Further off-the-beaten-track by small vehicle on a unique itinerary revealing the Kullu valley, holy sites of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, hill stations & small heritage hotels
Flight - 1 night
Delhi - 1 night
Haridwar - 2 nights
Mussoorie - 2 nights
Chandigarh - 1 night
Shimla - 2 nights
Kullu Valley - 3 nights
Palampur - 1 night
Dharamsala - 2 nights
Pragpur - 1 night
Amritsar - 2 nights
Anandpur Sahib - 1 night
Delhi - 1 night
Every region of India has its own special character and unique aspects but only one has the world’s greatest mountain range in its name – Himachal Pradesh! This new tour explores by small vehicle further into the region, reaching the lands of the snow topped mountains of the wonderful Kullu Valley. Held back by a shortage of good hotels, the valley now boasts a small hotel of quality, which a recent inspection confirmed and also identified a series of small and unique hotels to enhance this journey to hill stations, holy sites and Himalayan mountain splendour.
Start in the foothills of the Himalayas at one of the Hindu’s holiest sites, the point where the sacred River Ganga descends from the mountains to the plains below – Haridwar means ‘Gates of God’ in Hindi and pilgrims flock here all year to bathe in the sacred river and to fill the crystal clear, icy waters with flamed offerings daily at dusk. This fascinating ceremony draws crowds of devotees to Ganga – the life giving Goddess. The surrounding temples, the religious goods on sale at the colourful Bara Bazaar and the numerous ashrams all reflect the spiritual importance of the area – even the ‘Beatles’ were drawn to nearby Rishikesh.
India’s religious heritage is further revealed in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama, and the two main sites of Sikhism, Amritsar and the internationally lesser-known Anandpur.
Mussoorie and Shimla are contrasting hill stations, the latter much visited and well-preserved, the former more forgotten but with equally fine views and once home to Sir George Everest.
Cultural & Countryside
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
2 Lunches & 10 Dinners
Local Expert Guide
Learn more about India at Aarti, Palki and Border ceremonies. Visit Kangra Fort, the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas and its museum displaying the Maharaja’s possessions.
Day 1 Overnight flight to Delhi direct or via Dubai from your chosen airport.
Day 2 Visit Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the Red Fort. Overnight at the heritage Maidens.
Day 3 Early morning train to Haridwar (5 hrs). Two nights at the heritage Haveli Hari Ganga. Evening Aarti ceremony. (B, D)
Day 4 Morning safari in Rajaji National Park (closed Sep-Nov 15). At Rishikesh, visit Shantikunj ashram and Laxman and Ram Jhula bridges. Aarti ceremony. (B)
Day 5 Travel to Mussoorie (4 hrs). Two nights at the heritage WelcomHotel The Savoy. (B)
Day 6 Visit the Landour market and bazaar and take a walk to Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie. Afternoon free. (B, L)
Day 7 Drive to Chandigarh (8 hrs). Visit Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Chandigarh. (B)
Day 8 Visit the Rose Garden. Continue by road to Kandaghat (3 hrs), then by ‘Toy Train’ to Shimla. Two nights at the heritage Clarke’s Hotel on the Mall. (B)
Day 9 Visit the Shimla Museum, Vice Regal Lodge, church and stroll along the Mall. (B)
Day 10 Travel to Mandi (4 hrs). Temple walk and see Victoria Bridge. Drive to Kullu Valley (4 hrs) for three nights at the boutique Shivadya Resort & Spa. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Morning walk in Soel village to a Himalayan stream and through the forest to Dashal village with traditional houses and 11th-century Shiva temple. Visit Nagar village and its Roerich Art Gallery, walk to Naggar Castle. (B, D)
Day 12 Village walk. Afternoon free, perhaps walk to Sajla waterfall. Later, visit Vashisht village, temple and hot sulphur springs. Visit Old Manali and Hadimba Devi Temple. (B, D)
Day 13 Travel to Paprola (6 hrs) and board the ‘Toy Train’ to Palampur. Overnight at the 4-star Rakkh Palampur. (B, D)
Day 14 Travel to Dharamsala. Visit the Norbulinka Tibetan Art Centre. Two nights at the unpretentious but scenically located, Cloud’s End Villa. (B, D)
Day 15 Visit the Tibetan monastery and museum. Village walk with fine views. (B, D)
Day 16 Visit Kangra Fort and Museum. Travel to Pragpur village. Evening village walk. Overnight at the heritage hotel Judge’s Court, a country manor. (B, D)
Day 17 Travel to Amritsar (4 hrs). Two nights at the boutique Hotel Ranjit Vilas. Evening Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. (B)
Day 18 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteer kitchens and Jallianwala Bagh. Afternoon free. Wagah Border ceremony. (B, D)
Day 19 Travel to Anandpur Sahib (4 hrs). Visit Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara and the town. High tea at Mr Sodhi’s Haveli. Overnight at the Anand at The Satluj eco-farm. (B, D)
Day 20 Visit Virasat e Khalsa museum. Drive to Delhi (7 hrs) for overnight at the 4-star Novotel Hotel. (B)
Day 21 Return flight to chosen airport. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with uneven surfaces and inclines.
