Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamsala – Shimla
On this exciting highlights of North India itinerary you will venture off the beaten path and discover new areas of north India. Your trip with take you to Delhi, Hoshiarpur and Dharamsala giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s major attractions, experience rural life and immerse yourself in culture. Your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India.
Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.
Day 1: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Awesome Homestay in Civil Lines to enjoy the warm hospitality of your host Shalini Shamnath.The homestay is an oasis of calm with the whole city bustling close by. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application*, participating in an Indian cooking class* or shopping in the local art and craft shops**.
Day 2: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple**, Qutub Minar**, Lodhi Garden** and the Red Fort**. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you directly to the sites you choose to visit. When you have had your fill of Delhi’s historic sites come back home to relax in the garden.
Day 3: Amritsar
Take a train or flight to Amritsar and check into your homestay. You cannot miss the beautiful Golden temple and the delicious Punjabi food at your homestay. Then in the evening you can travel to Wagah Border** to watch the flag lowering ceremony at the India – Pakistan border and come back to your homestay for dinner.
Day 4: Dharamsala
Drive to Dharamsala and on the way you will be stunning by the view and the changing landscapes. Dharamsala waits for you with its Namgyal Monastery funded by Japanese. The Dauladar range views are magnificent over the valleys. Enjoy some lovely Chinese and Tibetan food at Dharamsala. Go to the cricket stadium and visit the temples nearby. You will be staying at Om Mahal homestay where complimentary activities include the chance to visit a tea plantations and enjoy a relaxing tea tasting session or enjoying an evening cooking session of Pahari food which is an experience in itself.
Day 5: Dharamsala
Visit McLeodganj**. Visit “Little Lhasa” which is miniature Tibet where you can shop for handicrafts. You can visit the Dalai Lama’s house* and temple and if His Holiness is in town you can even get an audience with him. Sip some coffee in cafes with the wonderful Dauladar range in the background. McLeodganj also has lovely restaurants with Israeli, German and French cuisine. In the evening come back to a complimentary bonfire dinner with your hosts
Day 6: Shimla
Drive from Dharamsala to Shimla and take the day easy. Take in the beautiful old English summer capital. Walk down the mall road, go people watching and relax with your hosts at the homestay.
Day 7: Shimla
Today you can use the day to see the various sites of Shimla. The mall road is the central point and the town centers around this. Visit the Ridge and Christ church. Sit at the many cafes and enjoy a coffee.
Day 8: Shimla
After breakfast, visit Kufri (2500 meters), which is a 2 hours’ drive from Shimla and is the Winter Sports capital of Shimla. Visit: Naldehra – famous Golf Course, Indira Bungalow, Himalayan Zoo. Enjoy a restful final evening at your Cottage.
Day 9: Shimla / Delhi
Transfer back to Delhi for your return flight.
On this exciting highlights of North India itinerary you will venture off the beaten path and discover new areas of north India. Your trip with take you to Delhi, Hoshiarpur and Dharamsala giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s major attractions, experience rural life and immerse yourself in culture. Your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India.
Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.
Day 1: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Awesome Homestay in Civil Lines to enjoy the warm hospitality of your host Shalini Shamnath.The homestay is an oasis of calm with the whole city bustling close by. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application*, participating in an Indian cooking class* or shopping in the local art and craft shops**.
Day 2: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple**, Qutub Minar**, Lodhi Garden** and the Red Fort**. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you directly to the sites you choose to visit. When you have had your fill of Delhi’s historic sites come back home to relax in the garden.
Day 3: Amritsar
Take a train or flight to Amritsar and check into your homestay. You cannot miss the beautiful Golden temple and the delicious Punjabi food at your homestay. Then in the evening you can travel to Wagah Border** to watch the flag lowering ceremony at the India – Pakistan border and come back to your homestay for dinner.
Day 4: Dharamsala
Drive to Dharamsala and on the way you will be stunning by the view and the changing landscapes. Dharamsala waits for you with its Namgyal Monastery funded by Japanese. The Dauladar range views are magnificent over the valleys. Enjoy some lovely Chinese and Tibetan food at Dharamsala. