India
20 nights 8 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookTravelling to heritage hotels in hill station towns, and using small vehicles to take off at tangents to little-known temples and villages, this is a beguiling blend of cities, serenity, scenery and spirituality
A wonderfully scenic circling of the Himalayan foothills, this is a journey through stunning landscapes, to famous cities, tiny towns, and almost forgotten temples, to reveal the reverence of the region’s three faiths, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh. We see Hindu shrines, ashrams, and ceremonies, from the beautiful, bucolic Kullu Valley villages, to Rishikesh and Haridwar, where the sacred Ganges flows down from the mountains to the plains, and the Aarti rites of floating lights take place each evening at dusk. Steeped in its ethereal spirituality, Dharamsala (‘pilgrim’s rest’) is the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, and the home of Buddhism and of the Dalai Lama; its temple and monastery enveloped in peace and serenity. Amritsar is the holiest city of the Sikh religion, its Golden Temple the most sacred place of pilgrimage, where the Palki ritual takes the Guru Granth Sahib book ‘to bed’ each night, and back to the temple every morning, symbolically treating the holy book as a human teacher. Stays in Old Delhi and modern Chandigarh complement time-warp hill station towns, including remote and splendidly scenic Mussoorie; and busy Shimla, its colonial buildings contrasting with the twisting lanes of the bazaar.
Overnight flight direct to Delhi, or from your chosen airport, direct or via Dubai.
On arrival, transfer to the classic colonial Hotel Maidens for overnight stay. Later, visit the 14th-century, Agrasen ki Baoli step well, 60m-long and three storeys deep; and the city’s iconic Red Fort, where huge sandstone walls encircle a series of pavilions, linked by the Nahr-i-Behisht (‘stream of paradise’) water channel.
Leave Delhi on the early morning train to Haridwar (5hrs), a place of Hindu pilgrimage, where visitors immerse themselves in the holy River Ganges, and light-up the dusk each day with floating flamed offerings to the life-giving Ganga Goddess. Two nights at the Lemon Tree Rishikesh. This evening, see the Aarti ‘ceremony of lights’ at Triveni Ghat.
(B, D)
Morning safari in Rajaji National Park, a tiger reserve, with Indian elephant herds, spread around the Himalayan foothills, and crossed by the Ganges and Song Rivers (closed from 15th June to 15th November). Drive to nearby Rishikesh, known as the ‘the Yoga Capital of the World’, to visit Shantikunj ashram, a Hindu academy for spiritual awakening; and the 137m-span of the Laxman Jhula pedestrian bridge. Return to your hotel.
(B)
Travel (4hrs) to the hill station town of Mussoorie, once the home of Sir George Everest, with fabulous views to snow-capped peaks, and down into the Doon Valley. Two nights at the heritage WelcomeHotel The Savoy.
(B)
Visit nearby Landour, a small and peaceful town, little-changed in the last century. Stroll through the shops and cafés of the Sisters Bazaar, and walk to the peak of Lal Tibba, at 3025m, the highest point in the lower Himalayas’ Garhwal region, with fantastic panoramas of far-away hill villages. Afternoon at leisure.
(B, L)
Travel (8hrs) to the gardens and modernist architecture of Chandigarh, the dream of India’s first Prime Minister, Neru, planned and realised by French architect, Le Corbusier, and lauded as an example of 20th -century urban planning. Visit Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex, encompassing the High Court, Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, and the huge, steel Open Hand Monument, signifying the city’s ethos, “open to give, open to receive”. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Chandigarh.
(B)
Visit the Zakir Rose Garden, with 1,600 species of roses in its 30-acre botanical enclave (seasonal periods in bloom). Travel by road to Kandaghat (3hrs), to board the narrow-gauge ‘Toy Train’, renowned for the route’s spectacular scenery, crossing bridges and cutting through tunnels and pine forests, for its journey to Shimla. A picture-perfect retreat, the British-era summer capital now blends cool colonial charm with colourful Himachal character. Two nights at Oberoi Cecil Shimla.
(B)
Stroll along the Mall on a morning tour of Shimla, which includes a visit to the grand Viceregal Lodge (now named Rashtrapati Niwas), its majestic façade matched by manicured gardens, at the top of Observatory Hill; the Shimla Museum, recording its British colonial era; and the town’s Christ Church, known for the five windows of the Virtues.
