Temples And Hills 7 days

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Upon your arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will greet you and assist in your transfer to the hotel. (Please note that standard hotel check-in time is 12 pm; early check-in is subject to room availability.) After settling in, embark on a guided city tour of both Old and New Delhi. Your itinerary includes visits to significant landmarks like the majestic Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat (the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi), the impressive Humayun's Tomb, the soaring Qutub Minar, and the serene Lotus Temple. During the tour, you'll also drive past prominent sites like the President's House, Parliament, and India Gate. Return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2 Delhi - Amritsar

After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the railway station to board the Swarna Shatabdi train (Train No.12 29 SWARNA SHTBDI, 720/ 1345hr) bound for Amritsar. Upon your arrival in Amritsar, our representative will greet you and facilitate your transfer to your hotel. Later in the day, you'll embark on an excursion to the Wagah border to witness the Beating Retreat ceremony, a captivating military ceremony that takes place at the border between India and Pakistan. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Amritsar.

Day 3 Amritsar - Dharamsala (210kms)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before commencing your city tour of Amritsar. You'll begin with a visit to the iconic Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for Sikhs, known for its resplendent gold and marble construction and the sacred pool that surrounds it. Your exploration continues with a stop at the central Sikh Museum, which houses artefacts related to Sikh culture and religion. You'll also visit the historic Clock Tower and the beautiful Durgiana Temple, dedicated to the goddess Durga. A visit to the Jallianwala Bagh follows, a poignant public garden that commemorates the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, a significant event in India's struggle for independence. The next stop is the Gobindgarh Fort, an 18th-century historic fort originally constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It now functions as a museum and cultural centre.

Following the city tour, you will drive to Dharamsala and check in at your hotel. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Dharamsala.

Day 4 Dharamsala

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will explore McLeodganj, a well-known hill station and the residence of the Dalai Lama. Your tour starts with a visit to a Buddhist monastery, a significant centre for Tibetan culture and religion. Among the highlights is the Namgyal Monastery, also referred to as the Dalai Lama's temple. This remarkable temple showcases Tibetan architectural features and houses a collection of ancient Buddhist artefacts.

You'll also visit the Bhagsunag, a captivating waterfall located in a picturesque setting surrounded by lush green forests. This is an ideal spot for a refreshing dip in the natural pool formed by the cascading waters. The next destination is the Bhagsu Temple, a splendid Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another notable stop is the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, an exquisite 19th-century church built in the Gothic style. Your day in Dharamsala is filled with diverse experiences, and you'll conclude it with an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5 Dharamsala - Shimla (250kms)

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the hotel and prepare for your drive to Shimla. Along the way, you will visit the Jwala Devi Temple, a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Jwalamukhi, known as the "Flaming Goddess." This temple is famed for its natural gas flames that burn continuously, seemingly without any fuel. Another interesting stop is the Kangra Fort, a historic fort that has witnessed numerous battles and stood the test of time.

Continuing your journey, you will reach Shimla, celebrated for its natural beauty and colonial allure. Check in at your hotel and use the rest of the day for independent exploration. Take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road, Shimla's main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. You may also visit the Christ Church, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6 Shimla

Following a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a city tour of Shimla, which once served as the summer capital of British India. Your exploration begins with a visit to the Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offering panoramic vistas of Shimla. The charming Christ Church, North India's second-oldest church, is your next stop and is renowned for its stained glass windows.

You will proceed to the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British Viceroy, which now serves as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Your tour of Shimla continues with a visit to The Ridge and the Mall Road, popular shopping and leisure destinations in the city. Following a day of discovery, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 7 Shimla - Delhi (350kms)

After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, check out and commence your drive back to Delhi. On your arrival in Delhi, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of this enriching tour.

This itinerary offers a diverse and culturally rich experience, from Delhi's historic sites to Amritsar's religious and historical landmarks, the serene hill stations of Dharamsala and Shimla, and the natural beauty that characterises the region. Enjoy your journey!