Golden Temple and The Himalaya
Guarded by towering, lance-bearing men with flowing beards, the shimmering Golden Temple, in the middle of a man-made lake, is the most important pilgrimage centre for Sikhs. The temple was constructed by Guru Ramdas with the foundation laid by Hazrat Mian Mir, a Muslim saint. It was gilded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The daily “Beating Retreat” at the border with Pakistan, with a competitive parade by uniformed men from both sides depicting mock aggression, is a spectacle worth watching. We then experience life in rural Panjab before moving on to the 6,000 ft high McLeodgunj, named after a former Governor of Punjab and now the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is home to Tibet’s government in exile. We then descend to the Kangra Valley housing some delightful heritage properties; visit the holy city of Anandpur Sahib; and move on to Shimla, the summer capital of the “Raj” housing the Viceregal Lodge. We take a ride on the narrow gauge “toy train” and finally move to Rishikesh, on the banks of the Holy Ganges, staying in a charming resort overlooking the river. An extension to the famed Corbett National Park is recommended, if you have the time.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Delhi/Amritsar
DAYS 2, 3 & 4 - AMRITSAR
Arrive Delhi and take a short connecting flight to Amritsar; transfer to the Ranjit Svaasa; visit the Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh and the Partition Museum; travel to the border at Wagah for the spectacular retreat; perhaps watch the evening palki ceremony; take a guided heritage walk of the city, savouring the famous local street food; walk in the busy bazaars near Lahori Gate or take in modern shopping on Lawrence Road.
DAYS 5 & 6 - FARM STAY
Drive a short distance to the countryside; stay two nights in a comfortable resort; spend time seeing country life in this agriculturally dominant province.
DAY 7, 8 & 9 - DHARAMSALA
Drive up the hills to Dharamsala; stay at the Norbu House or Chonor House; visit Mcleodganj and the Norbulingka, free time, maybe enjoy day treks amongst beautiful scenery.
DAY 10 - PRAGPUR/GARLI
Drive down to Garli near Pragpur with the option of a ride on the Kangra Railway; spend a night at the Chateau Garli, a colonial mansion. This is a medieval "heritage" village with cobblestone streets and slate-roofed houses; free time to explore.
DAYS 11, 12 & 13 - (ANANDPUR SAHIB)-SHIMLA
A short drive to Anandpur Sahib with the option to visit Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and the sprawling Sikh Museum. Drive on through picturesque countryside ending with the climb up the Shivalik Hills to Shimla (7000'); stay at the Willow Banks (or Cecil/Chapslee) for 3 nights; visit the town on foot with a short drive to see the historic Viceregal Lodge. Also enjoy a train ride on the mountain railway to Kandaghat.
DAYS 14, 15 & 16 - HARIDWAR/RISHIKESH
A longish drive through hill country to the holy city of Rishikesh; stay at the Divine Resort (or the charming Ganga Lehari or Taj Pilibhit in Haridwar) overlooking the Ganges; visit the sights of Rishikesh and Haridwar and see the spectacular "Ganga Aarti" and the Beatles' Ashram, recently opened to visitors; optional safari at Rajaji National Park to see wild elephants, birds and possibly the leopard.
DAY 17 - DELHI
Take a morning train to Delhi or drive back; stay at a hotel near the airport.
DAY 18 - RETURN
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Extensions
Triund trek
Walk a few days in the Dhauladhar Range, when in Dharamsala, to take in some spectacular mountain views and see the life of local hill people.
Corbett
Drive from Haridwar to the Jim Corbett National Park to view wildlife in the foothills; there is a reasonable chance to sight the tiger, wild elephants are easier to find. The Ramganga River, running through the park, nurtures a rich birdlife. The resorts on offer include Corbett Hideaway, Infinity Resort and Jim's Jungle Retreat; drive back to Delhi for a short stay at an airport hotel before the return flight.
Spa Option
Transfer to the Modi Retreat, known for its spa treatments (or the luxury Ananda Spa) for a few days. Fly back to Delhi from Jolly Grant airport for a night at an airport hotel before the flight home.
Gallery
Testimonials
“Everything worked perfectly in a packed and complicated programme, and from beginning to end it was a memorable experience. Your Delhi office staff and the guides and drivers chosen were all thoughtful and friendly. The hotels were well-chosen. We could hardly have had a better introduction to North India.”