Dharamsala Holidays

Day 1: Delhi

Day 2: Delhi

Day 3: Delhi

Day 4: Delhi

Day 5: Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to India and New Delhi the capital city of India.

Day 6: Delhi

Today we explore both Old and New Delhi - the order of New Delhi is a huge contrast to the unorganised chaos of the Old City. But both are just as appealing. Highlights we be the impressive Red Fort (only from the outside as it is closed on Mondays), Jama Masjid - India’s oldest and largest mosque, Raj Ghat - the site of Gandhi’s cremation and more.

Day 7: Delhi - Varanasi

We will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Varanasi, departing at 09:30 and arriving at 11:00. On arrival we will transefr you to the hotel. In the evening we will take you to the Aarti ceremony at the Ganges.

Day 8: Varanasi - Agra

This morning, we enjoy a boat ride on the holy Ganges where we’ll view the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the many riverbank ghats (riverside steps). Later, we embark on a tour of the city. Tonight you will board the over night train to Agra, departing at 22:40and arriving in the morning at 06:15.

Day 9: Agra

We will pick you up fromt he train station and check you into the hotel. We then enjoy a guided tour of the Taj at sunrise. Return for breakfast at your hotel later we visit Agra fort, which boasts some of India’s finest Mughal buildings behind it’s fortified walls. During its history it has been a palace, a fort and a prison!

Day 10: Agra - Ranthambhore NP

Today we drive to Bharatpur railway station for your train to Sawai Madhopur. En route we will visit the ghostly fortifed city of Fatehpur Sikri, abandonded only 8 years after its construction due to droughts in the area. On arrival in Sawai Madhopur, we transfer you to your lodge in Ranthambore National park. Train 1545 / 1800

Day 11: Ranthambhore NP

Today and tomorrow Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the national park in shared jeeps. Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.

Day 12: Ranthambhore NP

Day 13: Ranthambhore NP - Jaipur

After our final morning game drive we will depart from this wonderful park hopefully having seen some of the elusive tigers. Today we drive to Jaipur. Arriving there check in and the evening is free to relax.

Day 14: Jaipur

Look out for the snake charmers that dot our route, as we travel to the 16th century Amber Fort. An exotic elephant ride transports us to the lofty fort, where we’ll enjoy a tour of this Rajput extravaganza. Later in the afternoon we tour the City Palace, which boasts an interesting museum of regal attire, Palace of winds and Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory.

Day 15: Jaipur - Jodhpur

An interesting 6 Hr drive through increasingly varied scenery takes us to Jodhpur, a town at the edge of the mighty Thar Desert. Dominated by Meherangarh Fort which sits majestically atop a hill, Jodhpur is known as the Blue City. This is because of the coloured houses in the old town, painted indigo. Arrive Jodhpur and you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 16: Jodhpur

Today we take in the old city, which is surrounded by a 10km-long wall. In the old city are a tangle of streets and alleyways, bazaars and human traffic. Standing at the edge of the Thar Desert, the city is dominated by its massive fort, which sits atop a sheer rocky ridge right in the middle of the town. Meherangarh Fort, still run by the Maharaja of Jodhpur is an impressive sight. Later during free time, why not explore the Clock Tower and markets.

Day 17: Jodhpur - Udaipur

This morning we will drive you to Uadipur and en route we stop and visit the magnificent Jain Temple complex of Ranakpur. Arrive Udaipur check into your hotel. Rest of the day is free and at your leisure

Day 18: Udaipur

This morning enjoy touring the imposing City Palace, a vision in soft yellow stone on the northeast promontory with breathtaking views of the lake. The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. We then take you to visit Jagdish Temple and Sahelion ki bari. This evening enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola in a shared boat

Day 19: Udaipur - Amritsar

Morning transfer to the airport for your 08:05 AM flight to Amritsar with short stop in Delhi. Arrive Amritsar at 13:05 PM we will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 20: Amritsar

Today a visit to the Famous Golden Temple the seat of the Sikh religion, Amritsar is one of the Punjab’s principal cities. Built in 1803 and made of marble, copper and pure leaf gold, the temple is an amazing architectural feat. After we visit the area of Jallianwala Bagh and other various city highlights. This evening you will visit the Wagah border to see the ceremony.

Day 21: Amritsar - Dharamsala

Taking to the road we drive to Dharamsala. Arrival and check into your hotel.

Day 22: Dharamsala

Enjoy guided site seeing of Macleadganj, the higher settlement of Dharamsala. This 'Little Lhasa' is a magical world of spinning prayer wheels, fluttering prayer flags, spectacular mountain views, cultivated hillscapes and a kaledoscopic panorama of wealth. Everything here spreads the message of peace and universal harmony.

Day 23: Dharamsala - Shimla

Today you will be driven to the colonial hill station of Shimla (about 7 hours).

Day 24: Shimla

Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, venturing into the narrow streets, which fall steeply away from the ridge giving way to colourful bazaars and fine views of the surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks. The afternoon is yours for relaxing.

Day 25: Shimla - Delhi

Today we transfer you to the Toy Train and you travel to Kalka enjoying the scenery along the way. Arrive Kalka and you switch trains for your train to Delhi. Arrive Delhi late evening and we will transfer you to your hotel. Train 1730 / 2150

Day 26: Delhi

We bid you farewell with a transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.