Himalayan Foothills Amritsar to Shimla

Our Tour features the following locations

DELHI: The largest mosque, the biggest temple, honky auto-rickshaws; it’s easy to distinguish Delhi. The city has been at the centre of the Indian civilisation for centuries and a major seat of power ever since the Mughals built their capital here. Modern Delhi presents a mix of colonial-era architecture, Mughal forts, and mausoleums, ancient bazaars, glitzy malls and world class restaurants. It often feels overwhelming, but given a chance, it always grows onto you. Be sure to visit Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th-century Mughal wonder inspired by the iconic Taj Mahal and Lodi Gardens, the best spot for sunsets in Delhi. There’s also the Hauz Khas Village, a throbbing hub that gained popularity with its Open Nights when those narrow alleys are transformed into cultural wonders, adorned with lights and decorated with streamers. There really is no better place to discover Delhi’s rich culture and mingle with its locals.

AMRITSAR: The cultural centre of the Sikhs, Amritsar burst onto the international scene with the Golden Temple, a gilded wonder that has become a modern-day symbol of equality and brotherhood. The city is literally split into two – a beautiful old town with fascinating bazaars and medieval gates and a chaotic new city full of colonial boulevards, glittery hotels, and posh restaurants. Amritsar is also home to the humbling Jallian Wala Bagh massacre site.

WAGAH BORDER: Wagah, an army outpost on India-Pakistan border – between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony where you see Indian and Pakistani forces participating in a daily flag lowering ceremony, an experience worth savouring.

PRAGPUR: The Kangra Valley, where Heritage Village Pragpur is located, is panoramic and replete with history. It is the home of the famous Kangra school of painting and probably the world’s – most certainly India’s – oldest ruling lineage comes from here.

DHARAMSALA: The perfect place to rediscover spirituality, Dharamsala hosts the monastery of Dalai Lama and the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. Lower Dharamsala, the spot where your bus rolls in, is a tiny, dusty market town, and it isn’t until you reach McLeod Ganj and Upper Dharamsala, that you realise how beautiful this place really is. It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, countless volunteers and idle tourists who are looking for meditation retreats, yoga enclaves or simple mountainside experiences. The best thing to do here is to lose yourself in those market squares, interacting with maroon-robed monks, travellers and nuns. For something more adventurous, climb the hill to Triund or take a stroll to the Bhagsu Waterfall.

PALAMPUR: Palampur is the tea capital of north-west India. Set on the rising slopes of Kangra Valley before they merge with the Dauladhar ranges. But tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special resort. Taragarh Palace located just 12km from the town. An abundance of water and proximity to the mountains has endowed it with a mild climate. The town has derived its name from the local word “pulum’, meaning lots of water. Palampur was a part of the local Sikh kingdom and later on came under the British rule.

SHIMLA: The capital of Himachal Pradesh is everything you’d expect from a bustling Himalayan town. It has a penchant for presenting some of the best weather in the country and awe-inspiring scenery which attracts visitors from far and wide. The Mall Road, Shimla’s main street, is home to a bustling bazaar, incredible car-free experiences and maze-like alleys that are full of colonial-era relics. For a unique adventure, head over to Jakhoo Hill, the highest point of Shimla. The place really does have some of the most stunning views of the surrounding peaks and pastures. Sunrise and sunset views of Scandal Point are equally amazing. Adventure lovers cannot miss out on Kufri and Chadwick Falls either.