Experience the transcendent beauty of Kashmir, Paradise on Earth.  In Srinagar you stay on a houseboat on the serene and peaceful Nagin Lake - one of life’s most unforgettable experiences.  Water-powered peddlers sell everything from saffron to papier-mâché deer to the houseboat door. Ride a Shikara - a Kashmiri gondola - to the watery vegetable markets and see the mountains mirrored in the lakes.

Three nights' stay in Srinagar, exploring the beautiful city surrounded by the Himalayas, is combined with a comprehensive tour of Old and New Delhi, and a day trip to the spectacular Taj Mahal, India's most famous sight.  Its a perfect introduction to the north for those who have a limited holiday period, or for those with a few days spare in a longer itinerary of India and Nepal.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  DELHI   We meet in Delhi in the morning, and set off for a full day city tour.  We visit the beautiful Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  From here we go to the imposing Mughal Red Fort and Ghandi Samadi (the hallowed cremation ground of Ghandi), before taking a walk through the labyrinth of frenetic streets that make up Chandni Chowk, the vivid, colourful bazaar abuzz with the life and soul of Old Delhi.

After Old Delhi, the tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi seem startlingly spacious.  We stop for lunch in Connaught Place, which houses many famous restaurants with a good choice of different cuisine. After lunch we start our tour of New Delhi at the enchanting Laxmi Narayan Temple, and take a drive past The Presidents House to India Gate. We spend time enjoying the peace and tranquility of Humayan's Tomb, and marvelling at the Bhai Temple (a perfect lotus-shaped temple) and Qutab Minar.

In the evening there is time for shopping before viewing a spectacular light and sound show at the Red Fort.  We check into your hotel for dinner and rest.

DAY 02  DELHI - SRINAGAR   We transfer to the airport for the short morning flight to Srinagar.  On arrival, we transfer to your luxury houseboat accommodation on the stunning Nagin lake.  In the evening take a Shikara boat ride on the neighbouring Dal Lake to witness the sunset from among the beautiful lotus gardens. 

DAY 03  SRINAGAR   After breakfast we head out for a tour of the world famous Mughal Gardens, visiting the Nishat Bagh (Garden of Pleasure) and Shalimar Bagh (Abode of Love). We return to houseboat for hot lunch and head back onto the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the beauty that has led to this city often being compared to Venice. The Shikara will paddle you slowly around the watery markets, small bazaars floating together in a riotous fusion of colour, selling everything from fruit to Kashmiri saffron.

DAY 04  SRINAGAR  In the morning we visit the Shankaracharya Temple (Shiva temple), which commands one of the most magnificent views of the city of Srinagar with its lakes stretching across the valley towards the Himalayas on all sides. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city and shop for famous Kashmiri handicrafts, or indulge in a few marvellously lazy hours drifting on the lake.

DAY 05  SRINAGAR - DELHI  We transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi.  On arrival you settle into your hotel and are at leisure for the remainder of the day.

DAY 06  DELHI - AGRA - DELHI  We drive the 200 kms to Agra, home of India's most famous monument, the magnificent Taj Mahal.  We spend several hours exploring this sacred sight and learning its history before driving back to Delhi in the evening.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Accommodation in Delhi on a room-only basis.  Houseboat accommodation in Srinagar on a full-board basis.  

All transfers by car as specified, including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.

All sightseeing tours as specified.

All economy class internal flights as specified:                                                            DELHI - SRINAGAR;  SRINAGAR - DELHI.