Duration
11 Nights / 12 Days
Routing
Delhi – Jaipur - Agra – Delhi - Srinagar – Sonamarg – Gulmarg – Pahalgam – Srinagar – Delhi Departure
Delhi
Old Delhi: Rajghat, Jama Masjid, Red Fort
New
Delhi : India Gate , President’s House, Humayun's Tomb
Jaipur
Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal
Abhaneri
Step well or “Bawri, Camel ride
Agra
Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra
Srinagar
Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love). Shankracharya Temple, Shikara ride on the Dal Lake.
Sonmarg
Thajiwas Glacier
Gulmarg
Gondola Lift, Khilanmarg, Nagin Valley ,Strawberry Valley ,Gulmarg Golf Course ,Baba Reshi Shrine
Pahalgam
Chandanwari , Aru Valley & Betab Valley
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...
Overnight Hotel – Delhi
Get QuotesDay 02: Delhi
Post breakfast start your day with a private guided city of Old Delhi
Old Delhi:
Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation20on 31 January 1948.
Continue the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India.
Experience the rickshaw ride ‘a friendly local guides takes you through the bustling streets for an authentic glimpse of the ‘walled city’ in the heart of Delhi. As you travel by foot and rickshaw, explore KhariBaoli, Spice Market, Visit a Sikh temple & admire historical land mark and more…
Get QuotesPost lunch Continue private guided tour of
New Delhi:
Drive past India Gate, and memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls.
President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India.
Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Qutub Minar built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. QutubMinar& its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy rest of the free time enjoy light sightseeing of Delhi & shopping at some High end Fashion stores of South Delhi – One of the most happening places of Delhi. Visit Craft Emporiums etc with our shopping expert.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)
Get QuotesDay 03: Delhi – Jaipur (Drive 262 Kms / 5-6 Hrs)
Post breakfast driven to Jaipur: popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. With its rich & colourful past, resplendent with tales of velour & bravery, it is now one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city was founded in the year 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. It remains the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the local market of PINK City.
Optional @ INR 1500/- Chokhi Dhani Rajasthani Village is a cultural tour with folk entertainment and mouthwatering Rajasthani food.
Overnight Hotel – Jaipur (B)
Day 04: Jaipur
Post breakfast private guided sightseeing of PINK City, Jaipur
Start your day with an exciting adventure overwhelming experience of elephant ride at Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh.
City Palace a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine views over the gardens & the city.
Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date.
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. It was built in the year 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down the busy street market unseen by the world through its 593 stoneJharokas (mini windows).
Post Lunch day at leisure to explore the local market of PINK City.
Get QuotesOvernight Hotel – Jaipur (B)
Day 05: Jaipur – Abhaneri (96 Kms / 1:30 Hrs Approx)
Agra via FatehpurSikri (Drive 260 km - 6 hours)
Post breakfast drive to Abhaneri; a great historical site of the 7th Century Step well or “Bawri”, which is a unique invention of the natives. It is one of India's largest step wells and is located in front of the Harshat Mata Temple, an ancient 7th Century Sun Temple.
Enjoy a camel ride through Abhaneri Village, visit to the onsite farm & experience the traditional village life from close quarter, followed by a traditional lunch.
Continue driven to Agra, en route a private guide visit to FatehpurSikri (Ghost Capital), the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from the year 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water. Also visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex, Mosque &Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Continue drive to Agra: beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It achieved prominence as the capital of the Mughal Emperors from the year 1526 to 1628, remains major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era monuments, most notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri, all three are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Rest of the day leisure to explore local market and famous inlay marble art work of Agra.
Get QuotesOvernight Hotel – Agra (B)
Day 06: Agra – Delhi (Drive 220 Kms 4-5 Hrs Approx.)
Morning visit of Taj Mahal “Symbol of eternal LOVE Taj Mahal” at dawn (Closed on Friday), which stands on the banks of River Yamuna. It was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his wife, MumtazMahal. It was completed in 22 years.
