Book Winter Adventures in India
Shimla
This winter, escape to the snowy beauty of Shimla nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, where you’ll be dazzled by the mountains and pine forests. As the capital city of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, the wintry ambiance and nature paradise of Shimla is a big draw for honeymooners, Indian tourists, and adventure travel enthusiasts. Other cities to include in your tour: New Delhi, the national capital territory of India and Mumbai, located on the country’s west coast. From Shimla to Bollywood, this 3-city winter tour of India is visually impressive and perfect for the adventurous at heart. Check out Diners Club Privileges after you arrive.
Start your India adventure by flying to New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, a hub for flights from all over the world. Enjoy relaxation at the Daredevils & Connexions Lounge, open 24 hours a day. New Delhi, incidentally, India’s capital, is a territory in Delhi that was designed in the early 20th century. Although it’s difficult to distinguish a boundary between the two cities, Old Delhi and New Delhi can determined by looking at the architecture. In Old Delhi, visit Raj Ghat (the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi), the market Chandni Chowk, and the modern Hindu temple Lakshminarayan. In New Delhi, explore the Lotus Temple, India Gate, Lodi Garden and New Delhi’s many colorful markets, including Khan Market and Paharganj for the best bargains.
Taj Hotels
Indulge yourself with a stay at Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, one of Asia’s finest hotel companies. With locations all over India, New Delhi offers four hotels to choose from: Taj Palace, Taj Mahal Hotel, Vivanta by Taj-Ambassador or Vivanta by Taj-Dwarka. Diners Clubmembers enjoy various perks, including complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out.
Le Cirque
Le Cirque New Delhi offers the same celebrated French-Italian menu and magical Le Cirque mystique as the famed New York original. Enjoy dining alfresco on the terrace with a stunning view of the skyline. Diners Club members enjoy complimentary dessert and a private kitchen tour.
After your Delhi tour, take a train to Shimla, which stops in Kalka. From there board the narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway, a historical 60-mile long single track that crosses 806 bridges and passes through 103 tunnels. Built in 1903, the train snakes around the sides of a mountain, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. In 2008, the railway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it’s a lengthy trip (approximately 10 hours), the best way to see India’s spectacular scenery is by train.
Traffic is banned in the central part of Shimla, so be ready for plenty of nature walks after you arrive. Located on a ridge approximately 7 miles long, Shimla is surrounded by a steep forested hillside. Check out Mall Road, the main pedestrian street located just below the ridge, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, the Gaiety Theatre (patronized by Rudyard Kipling and Shasi Kapoor, among others), in addition to the Town Hall and Kali Bari Temple. Don’t forget to visit Christ Church, the second oldest church in Northern India, and Jakhu Hill, which at 8,000 feet is the highest peak in town, offering beautiful views of snow-covered Himalayas.
Continue your train tour of India by heading to Mumbai, via Delhi. Take the Jungle Safari by Train route, stopping off in Agra to see the world-famous Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the greatest achievements in Indo-Islamic architecture. In Jaipur visit Ranthambore National Park wildlife park to see a wild variety of tigers, leopards, striped hyenas and Indian flying foxes. Once in Mumbai, enjoy a morning cruise across the Mumbai Harbour to the tranquil Elephanta Island to view the sculpted rock-cut caves. Spend the day at Kamla Nehru Park to view Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hill, offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach and Prince of Wales Museum.
Dakshin Coastal
At Dakshin Coastal, savor award-winning South Indian seafood, poultry, meat and vegetarian dishes. Diners Clubmembers enjoy a chef’s table visit and priority reservations.
From New Delhi to Shimla on the historic Kalka-Shimla Railway, and from New Delhi to Mumbai on the Jungle Safari Train route, adventures in India await you. For all India, visit out our Diners Club Privileges site and select “India” for offers.