gardens, orchards, decorative pools and fountains, Raj Vilas provides a heaven for the senses. Exemplary service comes together with harmoniously appointed interiors to give you a taste of the gracious lifestyle of legendary Rajput princes. In the elegant deluxe rooms with four-poster beds and sunken marble baths, you will find yourself engulfed in luxury. The central courtyard houses a World class spa with steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, plunge pools and a gymnasium. The Hotel of course offers Indian and International cuisine and a well stocked bar. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Rajvilâs is the perfect base from which to explore Jaipur's fascinating and exotic history. The Raj Vilas has been the home for many visiting dignatories and Heads of State, including President Clinton recently and has won numerous awards from industry publications like the Tatler and Conde Nast Traveller .

Jaipur, the Pink City, was built as the former capital of a princely state of the same name. The city was founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber. In 1900 the population was only 160,000 people but today the population is close to 3 million and as a result the heart of the town, around the City Palace and the bazaars is rather dirty and crumbling. There are however several sites worth visiting and a full day should be set aside for touring and shopping. An evening stroll in the bazaars provides not only the opportunity to buy some lovely textiles, jewels and everyday items but also the opportunity to study and photograph the delightful old buildings of Jaipur. These are built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone and are highly decorative. Overnight in Jaipur

Day 09 – In Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel

Full day city tour of Jaipur visiting:

The Amber Fort at Amber (11 Kms out of Jaipur on the road to Delhi) is an example of Rajput architecture and was commenced in 1592 by Raja Man Singh, a commander in Emperor Akbar’s army and a member of his inner circle of nine courtiers. The Fort as we see it today was completed in 1792 and over looks Maotha Lake. The climb to the fort is on gaily-bedecked Elephants.

Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and forms part of the City Palace, extending from the Zenana or women's chambers. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. It has five stories and the side facing the street has 953 small windows. The breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool.

The City Palace & Museum - In the heart of the Jaipur, the City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur and was originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings including several palatial structures. There are lots of interesting objects and aspects to the Palace such as the two largest silver vessels in the world (according to the Guinness Book); the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol, with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons and graceful seven storey ‘Chandra Mahal', or the Moon Palace, home to the present Maharaja of Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar, also known as, Yantra Mandir is an equinoctial dial intended to measure the time of day, correct to half a second, and declination of the Sun and the other heavenly bodies. Maharaja Jai Singh II constructed two of these massive solar dials after witnessing a heated debate in the court of the Mughal Emperor. The Maharaja decided that the nation needed to be educated on the subject of astronomy and constructed an astronomical observatory in Delhi and then Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur

Day 10 – Fly Jaipur - Udaipur

Transfer to airport in time to connect flight 9W-3401 for Udaipur at 0715 hrs. Arrive Udaipur at 0810 hrs. Met on arrival in Udaipur and transfer to Hotel Udai Vilas.

The latest in the line of luxury hotels from the Oberoi Group, the Udai Vilas is a truly outstanding hotel overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola and the City Palace. Udaivilâs has been conceived as a splendid palace, wonderfully recreating the romance of the past, representing the continuity of the grand traditions of Mewar and yet completely in keeping with the 21st century. The resort is spread over an expanse of 30 acres, and its carefully planned and executed design has evolved as a seamless assimilation of spaces resembling the old palaces. Courtyards and walkways, gently rippling water bodies fountains and reflecting pools, and exquisitely landscaped gardens, sculptures and frescoes, arches and domes, niches and alcoves - the building lends itself to discovery and continual surprise. Embellished by beautiful works of art and craft from in and around the region, Udaivilâs is a vast canvas with an almost lambent quality, changing with the light and seasons and possessed of a sense of timelessness. The resort has speciality restaurants serving fine Indian and international cuisine. One of its special features is a world-class spa and wellness centre offering a wide range of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Udaipur, was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a descendant of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus - laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city's inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendor, continue to enthrall the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a fertile plain - it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola, add to the magic of Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.

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Day 11 – In Udaipur

Breakfast at the hotel.

Half day city tour of Udaipur visiting:

City Palace: The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection of glass, porcelain figures and miniature paintings.

Jagdish Temple: It is located only 150 mts from the city palace is the famous Jagdish Temple. This fine Indo-Aryan Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 and enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe. A brass image of the Garuda is in a shrine in front of the temple.

Saheliyon ki bari: The Saheliyon ki bari or the garden of the Maids of Honour, is in the north of the city. It is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool. Overnight in Udaipur.

Day 12 – Fly Udaipur - Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to airport in time to connect flight 9W-3401 for Mumbai at 0840 hrs. Arrive Mumbai at 1020 hrs. Met on arrival in Mumbai and transfer to Hotel The Oberoi.

Located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, this elegant luxury hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea offers impeccable service, understated luxury and excellent facilities including an exclusive spa and fitness center by Banyan Tree. It is the preferred hotel choice of discerning tourists and business travelers and the perfect gateway to India.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is the commercial capital of India. Known as the "city that never sleeps", Mumbai is a potpourri of cultures, customs and lifestyles. This is a city that thrives on commerce at every level during the day and lets its hair down unabashedly at night. Mumbai is also home to the largest film industry in the country. The city is dotted with a multitude of Victorian and Indian architectural landmarks that add some charm.

Half day city tour of Mumbai visiting:

Hanging Gardens - The Hanging Gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in 1881 on top of a reservoir on Malabar Hill. The garden provides a spectacular view of the city.

Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Memorial) - Mahatma Gandhi's residence in Bombay between 1917-34 has been converted into a museum, which displays pictures and books related to his life.

Gateway of India - The Gateway of India was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. Built in the 16th century Gujarati style, the monument stood testament to British supremacy. Ironically, it was from here that the last British troops left the country after independence.

Marine Drive - Also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg, Marine Drive features a bustling waterfront promenade. Marine Drive is built on land reclaimed along the Arabian coast, and runs from Nariman point to the foot of Malabar Hill. Sunsets here are particularly beautiful.

Prince of Wales Museum - Like the Gateway of India, this structure commemorates the visit of King George V. The building is built in Indo Sarcenic style and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The central hall features a huge dome which is believed to have been inspired by the Gol Gumbaz. The museum, which opened in 1923, has an impressive collection of artifacts from places such as Elephanta Island, Jogeshwari Caves, and the Indus valley. There is a large collection of terra-cotta figurines, ivory carvings, statues, and miniatures. Overnight in Mumbai

Day 13 – Depart Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel.

Day at leisure until transfer to airport in time to connect flight for onward destination.

India Style with Shimla

* Small supplements may apply for travel between 01st and 15th November'2008 and during the month of February '2009. Chritmas / NYE supplements may apply for travel between 20th December '2008 and 05th January'2009.

Inclusions:-

# Accommodation on twin sharing room only basis at the hotels mentioned above.

# All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using a chauferred air-conditioned Car exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary.

# Sightseeing tours alongwith a local English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary.

# First Aircon Class train tickets for the sectors Delhi/Kalka (0740/1200 hrs) and Kalka/Delhi (1730/2140 hrs).