India and Shimla for Solo Travellers
India and Shimla for Solo Travellers
India and Shimla for Solo Travellers
15 Days Starting and ending in Delhi, India
Visiting: Delhi, New Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Amber fort, Alsisar, Shimla
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1IDS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4445 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
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.Â
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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Departure
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Overnight Flight
Meals Included: No Meals
You will be greeted at the airport before your overnight flight to Delhi.
Day 2 : Arrival In New Delhi
Location: New Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Le Meridien
Meals Included: Dinner
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.Â
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.
Day 3 : Old Delhi
Location: New Delhi, Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Oberoi Trident Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4 : Taj Mahal
Location: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Oberoi Trident Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Fatehpur Sikri
Location: Fatehpur Sikri, Ranthambore National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3* Ranthambore Regency
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
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Day 6 : Tiger Safari
Location: Ranthambore National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 3* Ranthambore Regency
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 7 : Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : Amber Fort
Location: Amber fort
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.Â
Day 9 : Rajasthan
Location: Alsisar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Alsisar Mahal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 10 : New Delhi
Location: New Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Le Meridien
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 11 : Train To Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12 : Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 13 : Free Day In Shimla
Location: Shimla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Oberoi Cecil Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 14 : Train To Delhi
Location: New Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 5* Le Meridien
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 15 : Return Flight
Location: New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Thirteen nights’ accommodation in three, four or five-star hotels
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Fully Guided
The services of an experienced Riviera Travel tour manager
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International Travel
Scheduled flights to/from Delhi
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Meals
Daily breakfast and eight meals
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All transfers
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All local accommodation taxes
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All flight taxes
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All touring as mentioned
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Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
What's Not Included
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Indian visa not included
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Tipping and Gratuity
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Whilst the travelling schedule shall pose no problems for people of any age in normal physical health, we would point out that in visiting a number of historical sites, paths may be uneven and uphill and we often enjoy walking tours of the main sights. Therefore, this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. In the tropics temperatures and humidity levels will also be quite high for most of the year. Please consult your GP regarding the appropriate inoculations required for India at least a month before departure.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are flights included in this tour?
Scheduled flights to/from Delhi
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, 18 years and above only
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No, all our solo tour prices are fully inclusive with no single supplement to be added. Whilst hotels generally charge a little more for single occupancy rooms, we never charge you extra for meals, excursions, flights, rail journeys or transfers.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Thursday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Monday - Monday
Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024Monday - Monday
Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Monday - Monday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions