India
13 nights 13 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookExplore the temples and palaces of India’s Golden Triangle, the Sikh city of Amritsar, modern Chandigarh, and Himalayan Shimla, while staying at prestigious Taj Hotels throughout
An intriguing, insightful and entertaining introduction to India’s religious, colonial, and cultural heritage, our Taj Tour also offers all the comfort and service of the Taj Hotel group, from their modern classics in Amritsar, Chandigarh, Shimla and Agra, to the rich décor of the Delhi property, heritage Jaipur palace, and original Taj on Mumbai’s waterfront, the country’s oldest and most famous hotel; all at a special tariff which includes dinner every evening. We start the tour in Amritsar, its Golden Temple the crown jewel in this sacred Sikh city; drive east to the gardens and modernist architecture of Chandigarh; and into the Himalayas to serenely scenic Theog, from where we explore beguiling Shimla’s lavish colonial monuments and lively shopping streets. A fabulous experience follows with the superbly scenic journey of the ‘Toy Train’ to Kalka, switching to the Shatabdi Express for Delhi, assaulting the senses with a chaos of cultural heritage, and countless relics of its chequered past. Our next destination is India’s most famous and most photographed place, Agra’s inimitable Taj Mahal; and we continue by road to the Mughal town of Fatehpur Sikri; Jaipur, the regal Pink City of palaces; and Mumbai’s Raj-era monuments.
Fly overnight from London Heathrow, via Delhi, to Amritsar, its labyrinthine lanes, colonial avenues, and contemporary malls combining to create a showpiece of Punjab.
On arrival, transfer to the city’s best hotel, the 5-star Taj Swarna, for a two-night stay. Enjoy an introduction to local culture with a Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. (D)
Visit the Golden Temple, gleaming with hundreds of kilos of gold leaf. The most sacred place of pilgrimage, in the holiest city of the Sikh religion, it stands as an island of serenity amid the melee of the medieval ‘old town’. Continue to visit the ‘world’s largest’ community kitchen, where thousands of volunteers feed tens of thousands of people every day; and the garden memorial to those killed in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Early evening drive to the Indo-Pakistan ‘Wagah Border’ village, to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
(B, D)
Drive (5hrs) to Chandigarh, a very modern city, the dream of India’s first Prime Minister, Nehru, planned and realised by French architect, Le Corbusier, and considered among the best of 20th -century experiments of urban planning. Free time to explore the piazzas, parks and gardens. Visit to the Zakir Rose Garden (subject to seasonal periods in bloom). Overnight at the 5-star Taj Chandigarh.
(B, D)
Visit Le Corbusiers Capitol Complex, encompassing the High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly, and, at its core, the huge, steel Open Hand Monument, signifying the city’s ethos, "open to give, open to receive". Drive (6hrs) into the Himalayan foothills, toward the Queen of Hill Stations, Shimla. A happy mix of cool colonial charm and colourful Himachal character, the old British ‘summer capital’ covers a long ridge at the end of the line for the narrow-gauge, ‘Toy Train’ railway. Two nights at the 5-star Hotel Taj Theog, in a dramatic mountain setting (1½hrs drive from Shimla).
(B, D)
A tour of Shimla includes the very grand Viceregal Lodge (now named Rashtrapati Niwas), its majestic façade matched by manicured gardens at the summit of Observatory Hill; Shimla’s neo-gothic Christ Church, with five stained-glass windows depicting the Virtues; and the Gaiety Theatre, opened in 1887, now with recent additions of an art gallery and exhibition hall. Afternoon at leisure in Shimla, perhaps to enjoy its two very different shopping experiences, The Mall’s broad pedestrian avenue and the tumble of twisting lanes in the bazaar.
(B, D)
Board the Toy Train for its spectacularly scenic journey (5hrs), crossing bridges and cutting through countless tunnels on its route to Kalka, where we switch to the Shatabdi train for Delhi (4hrs), with a light dinner aboard. Two nights at the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel, one of Delhi’s most distinguished addresses.