Post breakfast guided city tour of Agra
Agra Fort, taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. The Fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city. It was built from red sandstone, often inlaid with white marble & intricate decorations.
Itmad Ud Daulah;, one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, nearly one and a half kilometers up-stream. Belonging to the age of Jahangir, it contains cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan queen of Jahangir, an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator.
Also visit the Sinakdra; The Mughal Emperor Akbar, known as Akbar the Great, ruled an empire that stretched across North India from 1556 to 1605. His reign is considered the pinnacle of Mughal rule in India.
Later transfer to Delhi, upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)
Day 07: Delhi - Srinagar {IndiGo 6E 653 @ 09:50 / 11:30 Hrs}
Post breakfast transfer to airport board flight fo Srinagar , on your own for Srinagar upon arrival at Srinagar airport, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & he would assist you at the airport & transfer to houseboat for check in.
Srinagar; situated on the bank of Jhelum, Srinagar is a treasure trove of beauty and it will be a pleasure for many travellers to explore the bounteous beauty of the city. The major beauty of this city are its waterfalls and gardens which were made by the Mughal emperors. Snow-capped mountains, chinar trees and beautiful valleys give a spectacular view to the city.
Welcome by traditional Kashmiri drink (Kahwah) on arrival.
Laterproceed for sightseeing of Srinagar visiting the Mughal Gardens, Chashmi-e Shahi (The Royal Spring), Nishat (The Garden of pleasure) Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love).Hazratbal and Shankracharya temple.
In the evening we will take you to experience the Shikara ride on the Dal Lake.
Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)
Get QuotesDay 08: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Srinagar (86 Kms / 2 Hrs)
After breakfast day excursion of Sonamarg which is one of the most beautiful drive from Srinagar. Sonamarg is at 98 kms from Srinagar. We will take about 3 hours to reach Sonamarg. Sonamarg is the last stop of Kashmir District. From here starts the territory of Ladakh. Situated at an altitude of 2743 m above sea level, Sonamarg is absolutely true to its name, which means 'Meadow of Gold'. The moment you enter Sonamarg, the first thing that you will notice will be the snow-covered mountain that forms the backdrop of the town. Covered with alpine trees from all sides, Sonamarg has few of the loveliest flower collection in Jammu and Kashmir. You may take a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Return to Srinagar.
Overnight Houseboat – Srinagar (B, D)
Day 09: Srinagar - Pahalgam (96 Kms/ 3 Hrs)
After breakfast we check out from the hotel and driven to Pahalgam. On arrival check in to the hotel Arguably Pahalgam is one of the most beautiful places on earth; the town of Pahalgam (Village of Shepherds) offers breathtaking views of Himalayas. On arrival we check in to the hotel. After reaching Pahalgam we have rest of the day free for individual activities.
Day is at leisure.
Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, D)
Get QuotesDay 10: Pahalgam
Post breakfast proceed for Guided sightseeing in Pahalgam of Aru, Chandanwari and Betab valley (using Time bound Local union vehicle)
Chandanwari at 2,895 m and 16 km (10 miles) from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amamathyatra. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is curvy, sometimes a relatively flat terrain, with quite a few steep curves. It can be undertaken by car (not busses and trucks for most part) with some skilled driving. From Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony only. 11 km from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which, 13 km away is the last stop, Panchtarni. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave.
ARU A small village, 11 kms upstream the Lidder River, is a beautiful locality. The route is picturesque with ample campsites. This village is the starting point for treks to the Kolahoiglacier.This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at GurKhumb and reappears after 27 mts.
Betaab Valley, situated just 7 km up on Pahalgam, has got its name from Sunny Deol’s movie, Betaab, which was shot extensively in this area. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and dense pine and deodar forests, this valley is the mouth of River Sheshnag. There is a beautiful garden in the valley, with a bridge to cross the river. The Pahalgam Development Authority has proposed to develop this valley as a beautiful holidaying spot and is thus, carrying out several construction activities in the region.
