Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Amritsar

Barely 30km from the border with Pakistan, Amritsar is the second city of Punjab state.  Here in the Sikh heartland, it is also Sikhism’s prime spiritual centre; the name (meaning ‘Immortal Lake’) derives from the man-made pool which cradles the famous Golden Temple. Completed in the 1580s, the temple along with its expanding precinct of outbuildings and pilgrims’ rest-houses was rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. The addition of gold leaf over the temple’s sanctum in 1830 led to its current moniker; many still refer to it more formally as the Harmandir Sahib, or abode of god.

Proximity to the nearby border and the Pakistani city of Lahore has helped pump up the theatrics of the Attari-Wagah border crossing. Daily at sunset, both sides’ security forces conduct a formal flag-lowering ceremony with marching, parades and a handshake. It’s a memorable mix of pomp and posturing underlining the uneasy relationship between two countries that sometimes seem like ‘frienemies’.

Day Itinerary

Fly into Amritsar where you will be met by your Travel Counsellors Representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

Evening witness Palki ceremony at Golden Temple.

Situated in the middle of a sacred lake fed by an underground spring, the golden structure is a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Within the temple is the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs, displayed on a jewel-studded platform. Dozens of devotee’s act as a human conveyor belt to carry the Granth Sahib (a shrine containing the Adi Grantha) from the main shrine to the sanctum, where it is kept until the opening ceremony the following morning. Visitors may participate in the ceremony, taking their turn to shoulder the weight of the enormous shrine

Overnight: Holiday Inn Amritsar

Holiday Inn Amritsar is located in Amritsar’s commercial district, Ranjit Avenue, with the famous Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh located only a short distance away. All rooms are comfortably designed with TVs, air conditioning, and hairdryers. After a relaxing night, guests can start each morning with a delicious breakfast. Other services and facilities include parking, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, business services, and restaurants.

Alternate: Taj Swarna Amritsar

The Taj Swarna Amritsar is a luxury hotel located in Punjab, India. The hotel is situated conveniently close to popular attractions, entertainment facilities, and shopping districts in the city.

Accommodation is comprised of 148 stylish and spacious rooms and 9 comfortable, bright suites. Amenities include an LCD TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, a telephone, a work desk and fresh fruit. Guests can enjoy elegant a la carte dining at the on-site multi cuisine Grand Trunk restaurant and fiery Far East flavors at the Chinese Room. The Peg lounge and bar provides a relaxed space in which one can unwind with cocktails and quality drinks. The hotel also features leisure facilities such as a Health and Wellness Center which offers access to a fitness center, sports trainers, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a steam bath.

Day 2: In Amritsar

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Amritsar city.

The Golden Temple

Also more formally known as the Harmandir Sahib, this large walled temple complex is Sikhism’s holiest shrine.  Square in plan with the gold-topped temple standing at the tip of a pedestrian causeway in the centre of a placid lake, its four entrances symbolise the Sikhs’ belief in equality of all. The temple welcomes pilgrims and the worship of all faiths, and most visitors start by strolling the marble walkway and terrace that surrounds the lake, often to the sound of Sikh kirtans, or hymns, wafting gently from loudspeakers.  It can be a strangely affecting experience and one that seems almost entirely at odds with the complex’s turbulent history, especially in the early 1980s.

Like most Sikh temples, the tradition of langar – a kind of community kitchen – is maintained here on an almost epic scale. Every day, groups of volunteers prepare and feed visitors – from devout pilgrims to casual tourists – free of charge. The kitchens are huge, the food is vegetarian and, irrespective of faith or socio-economic status, all participants sit on the floor and eat together. The symbolism of this communal dining underlines a key Sikh tenet of the equality of all, while the langar tradition’s development and refinement stems from the earliest 15^th– and 16^th century Sikh gurus.

Typically langar is served to around 50,000 visitors each day though that can double on festive occasions. An army of volunteer cooks and servers service two dining halls holding 5000 diners, a special roti-making machine can churn out 25,000 rotis an hour and the largest vats can simmer up to 700kg of daal at a time. Meanwhile the daily consumption of rice (1400kg), milk (700kg) and wheat (5000kg) accounts for the use of a hundred large gas cylinders.