(B, D)
This morning enjoy an amazing 'Five Senses' tour of Delhi; marvel at the sight of sandstone and marble of the Mughal's era, take a rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk and smell the aroma of ittar (essential oil) and mix your own, taste iconic foods of Delhi and stop at a community shelter. This afternoon drive past India Gate, the Red Fort, the parliament building and Viceroy's House and visit the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
(B, D)
Take the Gatimaan Express train to Agra. Visit the 16th-century Agra Red Fort, a UNESCO listed and lavishly opulent palace, set beside the Yamuna River and encompassing the perfect and peaceful Pearl Mosque. Make a sunset visit to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the exquisite Taj Mahal, and enjoy a cocktail at the INFINI Skylounge & Bar, with a view of the romantic icon. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Hotel & Convention Centre.
(B, D)
Visit the ‘Baby Taj’, Itmad-ud-Daulah, a forerunner of its more famous monument, and the first mausoleum to be built in white marble; and view the Taj Mahal from the Mughal Garden. Travel (5hrs) to Jaipur, stopping enroute at the magnificent, red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, a unique 16th-century enclave, with lunch at Bharatpur. Three nights at the Jai Mahal Palace.
(B, L, D)
Visit Jaipur’s pink-walled City Palace, its temples and pavilions spread between courtyards and gardens; and the 18th-century Jantar Mantar Observatory, UNESCO listed as India’s most significant site for observation of astronomical positions. Optional evening Sound & Light at Amber Fort (£25, bookable locally).
(B, D)
Take to the air to see the surrounds of Jaipur on an optional balloon ride this morning (£225, bookable locally, dependent on weather). Drive to nearby Amer to visit the Amber Fort, known for its huge, gated ramparts and Hindu design; visit the beautiful Birla Mandir Hindu Temple, and the Albert Hall Museum of Rajasthan, the striking Indo-Saracen structure set outside the city wall; and view the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) with its wall of windows, from which the women could observe unseen. Enjoy a cocktail in the Polo Bar and dinner at Rambagh Palace.
(B, D)
Fly to Mumbai, where a city tour includes the Marine Drive promenade, curving around the natural bay to the British-built Gateway of India at its southern tip; the UNESCO listed, Raj era, Victoria Terminus railway station; the Dhobi Ghat, billed as the biggest open-air laundry in the world, and handling half a million items a day; and the Prince of Wales Museum, the stately building housing collections of ancient artworks and artefacts. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Mahal Palace, with a sea-view room in the Tower Wing, overlooking the ‘Gateway’ arch.
(B, D)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to London.
(B)
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Amritsar via Delhi.
Arrive in Delhi and board a connecting flight to the city of Amritsar, the heart of India’s Sikh faith. You’ll transfer straight to the 5-star Taj Swarna for two nights, which lies in the city centre near the main shopping area with its vibrant bazaars. Settle into your room at this opulent hotel, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase views of Amritsar. There’s also a spa where you can unwind and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and loungers.
Later, you’ll head to the Golden Temple, which lies just 15 minutes from your hotel. This is the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs and draws thousands of pilgrims and worshippers every day. This evening, you’ll witness the Palki ceremony, whereby the Sikh holy book is carried from the temple to the Akal Takht building for the night. Listen to Sikh chants and hymns in this atmospheric ceremony before returning to your hotel for dinner.(D)
Today, return to the Golden Temple, built in 1577 with a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Admire the domed temple, which gleams with hundreds of kilos of gold leaf and visit the community kitchen where volunteers feed tens of thousands of worshippers per day. Male visitors will take part in a turban tying demonstration while women observe the Punjabi art of embroidery, Phulkari. Afterwards, reflect at a memorial to protestors killed by British forces in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
You’ll also visit the stirring Partition Museum to learn about the devastating consequences of the largest migration in human history. In the early evening, drive to the Wagah-Attari border between India and Pakistan to see the quirky changing of the guard ceremony. Watch as border guarders meet for an extravagant display of marching and flag lowering before closing the border for the night. Afterwards, head back to your hotel for dinner.
(B, D)
Leave Amritsar with a packed breakfast in time to catch the 6.15am train to the city of Ambala. Enjoy the 4.5-hour journey southeast through the countryside to this strategically positioned transport hub, which lies near the borders of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. When you arrive in Ambala, a driver will take you a further 5.5 hours by car to Theog in the foothills of the Himalayas, stopping for lunch along the way.
