In the Footsteps of Indian Independence

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Delhi

Delhi is India's modern capital and played an important role in India’s independence struggle. A city of two halves, Old Delhi is an historic, chaotic district of grand mosques, majestic forts and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, wide tree-lined avenues and pretty white-washed bungalows was purpose-built in the 1930s by the British as a colonial capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power. (N)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: The Imperial Hotel

Day 3 Delhi

This morning head to New Delhi which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Today home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate, witness the changing of the guard at the President’s Palace (only on a Saturday morning) and visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (closed on a Monday). If possible, a visit will also be made to Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Mughal Gardens, however, these are only open to the public on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All visits are subject to approval of the President’s Secretariat. In the afternoon enter Old Delhi with your guide. Explore the area's dense network of busy alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques, visit the famous Chandni Chowk market, beautiful Jama Masjid and Red Fort where, on the 15th August 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru raised the new national flag about Lahore Gate. In the Red Fort visit the Swatantrata Sangram Sanghralaya Museum (closed on a Monday) which chronicles India’s independence movement. End the day with a memorable visit to Rajghat which was the cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: The Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: The Imperial Hotel

Day 4 Delhi to Agra – by train

This morning travel by train from Delhi to Agra, which was once one of the world's majestic cities. Today visit the Agra Fort and the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. No stay in Agra is complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. Arguably the greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz. The world famous structure is renowned for its beauty and the excellent craftsmanship. (B)
Accommodation in Agra: Taj View Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Agra to Jaipur – 240kms via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri

Leaving Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and constructed of beautiful red sandstone. Afterwards visit Abhaneri which is famed for its 8th century Chand Baori – the deepest step-well in the world – then continue to Jaipur. Planned by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is a vibrant city of bazaars, palaces, havelis forts. Jaipur also regularly played host to Lord Louis Mountbatten – the last Viceroy of India. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Barwara Kothi
Upgrade option: Royal Heritage Haveli
Alternative upgrade option: Rajmahal Palace

Day 6 Jaipur

This morning drive outside of Jaipur to the dramatically located Amber Fort set on a ridge above the rugged sounding hills. A Rajput capital for over 700 years, there is plenty to explore here from courtyard gardens and small temples to the private chambers of the Maharaja. In the afternoon return to Jaipur to visit the superb City Palace complex which is home to the beautiful Peacock Gate and famous Hawa Mahal, or 'Palace of the Winds' and the Jantar Mantar – the largest stone observatory in the world. (B)
Accommodation in Jaipur: Barwara Kothi
Upgrade option: Royal Heritage Haveli
Alternative upgrade option: Rajmahal Palace

Day 7 Jaipur to Chandigarh – by air / Chandigarh to Shimla – 120kms

After breakfast transfer to Jaipur Airport and fly to Chandigarh via Delhi. On arrival you will be met and driven to the charming hill station of Shimla, summer capital of the British Raj and a place where many momentous decisions on the future of India were made. With its wooden bungalows, gardens of gladioli and hydrangea and stone churches, this quaint town has retained much of its bygone atmosphere. (B)
Accommodation in Shimla: Clarks Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Oberoi Wildflower Hall

Days 8 & 9 Shimla

Over the next two days explore the town and surrounding area. Places of interest include Christ Church where the original chancel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard's father, nearby Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall. There are also many walks in and around the town including the climb up Jakhu Hill from where there are excellent mountain views. Most importantly, however, is the grand Viceregal Lodge (closed on a Monday). Summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, during the latter years of British rule the building played host to key figures from all sides of the independence debate and was the location for the 1945 Shimla Conference. (B)
Accommodation in Shimla: Clarks Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Oberoi Wildflower Hall

Day 10 Shimla to Kandaghat – by train / Kandaghat to Amritsar – 310kms

This morning leave Shimla and take the famous ‘toy train’ down to Kandaghat. Here you will be met and driven to Chandigarh – Le Corbusier’s famous planned city. Later leave Chandigarh and travel by train to Amritsar, arriving in the evening. Founded in the late 16th century, Amritsar is the centre of the Sikh religion and is best known for the spectacular Golden Temple complex. The temple acquired its distinctive golden exterior in 1830 after Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated 100kg of gold to be applied to the roof and walls and since that date the complex has changed little. (B)
Accommodation in Amritsar: Ranjit's Svaasa Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Swarna Hotel

Day 11 Amritsar

The Golden Temple is a highlight of any visit to Amritsar and this morning return to visit this magnificent complex. Later visit the newly opened Partition Museum. Housed in the city’s grand Town Hall, this special museum brings together a unique collection of letters, personal belongings, photographs and audio-recordings relating to the events surrounding this turbulent period. From here continue to the Jallianwala Bagh garden and memorial which commemorates the site of the 1919 massacre and in the late afternoon drive outside of the city to the Indo-Pakistan Wagah Border to experience the daily colourful, but chaotic, border closing ceremony. Return to Amritsar and in the evening visit the Golden Temple and witness the Palki Ceremony. (B)
Accommodation in Amritsar: Ranjit's Svaasa Hotel
Upgrade option: Taj Swarna Hotel

Day 12 Amritsar to Delhi – by air

This morning you will be met and taken to Amritsar Airport for your flight to Delhi. This afternoon visit Coronation Park, the location of three Delhi Durbars which now houses a small selection of statues from the British Raj. (B)
Accommodation in Delhi: Maidens Hotel
Upgrade option: The Imperial Hotel

Day 13 Depart Delhi

Today transfer back to Delhi Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

In the Footsteps of Indian Independence - From Delhi to Amritsar

13 days from £3195 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £3195 per person

Itinerary: In the Footsteps of Indian Independence - From Delhi to Amritsar

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