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 Haridwar, on the banks of the Holy Ganges, staying in a charming mansion of the royal family of Pilibhit, 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 Holiday Inn, Hyatt or Taj (or stay at 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; try out one of the famous dhabas for traditional dishes; walk in the busy bazaars near Lahori Gate or take in modern shopping on Lawrence Road.
DAY 5 - FARM STAY
Drive a short distance to the countryside; stay the night in a comfortable resort; spend the day seeing country life in this agriculturally dominant province.
DAY 6 & 7 - DHARAMSALA
Drive up the hills to Dharamsala; stay at the Norbu House or Chonor House; visit Mcleodganj and the Norbulingka, free time, maybe try out the Belgian waffle at the Illeterati Cafe.
DAY 8 - PRAGPUR
Drive down to Pragpur with the option of a ride on the Kangra Railway; spend a night at the colonial Judges Court. Pragpur is a medieval "heritage" village with cobblestone streets and slate-roofed houses; free time to explore.
DAYS 9 & 10 - ANANDPUR SAHIB
A short drive to Anandpur Sahib for a stay at the elegant Anand on the Sutlej; this is the site of some famous gurudwaras, including Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and a sprawling Sikh Museum. The resort is set in lush green rural surroundings by a riverside, and horse riding is an option. During the Holi festival they host the Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib, with martial skills on display.
DAYS 11 & 12 - SHIMLA
A drive through picturesque countryside ending with the climb up the Shivalik Hills to Shimla (7000'); stay at the Clarkes (or Cecil/Chapslee) for 2 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.
DAY 13 - DEHRADUN
Drive through hill country to the outskirts of Drive through hill country to the outskirts of Dehradun; stay at the remote Vishranti Resort, in the midst of wilderness.; stay at the remote Vishranti Resort, in the midst of wilderness.
DAYS 14 & 15 - HARIDWAR
Drive to the holy city of Haridwar; stay at the charming Haveli Hari Ganga, overlooking the Ganges; visit nearby Rishikesh for the spectacular "Ganga Aarti" and to see the Beatles' Ashram, recently opened to visitors; optional safari at Rajaji National Park to see wild elephants, birds and possibly the leopard.
DAY 16 - DELHI
Take a morning train to Delhi; stay at The Grand or Lalit; free afternoon.
DAY 17 - 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.
Ananda in the Himalayas
Transfer from Haridwar to the luxury Ananda Spa near Rishikesh for a few days. Fly back to Delhi from Jolly Grant airport for a night at an airport hotel before the flight home.
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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.”