Golden Triangle with Kashmir

Day 1: Arrive New Delhi - The capital city

Traditional welcome - Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is god) by garlanding on arrival at Delhi international airport by Travel Pals executive. Transferred in your exclusive air-conditioned car to your hotel for immediate check-in. Day free to relax and acclimatize.

Day 2: New Delhi

Guided tour of the historic city of Delhi. The city where one can experience the influence of the many rulers who ruled this region, a city built and destroyed and re-built over seven times.

The guided tour takes you to the monuments that depict the different eras. The tour includes visit to the magnificent Red Fort (exterior), the Jama Masjid - one of the Asia's largest mosques, enjoy the cycle rickshaw ride in the narrow by lanes of Old Delhi visiting Chawri Bazar, Dariba Kalan (silver market) witnessing the century old business markets. It is the largest wholesale market in Asia. Later visit Rajghat - the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the "Father of the Nation".

Afternoon tour New Delhi which includes Humayun's Tomb, a drive past of Rashtrapati Bhavan (the residence of the President of India), Parliament Building and India Gate, a memorial to the 82,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the First World War. End the day with a visit to Qutab Minar - 73 mt. tall minaret which will leave you spell-bound.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (By road - 220 Kms / 4 hours)

After breakfast driven southeast of Delhi to the famous city of Agra - the land of the Seventh Wonder of the World - Taj Mahal.

Commencing with a mesmerising visit to the Mughal era tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), built in 1628, often regarded as the draft to Taj Mahal, in the shape a of a jewel box with most intricate marble inlay work.

Further, visit the majestic Agra Fort (16th cen) built in red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan offering breath-taking views of Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.

Evening at leisure or optional visit to a marble inlay workshop to witness the art of Pietra Dura - A unique art of inlay work of cutting marble and fitting it with highly polished colored stones to create images. The same as perfected in the architecture of Taj Mahal.

Day 4: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (260 Kms / 5 hrs)

If weather permitting, a dawn view visit to Taj Mahal, is recommended. Enjoy the spectacular views as the sun rays fall on the white marble and glorifies the precious stones inlaid into the marble. The unquestionable beauty of this piece of extravagance can only be treasured by visiting it.

Return to hotel for breakfast and then driven to Jaipur - "Pink city of Rajasthan", enroute guided visit of Fatehpur Sikri - The erstwhile capital of the Mughal Empire built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water on the outskirts of Agra.

Continue your drive to Jaipur and check-in at your city hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Jaipur

After breakfast, a guided excursion to Amer Fort by a 4x4 open jeep (Willy or the Indian version).

Later visit the City Palace Museum Complex to witness the grandeur of royal lifestyle by visiting the display galleries of textiles & fabrics, paintings & artwork, arms & ammunition gallery and enjoy sumptuous food at the City Palace Cafe (optional) & Jantar Mantar - the observatory having instruments from 1728 AD for measuring celestial planet & star positions.

Also, enjoy the view of Hawa Mahal from one of the cafes across.

Evening enjoy walk through the colorful bazaars of the city. One can also experience the famous block printing at the nearby workshop. Jaipur is also famous for its Gems & Jewelry. One can shop endlessly as this place is a shoppers paradise on this tour.

Day 6: Jaipur - Srinagar (By air)

After breakfast at hotel, assisted by Travel Pals India representative to Jaipur domestic airport to board via Delhi flight to Srinagar in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Met on arrival at Srinagar airport and transferred to your hotel for two nights. Evening free at leisure or explore the local markets on own.

Srinagar: Located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m (1530 feet) above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nigeen lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Day 7: Srinagar city

After breakfast proceed to guided city tour of the lake city - Srinagar and visit to the Mughal gardens. With terraced lawns, cascading fountains, paint-box-bright flowerbeds with the panorama of the Dal in front of them - the three Mughal Gardens of Chesmashahi, Nishat and Shalimar are the Mughal Emperors' concept of paradise and are today very popular places.

Nishaat Bagh (The garden of pleasure), characterized by a series of ten terraces and quaint little lakes and gardens. Designed in 1633 AD and situated on the banks of the Dal Lake, this "garden of bliss" was the creation of the brother of Noor Jahan, Asaf Khan.

Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) - one of the enchanting Mughal gardens is the most exciting places of visit since it has completely transform itself into newer colors and visuals with the advent of every new season. It was built by Emperor Jehangir for his wife, Noor Jahan and is characterized by a series of four terraces and quaint little lakes and gardens. Evening free at Leisure.

Drive & walk through the old town of city, where one can see the colorful life & Culture of people living around. Make a Heritage Walk through the narrow streets of City along the River Jhelum.

Evening enjoy Boat Ride on Dal Lake (2 hours) by a Gondola Boat called” SHIKARA” witness the ride on lake, called Venice of India & experience the aquatic life of Srinagar. Also see the scenic extravaganza of Kashmir and enjoy the profusion of colors in Paradise on Earth. While returning visit to the local crafts market and see the fine carved hand-made articles from Paper Machie & wood of a walnut.

Day 8: Srinagar - Gulmarg (55 kms / 1.5 hrs drive one way) - Srinagar

After breakfast an excursion to Gulmarg. It is also popular for its golf course (in summer), the highest in the world and skiing during the winter season. Enjoy the splendor of nature and the snowy mountains. One can have Gondola ride (cable car) from Gulmarg to Khalinmarg. Late Afternoon return back to Srinagar hotel.

Day 9: Srinagar – Pahalgam (90 Kms / 3 hrs)

After breakfast you will be driven to Pahalgam, situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder River, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views, also called as the “Valley of Shepherds”. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Enroute visit to Saffron Fields & Martand Temple (subject to weather).

Day 10: Pahalgam

After Breakfast, visit to Aru, Chandanwari & Betaab Valley.

Aru: A tourist spot located around 12 from Pahalgam, 11 km upstream from the Lidder River. It is popular among tourists for its peaceful environment and scenic beauty. The village is a base camp for trekkers to the Kolahoi Glacier, the Tarsar-Marsar lakes and the Katrinag valley. There are about 20 alpine lakes, peaks and meadows around the Aru Valley. In winters, when Aru receives heavy snowfall, skiing and heli-skiing are practiced. Other popular tourist activities include fishing for trout in the Lidder River, trekking, hiking, horse riding, sightseeing and photography.

Betaab valley: It lies between the two Himalayan Ranges – Pir Panjal and Zanskar. The valley got its name from the Sunny Deol - Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab. The Valley is towards northeast of Pahalgam and falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwari and is enroute Amarnath Temple Yatra. The valley is surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation.

The crystal clear & chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tuliyan Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.

Chandanwari: Situated 16 Kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point for the famous Amarnath Yatra. It is also famous for snow sledging on Snow Bridge. At Chandanwari the Sheshnag River is captivating with its sheer force and clear waters.

Day 11: Pahalgam - Srinagar (90 Kms / 3 hrs)

Relaxed breakfast at hotel then driven back to Srinagar and transferred into a nice houseboat on Nagin Lake for overnight stay.

Day 12: Srinagar - Delhi (by air)

Breakfast at hotel. Later transferred by Travel Pals India representative to Srinagar airport to board flight for Delhi. Met on arrival and transfer to Delhi international airport to board flight for onward destination with sweet memories of your India trip.