(B)
Drive (4hrs) to Mandi, visiting the majestic Victoria Bridge, built in 1877, and taking a ‘Temple Walk’ among the 81 old stone shrines. Continue (4hrs) to the Kullu Valley (Valley of Gods), where every village has its own deity, and slopes are cloaked with apple orchards and deodar trees. Three nights at the boutique Shivadya Resort & Spa in Karjan village.
(B, L, D)
Visit Seol village for a morning walk to a Himalayan stream, and through the forest to the very traditional village of Dashal, with an 11th-century Shiva temple. Later, drive to Naggar, the old capital of the Kullu Valley. Visit the Roerich Art Gallery, its collection of rare paintings exhibited in the late artist’s home; and walk to the medieval Naggar Castle, now part-hotel.
(B, D)
Enjoy a village walk in Karjan and an afternoon at leisure, perhaps to trek to Sajla waterfall, cascading into a rocky pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Later, visit Karjan’s temple; experience the hot water springs of Vashisht Baths; and continue to Old Manali for the pagoda Temple of Hadimba Devi and its statues of the gods, said to be where the sage Manu meditated.
(B, D)
Drive (6hrs) to Paprola to travel again on the ‘Toy Train’, this time to Palampur, known for its tea gardens and brilliant birdlife. Overnight at the 4-star Rakkh Palampur.
(B, D)
Travel by road to Dharamsala, the residence of the Dalai Lama. Visit the spellbinding surrounds of the Norbulingka Institute, established to support Tibetan refugees and to preserve Tibetan culture art, and crafts. Two nights at the simply styled and scenically positioned Clouds End Villa.
(B, D)
At 1,700m above sea level, McLeod Ganj is the upper section of Dharamsala, and the spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism. Among the shrines and statues of the serene Tsuglagkhang Complex, visit the magnificent Namgyal Monastery, and Tibetan Museum of traditions and art. Enjoy exotic views on a village walk this afternoon.
(B, D)
Drive just 20km south to visit Kangra Fort, the little-known but largest fortress in the Himalayas and, dating back to 400BC, believed to be the oldest in India. Continue to Pragpur. An intriguing step-back-in-time, with an ongoing programme of conservation, its cobbled lanes are lined with painted, mud-rendered houses, its market draped with colourful fabrics. Overnight at the heritage hotel Judge’s Court, a country manor built for Justice Sir Jai Lai.
(B, D)
Travel (4hrs) to Amritsar. On arrival, transfer to the boutique hotel Ranjit Vilas, brimming with traditional Punjab character, for a two-night stay. This evening, attend the Palki religious ceremony at the Golden Temple.
(B)
Visit the Golden Temple, gleaming with hundreds of kilos of gold leaf. Continue to the ‘world’s largest’ community kitchen, its thousands of volunteers feeding tens of thousands of pilgrims every day; and the garden memorial to those killed in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps to explore the city’s labyrinth of lanes and bazaars. Early-evening excursion to the Indo-Pakistan Wagah Border village, to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
(B, D)
Travel (4hrs) to Anandpur Sahib, the Sikh ‘holy city of spiritual bliss’, where a tour of the town includes a visit to its Gurudwara. At The Kikar Lodge, each night paints a canvas of celestial beauty where you can unwind and connect with nature to create unforgettable memories under the starlit sky. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
(B, D)
Visit the Virasat e Khalsa heritage museum, offering an insight of the birth of Sikhism, 500 years ago. Travel on the Vande Bharat Express train to Delhi (4.5 hrs) for overnight at the 5-star Vivanta by Taj Dwarka.
(B)
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your chosen airport.
(B)
Overnight flight direct to Delhi, or from your chosen airport, direct or via Dubai.
On arrival, transfer to The Claridges for overnight stay. Later, visit the 14th-century, Agrasen ki Baoli step well, 60m-long and three storeys deep; and the city’s iconic Red Fort, where huge sandstone walls encircle a series of pavilions, linked by the Nahr-i-Behisht (‘stream of paradise’) water channel.
