Grand Journey from India's Golden Triangle to Shimla (2027)

The hotel is 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.

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 (local charges apply), satellite TV, safe, wireless internet (extra charge) and tea/coffeemaker. Swimming pools in India: most outside pools are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.

The five-star Oberoi Cecil Hotel features Burmese teak floors with a magnificent atrium and 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 (local charges apply), 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. Note: most outside swimming pools in India are not heated and may not be usable in the winter months.

The five-star Le Meridien features one of the highest rooftop 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 fourth 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 Wi-Fi. Note: swimming pools in India are generally not heated and some may not be usable during the winter months.

This modern hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and spa, the hotel has two 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.

Designed for comfort, with never-ending charm, the Taj by Vivanta boasts many amenities. From a spa that offers various treatments and an indoor swimming pool, to not one, but two restaurants – serving different styles of cuisine. Between meals, why not head to the bar or patisserie for a bistro-style savoury bite and delicate desserts? You’re sure to find the perfect pick-me-up. The spacious rooms are equipped with a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a seating area, a safe and a hair dryer. 

The heritage-class Alsisar Mahal 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.