Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar’s Golden Temple

Arriving in Delhi, transfer independently to our hotel, the Taj Palace. Set among gardens in the city center, the hotel has Mughal-inspired palace architecture, with facilities including an Ayurvedic spa and an outdoor swimming pool.

Delhi is a rich cultural hub which blends the ancient and modern. Since 1911, when the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata (previously Calcutta) to Delhi, it has been India's dynamic capital. Echoes of Delhi's long history can be found among its beautifully preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs. New Delhi's wide tree-lined avenues contrast with the narrow, bustling streets of Old Delhi, the historic heart of the city.

We meet up in the early evening with our Tour Manager and local guide for a tour overview before sitting down for dinner.

• Dinner

This morning, we explore the striking architecture and churches from the period of the British Raj. Setting out from the historic Kashmiri Gate in characterful Old Delhi, we visit the churches of St James and St Mary, ponder the ruins of the 1857 war, and see the stunning Sacred Heart Cathedral.

After a break to find lunch independently, we drive through New Delhi's wide leafy avenues, viewing the inventive planning of the British architect Edwin Lutyens. Old Delhi's walled city and modern New Delhi reflect the heritage of the Mughals and the British Raj. The older, walled city still retains the energy, colors and magical atmosphere of the past. In contrast, New Delhi is an energetic 21st-century city.

Our tour takes us past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament Complex and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's residence. We also visit Humayun's Tomb, commissioned by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor. Built in the Indo-Persian style, this remarkable tomb is a precursor of the Taj Mahal. We return to our hotel where there's time to unwind before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Departing early with a packed breakfast, we board the superfast Shatabdi train to Haridwar. Arriving late morning, we transfer to our hotel in Rishikesh, perfectly situated overlooking the fast-flowing Ganges and surrounded by green forested hills.

As one of the seven holy pilgrimage sites of Hinduism, or 'Sapta Puri', Rishikesh holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Sacred rivers and mountains set the scene for yoga, river rafting and reflective hikes. Famously, the Beatles got in touch with their eastern spiritual side here. During a stint at a local ashram in 1968, they wrote songs which appeared on both the White Album and Abbey Road.

After free time over lunch, we take a sightseeing tour of Chaurasi Kutia, popularly known as 'the Beatles Ashram'. Abandoned and overgrown for decades, the site was reopened for tourists in 2016. The ashram retains some of its mystical atmosphere and is adorned with murals paying tribute to the legendary band. Our tour ends with a gentle stroll along the banks of the Ganges to take in the vista. Later, dinner is served at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking up in this beautiful, peaceful setting, we head out after breakfast to explore more features of Rishikesh. This includes visits to the ashrams Sivananda, Swarg, Geeta Bhavan and Parmarth Niketan. We also cross the iconic Ram Jhula suspension bridge, which spans the rushing Ganges - offering amazing views of local life and the soaring mountains - and the wide Janki Setu bridge, completed in 2023.

On our return to the hotel, you are free to lunch independently, relax in the tranquil atmosphere or possibly take part in a yoga or meditation class.

In the evening, a breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing as holy men, pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly Ganga Aarti. Later, we visit Bharat temple where we experience the evening 'aarti' fire ceremony, a soul-stirring ritual which is made daily without fail, in honor of River Ganges. Starting with the singing of bhajans (prayers), an offering of lit candles and flowers is made to the fire god, Agni. After this spellbinding experience, we return to our hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You have the opportunity to take part in a yoga session on the roof of our hotel this morning, as the sun rises through the valley. Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world, so this may be the place to try it If you are new to the practice. Led by an expert, we are taught simple exercises and techniques.

Breakfast is served after our session and before heading by coach to our next destination, Chandigarh. As one of the first planned cities following Indian independence, Chandigarh is known for its architecture and unique urban design. When Swiss architect Le Corbusier was commissioned to design the city in 1950, he imagined a people-oriented city of sweeping boulevards, lakes, gardens and grand civic buildings, executed in his favorite material - reinforced concrete. Seventy-five years on and the parks, monuments and civic squares are all still here, although showing their age. The foothills of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas are the backdrop of the city's skyline.