Leave Delhi on the early morning train to Haridwar (5hrs), a place of Hindu pilgrimage, where visitors immerse themselves in the holy River Ganges, and light-up the dusk each day with floating flamed offerings to the life-giving Ganga Goddess. Two nights at the Lemon Tree Rishikesh. This evening, see the Aarti ‘ceremony of lights’ at Triveni Ghat.
(B, D)
Morning safari in Rajaji National Park, a tiger reserve, with Indian elephant herds, spread around the Himalayan foothills, and crossed by the Ganges and Song Rivers (closed from 15th June to 15th November). Drive to nearby Rishikesh, known as the ‘the Yoga Capital of the World’, to visit Shantikunj ashram, a Hindu academy for spiritual awakening; and the 137m-span of the Laxman Jhula pedestrian bridge. Return to your hotel.
(B)
Travel (4hrs) to the hill station town of Mussoorie, once the home of Sir George Everest, with fabulous views to snow-capped peaks, and down into the Doon Valley. Two nights at the Kasmanda Palace.
(B)
Visit nearby Landour, a small and peaceful town, little-changed in the last century. Stroll through the shops and cafés of the Sisters Bazaar, and walk to the peak of Lal Tibba, at 3025m, the highest point in the lower Himalayas’ Garhwal region, with fantastic panoramas of far-away hill villages. Afternoon at leisure.
(B)
Travel (8hrs) to the gardens and modernist architecture of Chandigarh, the dream of India’s first Prime Minister, Neru, planned and realised by French architect, Le Corbusier, and lauded as an example of 20th -century urban planning. Visit Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex, encompassing the High Court, Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, and the huge, steel Open Hand Monument, signifying the city’s ethos, “open to give, open to receive”. Overnight at the 5-star Taj Chandigarh.
(B)
Visit the Zakir Rose Garden, with 1,600 species of roses in its 30-acre botanical enclave (seasonal periods in bloom). Travel by road to Kandaghat (3hrs), to board the narrow-gauge ‘Toy Train’, renowned for the route’s spectacular scenery, crossing bridges and cutting through tunnels and pine forests, for its journey to Shimla. A picture-perfect retreat, the British-era summer capital now blends cool colonial charm with colourful Himachal character. Two nights at Oberoi Cecil Shimla.
(B)
Stroll along the Mall on a morning tour of Shimla, which includes a visit to the grand Viceregal Lodge (now named Rashtrapati Niwas), its majestic façade matched by manicured gardens, at the top of Observatory Hill; the Shimla Museum, recording its British colonial era; and the town’s Christ Church, known for the five windows of the Virtues.
(B)
Drive (4hrs) to Mandi, visiting the majestic Victoria Bridge, built in 1877, and taking a ‘Temple Walk’ among the 81 old stone shrines. Continue (4hrs) to the Kullu Valley (Valley of Gods), where every village has its own deity, and slopes are cloaked with apple orchards and deodar trees. Three nights at the boutique Shivadya Resort & Spa in Karjan village.
(B, D)
Visit Seol village for a morning walk to a Himalayan stream, and through the forest to the very traditional village of Dashal, with an 11th-century Shiva temple. Later, drive to Naggar, the old capital of the Kullu Valley. Visit the Roerich Art Gallery, its collection of rare paintings exhibited in the late artist’s home; and walk to the medieval Naggar Castle, now part-hotel.
(B, D)
Enjoy a village walk in Karjan and an afternoon at leisure, perhaps to trek to Sajla waterfall, cascading into a rocky pool in a beautiful, forested setting. Later, visit Karjan’s temple; experience the hot water springs of Vashisht Baths; and continue to Old Manali for the pagoda Temple of Hadimba Devi and its statues of the gods, said to be where the sage Manu meditated.
(B, D)
Drive (6hrs) to Paprola to travel again on the ‘Toy Train’, this time to Palampur, known for its tea gardens and brilliant birdlife. Three nights at the 4-star Rakkh Palampur.
(B, D)
Travel by road to Dharamsala, the residence of the Dalai Lama. Visit the spellbinding surrounds of the Norbulingka Institute, established to support Tibetan refugees and to preserve Tibetan culture art, and crafts.
(B, D)
At 1,700m above sea level, McLeod Ganj is the upper section of Dharamsala, and the spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism. Among the shrines and statues of the serene Tsuglagkhang Complex, visit the magnificent Namgyal Monastery, and Tibetan Museum of traditions and art. Enjoy exotic views on a village walk this afternoon.
