Foothills of the Himalayas

Explore the legendary city of Amritsar, whose maze of narrow lanes and railway lines has built up around an excavated pool thought to have healing powers. In the centre of this pool is the Harmandir Sahib, better known as the famous Golden Temple, a dazzling example of a gurdwara and the holiest site in Sikhism. Take a look around this magnificent structure and then tour the medieval Old Town, including the touching Jallianwala Bagh memorial. Later, head out of town to the Wagah Border, the boundary between India and Pakistan, where you’ll witness the fascinating Beating the Retreat flag ceremony.

Enter the rocky landscape of Dharamshala, a hill station with a stunning snow-capped mountain backdrop. The town is divided into the lower and upper parts, with Upper Dharamshala being nicknamed ‘Little Lhasa’ because the Dalai Lama sought refuge here after being exiled from Tibet. Visit his home in McLeod Ganj and call in at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts to learn more about Tibet’s vibrant music and dance. We’ll also visit the War Memorial, located in a pine forest. After you’ve soaked up the fascinating history and culture of the town be sure to admire the epic Himalayan panoramas.

Arrive in the historic village of Pragpur (or Paragpur), a charming collection of cobbled streets lined with slate-roofed cottages and colonial mansions. Take a wander around and soak up the heritage, admiring the pretty views. Drive to Chinor and marvel at the watermills, then continue on to the beautiful hilltop palace of Dada Siba and the exquisitely decorated temple of Radha-Krsna, both remnants of a 200-year-old dynasty.

In the morning, enjoy a jeep safari through the beautiful Gir National Park, home to Asiatic lions, leopards and antelopes. Travel through the beautiful Kangra Valley to the mountainside retreat of Shimla where you’ll gaze out across panoramic Himalayan views and look around the various temples and museums. The town is brimming with grand buildings, old-fashioned lamp posts and historical sites. Uncover the mystery of Scandal Point, named after an elopement of an Indian Maharaja with a British Lady, admire the glorious Christ Church and take a peek at the 250-year-old temple of Tara Devi. Later, wander down to Vice Regal Lodge, a palatial estate once home to the British Viceroy of India.

Board the celebrated Toy Train, a narrow-gauge railway, and chug through spectacular mountain scenery to Kalka, where you’ll change trains for your onward journey to Delhi. Once you arrive in India’s liveliest city, absorb the riotous colour and tour the forts and palaces, including the opulent Red Fort and the enormous Jama Masjid. You’ll get the chance to enjoy a street food walk curated and led by a renowned chef, sampling numerous local tastes from some of the oldest food establishments in the city. Later, visit the impressive Humayun Tomb, a striking combination of white marble and red sandstone and a great example of Mughal architecture.