Off-the-beaten-track to the Golden Temple, residence of the Dalai Lama, hill stations and heritage hotels
(limited dates/availability)
18 April & 19 September 2023
Flight - 1 night
Amritsar - 2 nights
Dharamsala - 2 nights
Pragpur - 1 night
Shimla - 3 nights
Delhi - 2 nights
India’s complex religious history is revealed in this arrangement for the returning traveller, examining the position of Sikhism, Buddhism and Christianity in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Sikhism, in Indian terms, is a relatively new religion. Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century as a reaction against the Hindu caste system, its holy shrine is the spectacular Golden Temple. Their holy book still moves daily in and out of the illuminated Temple in the devout Palki ceremony, whilst many thousands of pilgrims are fed daily in the astounding volunteers kitchen.
McLeod Ganj (Upper Dharamsala), named after the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, is the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who claimed asylum in 1960 after the Chinese invaded Tibet, and a Tibetan community has developed not far from their Himalayan homeland.
Shimla enjoys stunning scenery and was the summer resort of choice for the government of the British Raj. Once a totally ‘white’ paradise, with only Indians of rank allowed on its Mall, part of its charm today is that children munch chapatis in Tudor tea rooms and Hindus visit the Christian Church. All may now enjoy the unforgettable narrow gauge ‘Toy Train’ built by the British traversing countless bridges, tunnels and bends.
Culture & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
No Single Supplement
Solo Group Departures
1 Lunch & 6 Dinners
Local Expert Guide
Visit Kangra Fort on a rock dominating the valley, thought to be the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas, and its museum with displays of the Maharaja’s possessions. Enjoy a high tea at one of Shimla’s oldest residences. Learn how to cook Indian dishes in Amritsar and Delhi.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Amritsar via Delhi.
Day 2 Afternoon arrival. Transfer to the boutique hotel Ranjit Vilas for two nights. Afternoon free. Evening cooking demo at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 Visit the Golden Temple, volunteers kitchen and Jallianwala Bagh, scene of the 1919 massacre. Optional early evening Wagah Border ‘Change of the Guard’ ceremony at the India/Pakistan border (£18, bookable locally). Later, attend the Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. (B)
Day 4 Drive to Dharamsala (5 hrs/1,700m) visiting en route Masrur Rock Cut Temples. Two nights at the unpretentious, but scenically located, Clouds End Villa. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit the Tibetan monastery, museum, library and Norbulingka, which preserves Tibetan arts and crafts. Afternoon village walk with fine views. (B, D)
Day 6 Visit Kangra Fort and Museum. Travel to Pragpur village. Evening village walk. Overnight at the heritage hotel Judge’s Court, a country manor built for Justice Sir Jai Lal. (B, D)
Day 7 Drive to Shimla (7 hrs/2,000m). En route stop at Garli heritage village. Stay three nights at the heritage Clarkes Hotel, located on the Mall. (B)
Day 8 Morning tour of Shimla including the Vice Regal Lodge, museum and the Mall. Enjoy a high tea at Chapslee House, one of the oldest surviving residences of Shimla, and meet one of the family members. (B)
Day 9 Day at leisure or optional tour to the surrounding area including high tea at Wildflower Hall and a gentle walk along Mahasu Ridge (£48, bookable locally). (B)
Day 10 Take the Himalayan Queen ‘Toy Train’ to Kalka (5 hrs). Join the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi (4 hrs), with light dinner on board. Two nights at the Maidens Hotel, a heritage property. (B, D)
Day 11 ‘Return to Delhi’ tour including Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, the Red Fort, Agrasen ki Baoli stepwell and the Railway Museum. Cooking demo followed by farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 12 Fly to London Heathrow, arriving later the same day. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot over uneven surfaces and inclines.
Heritage properties are full of charm but rarely have lifts and rooms can vary in size and décor.
Travel beyond the main tourist routes in smaller vehicles (3 guests per car all with 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 mountain scenery.
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A boutique family-run hotel with strong Punjab influences. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 22 air-conditioned rooms with TVs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2022
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
2023
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin/double room
Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
(limited dates/availability)
18 April & 19 September 2023
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(limited availability)
2022: Oct 4 & 18
2023: Apr 11 & Oct 17
Solo Groups Departures
(No Single Supplement)
2023: Apr 18 & Sep 19
Double for sole use:
£345 (Apr-Sep £295)
Flight Options
London-Amritsar-Delhi-London
Vistara from Heathrow - 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- 4 guests - £125 per person
5-9 - £55 per person
10+ - No extra charge
Independent Arrival
Save £600
Arrival or departure transfer add £24
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 6 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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