(B, D)
Drive just 20km south to visit Kangra Fort, the little-known but largest fortress in the Himalayas and, dating back to 400BC, believed to be the oldest in India. Continue to Pragpur. An intriguing step-back-in-time, with an ongoing programme of conservation, its cobbled lanes are lined with painted, mud-rendered houses, its market draped with colourful fabrics. Overnight at the heritage hotel Judge’s Court, a country manor built for Justice Sir Jai Lai.
(B, D)
Travel (4hrs) to Amritsar. On arrival, transfer to the boutique hotel Ranjit Vilas, brimming with traditional Punjab character, for a two-night stay. This evening, attend the Palki religious ceremony at the Golden Temple.
(B)
Visit the Golden Temple, gleaming with hundreds of kilos of gold leaf. Continue to the ‘world’s largest’ community kitchen, its thousands of volunteers feeding tens of thousands of pilgrims every day; and the garden memorial to those killed in the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps to explore the city’s labyrinth of lanes and bazaars. Early-evening excursion to the Indo-Pakistan Wagah Border village, to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
(B, D)
Travel (4hrs) to Anandpur Sahib, the Sikh ‘holy city of spiritual bliss’, where a tour of the town includes a visit to its Gurudwara. At The Kikar Lodge, each night paints a canvas of celestial beauty where you can unwind and connect with nature to create unforgettable memories under the starlit sky. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
(B, D)
Visit the Virasat e Khalsa heritage museum, offering an insight of the birth of Sikhism, 500 years ago. Travel on the Vande Bharat Express train to Delhi (4.5 hrs) for overnight at The Lilat.
(B)
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your chosen airport.
(B)
This is a full itinerary with some visits on foot with uneven surfaces and inclines.
The weather can be cold at altitude during February and November.
Travel beyond the main tourist routes in smaller vehicles (2 guests per car all with a window seat).
Travel is not ‘off road’ but these vehicles allow for greater contact with local people and easier access whilst still travelling with a small Jules Verne group through dramatic passes and mountain scenery.
Heritage properties are full of charm and interest but rarely have lifts and rooms can vary in size and décor.
Monkeys are native to Mussoorie and you are likely to encounter these, along with other local wildlife, around the vicinity of the resort.
Learn more about India at Aarti, Palki and Border ceremonies. Visit Kangra Fort, the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas and its museum displaying the Maharaja’s possessions.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
Established in 1903 as one of the first hotels of Delhi and recognized as a Heritage Hotel in 1994. Its architecture is the most glorious illustration of old-world European charm with its colonial impressions. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 55 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Right where New Delhi meets Old Delhi, The Claridges Hotel is in a peaceful area, only a 10 minute walk to the serene Lodi Gardens yet still close to shopping centres, markets and the famous India Gate. The hotel extends a warm welcome and offers a several dining options, a bar, swimming pool, gym and spa. The rooms are a blend of classic and contemporary styles and provide air-conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, mini bar and safe.
A 4-star airport hotel with a restaurant, bar, gym and WiFi (free). 400 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Located on the banks of the Holy Ganges river and the foothills of the Himalayan sub-belt, The Lemon Tree offers an tranquil retreat. Facilities include a large terrace and a vegetarian restaurant and café, bar and swimming pool. Rooms have private facilities, free wi-fi and safe.
A heritage boutique hotel tucked away on a quiet hillside with splendid views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 29 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, cable TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A heritage hotel built in Gothic architecture located in the beautiful Gharwal Hills and at the Liberty end of Mall Road. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 50 air-conditioned mountain view rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 5-star hotel with sophisticated architecture and interiors. Restaurants, bar, gym, spa, pool and WiFi (free). 149 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A celebration of the elegance and grace of the Colonial era in the Queen of Hill Stations, located amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, The 5-star Oberoi Cecil, a Grand Heritage hotel, is a part of Shimla's rich colonial history. Restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 75 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
This boutique hotel has a unique location with the Himalayas as its backdrop in Karjan village. Restaurant, spa and WiFi (free). 15 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star boutique hotel perched on a hilltop surrounded by terraced hillsides. Restaurant, spa and WiFi (free). 15 air-conditioned cottages with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.
