Experience the true religious traditions of India with this 11 days tour from Amritsar to Deli. This off the beaten path journey will visit Amritsar, the sacred city of Sikhas, Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, and Shimla, former summer capital of the British Raj, etc.
Departs daily. Pick up from Amritsar Airport.
You’ll be met on arrival in Amritsar and transferred to The Holiday Inn or similar for two nights. The rest of the day is free for relaxation with a welcome dinner this evening.
A full day of sightseeing starts with a morning walk through the bustling lanes of the old city followed by a visit to the poignant site of Jallianwala Bagh. Visit the majestic Golden Temple complex, one of the holiest shrines of the Sikh faith. Take part in the communal lunch (langar) where thousands are fed for free every day. In the afternoon drive to the Wagah border to see the indulgent joint ‘retreat’ ceremony of the Indian and Pakistani guard.
Heading north, leave the plains of the Punjab and reach the town of Dharamsala (4-5 hours), the current residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, in the foothills of the Himalaya. Stay for two nights at Clouds End Villa or similar with spectacular views of the Dhauladhar mountain range.
In the afternoon visit the nearby Norbulingka Institute, built in the style of the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence in Lhasa (Tibet).
A morning sightseeing tour through the Tibetan Buddhist enclave of Mcleodganj with visits to the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and the Bhagsunath temple. In the afternoon, relax in one of the many inviting cafes or explore some of the smaller local monasteries.
Drive down to the heritage village of Pragpur (2.5 hours) with the option of a ride on the Kangra heritage railway line. Two nights are spent at the Judges Court Residence.
Enjoy a walk through Pragpur’s intriguing medieval narrow stone-cobbled streets. A picnic lunch is followed by a visit to a Tea Plantation in the afternoon.
Leaving Pragpur, drive through picturesque countryside ending with a steep and spectacular climb through the Shivalik Hills to the hill station of Shimla (4-5 hours). Two nights are spent at the Clarkes Hotel.
The morning’s sightseeing tour of Shimla includes a visit to the Vice Regal Lodge, Mock Tudor Library and, Jakhu Temple as well as a walk down the busy Mall Road to see the Gaiety Theatre and Christ Church. In the afternoon take a ride on the affectionately named ‘toy train’ to Kandaghat.
Day at leisure, with a option to play golf at the picturesque 18 hole, par 68, Naldehra Golf Course.
Drive down to Kalka (2 ½ hours) for the express train back to Delhi, staying overnight at The Park hotel or similar.
Free till transfer to airport for departure.
Amritsar – Hotel Holidcay Inn (4-star)
Dharamshala – Hotel Fortune Park Moksha (4-star)
Paragpur – Hotel Judges Court Paragpur (Heritage Hotel)
Shimla – Hotel Marina (Boutique Hotel)