On arrival, we check in to our sophisticated central hotel where we dine this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, we are taken on an orientation tour of Chandigarh, seeing important architectural sites of the city.

We then drive to Kalka where we board the Himalayan Queen 'Toy Train', a narrow-gauge railway covering a 60-mile route, where the top speed rarely exceeds 20 mph. The Kalka-Shimla Railway line was built by the British in 1904 and has a total of 102 tunnels. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the railway is also a major tourist attraction.

After a scenic journey through the Himalayan foothills, on arrival at our destination - the historic hill town of Shimla - we transfer to our hotel, our base for the next three nights. Shimla was built by the British and became a popular summer retreat because of its cool climate. From 1865 to 1939 the town served as India's summer capital. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Author and historian Raaja Bhasin joins us this morning to present an informative talk full of spellbinding stories about his hometown, bringing to life the history of Shimla.

Following the talk, we are taxied around this charismatic city in private cars on a sightseeing tour, starting at the Viceregal Lodge, the most historically important building in the city. Once the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, many significant historical moments occurred here, including discussions which lead to the Partition of India in 1947. Our tour continues to the Hindu temple Sankat Mochan, a serene complex dedicated to Hanuman - a Hindu god and companion of Rama.

After stepping back in time with a typical colonial-era lunch at Oberoi Clarkes hotel, our tour continues with a visit to the Gothic revival Gaiety Theatre. Popular with Bollywood filmmakers to this day, this hall of irrefutably British style has seen many famous people tread its boards, including Rudyard Kipling and Robert Baden-Powell. Later this evening, we enjoy dinner back at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With a full day at leisure to relax and restore among the fresh mountain air of Shimla, there is an optional activity of a trip to Kufri (payable locally) where the sense of entering the mighty Himalayas really dawns. From here, you can indulge in a high-tea lunch in the opulent surroundings of Wildflower Hall, once the residence of Lord Kitchener and now a five-star hotel which retains its stately home ambience. You could also experience the 'Strawberry Trail' near Wildflower Hall and the views from Kufri point.

Alternatively, wander down Mall Road and the Ridge, the center of Shimla's colonial town. Enjoy the views from Scandal Point - once a popular place for people to gather and share gossip - and maybe visit the charming Children's Library and stately Christ Church. With typical British architecture, these buildings wouldn't look out of place in a peaceful English village. In the afternoon, you could make your way to Lakkar Bazaar, a long stretch of open-air stalls selling traditional woodwork and souvenirs.

There's also time to enjoy the excellent hotel facilities before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our drive to Palampur after breakfast takes us to another picturesque hill station overlooked by the imposing snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar mountains. On arrival, we check in to our chalet villa hotel. Located in the Kangra Valley region of Himachal Pradesh, Palampur sits amid breathtaking landscapes of extensive tea gardens, and the lush greenery of deodar trees, a type of cedar native to the Himalayas. The area is popular as a film location and for its colonial buildings and shrines.

Later this afternoon, there is a choice of several optional activities, including pottery, craft and weaving workshops for art enthusiasts. Led by experts in their craft, you can learn, practice and participate in this enjoyable and creative experience.

At the end of the day, you could choose to join our local guide on a short evening walk to a natural stream, a chance to soak up the sounds of the forest and water. Dinner is served at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today starts with a short village walk and a glimpse into local life as we breakfast at a village house. We then tour the Wah Tea Estate, a breathtaking plantation spread across hundreds of acres. The estate is celebrated for its high-quality Kangra teas from the original Camellia Sinensis cultivar, known to have the highest antioxidants.

