16 nights from £1595
Sikhism, in Indian terms, is a relatively new religion. Founded by Guru Nanak in the late fifteenth century as a way to fuse the Hindu and Islamic faiths its most holy shrine is the spectacular Golden Temple at Amritsar. Partitioned in 1947 the former capital of the Punjab is close to the border with Pakistan which is closed each evening with a ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony reminiscent of the days of the Raj.
The administrative centre at that time was McCleod Ganj which has achieved further prominence as the centre of the Tibetan Government in Exile and residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. 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. It fast became a centre of hedonistic gaiety, functions and balls and a perfect ambience for many romances.
The journey back to Delhi includes the unforgettable narrow gauge toy train which passes through 103 tunnels and over 23 bridges during a scenically spectacular descent to Kalka. India’s princely heritage is also well represented in the ‘Golden Triangle’ that comprises Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. With Rajput glory revealed in Jaipur’s Amber Fort, City Palace and Observatory, we also visit the incomparable Taj Mahal at Agra and view the architectural heritage of Lutyens’ New Delhi. A visit to the quintessential Rajasthani wildlife park at Ranthambore concludes the arrangement.