Theog lies 1.5 hours from the hill station of Shimla, which attracts visitors for its cool climate, pine-scented forests and blend of British and Himachal heritage. This includes Tudor-style houses and churches spread along The Mall, set above the maze-like streets of a local bazaar. You’ll stay at the 5-star Taj Theog Resort and Spa for the next three nights, set on a hillside with views of mountains and forests.
(B, D)
This morning, enjoy a Toy Train ride on a narrow-gauge railway line opened by the British in 1903 and declared an engineering feat for its 102 tunnels, over 900 curves and 864 bridges that cut through the mountainous landscape. You’ll ride an 11-kilometre stretch of the heritage railway line from Shimla to Taradevi, home to a hilltop Hindu temple, while enjoying views of forests, valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Afterwards, tour Shimla’s highlights, starting at Rashtrapati Niwas, a former British Viceregal Lodge that was established in 1888 and is set among manicured gardens at the top of Observatory Hill. Inside, browse stately interiors filled with historic photos and a library. Continue to the Sanath Art Gallery and pastel-yellow Christ Church, a neo-gothic building with Victorian stained-glass windows that depict the Virtues. Finally, stroll along the Mall’s pedestrian avenue before returning to your hotel for dinner.(B, D)
Enjoy a free day in Theog, starting with an optional, six-kilometre guided hike. Soak up views of mountains and fruit orchards on the way to Daafi, where you’ll look over Bashnog Village with its traditional houses built from interlocking wood. Next, continue through the forest to Sarivan Village for a glimpse of daily life before heading back to the hotel. Along the way, your guide will teach you about native flora, fauna and local history.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your luxury resort. Walk or cycle through the five acres of forested hillside, join a complimentary yoga session, swim in the heated indoor pool or soak in a hot tub. For a pampering session, book a treatment at the acclaimed spa. When it comes to dining at the hotel, you can enjoy Indian dishes at Patiala Room or global cuisine at Tragopan. The locomotive-themed bar, Theog Junction, is great for pre-or-post-dinner drinks.(B, D)
Leave Shimla this morning and take a four-hour drive to Chandigarh. Designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, Chandigarh is one of India’s first planned cities, home to gardens and European-style boulevards, with grid-like streets and concrete architecture. You’ll have free time in the city for lunch.
Next, head to Chandigarh train station to board the Vande Bharat Express train to Delhi. Enjoy a three-hour ride through the countryside to India’s thriving capital, where you’ll check into the 5-star Taj Mahal hotel for two nights with dinner on your first night. This palatial, pink-sandstone building lies among the leafy boulevards of New Delhi, near India Gate, and has a pool and spa.(B, D)
Start the day with a five senses tour of Old Delhi. You’ll ride a rickshaw through the area, which is filled with Mughal-era architecture and ancient religious buildings, from mosques to Sikh temples where you’ll hear holy Gurbani prayer chants. Soak up the sights and sounds of daily life on the main street, Chandni Chowk, which is home to Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, Khari Baoli.
Along the way, stop to browse market stalls and mix your own blend of essential oil, known as ittar. You’ll also get to sample Delhi street food, which can range from samosas to spice-laden chai, sweet treats like jalebi and the popular pav bhaji (vegetable curry served in a bread roll). On the way back to your hotel, you’ll pass some of Old Delhi’s most notable buildings, which may include the city’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid, and the Red Fort.(B, D)
Say goodbye to Delhi this morning and board the Gatimann Express train to Agra. Launched in 2016, this is India’s first semi-high-speed train, which will take you to Agra in under two hours. Here, you’ll head straight to Agra Fort, which is lauded by UNESCO for its mix of Indo-Islamic, Timurid and Persian architecture. Discover the walled fortress’ collection of mosques and halls built in the mid-16th century by emperors Akbar and his grandson, Shah Jahan.
Afterwards, head to your base for the night, the 5-star Taj Agra. This modern hotel lies among landscaped gardens just 10 minutes from the Taj Mahal. Settle in and then enjoy dinner at the hotel’s rooftop INFINI – Sky Lounge, which is also home to an infinity pool. Sip cocktails and dine with sunset views of the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.(B, D)
Get up before dawn to watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, India’s most famous UNESCO site. Stroll through gardens decorated with fountains and reflection pools that lead to the grand mausoleum, built from white marble between 1631 and 1648. Watch as the sun’s rays sparkle off the precious-stone inlays of the tomb, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast, then take a five-hour drive west to Jaipur.
