Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla & Toy Train

10N/11D   Fully Guided Tours   Private Car  

Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi - Kalka - Shimla - Kufri - Shimla - Delhi

Trip Overview

A journey that combines India’s most iconic cultural route with the calm landscapes of the Himalayas, this 11-day itinerary offers a balanced experience between heritage exploration and mountain relaxation. Beginning with the Golden Triangle—Delhi, Agra and Jaipur—the route introduces you to Mughal architecture, royal palaces and guided city tours before gradually transitioning into the cooler, slower-paced environment of Shimla.

The shift from plains to hills is one of the defining aspects of this journey. After exploring the structured and historically rich cities, the itinerary moves towards the foothills of the Himalayas, where the pace naturally slows down. Shimla, once the summer capital of British India, offers colonial charm, scenic surroundings and a noticeably quieter atmosphere.

The Toy Train experience adds a unique element to the journey, providing a scenic ride through tunnels, bridges and mountain landscapes. Designed for travelers who want both cultural depth and natural variation, this itinerary ensures comfort through private transfers, well-paced travel days and thoughtfully selected stays.

Highlights of the Tour :
  • Guided sightseeing across Delhi, Agra and Jaipur 
  • Sunrise experience at the Taj Mahal 
  • Visit to Agra Fort and Mughal landmarks 
  • Jaipur exploration including Amber Fort and City Palace 
  • Scenic Toy Train ride to Shimla 
  • Colonial charm and relaxed pace in Shimla 
  • Transition from city landscapes to Himalayan hills 
  • Private chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout

Golden Triangle Tour with Shimla & Toy Train :- Detail Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Delhi

Your journey begins with your arrival in Delhi, where you are welcomed at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. The drive through the city offers an introduction to India’s capital, where modern developments exist alongside historic structures.

After check-in, the day is kept flexible to allow you to settle in comfortably after your journey. You may choose to rest at the hotel or take a short outing nearby, depending on your arrival time and comfort level. A relaxed walk or a quiet meal can serve as a gentle introduction to the city without adding pressure to your schedule.

Your chauffeur remains available throughout, allowing you to explore lightly if you wish. This unhurried start ensures that you are refreshed and ready for the more structured sightseeing planned for the next day.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided exploration of Delhi, covering both Old and New Delhi. The day starts in Old Delhi, where the narrow lanes and bustling markets create a vibrant and immersive atmosphere.

Visit Jama Masjid, followed by a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, where local shops, street vendors and daily life offer a close look at the city’s traditional character. You will also pass by the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

In New Delhi, the setting shifts to wide boulevards and colonial architecture. Drive past India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House before visiting Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Each site reflects a different chapter of Delhi’s history.

Return to your hotel in the evening and relax after a full day of exploration.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3 Delhi – Agra

After breakfast, depart for Agra via a comfortable drive on the expressway. The journey is smooth and allows for a relaxed transition between cities, with optional short breaks if required.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take time to settle in before beginning your sightseeing. Visit Agra Fort, a massive red sandstone structure that once served as the residence of Mughal emperors. Its courtyards and halls provide insight into the empire’s history and architectural style.

Later in the day, visit Mehtab Bagh for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from across the river. The setting is calm and offers a less crowded perspective of the monument.

Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening, preparing for the early morning visit the next day.

Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 4 Agra – Jaipur

Begin your day early with a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, where the monument appears at its most serene. The soft morning light enhances its beauty, while the early timing allows for a more comfortable experience.

After breakfast, begin your journey towards Jaipur. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital known for its preserved architecture.

Continue with a stop at Abhaneri Stepwell, where the geometric design of Chand Baori offers a unique architectural experience. These stops add variety while keeping the journey engaging.

Arrive in Jaipur by evening and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 5 Jaipur Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Jaipur with a visit to Amber Fort. The fort’s elevated setting and detailed interiors provide insight into Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

Continue with visits to City Palace and Jantar Mantar, followed by photo stops at Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal. Each site adds a different perspective to Jaipur’s identity.

In the afternoon, explore local markets known for textiles, jewelry and handicrafts. The experience is lively yet comfortable, allowing you to browse at your own pace.