The Jallianwala Bagh Garden

Agruably the most brutal episode of Britain’s long rule over India, the massacre of peaceful demonstrators in Jallianwala Bagh, or garden, in 1919 marked a turning point in India’s quest for independence. With only one narrow exit blocked by British troops, the walled-in garden meant that when they opened fire – and simply kept firing until their ammunition was exhausted – the death toll was in the hundreds and possibly over a thousand; estimates vary.  While increasing political tension and unrest across India formed a backdrop to the episode, it also shocked the government and MPs back in London.

Today the seven-acre garden near the Golden Temple serves as a memorial to those killed. Some of the walls’ bullet holes have been left untouched and there’s a museum and gallery that help shed light on the incident.

Wagah Border

Midway between Amritsar and Lahore (in Pakstan), the Wagah border post lies on the historic Grand Trunk Road which not only connects these cities but stretches from Kabul in the west to Bangladesh in the east. The creation of this border stems from the partition of India at independence in 1947;  in part this involved Punjab state being divided between India and Pakistan.

The daily flag-lowering ceremony here began in 1959 and the accompanying military drill and parades followed by both sides’ forces is a bizarre mix of theatrics, pomp, absurdly-raised legs and stiff handshakes.     And while the ceremony’s symbolism distils elements of serious rivalry and sometimes uneasy cooperation between the two countries, it’s a good-natured affair with a regular crowd of whooping patriots-spectators and often bemused tourists.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 3: Amritsar – Dharamshala

Situated in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley, Dharamsala is one of Himal Pradesh’s most irresistible destinations. Famous as the home of the exiled Dalai Lama, this small market town is the centre of the Tibetan world in India. Most travellers head 10 kilometres uphill to the suburb of McLeod Ganj, also known as Upper Dharamsala. Surrounded by dense coniferous forest, this beautiful hill station attracts Buddhists, pilgrims, students and bohemian travellers seeking spiritual enlightenment and a possible encounter with this holy man. A worthwhile one-day trek, about nine kilometres from McLeod Ganj, is Triund Hill, described as heaven on earth for nature lovers.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Dharamshala. Enroute visit Masroor Rock cut temple (Amritsar to temple – approx. 4 hr, temple to Dharamshala – approx. 1.5 hr).

Masroor Rock Cut Temple

The spectacular Masroor Rock Cut Temple is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. This monolithic Hindu temple is set on a hilltop at 2,500 feet above sea level. The temple is a good example of Nagara architecture; it features a sanctum, a sacred pool, a sculpture of several deities and bas-reliefs. The temple offers vintage views of the Beas River and beyond. Visitors can take advantage of stunning photo opportunities

After the visit, continue with your drive to Dharamshala.

Arrive and check-in at the hotel.

Overnight: Fortune Park Moksha McLeod Ganj

Nestled in the scenic Strawberry Hills with beautiful views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range and the pristine Dharamshala valley, Fortune Park Moksha is located just 6 km from the main square. This leisure hotel in McLeod Ganj provides guests easy access to all the main tourist attractions in and around the town. Located at a driving distance from Delhi-NCR, this is a hotel for recreation, family and corporate bonding, and a select venue for conferences.

Alternate: Norbu The Montanna Dharamshala IHCL SeleQtions

Nestled in the majestic Kangra Valley, Norbu The Montanna Dharamshala IHCL SeleQtions offers comfortable accommodations with beautiful views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The hotel’s stylish suites and villas feature air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens and room service. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes at the on-site restaurant. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and a coffee shop.

Day 4: In Dharamshala

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Dharamshala

Norbulingka Institute

Norbulingka Institute is a unique institute dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan arts and culture. The institute is a self-sustaining community and is dedicated to ensuring that the integrity of Tibetan artistic traditions are maintained for future generations. The studios produce museum quality artwork using methods that have been practiced and passed down for many centuries.