On the way, you’ll visit one of India’s most impressive stepwells, Chand Baori. This 30-metre-deep well was constructed in the 9th century by King Raja Chanda using 3,500 interlinking steps. Take in views of the stepwell, which has been featured in numerous Bollywood and Hollywood movies for its striking geometric design, before having lunch nearby. Afterwards, continue driving to Jaipur, where you’ll stay at the 5-star Jai Mahal Palace for the next three nights.(B, L, D)
This morning, visit the City Palace, a collection of pink-walled temples and pavilions built by Jaipur’s founder Jai Singh in the 1720s. The complex features a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, as well as an art gallery, weaponry and a museum with royal costumes. Next, visit neighbouring Jantar Mantar, one of five observatories that Jai Singh built across India, home to 18 huge astronomical devices including a giant sundial and astrolabe.
Afterwards, make a photo stop at the pink Palace of the Winds, Hawa Mahal, before visiting Birla Mandir Temple to admire its elegant white-marble design with stained-glass windows that depict Hindu scriptures. Continue to the Albert Hall Museum to browse displays of Rajasthani tribal dress, sculptures and friezes before taking a guided rickshaw ride through the old city to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy an optional sound and light show at the Amber Fort, bookable locally.(B, D)
Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride over Jaipur to soak up aerial views of the Pink City. Next, visit the Amber Fort just outside of the city, known for its huge gated ramparts, towers and Hindu design. The sandcastle-like fortress was built on a hilltop above Maota Lake in 1592 and is now a UNESCO site. Get lost in the yellow-sandstone structure, home to the Mirror Palace, Jaleb Chowk courtyard and decorative Ganesh Pol gateway.
The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Relax at your heritage hotel; stroll around the gardens or lounge by the outdoor pool. There’s a spa where you can indulge in treatments, as well as complimentary yoga classes and a gym. End the day with a cocktail in the Polo Bar of the Rambagh Palace Hotel, a former royal residence built in 1835, where you’ll also enjoy dinner.(B, D)
After breakfast, fly two hours south to Mumbai. Here you’ll stay overnight at India’s most famous hotel, the 5-star Taj Mahal Palace, which dates back to 1903. Settle into your sea-view room in the 1970s-built Tower Wing. Spend the rest of the day on a city tour, starting at the British-built Gateway of India. Next, stop at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a Raj-era train station formerly known as Victoria Terminus that features domes, turrets, Corinthian columns and gargoyles.
Afterwards, get a glimpse of real Mumbai life at the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, considered the world’s biggest open-air laundry. Here, workers wash thousands of items of clothing daily, in over 1,000 outdoor troughs. Finally, get an overview of India’s history at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a museum that outlines the history of the country through everything from sculptures to paintings and weaponry.(B, D)
Today your India adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight to London. (B)
Dine in the Rajput Room at Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, now a hotel, and enjoy a cocktail in the famous Polo Bar.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
This new 5-star hotel embodies Punjab’s history, art and culture. Restaurants, bars, gym, spa, pool and WiFi (free). 157 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A 5-star hotel with sophisticated architecture and interiors. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa, pool and WiFi (free). 149 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The newly opened 5-star Taj Theog is scenically located surrounded by the dramatic Himalayan Ranges above Shimla. Restaurants and bar with views of the Himalayas, indoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 99 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
The Taj Mahal, New Delhi, is a 5-star hotel which has been recently renovated and provides timeless appeal with contemporary charm. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel offers a unique vantage point with views of the leafy boulevards of Lutyens Delhi and is close by to all of Delhi’s historic sites. The hotel offers 6 restaurants including a wine bar, wellness centre with outdoor pool and gardens. Hotel rooms have private facilities plus air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi and a TV and tea & coffee making facilities.
