Touch down at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and step into the energy of Delhi, India’s vast, storied capital. After completing immigration, customs and baggage claim, meet your Lumle Holidays representative just outside the arrivals hall for a warm welcome and a seamless transfer to your hotel. Remaining time at leisure.

Few capitals are as layered as Delhi. Over centuries, Mongol, Turkic, Persian, Afghan, Mughal and British dynasties shaped and reshaped the city, rebuilding it repeatedly into new imperial visions. Today, the twin worlds of Old Delhi and New Delhi sit side by side—spice-laden lanes and temple spires giving way to Lutyens’ grand, tree-lined boulevards—together forming the cultural and political heart of the world’s largest democracy.

Evening at leisure to unwind and adjust to India Standard Time. Tomorrow, Delhi’s contrasts deepen—from Mughal forts to market mazes—setting the rhythm for your India highlights tour.

Rise early for an evocative Old Delhi immersion. At the vast red-sandstone courtyards of Jama Masjid—one of Asia’s largest mosques—the city hum softens to the cadence of morning prayers. From here, slip into a classic cycle-rickshaw and rattle through the old lanes of Chandni Chowk, where spice merchants, silversmiths and sari sellers spill colour and cardamom into the air. It’s a living tapestry of Mughal boulevards and medieval bazaars—tight gullies, tinkling temple bells and the fragrant swirl of masalas.

Late morning, transfer to New Delhi Railway Station for your swift journey to Agra aboard the modern Vande Bharat Express. Glide past mustard fields and village cenotaphs as the plains of the Yamuna open out towards the city of emperors.

On arrival in Agra, a Lumle representative will meet you on the platform and assist with a smooth hotel check-in. Once the heart of an empire, Agra rose under the Lodhis and then flowered with Mughal grandeur—Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan staged an age of domes, gardens and artistry whose legacy you’ll feel in its forts, mausoleums and ateliers. Today, beyond the Taj Mahal, Agra’s lanes still hum with leather-workers, stone carvers and inlay artisans tracing designs their forebears perfected for emperors.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Agra.

Rise before dawn for a soul-stirring visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise (weather permitting). As first light brushes the Yamuna, the mausoleum’s Makrana marble shifts from blush-rose to pearly gold—its perfect symmetry, lyrical calligraphy and pietra dura inlay revealing themselves with the morning. Commissioned in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, this masterpiece—attributed to the architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori—is said to have taken eighteen years and over 20,000 craftsmen to complete. The charbagh garden, a poetic vision of paradise with axial pools and cypress, frames the monument in serene reflection.

Return to your hotel for a lingering breakfast and some downtime. Later, delve into the imperial heart of the Mughal era at the formidable Agra Fort, whose sandstone ramparts rise above the river. Within its palatial arcades and courtyards, you’ll encounter a tapestry of styles—Persian, Timurid and Rajput influences—reflecting the cosmopolitan vision of emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Marble pavilions, audience halls and filigreed jharokhas look across to the Taj, a poignant line of sight that threads power, poetry and love.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast, depart Agra for Ranthambore (approx. 239 km / 5 hours, traffic-dependent), tracing a route that threads village fields, roadside shrines and camel carts. Today’s journey weaves Mughal grandeur into tiger country, setting the stage for your Ranthambore safari days ahead.

Continue south-west toward Ranthambore National Park, where crumbling hilltop ramparts and ancient temples punctuate forests of dhok and deciduous teak. The reserve is renowned for Bengal tiger sightings and evocative ruins that lend every game drive a sense of legend.

Arrive in Ranthambore and check in to your jungle lodge. As dusk colours the Aravalli foothills, gather for an engaging Tiger Talk with the resident naturalist—an insightful primer on tiger behaviour, zone ecology, park etiquette and how best to prepare for tomorrow’s Ranthambore game drives.

This overland leg blends Agra to Ranthambore travel with the Fatehpur Sikri stop—an ideal balance of Mughal heritage and tiger safari in India for a seamless, story-rich journey.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Wake to the forest chorus and roll out at first light for a shared Canter safari in Ranthambore National Park. As mist lifts from dhok woodlands and crumbling ramparts, scan waterholes and sunlit clearings for Bengal tigers, shy leopards, sambar and chital deer, and solo marsh crocodiles idling at lake edges. Your naturalist will interpret pugmarks, alarm calls and the park’s unique blend of ruined fortifications and wild terrain.

Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and downtime by the pool or gardens. In the afternoon, head back into a different safari zone for a second shared Canter—fresh tracks, changing light and new perspectives on Ranthambore’s storybook landscapes.

Meals today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Ranthambore.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure—a final stroll through the lodge gardens, a dip in the pool, or time to leaf through your safari photos.

After lunch, check out and drive to Jaipur (approx. 152 km / 4 hours, traffic-dependent). The route threads village fields and low Aravalli ridges before unfurling into the Pink City, famed for arts and crafts, jewellery, hand-block prints and stone carving—a model of Rajput urban planning shaped by Mughal aesthetics.

On arrival, meet your Lumle Holidays representative for assistance with hotel check-in. The evening is at leisure: settle in at the hotel or wander to nearby boutiques and cafés for a gentle first taste of Jaipur.

Meals today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast, rise into the Aravalli hills for Amber Fort, whose honeyed ramparts, crenellations and domes crown a rugged ridge like something from a fairy tale. Enter through sunlit courtyards to a world of mirror-work, polished marble and carved sandstone: the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), frescoed Ganesh Pol gateway, perfumed gardens and latticed zenana. In the scintillating Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), a single flame can ripple into a thousand points of light—an optical theatre of the Rajput courts.

