An extraordinary journey back in time unfolds one of the most significant dramas of the British Empire story. A story of courage, folly, rage, fanaticism and fortitude, which compelled Queen Victoria to declare this day as a National Disgrace. Nowhere in the World would it be so easy to turn back the pages of History as in India!
Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days
This itinerary covers the following destinations : Delhi - Shimla - Kolkata - Lucknow - Kanpur - Orcha - Jhansi - Gwalior - Agra - Delhi
Day 1 : Arrival Delhi
The colour & romance of India greets you as you disembark from your plane in Delhi. Welcome meeting and assistance once you arrive, thereafter proceed to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi
Proceed for a walk & drive down for a tour to old Delhi and the Mutiny sites visiting the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk (known as the Silver Street) and Raj Ghat. Delhi had once been one of the most splendid cities in the world. Capital of the Moguls, it had been home to great Emperors who ruled India from the sandstone and marble splendour of the Red Fort.
Day 3 : Delhi / Kalka / Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
In the early morning, transfer to the railway station to catch a train for Kalka. On arrival at Kalka, board the famous Shimla Toy Train, which leaves for Shimla at 11.55 hrs. The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is a great experience covering 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges through this winding mountain area. The dazzling view and the stop at the picturesque stations along the way add to the experience. On reaching Shimla, we take a stroll down the Mall road, the main market area in Shimla.
Day 4 : Shimla
In the morning, proceed for a full day sightseeing of Shimla, which includes the Rashtrapati Niwas, formerly the residence of the British Viceroy, the State Museum, which has a modest collection of statues from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman (the Monkey God), Summer Hill, Prospects Hill and the Wildflower Hall. Kufri, is a well - known ski resort in Himachal Pradesh, and is located 16 kms from Shimla.
Day 5 : Shimla - Delhi / Kolkata (Flight)
In the morning, transfer to the airport to catch a flight for Delhi. On arrival, welcome meeting with our local representative and proceed to Discover House, where a courtesy room to freshen up will be provided to you until your departure. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the airport. Departure by air to Kolkata. On arrival, welcome meeting with our local representative and transfer to the hotel.
Day 6 : Kolkata (the City of Joy)
After breakfast, leave the hotel for a tour of Kolkata. The city was established in the year 1686 when the British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. All went well till the year 1756, when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Being the centre of power for so many years created a unique culture and heritage here, totally unlike any other city in India.
This city retains some of the most striking colonial buildings of the country. It used to be the capital of the British East India Company and evidence of the British colonisation still persists here till date.
This tour includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial - a grand edifice constructed in the memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. Howrah Bridge is another landmark that denotes the 'City of Joy'. This hanging bridge is one of the architectural marvels of the country. The second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla Planetarium is another site that attracts attention to all age groups. Other places of interest to visit : St. Paul's Cathedral, the National Library, the Shaheed Minar, Fort William, the Rat Park and the Marble Palace.
Day 7 : Kolkata / Lucknow (Flight)
The next morning, leave for the airport to catch a flight for Lucknow - perhaps the only city in the world where it is so easy to turn back the pages of history. In the afternoon, visit the Mutiny site of Lucknow. If Delhi was the symbolic centre of Mutiny, and Cawnpore (Kanpur) provided its most horrific episode, it was Lucknow that caught the imagination of the British public and became perhaps, the most well known action area of all Britain's 19th Century wars. It had all the dramatic elements of a siege and even better, a happy ending. It became indeed a model for later British colonial conflicts. In the beginning, there were the initial reverses: the spectacle of the 'thin red line' battling against overwhelming odds, heroism in the face of adversity, the stoicism of the ladies living in appalling conditions, the death of a gallant Commander and finally the sound of bagpipes in the air and a relief column marching into the British position with flags flying with kilted highlanders leading the way.
Day 8 : Lucknow
The next morning, visit the Imambara. Built by the grandson of the legendary King Tipu Sultan, Shahzada Bahimuddin in the year 1835, it is one of the most impressive pieces of Islamic architecture in Kolkata. Next, visit the famous Ittar (Indian perfume) market of Lucknow. Rest of the day is at your disposal.
Day 9 : Lucknow / Kanpur
In the morning leave for Kanpur, and on arrival, check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon visit the Mutiny sights of Kanpur.
Day 10 : Kanpur - Jhansi / Orcha
After an early breakfast, leave for the railway station to catch a train for Jhansi, and on arrival, leave for Orchha.
Day 11 : Orcha / Jhansi / Gwalior
After breakfast visit the temples and the Fort - Orchha, an ancient capital of a powerful Rajput kingdom between the year 1531 & 1783, is situated on a large rocky island on the Betwa River.
On June 5th, some time after the Mutiny broke out elsewhere, members of the Jhansi garrison mutinied, took the more important of the two Forts in the town, killing two of the British officers and wounding others. They plundered the town, and released the prisoners from the gaols. The remaining British and Eurasians sheltered in the Town Fort.
Thereafter, continue towards Gwalior.
Day 12 : Gwalior / Agra
In the morning visit the grand Gwalior Fort.
The city Gwalior is named after a Saint who it is believed, cured the local chieftain Suraj Sen from leprosy. The history of Gwalior dates back to 8th Century. From then onwards, Gwalior was to become the cradle of dynasties. The massive Fort, which overlooks the city, is a testimony to its past glory and grandeur. Warrior Kings, poets, musicians and Saints equally contributed in making Gwalior the city as we see it today.
Gwalior is one place which was most affected during the Revolt in the year 1857. It was one of the centres, which experienced fierce encounters between the British and the 'Rebels'. The Maharaja of Gwalior was loyal to the British during the Mutiny but his troops sided with the rebels who had laid their hands on the city. Towards the end of Mutiny, Gwalior was subject to heavy fighting, after which British gained complete control over India. Among those who gave their lives here in their attempt to capture the Fort were Tatiya Tope and Rani of Jhansi.
Later proceed to Agra - Synonyms with Taj - Can be seen in an amber hue at dawn & dusk and in a radiant hue at noon. The famous poet Mark Twain once said, " When this soaring bubble of marble breaks upon your view you for sure cannot keep your emotions within bounds"
Day 13 : Agra
After breakfast, proceed to visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonish and mesmerise its visitors. It is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalise the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Thereafter, continue onto discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort, built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year 1565 and 1573, whose military power is beyond comparison. After this, return to the hotel.
Day 14 : Agra / Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Delhi. Arrive and check in to the hotel. Rest of day is at your disposal for souvenir shopping.
Day 15 : Agra / Delhi
In the morning, transfer to the airport, to board a flight for Delhi. Arrival and meet with our local representative. Later, transfer to Delhi International airport, for a flight to your onward destination.
Contact us today and let us know your requirement. We will be more than happy to assist and serve you.