Return to your hotel in the evening and relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 6 Jaipur – Delhi

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Delhi in a private vehicle. The drive is comfortable and includes optional breaks, ensuring that the travel remains relaxed.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. This day acts as a transition before moving into the Himalayan segment of the journey.

You may choose to relax at the hotel or enjoy a quiet evening nearby. The pace remains balanced to avoid fatigue.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 7 Delhi – Kalka – Shimla (Toy Train Experience)

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your journey towards Kalka, where you will board the famous Toy Train to Shimla. This scenic rail experience is one of the highlights of the trip, offering views of hills, forests and small mountain settlements.

As the train moves through tunnels and over bridges, the landscape gradually changes, marking your transition into the Himalayan region. The slower pace of the train allows you to fully appreciate the surroundings.

Upon arrival in Shimla, transfer to your hotel and check in. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to relax after the journey.

Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 8 Shimla Exploration

After breakfast, begin a relaxed exploration of Shimla, known for its colonial architecture and scenic surroundings. Visit the Mall Road, Ridge and Christ Church, where the city’s history and layout reflect its past as a British hill station.

The pace of the day is comfortable, allowing you to walk, explore and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed. You may also visit Jakhoo Temple or simply spend time taking in the mountain views.

The environment is calm, offering a refreshing contrast to the cities visited earlier. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax.

Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 9 Shimla – Kufri – Shimla

After breakfast, take a short excursion to Kufri, located a short drive from Shimla. The route offers scenic views, with forests and open landscapes defining the surroundings.

In Kufri, you can explore viewpoints and enjoy the natural setting at a relaxed pace. The experience is less about structured sightseeing and more about enjoying the environment.

Return to Shimla in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to revisit Mall Road or relax at your hotel.

Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 10 Shimla – Delhi

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Delhi. The drive is comfortable, allowing you to transition gradually from the hills to the plains.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. This final night allows you to relax after the journey and prepare for departure.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 11 Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. The departure is planned with sufficient time to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Our team remains available to assist with all final arrangements, ensuring that your journey concludes comfortably.

Inclusion :
  • 10 nights accommodation 
  • Daily breakfast 
  • Toy Train tickets (Kalka–Shimla) 
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur 
  • Professional English-speaking guides 
  • All transfers and sightseeing 
  • 24/7 assistance
Exclusion :
  • Monument entrance fees 
  • Meals not mentioned 
  • Personal expenses 
  • International flights 
  • Travel insurance

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Testimonials

What Our Client's Say!

Read the reviews of our esteemed client's, go through the experiences they had with Top Indian Holidays.