OR
You may go for walks or pony ride to one of the many beautiful spots around Pahalgam,
Get QuotesRest of the day is Free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Pahalgam (B, D)
Day 11: Pahalgam - Gulmarg (142 Kms/ 4-5 Hrs)
Post breakfast check out from the hotel and driven to Gulmarg. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later proceed for guided visit of Gulmarg.
Gondola Lift of the many things to do in Gulmarg, Gondola ride is probably the one thing that tops the list of any tourist in Gulmarg. Gondola lift is a cable car which is the world’s highest and longest cable car. The cable car has been designed in collaboration with a French firm called Pomagalski.
Khilanmarg If you are visiting the “meadow of flowers”, then this place is one of the must visit for sightseeing in Gulmarg. Khilanmarg is 4 kms from Gulmarg. The place is surrounded all over from mountains and it provides a great view during spring season when it is filled with wild flowers.
Nagin Valley Surrounded by natural beauty from every corner, the Nagin Valley is a beautiful meadow which offers enthralling sights to the visitors. Initially, the place was closed, but it is now open for locals and tourists. The place is a great attraction for those who look up to camping and trekking.
Strawberry Valley the valley makes you taste those fresh strawberries during summers. That is not enough! Walk down the valley to get through the unexplored part of Gulmarg. The place is famous for its Bollywood connection as many important sequences of movies have been shot here.
Gulmarg Golf Course Established back in 1904 by the British, Golf Course of Gulmarg is located at a height of 2650 m above sea level and one of the most popular places to visit in here.
Baba Reshi Shrine Named after a known Muslim scholar and Saint, Baba Reshi Shrine is 5 kms from Gulmarg and is located at a height of 2133 m above sea level. The saint after whom this shrine was built was a member of the court of King Zain-ul-Abidin.
Evening is FREE for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Gulmarg (B, D)
Day 12: Gulmarg - Srinagar (52 Kms / 2 Hrs)
Srinagar – Delhi {Go Air G8 224@ 1455 / 1625 Hrs}
Post breakfast full day at leisure for independent activities. Later transfer to Srinagar airport to board the flight to Mumbai for onward journey taking back a wonderful memory of Paradise on Earth.
Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward to serve you again in near future.
The arrangement of our trip was so perfectly done, that i could not find even a single fault or drawback for which i could provide a suggestion. We are so much impressed and touched by the hospitality and services provided. To be frank, we have already started to plan for our next holiday, may be sometime in the end of the year. We will get back to you soon :-) Thanks again Exceptional Escapes.....you guys are truly EXCEPTIONAL!!!! - read more...
The trip in general has been exceptional
The driver was a sweetheart. Always bringing me something to eat or drink and also always carrying a beautiful smile - read more...
Airport Representative was very Good Tour & Guide Services was very Good Ground Services was excellent Hotel Services was excellent - read more...
Generally all are good except that in shimla. Silverine hotel is not a suitable hotel for elderly people as they need to walk up and downhill to the hotel….though the place is ideal for shoppers - read more...
Thank you so very much for going above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip. I have been telling everyone about your hospitality. I truly had a great time and I especially am thankful for all your organizing and to take time to show us your family and invite us to your home. You have a beautiful family and I think Choti (your little sister) is so adorable - read more...
Hi Gaurav, thanks for following up and for all your efforts in making all the necessary arrangements for my trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. A few suggestions on how you might improve your services for future bookings - read more...
Many thanks for putting together a wonderful and memorable vacation for us. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We did not find anything lacking from your side. It was our first visit to India and it seems like we are already planning to be back. The pace was hectic so we did not find much time to visit the local markets which we will have to make up next time - read more...
We reached home safely on Sunday morning (USA time) and slept most of the day. I cannot thank you enough for all your help and efforts in making our trip such a wonderful success. I will never forget the experiences we had and fun time we enjoyed all throughout the trip. I will send you pictures soon.....'not to worry!!!' - read more...
We waited almost two years to meet again and it was well worth it. Everybody had a fantastic time and loved every moment of it. Your friend speaks very good English now and we all wish her well in the future. It seems that shopping with your friend was the highlight of the trip, the ladies would not stop talking about it - read more...