9 nights from £1145
Sikhism, in Indian terms, is a relatively new religion. Founded by Guru Nanak in the late fifteenth 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 Pakistan.
Each evening the border is closed and 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 has once again achieved prominence as the centre of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama claimed asylum in 1960 after the Chinese had invaded Tibet. McLeod Ganj and the nearby Dharmasala, 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 were ‘exiled’ from the stifling heat of the plains. It fast became a centre of hedonistic gaiety, balls and functions and a perfect ambience for many romances 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 the unforgettable narrow gauge Toy Train which passes through 103 tunnels and over 23 bridges during a scenically spectacular descent to Kalka.