Our tour continues to the Kangra State Museum where we view exquisite Pahari miniature paintings from artists of the sub-Himalayas and Kangra region. Miniature paintings evolved in the 17th and 18th centuries as a distinctive style which fuses Hindu mythology, Mughal and Rajput techniques with local folk art. This afternoon we arrive at the extraordinary 16th-century Namgyal Monastery in Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama. Here we uncover the rich Tibetan culture and Buddhism, visiting the Tibetan Museum, Norbulingka Monastery and the Gyuto Monastery.

Back at our hotel we enjoy a traditional Himachali dinner beside a bonfire outdoors. This authentic meal is prepared in a mud-kitchen, taking us on a cultural journey to the roots of Indian villages, accompanied by musicians whilst we dine.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Setting out after breakfast, we take a short trip along a section of the Kangra Valley Railway by 'Toy Train' from Palampur to Nagrota.

From here, we drive to the charming heritage village of Pragpur. This tucked-away hill station is a hidden gem in the shadow of the Dhauladhar mountains. Pragpur's medieval cobblestone streets hold the history of three hundred years and in 1977 the state government of Himachal Pradesh declared this as India's first heritage village. This afternoon, we take a walk among the narrow streets of the village, lined with fortress-style houses, elegant havelis and Italianate villas alongside humble mud-plastered homes. Until India's independence, this was the most prosperous village of the sub-Himalayan region and there's time to absorb the medieval atmosphere.

We check in to another historic hotel with many preserved features, where we sit down for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our destination today is the holy city of Amritsar, the heart of the Sikh faith. Located in Punjab in India's far northwest, between Pakistan and the Himalayan foothills, this vibrant city brims with spirituality.

The name Amritsar translates as Pool of Nectar, and relates to the Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the Golden Temple. A bustling city in northern India, Amritsar's status is elevated and sanctified by its venerable Golden Temple.

After checking in to our overnight hotel we are served dinner. Later, there is a chance to experience the cherished evening procession of the Sikh holy book at the wondrous Golden Temple. The book is taken from the main temple to a room opposite twice a day, in a procession known as the Palki ceremony. The evening event begins at 10pm, and we return to our hotel at around 11:30pm.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking in Amritsar, a knowledgeable local guide shows us the Golden Temple in the daytime, its golden façade shimmering in the sunlight.

Around a sacred pool sit several important buildings - including the five-story Akal Takht, the primary seat of Sikhism. The religion's humility is symbolized by the Golden Temple. Although covered in gold, the temple is built at a lower level than its surroundings, appearing as if it is floating on the tranquil pool, while the four entrances signify that all people are welcome. The complex also houses the world's largest free kitchen, feeding a vegetarian meal to around a 100,000 people each day, regardless of religion, caste or gender. Nearby, we then visit Jallianwala Bagh, a somber memorial to the events of April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on people peacefully celebrating the Punjabi new year.

This afternoon we drive to the Indo-Pakistan 'Wagah' border to witness the 'Changing of the Guard' ceremony, carried out with great skill by the border security forces of both countries. We return to our hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, we board the Shatabdi Express for a daytime journey of around five and a half hours to Delhi, closing the circle of our explorations of India's beautiful north. On our journey, we can relax and watch the passing views from AC Chair Class seats.

Arriving back in the capital late this afternoon, we are transferred to our hotel for the night and the remainder of the day is at leisure in Delhi. You could revisit some of the sites we discovered at the start of our tour, such as Old Delhi's bustling marketplace, or you may prefer to relax and make the most of the facilities at our hotel.

This evening, we gather for the final dinner of our tour.

• Breakfast, Dinner

From the country's buzzing capital, we have traveled to the renowned spiritual sites of the Himalayas, visited beautiful Hindu temples and the Beatles ashram, staying close to the very source of the sacred fast-flowing Ganges. We've traveled high into the Himalayan foothills to popular hill stations, seen glorious green tea plantations and visited Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. We've witnessed one of the most important ceremonies of the Sikh religion at the dazzling Golden Temple and stayed in beautiful heritage hotels and modern luxury.

Breakfast this morning marks the end of our magnificent Indian journey. You can transfer to Delhi airport, ready for your flight back home.

• Breakfast