9 nights from £1147 - New Dates Available
Key VJV Features
• VJV Sightseeing Programme • Extension Options
• Upgraded Flight Options • Maximum Group Size: 28 (25 in Nov 2010 - Mar 2011)
Sikhism, in Indian terms, is a relatively new religion. Founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century as a reaction against the Hindu caste system, its most holy shrine is the spectacular Golden Temple at Amritsar.
One time capital of the Punjab, the region was divided in 1947 by the British and now Amritsar is close to the Pakistan border where the guard change is a celebration of pomp and ceremony inherited from the days of the Raj. In those times, the administrative centre was McLeod Ganj, named after the Lieutenant Governor of the Punjab.
Today it is the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who claimed asylum in 1960 after the Chinese had invaded Tibet. McLeod Ganj and the nearby Dharamsala, are now growing Buddhist communities set in the beautiful Kangra Valley.
Shimla also enjoys stunning scenery and was the summer resort of choice for the government of the British Raj, who chose ‘voluntary exile’ from the stifling heat of the plains. A totally ‘white’ paradise, with only Indians of rank allowed on its Mall, a considerable part of its charm today is that children munch chappatis in Tudor tea rooms and Hindu’s visit the Christian Church as a monument.
The journey back to Delhi includes a short ride on the unforgettable narrow gauge ‘Toy Train’.