Tsug la Khang, The Dalai Lama’s temple

This is the life-blood of the village. It houses the Namgyal Monastery and shrine rooms. The largest shrine contains a huge gilded statue of the Buddha, along with two smaller statues of Chenresig and Guru Rinpoche. Parts of these statues were brought at great sacrifice from Tibet. The Dalai Lama’s residence and administrative offices are adjacent to the monastery. The temple is always busy. Services are held daily and are attended by lamas, monks, nuns and lay people. In the shrine, you might come across a group of monks building an intricate sand mandala, and outside in the courtyard on Thursdays, monks debate Buddhist philosophy. Around the temple hill there is a long meditation trail — LingKhor — with small shrines, stupas, and a massive chorten. The shrines near the chorten are always covered in thousands of prayer flags placed by devotees. The temple is located a short walk down the hill from the main square at the centre of town.

St. John’s Church [Closed on Sundays]

Immerse in the composure of nature and a church amidst its greenest foliage! St. John’s Church is the most ancient structure of the town and it is a gothic stone shrine amidst the forest in between Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. It is an Anglican structure that is a tribute to John the Baptist. ‘St. John in the Wilderness’ is no more a hidden entity.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 5: In Dharamshala

Day Itinerary

The day will be at leisure to pursue independent activities.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 6: Dharamshala – Pragpur

The charming heritage village of Pragpur enjoys a superb location in the beautiful Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. With its cobblestone alleyways, mud-plastered, slate-roofed houses, and an array of historically significant sites, a visit to Pragpur feels like a journey back in time. Set in the heart of the village, The Taal is a serene pond that offers a recreation space for travellers and locals alike. It was constructed by the village brotherhood, which has maintained this ancient water system since the mid-1800s. The Taal is surrounded by many fascinating heritage structures, including, among others: the Bhutail Niwas, the Radha Krishna Mandir and Nehar Bhawan. Don’t miss the Judge’s Court, a grand manor showcasing the Indo-European style of architecture.

Day Itinerary

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast leave for Pragpur (approx. 65 Kms / 2 Hrous drive)

With its cobblestone alleyways, mud plastered and slate roofed houses, and its array of historically significant sites, a visit to Pragpur feels like a journey back in time. The village’s most popular tourist attraction is ‘The Taal’, a pond located in the heart of the village which serves as a recreational space. It was constructed by the village brotherhood, which has maintained this ancient water system since the mid-1800s. The Taal is surrounded by many fascinating heritage structures including, among others: the Bhutail Niwas, the Radha Krishna Mandir and Nehar Bhawan. Don’t miss the Judge’s Court, a grand manor showcasing the Indo-European style of architecture..

Evening take a walk through the heritage village

Overnight: The Judge’s Court

One of India’s finest Country Hotels, The Judge´s Court is a Country Manor located in the medieval hamlet of Pragpur, on the edge of the Himalaya Mountains, at an elevation of 2000 ft. in the Kangra Valley of the North Indian State of Himachal Pradesh. The property is classified as “Heritage” and this makes it India’s first classified Heritage Country Manor with an ambiance reminiscent of the turn of the 20th Century. The Judge’s Court’s elegant accommodation comprises of 10 Double Rooms 3 of which are suites inclusive of the cottage in the ancestral courtyard. The Judge’s Court substantially grows its own fruit, vegetables, wheat, maize and oil seeds. All efforts are made towards creating environment. Milk is from an owned dairy on the premises. Water is exclusively piped from an ancestral mountain spring.

Day 7: Pragpur – Shimla

7000ft up in the Himalayan foothills, Shimla is the capital of the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh. In the early 1800s it was just a modest village with a notable temple but by the mid-19th century it had become a favoured retreat of British army officers. Here with its cool air and seemingly endless forests they found relief from the scorching summer heat of the plains. By the early 1860s it was officially declared the Raj’s ‘summer capital’ and retinues of officers and government officials with their staff and caravans of luggage made the days’ long journey up from the plains. Its tradition of summer balls and parties helped make it high society’s go-to destination – the pre-eminent ‘hill station’ – augmented by schools, a theatre, churches and timbered bungalows lending an almost twee version of England-in-India.  Today it’s a busy oversized town clinging memorably to steep hillsides and many of the most important Raj-era buildings have survived. It also makes a useful break in journeys further afield, mainly to the neighbouring Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Spiti and Kullu.

Day Itinerary

Morning after breakfast, leave for Shimla (approx. 200 kms/ 4 hours drive)

On arrival in Shimla, you will check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight: Radisson Shimla

Radisson Hotel enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding cedar forests and mountains. Offering free Wi-Fi, it also has a seasonal outdoor pool, pampering spa treatments and a gym. Fitted with both air-conditioning and heating, the large rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a minibar.