Return to the city to explore the City Palace Museum, an elegant fusion of Rajput and Mughal aesthetics. Galleries unveil royal textiles, miniature paintings, silver howdahs, celestial weapons and the famed Gangajali vessels said to have carried holy water. Nearby, at the astonishing Jantar Mantar (1726 CE), you’ll stand among monumental instruments—most notably the Samrat Yantra—that read the heavens with remarkable accuracy, a stone observatory where science becomes sculpture.

Pause for a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds): a five-storey pink-sandstone façade stippled with jaali screens and airy niches, once allowing royal women to observe processions unseen. As late afternoon softens the city’s palette, wander Jaipur’s colourful bazaars—Johari for gemstones, Bapu for hand-block prints and leather, Tripolia for lac bangles—where bargaining is a friendly art and dyes hang like prayer flags.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Jaipur.

Today: Jaipur sightseeing, Amber Fort Hall of Mirrors, City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar observatory, Hawa Mahal photo stop, Jaipur markets.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in the Pink City—a final unhurried breakfast before departure.

Later, depart by road for Delhi (approx. 285 km / 4–5 hours, traffic-dependent). The highway rolls past mustard fields, roadside dhabas and temple spires, easing you from Rajasthan’s russet landscapes toward the capital’s wide, tree-lined avenues.

On arrival in Delhi, enjoy an orientation drive past the ceremonial arch of India Gate and the stately Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), with grassy vistas and sandstone ministries framing the capital’s monumental axis.

Later, step into the quiet geometry of Humayun’s Tomb—a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1570 and the first great garden-tomb of the Indian subcontinent. Its Persian-influenced charbagh layout, red sandstone inlay and soaring double dome heralded the innovations that would culminate in the Taj Mahal. As light softens across arcades and pavilions, trace the lineages of Mughal artistry that echo through India’s most iconic monuments.

Then check in to your hotel for the final night of your itinerary. The evening is free—unwind at the hotel, or head out for a last taste of North Indian cuisine, from fragrant kebabs to slow-cooked dals.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Delhi.

Today: Jaipur to Delhi drive, Rajasthan to Delhi road trip, Delhi sightseeing, last night in Delhi.

This morning, transfer to New Delhi Railway Station to board the renowned Kalka Shatabdi Express for your journey to Chandigarh. As the train speeds north across the fertile plains of northern India, watch the landscape gradually transform from bustling cities and rural farmlands to the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's changing scenery.

Upon arrival in Chandigarh, your Lumle representative will be waiting to welcome you before you continue by private vehicle to the celebrated hill station of Shimla, a scenic drive of approximately four hours. The road winds steadily through pine forests, terraced hillsides and picturesque mountain villages as the plains give way to the cool air of the lower Himalayas. Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla still retains much of its colonial elegance, with grand heritage buildings, charming churches and tree-lined promenades set against a backdrop of forested ridges.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps relax with views across the surrounding mountains or take a gentle stroll nearby, breathing in the fresh Himalayan air before the adventures that await over the coming days.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Shimla.

After breakfast, step aboard the charming Kalka–Shimla Himalayan Toy Train for a memorable journey to Kandaghat and back. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Railway, this narrow-gauge masterpiece has been winding through the lower Himalayas since 1903. The leisurely journey passes through fragrant pine forests, deep valleys, graceful stone bridges and a series of tunnels, offering spectacular mountain scenery and a nostalgic glimpse into India's colonial past.

Returning to Shimla, discover the city's rich colonial heritage on a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Viceregal Lodge, once the summer residence of the British Viceroy and one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture in India. Continue to the State Museum, home to an impressive collection of Pahari miniatures, ancient sculptures and regional artefacts that showcase the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

Later, stroll along the elegant Mall Road, the vibrant heart of Shimla lined with charming cafés, boutiques and colonial buildings. Admire the historic Gaiety Theatre, a beautifully preserved Victorian performance venue, before reaching the iconic Ridge, an expansive open promenade offering magnificent views across the surrounding Himalayan peaks and the distinctive neo-Gothic architecture of Christ Church.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Shimla.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in the delightful hill station of Shimla. Take time to soak up the town's relaxed atmosphere as you wander its charming colonial streets, browse local boutiques or simply unwind with a cup of tea while admiring the surrounding Himalayan scenery. Whether you choose to revisit your favourite corners of the town or simply relax at your hotel, today offers the perfect opportunity to experience Shimla at your own leisure.

Perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll along the famous Mall Road, pause at one of its traditional cafés, visit local artisan shops or simply admire the panoramic mountain views from The Ridge. Shimla's pleasant climate and slower pace make it an ideal place to relax before continuing your Himalayan adventure.

Meals today: Breakfast and Dinner. Overnight in Shimla.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the cool mountain air of Shimla as you travel by private vehicle to Kalka Railway Station, a scenic journey of approximately three and a half hours. Descending through cedar forests, picturesque valleys and traditional hillside villages, this final drive through the foothills of the Himalayas offers one last opportunity to savour the region's spectacular landscapes before returning to the bustling plains of northern India.

Relax aboard the comfortable New Delhi Shatabdi Express as you journey back to India's capital, watching the ever-changing landscapes unfold beyond your window. From the fertile plains of Haryana to the lively outskirts of Delhi, the journey provides a fitting conclusion to your memorable Himalayan adventure.

Upon arrival in New Delhi, a Lumle representative will meet you at the railway station and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to relax after your journey or perhaps enjoy a final stroll nearby as you reflect on the remarkable experiences of your holiday—from magnificent Mughal monuments and vibrant bazaars to heritage railways, colonial hill stations and the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.

Meals today: Breakfast. Overnight in Delhi.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through India. As you bid farewell, take a moment to reflect on the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, the vibrant cities of the Golden Triangle, the colonial elegance of Shimla and the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.

You will be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight home. We hope you leave with lasting memories of India's rich history, remarkable heritage, warm hospitality and diverse landscapes.