A luxury 5-star hotel providing the perfect vantage point to take in the many riches of Agra. A selection of restaurants, bar, rooftop infinity pool with magical views of the Taj Mahal, spa, fitness centre and WiFi (free). 239 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Designed with an Indo Saracenic style of architecture, this heritage hotel is located downtown, close to the historical monuments. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 100 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 5-star hotel is Mumbai’s first harbour landmark and was featured in the BBC 2 series 'Hotel India' focused on life behind the scenes at India's oldest and most famous hotel. Overlooking the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of the bay with restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 560 rooms with the perfect blend of rich history and modern convenience with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
Unwind on the shores of the Arabian Sea and delve into the captivating history of Goa and its vibrant Portuguese heritage.
Relax and bask in the tranquillity of the stunning Arabian Sea on this 4-night beach extension.
Amidst the serene surroundings of palm-fringed beaches and azure waters, relax and rejuvenate at the ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach Resort in the picturesque coastal town of Mararikulam.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 25 (13 nights) |
Solo Group Departure | £4125pp | Book Now | |
| 07 Oct 25 (13 nights) |
£4455pp | £5990pp | Book Now | |
| 14 Oct 25 (13 nights) |
£4825pp | £6360pp | Book Now | |
| 04 Nov 25 (13 nights) |
£4395pp | £5930pp | Book Now | |
| 25 Nov 25 (13 nights) |
£4395pp | £5930pp | Book Now | |
| 27 Jan 26 (13 nights) |
£4545pp | £6080pp | Book Now | |
| 03 Feb 26 (13 nights) |
£4535pp | £6070pp | Book Now | |
| 10 Mar 26 (13 nights) |
£4525pp | £6060pp | Book Now | |
| 18 Aug 26 (13 nights) |
£4145pp | £5290pp | Book Now | |
| 15 Sep 26 (13 nights) |
Solo Group Departure | £4135pp | Book Now | |
| 06 Oct 26 (13 nights) |
£4525pp | £5610pp | Book Now | |
| 13 Oct 26 (13 nights) |
No Single Supplement (1 Room Remaining) | £4595pp | £4595pp | Book Now |
| 24 Nov 26 (13 nights) |
£4435pp | £5970pp | Book Now | |
| 26 Jan 27 (13 nights) |
£4995pp | £6860pp | Book Now | |
| 02 Feb 27 (13 nights) |
£4945pp | £6810pp | Book Now | |
| 16 Feb 27 (13 nights) |
£4945pp | £6810pp | Book Now | |
| 09 Mar 27 (13 nights) |
£4945pp | £6810pp | Book Now | |
| 16 Mar 27 (13 nights) |
£4945pp | £6810pp | Book Now | |
| 06 Apr 27 (13 nights) |
£4365pp | £5820pp | Book Now | |
| 17 Aug 27 (13 nights) |
£4365pp | £5820pp | Book Now | |
| 14 Sep 27 (13 nights) |
Solo Group Departure | £5695pp | Book Now | |
| 05 Oct 27 (13 nights) |
£4945pp | £6810pp | Book Now | |
| 12 Oct 27 (13 nights) |
£4995pp | £6860pp | Book Now | |
| 02 Nov 27 (13 nights) |
£4895pp | £6760pp | Book Now | |
| 23 Nov 27 (13 nights) |
£4895pp | £6760pp | Book Now |
Private Groups Available
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Unwind on the shores of the Arabian Sea and delve into the captivating history of Goa and its vibrant Portuguese heritage.
5 nights
Fly to Goa for four nights at the 5-star Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.
(B)
Day at leisure.
(B)
A tour of Old Goa includes the largest church in Asia, Se Cathedral, plus visits to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Christian Arts Museum and a drive past St. Augustine tower and the nunnery of St. Monica.
(B)
Day at leisure.
(B)
Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 5-star Vivanta New Delhi.
(B)
Return flight.
(B)
Relax and bask in the tranquillity of the stunning Arabian Sea on this 4-night beach extension.
5 nights
Fly to Goa for four nights at the 5-star Taj Exotica Resort.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 5-star Vivanta New Delhi.
(B)
Return flight.
(B)
Amidst the serene surroundings of palm-fringed beaches and azure waters, relax and rejuvenate at the ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach Resort in the picturesque coastal town of Mararikulam.
India
3 nights
Transfer to the 4-star ‘CGH Earth’ Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulam for three nights.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Transfer to Cochin for return flight.
(B)
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.