Northern Heritage

 

 

Experience the Northern heritage of India: Shimla, draped in pine forests and reminiscent of the colonial era; Palampur, featuring artistic brilliance; Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama; and Amritsar, an ancient Indian city that houses the Golden Temple. Together, these cities capture a traditional brilliance of India’s culture.

Arrival (evening): Delhi

Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Delhi is India’s capital, a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India’s legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi’s spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Delhi

After breakfast, visit the sites of Delhi: Red Fort, a marvel of red sandstone;  Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; and Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India.  Also drive past the President's Palace and India Gate. Overnight in Delhi.

 

 

 

Day 2: Delhi—Shimla

Depart early in the morning for your first class rail journey to Shimla. The train is one of the most unique railway tracks in the world. It was first sketched in 1847, almost 50 years before it was actually constructed. Your journey, popularly called Toy Trains, is a breathtaking experience as it passes through the Himalayas, lush valleys embellished with pine and meadows of wildflowers. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Shimla.

 

 

Day 3: Shimla

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of touring in Shimla. Shimla is named after the Shyamala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Kali. Located in the Northwest Himalayas, the city is draped in forests of pine, oak and rhododendron.  Shimla was also the summer capital during the British Raj and  the architecture remains reminiscent of the colonial era. During your tour, visit the Shimla Mall, Christ Church, Scandal Corner, Viceregal Lodge, and Jakhu Temple. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 4: Shimla

Day at leisure to explore the town or visit the colorful bazaars. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 5: Shimla—Palampur

After breakfast, drive to Palampur (6 hours). Situated on a plateau, Palampur is surrounded by the Bundla stream and pine forests. The town is famous for its tea gardens and majestic snowy mountains. Many compare Palampur’s beauty and geography to that of Lucerne, Switzerland. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Palampur.

 

Day 6: Palampur

After breakfast, visit the Baijnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, visit Andretta Potteries, once the home to famous painter Sardar Sobha Singh and playwright Norah Richards. It has now become a center for artistic activities. For an additional cost, you may request pottery lessons during the  afternoon. Overnight in Palampur.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 7: Palampur—Pragpur

Drive to Pragpur (2 hours) and check into the Heritage Hotel Judge’s Court. The country manor is located in the medieval hamlet of Pragpur in the Kangra Valley. The property was India’s first classified country manor with an ambiance reminiscent of the turn of the 20th century. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Pragpur.

 

 

 

Day 8: Pragpur—Dharamshala

After breakfast, drive to Dharamshala (1.5 hours). Dharamshala is the principal township of the Kangra valley and is magnificently set against the Dhauldhar mountains. The town has been the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama since 1960 when the Chinese occupied Tibet. Dharamshala also houses many Tibetan refugees and is often called Little Lhasa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.  Overnight in Dharamshala.

 

  

Day 9: Dharamshala

Today, visit the sights of Dharamshala: the St. John Church, Namgyalma Stupa, Dal Lake, Dharamkot, the Tibetan market and Mcleodganj, home to the Dalai Lama. Also visit the Buddhist learning centers. Overnight in Dharamshala.

Day 10: Dharamshala—Amritsar

Drive to Amritsar (7 hours), one of the most ancient cities in India and an important seat of Sikh history and culture. As a gateway for travelers on route from Central Asia, Amritsar soon became the center of commercial activities. Located in the state of Punjab, the city also houses the Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of Sikhism. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 11: Amritsar—Delhi

After breakfast, visit the Golden Temple. Shining in the morning light, the gilded splendor of its paneling, dome and minarets illustrates spiritual transcendence. The temple is a fairy palace to the devotees of the Sikh faith. Later, visit the Jallianwala Bagh, the historic site and memorial to the massacre in 1919.  The site now houses a garden and national monument.

In the evening, transfer to the train station for your 1st class rail journey to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.