Northern Heritage

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.

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.

Overnight in Shimla.

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.

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. 

Day at leisure to participate in various resort activities or explore the surrounding hills. Overnight.

Dharamshala

Today, visit the highlights of Dharamshala: St. John Church, Namgyalma Stupa, Dal Lake, Dharamkot, the Tibetan market and Mcleodganj, home to the Dalai Lama. In the evening, visit the Buddhist learning centers. 

For the adventure seekers, you can instead trek from Naddi Village to Dharamkot. Start from the Tibetan Children’s Village, a non-profit educational community for impoverished Tibetan children in exile. Drive to Naddi, a village with stunning views of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range. From here, visit the Golu Mata Temple on foot and continue downhill Dharamkot. End your walk near the Vipassana Center where your car will return you to the hotel. 

Evening at leisure and overnight.

Amritsar

In the morning, 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.

Adjacent to the temple is Langar Hall, considered the largest community kitchen in the world. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of langar expresses the ethics of sharing, inclusiveness, and oneness. The food is freshly prepared and comprises of parshaada (roti), cooked vegetables, daal, kheer, and karaha prashad.

The service is performed by the volunteers called Sewadars. This practice of selfless service goes beyond the bound of religion and serves to nourish the soul, creating a sense of unity and oneness. The experience of the Gurudwara Walk will empower you to be one of the sewadars at the Gurudwara. In the role of a sewadar, experience the ultimate joy of giving.

Read: Langar Hall: The Largest Free Kitchen in the World

Continue to the Jallianwala Bagh, the historic site and memorial to the massacre in 1919. Many know this event as portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie Gandhi. The site now houses a garden and national monument.

In the evening, experience the border ceremony at Wagah Border, the border line running along the Grand Trunk Road. People from all across the country visit to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony that is held daily before sunset. The ceremony includes the closing of the international gates and lowering the flags of both the countries.

The flag ceremony is conducted by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers since 1959. Officially, the purpose of the ceremony is to formally close the border for the night and lower the national flag. However, it is an entertainment ceremony and a patriotic display for the thousands of people who come here every day.

Overnight in Amritsar.