England
18 Apr 2025
5/5
halvequabold
  because my time with him in India was the most organized and exciting two weeks of my existence. I spent two weeks touring Southern India with a class of 16 American students and one professor who had never been to India, but thanks to Nand, the trip was seamless. He took us to incredible locations and called upon his personal connections to create opportunities for us and ensure that we were involved and informed. The entire time we were there, Nand made India feel like home. Somehow, he found a way for us to experience a range of incredible, new experiences in a completly unfamiliar place, while always ensuring our safety, comfort, and awareness. There is nothing Nand will not do to make your trip incredible. I cannot reccommend him enough.  ...Read More
USA
14 Mar 2025
5/5
bill4040
  My wife had a wonderful 28 day trip around the main sights in Rajasthan, The Golden Triangle and onwards to Varanasi. Nand organised the hotels to our budget, the driver and guides all of which were very good. Without his expertise this trip would not have been possible so a big "thank you"!  ...Read More
Germany
17 Feb 2025
5/5
AAaron S
  Nand Singh and his company did a great job of managing the first half of a custom study tour for me in Southern India. I brought 16 students from Saint Mary's College in January of 2018 and Nand Singh ans his company organized the hotels, shared meals, excursions, and transportation for us.   ...Read More
Germany
09 Jan 2025
5/5
UAE jacobs
  Our trip with Top Indian Holidays was fantastic. Our family of five, including 3 small kids, visited the Golden Triangle of India. It was a wonderful cultural experience. I cannot recommend them enough. The hotel accommodations were great (we stayed at the trident hotels). The food was delicious. Everyone we met in India was so friendly and kind. We always felt safe. Our tour guide Nand was super nice and informative. Our kids’ favorite stop was the Monkey Temple :) The rickshaw ride through Delhi was exciting and fun.  ...Read More
Bali
15 Nov 2024
5/5
Wmilee K
  I’ve made such wonderful memories here in India. For a week, I had the chance to work on my sister’s women’s healthcare project in the village of Chandelao, and then spent a weekend in Jaipur. The accommodations have been top notch, and both our guides- Kartika and Nand Singh- have become our good friends. Top Indian Holidays is a tour company dedicated to exceptional service. Despite traveling alone with my sister, we felt so safe and at home. I truly have fallen in love with I did!  ...Read More
Australia
26 Sep 2024
5/5
Surban L.
  Last year, I travelled throughout northern India for one month as part of a course at Saint Mary’s College. We had such incredible adventures, thanks to our in country guide and friend Nand Singh Rathore. I was so impressed by his company’s commitment to excellent hospitality that I planned another visit this March. The main purpose of my trip was to work on a women’s healthcare project in Chandelao. Top Indian Holidays was so helpful in organizing transportation and accommodations. Our guide, Kartika, and our driver, Bhim, made sure we were well taken care of. My project would not have gone smoothly if it weren’t for them- and I am so proud to call them my new friends! My sister and I stayed an extra weekend in Jaipur, and Nand Singh was amazing as usual. He is so, so good to us!!! If you visit India through Top Indian Holidays, I assure you that you will have a safe, adventurous, and unforgettable experience!  ...Read More
England
17 Jun 2024
5/5
Bill M
  We could not be more pleased with our experience with Top Indian Holidays. All the travel arrangements from Taxis, Vans, and Airlines were seamless. From the Jain Festival to Armristar - touring the Golden Temple, and two flights north to see the Dalai Lana, all our needs were taken care of. Expert local guides were used as needed, all professional and friendly. They listen to your desires, and made our first trip to India an adventure of a lifetime.  ...Read More
Madrid
03 Mar 2024
5/5
NWPalmer
  Top Indian Holidays is THE BEST! We came to India for the Jain Festival in south India at Shravanabelagola (which happens only once every 12 years) and continued on to the Golden Temple in Amritsar and to sit for teachings with His Holiness, the XIV Dalai Lama in Dharamsala. Top Indian Holidays handled all of the arrangements expertly, providing first rate service, excellent accommodations, transport, and first rate local guides! We've travelled through many, many countries with numerous very good travel agencies but none have provided the excellent service that Top Indian Holidays provided. They are committed to excellence. Thank you Top Indian Holidays!  ...Read More
Finland
12 May 2026
5/5
Anthony M
  We had an absolutely incredible experience touring India with Top Indian Holidays, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Our journey took us through Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur, and every part of the trip was seamlessly organised from start to finish. The itinerary struck the perfect balance between sightseeing, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra was, of course, a highlight, but the real standout moment was Ranthambore—where we were lucky enough to see tigers in the wild, something we’ll never forget. What really made the trip exceptional, though, was having the same driver with us throughout the entire journey.  ...Read More
UK
12 May 2026
5/5
Culture43864522401
  On the advice of a friend we contacted Nand Singh Rathore at Top Indian Holidays in Jaipur. Nand worked with us and suggested a suitable tour over 5 days. We flew from Goa to Delhi and were met by our driver Ram Singh, whom stayed with us for the duration of the tour. Day 2 we visited the Taj Mahal with a very well informed local guide and spent 3 hours enjoying this special place. We then headed for Jaipur ( a 6 hour drive from Agra) stopping on the way at Chand Baori ( The Abhaneri Step Well). Day 3 in Jaipur we visited the Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace. We were also due to visit the Jantar Mantar but because of heavy rain and thunderstorms we missed this out. Day 4 we were picked up at our hotel for the 7 hour drive to Udaipur , stopping for lunch and comfort breaks on the way.  ...Read More
Nand Singh Rathore
Nand Singh
Rathore
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