The weather can be cold at altitude during February and November.
Travel beyond the main tourist routes in smaller vehicles (3 guests per car all with a window seat).
Travel is not ‘off road’ but these vehicles allow for greater contact with local people and easier access whilst still travelling with a small Jules Verne group through dramatic passes and mountain scenery.
Heritage properties are full of charm and interest but rarely have lifts and rooms can vary in size and décor.
Established in 1903 as one of the first hotels of Delhi and recognized as a Heritage Hotel in 1994. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 55 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
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A heritage hotel located right on the banks of the holy River Ganges steeped in rich history and traditions. Restaurant, rooftop cafe, spa and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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A heritage hotel built in Gothic architecture located in the beautiful Gharwal Hills and at the Liberty end of Mall Road. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 50 air-conditioned mountain view rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 5-star hotel with sophisticated architecture and interiors. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa, pool and WiFi (free). 149 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Located on the Shimla Mall Road, Clarkes Hotel is an oasis of calm on the bustling promenade and within walking distance of many attractions. This Heritage hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Shimla, known for its architecture dating from the colonial era. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 32 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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This boutique hotel has a unique location with the Himalayas as its backdrop in Karjan village. Restaurant, spa and WiFi (free). 15 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A 4-star boutique hotel perched on a hilltop surrounded by terraced hillsides. Restaurant, spa and WiFi (free). 15 air-conditioned cottages with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
Sprawled across a 9 acre property with its own step field, gardens and forests the Clouds End Villa is the residence of the Maharaja of Kangra. WiFi (free) and 16 rooms with fan, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A heritage hotel located in the medieval hamlet of Pragpur, on the edge of the Himalayan mountains. Restaurant, bar, plunge pool and WiFi (free). 10 air-conditioned rooms with safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
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A boutique family-run hotel with strong Punjab influences. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 22 air-conditioned rooms with TVs.
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This eco-farm is located on the outskirts of Anandpur Sahib and on the banks of the Satluj River. Restaurant and lounge. Tented cottages with private facilities, air-conditioning, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
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A 4-star airport hotel with a restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 400 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Time to relax or see even more of India!
No one can cover all of India on one tour, so why not make the most of your time in India by choosing further experiences?
We invite you to customise your tour by adding one or more extensions from our great range shown on the following pages. Relax in a resort or discover more of India with our specialist guides.
Also please consider adding extra nights before the tour if you would like to draw breath after the flight to India or stay on to reflect, relax or explore independently. Extra nights can also be added to most extensions. Please talk to one of our knowledgeable Personal Travel Experts to let us know what you are looking for and they will work out the best way. Sometimes extra transfers, internal flights and nights are recommended or needed, and sometimes two extensions can be combined into a more logical sequence.
Thursdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Double for sole use £745
Flight Options
Emirates from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow - On request
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy - On request
Virgin Atlantic Business Class - On request
Extension Options
We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, click here for more information.
Pre/post tour extra nights and transfers are available.
Privately Guided
2 guests - £595 per person
3-4 guests - £295 per person
5-9 guests - £135 per person
10+ guests - No extra charge
Tour Only
Save £700
Arrival or departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 19 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 10 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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