Temples, Tigers & Toy Trains
Itinerary
Rather than fly into Delhi, stay a night and then jump on the train to Amritsar, this trip starts in Amritsar as it's possible to fly there from the UK (typically connecting through Delhi or Doha). Don't worry about skipping Delhi as you'll stop for two nights at the end of the trip.
Days 1-3 – Magical Amritsar
On arrival in Amritsar, you’ll be met and transferred to your characterful, boutique hotel. Amritsar is the centre of the Sikh culture and home to the magnificent Golden Temple complex, which rivals even the Taj Mahal. In the evenings, the temple is illuminated with dozens of tiny lights reflecting in the Pool of Nectar, giving it an air of fairy-tale romance. You can visit the Golden Temple on your own, both at night when it’s beautifully lit up, and the next morning.
About 20 miles west of Amritsar lies the India-Pakistan border where the ‘Wagah border ceremony’ is held every day at sunset. On the second day of your stay, we’ll arrange for your driver to take you there in the afternoon, and you’ll see big crowds of Indians and Pakistanis waiting for the show. There are soldiers wearing colourful uniforms, marching around and simultaneously lowering their countries flags. Then, before shutting the gates for the night, the soldiers from either side give each other a brusque handshake.
Days 3-5 – Dharamsala: Little Tibet
After breakfast, you’ll drive into the foothills of the Himalayas to Dharamsala. This lofty hill station was founded by the British in the mid-19th century to escape the summer heat. It is also known as ‘Little Tibet’, because it is home to the exiled Dalai Lama, and there’s a huge community of Tibetan refugees here. The monks define the gentle atmosphere of the town. Surrounded by evergreen forests and fresh green tea plantations, it’s an excellent place to unwind and recharge. Take a walk past the temple and wander amongst stupas and prayer flags in the pine forests. You will stay in a comfortable guesthouse for two nights.
There is much to see in and around Dharamsala. During your stay we’ll arrange a full-day guided tour. You’ll visit the Dalai Lama’s temple and join the Tibetan pilgrims on their traditional “kora”. You can see the buildings that make up the Tibetan Parliament, and walk through tea plantations that are surprisingly close to the town. In Lower Dharamsala you can visit the fascinating Norbulingka Institute, a large complex dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture. You can enjoy extensive views of the hills and mountains above Dharamsala, and take a short walk through a traditional village belonging to the Gaddi people.
Days 5-7 – The cool air of Shimla
Today, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Dharamsala and transferred to Shimla, another hill station with a whole different personality (spoiler alert – you’ll feel at home!) It’s a long drive through gorgeous scenery and twisting mountain roads. There will be opportunities for photo stops along the way. Once in Shimla, you’ll check in to a comfortable heritage hotel packed with old world colonial charm.
Your time in Shimla is at leisure to explore independently. Once you’ve wandered the length of the main mall you can visit bazaars that form tangled, steep lanes packed with stalls and eateries. From ‘Scandal Corner’, there’s a steep climb up to the Jakhu Monkey temple – one of the highest points on Shimla ridge. Here, dozens of monkeys scamper around against a backdrop of distant snow-capped peaks.
Days 7-8 – Take the toy train
In Shimla board a narrow-gauge railway, also known as the toy train, for a spectacular journey through the mountains. There are great photo opportunities and the windows in the compartments can be opened so you can maximise the view. You can buy hot chai and snacks during stops at the train stations. The almost 100km long journey ends in the afternoon at the train station in Kalka. Your luggage travels in a car from Shimla to Kalka, where the driver will meet you, and transfer you to Chandigarh to your simple, comfortable hotel where you will spend the night.
Days 8-10 – Spiritual Rishikesh
After breakfast there will be some time to explore Chandigarh before continuing your Himalayan journey to Rishikesh. Rishikesh lies in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Himalayas, and on the banks of the Ganges River. On arrival check into your comfortable hotel where you will spend the next two nights.
Rishikesh has a holy atmosphere and is a magnet for pilgrims and people seeking spiritual serenity. It’s also known as the birthplace of yoga, and most hotels offer a 1 hour taster to get you into the spirit of the place. The river here is clear and clean, so if you ever wanted to dip your toes in the Ganges then this is the perfect time.
Days 10-11 – Follow the pilgrims to Haridwar
Your next stop on this special Himalayan journey is Haridwar, which is also located on the Ganges. The town is an important place of pilgrimage in Hinduism, and a special ritual takes place every evening at the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges, float candlelit offerings down the river and pray together. Your driver can take you close to Har-ki-Pauri, where you can walk through the narrow lanes and watch the ritual and, if you like, let a flower basket with your wishes float down the river. Alternatively, your hotel has its own (smaller) aarti ritual right outside, on the banks of the river, where you can enjoy a more serene experience.
Days 11-13 – Wildlife spotting in Corbett National Park
Today you’ll head away from the Ganges to Corbett National Park. Named after the legendary hunter Jim Corbett, it is India’s first national park and home to an abundance of wildlife. With a little luck you will spot tigers, elephants, various species of deer, jackals and lots of monkeys. Your hotel has comfortable cottages hidden within a large garden. The swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing dip between safaris.
During your stay you’ll head into the dense jungles of Corbett National Park on a jeep safari and also enjoy a safari in a large vehicle into the special Dhikala zone, the centre of Corbett. You will be accompanied by a trained guide who knows his way around and has a trained eye for wildlife spotting. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled for tigers in the thicket or fresh tracks in the sand!
Days 13-15 – Delhi & depart
It’s time to depart the Himalayan foothills and drive to Delhi (approximately 5 hours drive). You’ll spend two nights in a comfortable hotel, that’s well located on a quiet street in New Delhi.
The following day we’ll arrange a guide in the morning and together you will explore Old Delhi. You’ll travel like the locals, taking the metro, an auto-rickshaw and a cycle-rickshaw. This way, you’ll get to know the real Delhi. During the morning you’ll visit Jama Masjid Mosque and the Red Fort and pass through the narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the heart of the Old Town. The tour ends at modern Connaught Place, where you can plan your free afternoon with a lunch break in one of the restaurants.
On your final day you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight.
Accommodation
