India and Shimla for Solo Travellers

15 Days - Tours for Solo Travellers

India is a vast country of contrasts waiting to be explored, from world-famous landmarks to wondrous hidden treasures. Your visit will be a real feast for the senses as the vibrant colours, delicious flavours and heady scents combine to make a truly unforgettable holiday. Specially tailored for people travelling alone, our tour starts in rural Rajasthan, where a potpourri of the ancient and the modern is so clearly exhibited. The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is popular for its wealth of palaces, fine examples of jaw-dropping architecture. The natural world is also a major attraction and there will be the opportunity to spot tigers in their natural habitat in Ranthambore. Of course, the highlight for many is the sublime Taj Mahal, a mausoleum so often seen in films and photographs, but there is simply no substitute for the feeling of seeing it first-hand. We conclude our wonderful journey with a breathtaking train journey into the Himalayas and the hill station of Shimla. A microcosm of Victorian English society during its colonial past, Shimla is the perfect way to conclude a visit to this amazing country.

Highlights

Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
A wonderful tour of northern India’s ‘Golden Triangle’
See the breathtaking Taj Mahal bathed in soft morning light, gazing in awe at the simple purity of its white marble and the exquisite craftsmanship of its inlay work
City tours of both Old and New Delhi seeing all the major sights
Enjoy a guided tour of the 400-year-old deserted Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri
Driving safari experience in Ranthambore National Park, the best place in India to spot the elusive tigers
Explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, capital of the desert kingdom of Rajasthan with a guided city tour
Marvel at the extraordinary location and beauty of Amber Fort, home of one of India’s most powerful maharajas
Stay in an original Rajasthani fort, converted into a stunning Heritage Hotel
Travel on the famous Shimla railway on board a classic toy train for Kalka and stay for 3 nights in Shimla
Guided tour of the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla plus a walking tour of the city
A welcome dinner on the first night to get to know your travelling companions
Hand-picked accommodation rated three to five-stars, including all local taxes, with breakfast and eight meals included
Hotel porterage of one item per person

Inclusions

The price of this holiday is per person, based on one person in a twin/double room for sole occupancy. Price includes:
Thirteen nights’ accommodation in three, four or five-star hotels
Daily breakfast and eight meals
Scheduled flights to/from Delhi
All transfers
All local accommodation taxes
All flight taxes
All touring as mentioned
All local transport by train or coach as described
Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
The services of an experienced Riviera Travel tour manager
Indian visa not included.

1

You will be greeted at the airport before your overnight flight to Delhi.

2

We will transfer to the five-star Le Meridien Hotel for an overnight stay. After time to freshen up, we begin our solo tour with a visit to New Delhi, where we see the Parliament building and the India Gate, as well as some of the more ancient sites of Qutub and the tomb of Humayun. This evening we enjoy a pleasant and informal welcome dinner, where you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your tour manager and other like-minded travellers exploring the world on their own.

3

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the city to Old Delhi, where we visit Mahatma Gandhi’s modest memorial, as well as the imposing Red Fort and one of Asia’s largest mosques, Jama Masjid. We continue to Agra where we stay at either four-star hotel – the Oberoi Trident.

4

An early start this morning will be worth the while when we witness the glorious sun rising over the stunning Taj Mahal. As the mist rises above the adjoining Yamuna River, the constantly changing colours of the marble domes further highlight the symmetrical beauty of one of the modern wonders of the world. Our tour continues to the huge terracotta-coloured Agra Fort, the headquarters of the Moghul Empire for many years. Later this evening, you’ll have the option to return to the Taj Mahal to enjoy the sunset.

5

Leaving Agra this morning we continue towards the ancient abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1571, as Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital. Although it was mysteriously abandoned just 15 years later, it remains in a remarkable state of preservation, with numerous palaces, wide courtyards and beautiful carvings. We stop for lunch (included) at the the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharat before going on to the railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express for our comfortable two and a half hour journey to Ranthambore National Park. Originally the private hunting preserve of Maharajahs, its 400 square kilometres of forested rolling hills, valleys and lakes form a unique ecosystem. Started in 1973, India’s famous Tiger Project was created to protect the country’s tiger population. Despite many difficulties, the tigers of Ranthambore have survived and numbers have stabilised. Our hotel for the next two nights is the comfortable family-run three-star Ranthambore Regency on full board basis.

6

This morning, we rise early in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Ranthambore’s famous tigers on safari. Specially adapted four-wheel-drive vehicles manned by expert drivers will take us around the vast national park to spot the many different wildlife species that call it home, including antelopes, monkeys, crocodiles, wild boar, and rare sloth bears. We return to our hotel later this morning with plenty of time to relax and have a bite before our second safari drive to spot yet more fantastic wild creatures. Dinner is included this evening.

7

The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is our destination today, as we leave the natural playground of Ranthambore behind. One of Jaipur’s highlights is the Astronomical Observatory, home to a multitude of huge sundials. We will also visit the City Palace where the Maharajah of Jaipur still resides. Later we check into our hotel, the new four-star Hilton Jaipur for two nights.

8

Another icon of India is the colossal Amber Fort, located in the hills above Jaipur. We are treated to a local guide’s expert insights, so we can truly appreciate the fine details of this most magnificent of structures.

9

This morning we head deeper into rural Rajasthan. Passing small towns and villages, we continue to the village of Alsisar in the Sekhawati region. Once part of the Silk Road, the area became increasingly affluent and luxury mansions began to be built here. One such mansion has been preserved and converted into a luxurious Heritage Hotel, the Alsisar Mahal, where we stay tonight. This afternoon, a local guide will take us through the village to see the remaining mansions or ‘havelis’. Dinner is included this evening.