A heritage hotel located in the medieval hamlet of Pragpur, on the edge of the Himalayan mountains. Restaurant, bar, plunge pool and WiFi (free). 10 air-conditioned rooms with safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Sprawled across a 9 acre property with its own step field, gardens and forests the Clouds End Villa is the residence of the Maharaja of Kangra. WiFi (free) and 16 rooms with fan, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A boutique family-run hotel with strong Punjab influences. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 22 air-conditioned rooms with TVs.
Customize your tour by adding optional excursions or extend your journey with our curated add-on extensions.
You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.
Bhutan & The Himalayas
22 Feb 25,18 Oct 25 and 3 more
A tour of temples, citadels, mountains and valleys, exploring the happy Himalayan heaven that is the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the legendary friendliness of Nepal
From £5135 pp
incl Flight
Discover Nepal
12 Apr 25,11 Oct 25 and 5 more
Explore the scenic splendour and spiritual aura of Nepal, from Himalayan gorges to Hindu temples, and from the birthplace of Buddha to Chitwan’s wildlife and lakeside Pokhara
From £2975 pp
incl FlightWe need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb 25 (20 nights) | 2 Places Remaining | £4695pp | £5920pp | Book now |
| 06 Oct 25 (20 nights) | £4695pp | £5940pp | Book now | |
| 10 Nov 25 (20 nights) | £4685pp | £5930pp | Book now | |
| 09 Feb 26 (20 nights) | £4635pp | £5810pp | Book now | |
| 23 Mar 26 (20 nights) | £4635pp | £5810pp | Book now | |
| 14 Sep 26 (20 nights) | £4695pp | £5880pp | Book now | |
| 05 Oct 26 (20 nights) | £4645pp | £5840pp | Book now | |
| 09 Nov 26 (20 nights) | £4625pp | £5820pp | Book now |
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb 25 (20 nights) | 2 Places Remaining | £4695pp | £5920pp | Book now |
| 06 Oct 25 (20 nights) | £4695pp | £5940pp | Book now | |
| 10 Nov 25 (20 nights) | £4685pp | £5930pp | Book now | |
| 09 Feb 26 (20 nights) | £4635pp | £5810pp | Book now | |
| 23 Mar 26 (20 nights) | £4635pp | £5810pp | Book now | |
| 14 Sep 26 (20 nights) | £4695pp | £5880pp | Book now | |
| 05 Oct 26 (20 nights) | £4645pp | £5840pp | Book now | |
| 09 Nov 26 (20 nights) | £4625pp | £5820pp | Book now |
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Feb 25 (20 nights) | 2 Places Remaining | £4695pp | £5920pp | Book now |
| 06 Oct 25 (20 nights) | £4695pp | £5940pp | Book now | |
| 10 Nov 25 (20 nights) | £4685pp | £5930pp | Book now | |
| 09 Feb 26 (20 nights) | £4635pp | £5810pp | Book now | |
| 23 Mar 26 (20 nights) | £4635pp | £5810pp | Book now | |
| 14 Sep 26 (20 nights) | £4695pp | £5880pp | Book now | |
| 05 Oct 26 (20 nights) | £4645pp | £5840pp | Book now | |
| 09 Nov 26 (20 nights) | £4625pp | £5820pp | Book now |
Private Groups Available
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 19 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 10 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Relax and bask in the tranquillity of the stunning Arabian Sea on this 4-night beach extension.
India
5 nights
Fly to Goa for four nights at the 5-star Taj Exotica Resort.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Enjoy time at leisure.
(B)
Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 5-star Vivanta New Delhi.
(B)
Return flight.
(B)
Unwind on the shores of the Arabian Sea and delve into the captivating history of Goa and its vibrant Portuguese heritage.
India
5 nights
Fly to Goa for four nights at the 5-star Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.
(B)
Day at leisure.
(B)
A tour of Old Goa includes the largest church in Asia, Se Cathedral, plus visits to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Christian Arts Museum and a drive past St. Augustine tower and the nunnery of St. Monica.
(B)
Day at leisure.
(B)
Fly to Delhi. Overnight at the 5-star Vivanta New Delhi.
(B)
Return flight.
(B)
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