A personal safe and tea/coffee making facilities are included. Bathrooms have shower facilities. Radisson Hotel is less than 200 metres from Jakhu Temple and The Mall. It is 1.3 km from Himachal State Museum. Shimla Airport is 26 km away. Free parking is available.

Day trips and car rentals can be arranged at the tour desk. The hotel also provides a business centre and laundry services. The front desk operates 24 hours.

Opening out to a garden, Cafe Valley Vue serves international cuisine. Drinks can be enjoyed at Pulse Terrasse Bar.

Alternate: The Oberoi Cecil

Set amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, The Oberoi Cecil is an opulent accommodation situated in the quieter end of the bustling Mall Road. Guest rooms and suites each feature air-conditioning, high-speed internet, a mini bar, a 32″ LCD television and a DVD player. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, an expansive swimming pool and a spa. Guests can learn about the country’s colonial history by stopping by notable sites including Gorton Castle, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and The Mall.

Day 8: In Shimla

Day Itinerary

Morning proceed for short ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train from Shimla to Tara Devi (45 minutes ride)

Completed in 1903 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as one of the three ‘Mountain Railways of India’), the 96km-long narrow gauge line winds through the forested Himalayan foothills via 20 stations, 103 tunnels and 864 bridges and viaducts. First mooted in 1847, the first serious pre-construction surveys began in 1884 to solve the very practical issues of transporting an entire government up to Shimla. It took five years to build, was never profitable and remains one of the loveliest train journeys in India. Several so-called ‘toy-trains’ operate the route daily and with an average speed barely touching 20km/hour, it’s a journey for the patient unhurried traveller.

Later enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Shimla.

Indian Institute of Advanced Study (Closed on Monday)

A little west of town on Observatory Hill, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study was built in the 1880s for the then-Viceroy of India. Known initially as Viceregal Lodge (and still commonly referred to by that name), every Viceroy stayed here at some point and the imposing mansion hosted many important political conferences and meetings that shaped the history of the Subcontinent. Post-Independence it was the Indian President’s summer retreat before inauguration as an academic institute in 1965. Today resident and visiting scholars focus on the humanities, social sciences and science, and the institute boasts an impressive library. There are regular daily tours of the interior.

Sankat Mochan Temple

A famous temple of Lord Hanuman in the region is located amidst the mist-clad mountains, providing a serene and scenic environs, making visitors get lost in the mesmerizing atmosphere of the place. The temple was built in the decade of 1960s. Originally dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple now also bears the idols of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha in various complexes.

Visit Shimla Mall Road

Curving around a relatively flat but slender stretch of Shimla’s ridge, pedestrianised Mall Road (sometimes just called the Mall)  lies in the heart of Shimla. It’s a place where people stroll, take in the views and absorb the curious, almost random, ‘Englishness’ of the place, from the pale yellow spires of Anglican Christ Church to Scottish Baronial architecture of the Gaiety Theatre and the Town Hall (now the Municipal Corporation Building). Most of Shimla’s busy atmospheric bazaars are easily accessible from here.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 9: In Shimla

Day Itinerary

Day at leisure to pursue independent activities.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 10: Shimla – Delhi

Day Itinerary

After breakfast leave for Chandigarh airport (approx.. 110 kms/ 4 hours drive) to board the flight for Delhi.

Upon arrival at Delhi, you will be assisted & transferred to the hotel for check in.

Overnight: Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Novotel New Delhi Aerocity is located in New Delhi. The accommodation features stylish guest rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities such as LED TVs, air conditioning, electronic safes, workstations and Wi-Fi access. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and have a refreshing drink at the hotel bar. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool fitness centre and a spa.

Alternate: Pullman New Delhi Aerocity

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is located within a 3 km radius of the IGI Airport. The hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with coffee/tea-making facilities, minibars and LED TVs. Guests can start the day with a delicious breakfast. Other hotel facilities include a restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre and a swimming pool.

Day 11: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

At an appropriate time, you will be assisted & transferred to Delhi airport to board the flight for onward journey.

**End of services**