10

After breakfast we leave Rajasthan behind and return to the nation’s capital, New Delhi, for a one-night stay before our journey into the Himalayas. Tonight we stay at the five-star Le Meridien Hotel. Dinner is included this evening.

11

This morning we take the express train from Delhi to Kalka in ‘chair-class’ carriages with air-conditioning and large windows. We transfer at Kalka to the narrow-gauge ‘toy train’, which although does not have the same creature comforts, offers increasingly stunning views as it crosses 800 bridges and goes through 100 tunnels along the 100km-route to the small station in Shimla. After a busy day of travelling, we will check into the luxurious five-star Oberoi Cecil hotel for three nights.

12

Shimla’s colonial past is the main theme of our exploration today as we encounter the Viceregal Lodge and its stunning botanical gardens. Certain parts of the building are open to visitors and give a tantalising glimpse into the life of the Viceroy and his staff, who resided here for six months of the year.

13

Enjoy a day at leisure in Shimla, relax at the hotel pool or spa, or maybe take another stroll along the mall and do some last minute bargain hunting in the markets. Alternatively, there are a number of short local ‘treks’ that can be arranged in the surrounding hills. A sumptuous buffet dinner is included this evening.

14

This morning after breakfast, we drive to Kalka and then return by express train to New Delhi for our last night at the Le Meridien hotel.

15

We leave Delhi in the early afternoon for our flight home, arriving back the in the UK on the same day after a truly wondrous holiday.

4* Oberoi Trident Hotel - Agra

The four-star Oberoi Trident Hotel is located in quiet surroundings, near to the Taj Mahal. Managed by the famed Oberoi group, this low-rise modern hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens with water features and a swimming pool. The hotel grows all its own vegetables and the contemporary-style restaurant offers both buffets and a la carte Indian and continental cuisine, as well as popular wood-fired pizza oven. There is also a small lobby bar and fitness room. All 137 comfortable rooms overlook the Mogul-style gardens or pool and are air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, satellite TV, safe, wireless internet (extra charge) and tea/coffee-maker.Swimming pools in India: most outside pools are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.

5* Le Meridien - New Delhi

Recognised as one of the ‘100 icons of Delhi’ as a city landmark is the atrium glass building of the 5 star Le Meridien, located in the heart of New Delhi. Nearby within walking distance is the historic landscape of Lutyens Delhi great for exploring the sights, sounds and aromas of this area. Featuring one of the highest roof top restaurants in the city, dining choices include two speciality restaurants serving Indian and Chinese cuisine or the option of all day dining international cuisine, as well as the coffee bar serving light snacks. After a day’s sightseeing relax and take a temping signature cocktail in the Nero Bar. Alternatively, there is Henri’s Bar specialising in malts and whiskies. 24 hour room service is also available. Other facilities include an outdoor pool and fitness centre. For a complete Spa experience the 4th floor features the Three Graces by Amatrra Spa. The 358 rooms are contemporary and cosy with en-suite bath or shower room, hair dryer, air-conditioning, mini fridge/bar (extra charge), safe, iron/board, TV, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary wifi. (Swimming pools in India: are generally not heated and some may not be usable during the winter months).

3* Ranthambore Regency - Sawai Madhopur

The three-star Ranthambore Regency Hotel is a charming family-run, low-rise hotel located close to the entrance of the National Park. Built around lush, well-tended gardens with a small pool and plenty of quiet shady spots to relax in, this is one of our clients’ favourite hotels for its low-key informal atmosphere and personal service. There is also a large lounge with bar and a small shop. All guests are on full board basis and the hotel’s buffet restaurant offers a wide selection of (mild!) regional Indian dishes and western options. All 42 rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, with en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, cable TV, wireless internet (extra charge), mini-fridge, tea/coffee-maker and look out into the gardens.Swimming pools in India: most outside pools are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.

Heritage Alsisar Mahal - Alsisar

The heritage-class Alsisar Mahal is located by the village of Alsisar in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. You are really in the middle of rural India here and a stay at this charming property gives you an insight into the India of yesteryear. The hotel can be described as a half-palace, half-castle property, entered through ancient, heavy wooden doors which lead into a wide courtyard encircled by domed roofs and overhanging balconies. There is an open-air pool, spa, traditional bar, billiard room and restaurant. All the 51 air-conditioned rooms are different in style and size, many with antiques and extra large marble bathrooms. In keeping with the style of the property there are no TVs. Swimming pools in India: most outside pools are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.

5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel - Shimla

The five-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel is well located in a commanding position overlooking Shimla, within walking distance from the centre. With its Burmese teak floors and magnificent atrium, this is one of India’s best-known and best-loved hotels. The hotel has maintained a warm colonial feel, with a charming tea lounge & lobby bar, a heated indoor pool and excellent Asian Spa. The high-ceilinged, wood-panelled restaurant with its white linen-covered tables and views across the foothills of the Himalayas is a pleasure to dine in and, as you would expect, the service is exceptional. All 75 rooms are beautifully furnished in classically elegant style with a small seating area & writing desk, wooden floors, luxurious marble bathrooms, hairdryer, minibar, TV & DVD, internet access (extra charge), safe and tea/coffee-maker. Please note most rooms have king-size beds; a few twin-bedded rooms are available on request but cannot be pre-booked or guaranteed.Swimming pools in India: most outside pools are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.

5* Jaipur Marriott Hotel - Jaipur

This modern hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and spa, the hotel has 2 restaurants offering a selection of international and local fishes, a café/bakery and a bar serving drinks and snacks. The 374 modern stylish air-conditioned rooms all have bath, shower, hairdryer, minibar, safe, iron/board, cable TV, tea/coffee-maker and Wi-Fi. Swimming pools in India: most outside pools are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.