Capital of the mountainous state of Himachal, or the "abode of snow",
Shimla was the summer capital of the British Raj and retains the air of a
bygone era. Pine trees abound in the valley and exude a fragrance that
lingers. At 7000' the summer days are pleasant and evenings nippy. The
Kangra Valley is home to some delightful heritage properties and we get the
chance to stay in some of them, experiencing a lifestyle long forgotten.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi . You are met and assisted by our representative at the
airport. Transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 02 : Delhi
Morning sightseeing of New Delhi including Government buildings, India Gate
and Laxmi Narayan (Birla) Temple. In the afternoon visit Qutb Minar,
Humayun's Tomb and Raj Ghat. Overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.
Day 03 : Delhi - Shimla
This morning, travel to Chandigarh by an Express train . After a brief city
tour we drive to Pinjore and then continue to Shimla for two night stay.
Day 04 : Explore Shimla
Included guided walk around Mall and central Simla, followed by time at
leisure. One may make a visit to nearby temples , Church or the Museum.
Day 05 : Shimla - Manali
Transfer by road to Manali . Evening at leisure . Overnight stay in Manali
for three nights.
Day 06 : Manali
Morning visit to Manali, to include Hadimba Dcvi Temple and sulphur springs
at Vashisht. Evening is free to explore the local market area.
Day 07 : Manali - Palampur
Transfer by road to Palampur, with picnic lunch from Manali . Two nights at
the beautiful Taragarh Palace Hotel, a period property set in mango
orchards. Palampur has beautful snow views and is surrounded by tea
plantations. It is a popular place for walking
Day 08 : Palampur
Visit the local sights including the sobha Singh's art gallery , a
monastery , pottery institute and the tea estates.
Day 09 : Palampur - Dharamsala
Drive to Dharamsala (McLeodganj) for sightseeing and lunch. Dharamsala,
current home of the Dalai Lame, is set along a spur of the Dhauladhar range,
overlooking the Kangra Valley and the Shiwalik mountains. Visit the
headquarters of H.H. The Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj and the Norbulingka
Institute, centre for Buddhist teaching, housing over a thousand painted
images. You can also visit the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and
the Bhagsunath Temple. Paintings by Roerich can be seen in the Museum of
Kangra Art. In the afternoon continue to Pragpur for 2 nights at the Judges
Court Hotel.
Day 10 : Pragpur
Judges Court, a heritage property where you enjoy traditional hospitality
of the royal family. Pragpur is a medieval "heritage" village with
cobblestone streets and slate-roofed houses.
Day 11 : Pragpur
At leisure to explore the village.
Day 12 : Nalagarh
Proceed to the delightful Nalagarh Fort, another heritage resort offering
very warm local hospitality, for 2 nights. The fort commands beautiful views
of forests and orchards and the area is rich in birdlife.
Day 13 : Nalagarh
At leisure to explore the village.
Day 14 : Delhi - Chandigarh - Delhi - Onward Destination
Drive to Chandigarh in the morning. The planned city was designed by Le
Corbusier and is built in various sectors, with the Sukhna Lake and the Rock
Garden being important landmarks of the city. Take the midday Shatabdi
Express from Chandigarh back to Delhi, arriving early evening. Stay at the
hotel till departure, around midnight.
