6days Explore the Best of KASHMIR with a Visit to the Taj Mahal

➤ Namaste & welcome to the capital of India, New Delhi. Just a century ago, the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi and it has been the Capital of India ever since. With its rich history that goes back many centuries, Delhi showcases an ancient culture. Being the Seat of many Powerful Empires in the past we can trace this today from its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs. The city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. This town was known as Indraprastha, where the Pandavas used to live. ➤ You will be met and assisted upon arrival by our representative with a traditional welcome. After a short briefing you will be transferred to your hotel of choice for overnight stay.

➤ After breakfast at hotel depart to the domestic airport for your flight to Srinagar. ➤ Srinagar is a destination for those looking to enjoy pristine natural beauty. Known as the City of Lakes, it has been fascinating tourists for centuries with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the majesty of Mughal architecture. This is a place of splendid natural beauty and is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India'. ➤ Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transferred to your houseboat. Srinagar’s houseboats are luxury abodes, anchored in a peaceful lake, surrounded by mighty mountains. The warm, cozy haven keeps you snug all night and lets you enjoy the splendid views as the sun starts to rise. ➤ After lunch proceed to the world famous Mughal Gardens. Explore Nishat Bagh, The Garden of Pleasure, a terraced Mughal Garden situated on the eastern side of the Dal Lake. The beautiful gardens are spread over 12 terraces representing the zodiac signs and offer splendid views of the Dal Lake and the mountain range of Pir Panjal. Thereafter visit Shalimar Bagh, Abode of Love. The largest and the most famous of the Mughal gardens in Kashmir, this garden of immense beauty with wonderful vistas and shallow terraces is simply a sight not to be missed. ➤ Next up is shopping at Lal Chowk, one of the Most Popular and Oldest Shopping Bazaar in Srinagar. Famous for woolen garments, copper ware, silver jewellery, carpets, brass ware, walnut wood products and spices which can be availed at a great bargain here. ➤ Overnight stay and dinner served in the Houseboat, along with the services of a personal butler.

➤ Morning after breakfasts proceed on a picturesque drive to Gulmarg. ➤ Known as the Meadow of Flowers, Gulmarg is adorned with lofty snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, small lakes, and a large variety of flowers. It was discovered as a tourist destination by the British in the 19th century. Prior to that the Mughal emperors use to holiday here. It has one of the world's highest green golf courses and also has one of the Best Ski Slopes in the World. ➤ After lunch proceed on a Cable Car Ride up the Himalayan Mountains. The Cable Car ride, popularly known as the Gondola Ride is the special attraction of Gulmarg for its scenic views. (cable car ride provided for Phase 1 only) You can experience the Magnificent Sight of Green Hilly Terrains and Picaresque Himalayan Mountain Setting all around. ➤ There are two phases of the ride one is from Gulmarg to Kongdoori and the second is from Kongdoori to Apherwat. It starts from an elevation of 2690m above sea level and go up to a height of 3090m. It finally reaches Kongdoori by passing over the Wonderful Pine Forests below. ➤ Phase 1 : Travel from Gulmarg to Kangdori which is at an altitude of 10,000ft above sea level. It is a thrilling journey amid the sky touching pine trees and threatening mountains. ➤ Phase 2 (optional: approx Rs600/USD10) : Travel to Alpanther at a breathtaking and frightening height of 13,500ft above sea level. It is a journey of 20 minutes that ascend sharply in the rocky summit of the mountain. Sometimes the gondola even travels surpassing the clouds. ➤ p/s: Heart Patients with respiratory problems and minors below 5 years cannot go for this ride. You are suggested to take warm clothes along as the weather can be extremely cold throughout the year. ➤ Attraction to be seen from Phase 1 ➤ a) Seven Springs- the point of origination of 7 springs and also a natural water source. ➤ b) Khilanmarg which is a wide meadow covered with flowers and takes 30 minutes to reach on pony. ➤ c) Ski slopes. ➤ Attraction to be seen from Phase 2 ➤ a) A bird's eye view of the lovely Kashmir Valley. ➤ b) Alpanther Lake that is A continually frozen lake throughout the year. It's a 30 minutes walk from the peak of phase-II. ➤ c) Rare Flowers: Rare flowers can be seen on the way while walking a little distance by foot. ➤ Late afternoon take a drive back to Srinagar. ➤ Overnight stay and dinner served in the Houseboat, along with the services of a personal butler.

➤ After breakfast travel to Pahalgam, dubbed Heaven on Earth. It’s a small place of 2-3km but you can spend a week without getting bored. ➤ Known also as the Valley of Shepherds, this resort is set in a pristine village lying next to the Lidder River with breathtaking views. Being Kashmirs Premier Hill Resort, cool even during the heights of summer this place is surrounded with Fragrant Pine Forests, at an altitude of 2130m above sea level. ➤ En route to Pahalgam visit the Saffron Fields of Kashmir, Avantipur ruins and Anantnag sulfur spring. ➤ After your lunch proceed to have a Scenic Walk against the magnificent view of the Mountains. Admire the Breath-taking Scenery of Mini Switzerland. ➤ You can enjoy A Horse/Pony Ride at Pahalgam (optional). There are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. ➤ Late afternoon take a drive back to Srinagar. ➤ Overnight stay and dinner served in the Houseboat, along with the services of a personal butler.

➤ After breakfast embark on a Shikara Ride on The Dal Lake. A Shikhara is a traditional Gondola type light rowing boat which is mostly seen on the pristine Dal Lake. It is one of the most incredible and relaxing aspects of a holiday in Kashmir, and is a must if you want to experience the surreal beauty of this region to the fullest. Along with the houseboats, it is also considered to be a cultural symbol. ➤ Later, transfer to Srinagar airport to board flight back to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport met by our representative and drive to Agra, a city on the banks of the Yamuna river. Famous for its Mughal architecture and for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal - a monument of incredible elegance and architectural perfection. ➤ Lunch en route at City restaurant. ➤ Overnight stay and dinner served in the hotel of your choice.

➤ After early breakfast visit the Taj Mahal, The Monument of Love. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site One of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. ➤ Next visit the Agra Fort, the main residence of the Mughals. The fort was built by one of the greatest Mughal Emperor Akbar in the year 1573. It took more than 4000 workers and eight years of hardship to complete the fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site this powerful fortress of red sandstone is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. It is rumored that Shah Jahan died in a tower here with a marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal. ➤ After lunch at hotel proceed for Delhi. ➤ On arrival proceed on a Discovery Tour of Delhi. Places covered include the Rajghat, India Gate, the Parliament and Secretariat buildings, Bahai Lotus Shaped Temple. Photo stop view of Qutub Minar-the highest stone tower in India. ➤ Evening proceed for Bazaar Shopping. Delhi is a fantastic place to shop. There's an astounding array of wonderful stuff : handicrafts, textiles, clothing, carpets, jewellery and a kaleidoscope of saris. The Bazaar's in Delhi estimate to have some 25,000 people within its confines at any given time and also attracts many foreign tourists. It is known as a place with the lowest prices. ➤ After farewell dinner transferred to airport for your return flight back home.