Golden Triangle with Kashmir

You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After a traditional Welcome our representative would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check-in. After some rest, breakfast at coffee shop in the Hotel. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi at 1100 hrs, beginning with a morning sightseeing trip to Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat followed by the drive around India Gate and President's House. In the afternoon visits to Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Mahavir Ahinsa Sthal and Chhatarpur temple. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Today morning we will take you for New Delhi guided tour visits to Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Mahavir Ahinsa Sthal and Chhatarpur temple.Later in the afternoon we leave for Agra via visiting Mathura & Vrindavan, related to the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna. Upon arrival in Agra assistance and check-in hotel. In the evening enjoy the magic show performed by the local magician and overnight stay.

Agra, the erstwhile capital of India under the great Mughals and known for Taj Mahal, has always fascinated the Indians as well as foreigners alike. Most of Agra is on the West bank of river Yamuna, with the Agra Fort and the Taj at its nucleus. Taj Mahal is quite simply one of mankind's most remarkable creations. After breakfast you will leave for a half day sightseeing visiting Taj Mahal built by emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Next we visit Agra Fort, post lunch we leave for Jaipur via visiting Fatehpur Sikari, a masterpiece in sandstone with the stunning elegance of its palaces and courts. Next we head to Jaipur the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan. On arrival at Jaipur, our representative will meet & assist you to check-in at our hotel for overnight stay.

Early morning after breakfast 11 km drive to Amber, the capital of the gallant Rajputs from 1037 to 1728 AD. We ride the elephant back and reach the Fort situated on the hill and then visit the Fort Palace. Later we visit the City Palace, Birla Temple, Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Palace of Winds. Excursion to Chokhi Dhani: Today we will take you for evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, an ethnic village resort located at a distance 15 km from Jaipur. Evenings at Chokhi Dhani are very special. A Rajasthani village atmosphere is recreated on the sprawling ground and includes the entertainment by folk dancers and musicians. The guests can move around freely and enjoy the evening. Later drive back to Hotel for overnight stay.

Post breakfast, we drive to National capital New Delhi. Upon arrival assistance and check at our hotel in Delhi. In the evening at 1800 hrs we will go for Sound and Light show, the eventful history Red Fort has been witness to is brought out as a sound and light show every evening on the ramparts of the Red Fort. For those desirous of delving into Delhi's glorious and tumultuous past at the Red Fort. Overnight stay.

Post breakfast on time transfer to Airport to catch the flight for Srinagar (Paradise On Earth) Upon arrival in Srinagar our representative would assist you at the Airport and transfer to houseboats The Vale of Kashmir - Set like a jeweled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a many faceted diamond, changing character with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. The contrast of Kashmir valley led the poets of all nations to speak of it as an "Emerald set in Pearls. In the heart of Kashmir valley is Srinagar, the Capital city. It is situated at an altitude of 1,730 meters above sea level. No destination is quite so romantic & no setting as enchanting as Srinagar. Srinagar is a unique city because of its Lakes. Welcome Drink (Kashmiri Khawa) on arrival. Lunch at houseboat. In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour - visiting Shankaracharya Temple & Mughal Gardens. Shankaracharya Temple - It is located at 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The Shiva temple was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in the year 371 B.C. and as such is the oldest shrine in Kashmir. The temple, besides a prominent Hindu religious place, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificent panoramic view of the Srinagar City. Nishat Garden - The Garden of Pleasure - Empress Noor Jahan's brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in the year 1633 AD. It is situated on the banks of world famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills. The largest of the gardens, Nishat has seven terraces with beautiful water channel flowing right in the middle. These terraces rise dramatically off the mountains from the eastern part of the lake, and these together with the flowerbeds, a riot of brilliant colors, present an unforgettable sight. Shalimar Garden - The Garden of Love - Built in the year 1619 A.D. for Empress Noor Jahan by Emperor Jehangir and was later extended in the year 1727 A.D. by Shah Jahan. The Garden has four terraces; the 4th terrace was once reserved for royal ladies. The garden is 539 x 182 meters shaded by magnificent Chinar trees; the Shalimar is a series of stones of pavilions and flowerbeds. The Garden blooms with innumerable varieties of flowers in spring and autumn. Later return to houseboats for Dinner & Overnight stay.

Shikara boatride on Dal Lake - A Shikara boatride is one of the most soothing & relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir. Early morning visit the floating vegetable market in a Shikara boat. This unique kind of market can be only witnessed in Thailand and Kashmir. En route the market, watch many species of aquatic birds on lakes, nestling on surrounding trees on floating marshes used for growing vegetables by locals. Return tohouseboats for breakfast. After breakfast we drive to Gulmarg (Meadows of flower), 2730 mtr above sea level. Gulmarg is a huge cup-shaped meadow, lush & green, with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cow-bells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film, and not surprisingly, has been the venue of several Indian films. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Nanga Parbat mountain (8126 mtr) in one direction & Srinagar in another. From Gulmarg a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdoori & seven springs; a couple of hours by pony and longer on foot. From here, across the Apharwat park, which looms up from this point, is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake, frozen till late June. For horse riding aficionados, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, starting early morning and returning late evening. Gulmarg also has one of the world's highest green golf courses with 18 holes, as well as a clubhouse, which is a historical building in its own right. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed "gondola" cable-car takes people through pine-clad slopes, to Kongdoori, which is at 13,000 feet (3,930 mtr). The 2.5-km ropeway is used by skiers and other tourists. In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resorts. Gulmarg is ultimate beginner's skiing resort. Dinner overnight in Hotel at Gulmarg.

We continue with our individual activities throughout the day. Dinner overnight in hotel at Gulmarg.

Leave Gulmarg after early breakfast and drive to Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) via Srinagar. En route visit Saffron fields of Pampore and Avantipur ruins (1100 years old temple of Lord Vishnu built by King Avantiwareman), On the way see the beautiful countryside, rice fields and shepherds grazing sheep, goats and cattle. Drive through the pine forest. Situated at the confluence of the stream flowing from the Sheshnag Lake and river Lidder, Pahalgam was once a humble shepherds' village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest because it set between fairly steep hills. 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. Film goers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several Indian film scenes. After lunch have bridle walks and feed your cameras with the picture of magnificent view of mountains or enjoy horse ride. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel at Pahalgam.

We continue with our individual activities throughout the day. Dinner overnight in hotel at Pahalgam.

After breakfast drive back to Srinagar from Pahalgam and transfer to deluxe Houseboats. Rest of the day free for shopping or individual activities. Dinner and overnight in Deluxe Houseboats.

After breakfast in the houseboat, we drive for day excursion to Sonamarg. The distance of about 84 km will be covered in about 3 hrs (one way). Sonamarg is yet another spectacular facet of countryside of Kashmir. Sonamarg, which means Meadow of gold, has its backdrop of snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The river meanders along here & abounds with Trout & Mahseer. Ponies can be hired from the trip up to Thajiwas glacier a major attraction during the summer months. It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountains lakes Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar & Gangabal. Sonamarg's importance lies in the fact that it is the last halt on the Kashmir side for the drive from Srinagar to Leh. Later return to houseboat for Dinner & Overnight stay.

Early in the morning option to enjoy Shikara boatride on Dal Lake. After breakfast time at leisure and later on time transfer to Airport to catch the flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Evening at leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel

Our tour concludes: Thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to Airport for onward travel.