Following a wave of media hype New Delhi pulled off its first Formula One Grand Prix despite last minute finishing touches on the first day of practice! Apart from haze and dust there were no complaints from the drivers the circuit received a big thumbs up.
It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy motor racing in a new venue and to spend a few days delving into the culture of India’s capital city, which has so many historic links to Britain.
Delhi is a melting pot of sights, sounds and colours, a kaleidoscope of languages and traditions. Fairs and festivals are celebrated with pomp and abandon. Ancient forts, palaces and temples share the skyline with skyscrapers and modern shopping complexes. Everywhere there are bazaars and markets and, of course, there are restaurants of all kinds where you can indulge your taste for Indian cuisine.
Our guided city sightseeing tour will take you to some of the many famous sights and open up the history of Delhi and the ancient Moghul Empire.
If you've more time to spare then consider extending your 2012 Indian Grand Prix stay to see more of this beautiful and fascinating country. Our Golden Triangle tour is perfect for a first trip to India. In just four days you will be overwhelmed by its treasures as you ride by elephant to the Amber Fort and visit the pink Palace of Winds in Jaipur, the flamboyant capital of Rajasthan. A highlight of your Indian Grand Prix 2012 tour will be the grandeur and serenity of the Taj Mahal, a monument to eternal love.
Alternatively spend a few days in the cool, mountain scenery of Shimla, a hill station in the foothills of the Himalayas. The erstwhile Summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla is full of gabled cottages, imposing greystone Gothic structures and Christian churches with stained glass windows. You can fly from Delhi or, more interestingly, travel by train on the Himalayan Queen. In Kalka you change to the narrow gauge mountain railway for the final ascent.
Train journeys in India are legendary and a two night tour by train to the Ranthambore National Park and game sanctuary is a good way to combine sightseeing and wildlife. The Park is famous for its tiger population and jungle safaris are included during your stay.
Finally if, after a weekend of Grand Prix racing, a few days relaxation is more to your liking then the resorts of the southern state of Kerala are ideal. Beautiful resort hotels, boat trips, paddy fields and an array of aromatic local dishes make it the perfect place to end your holiday to the 2012 Indian Grand Prix.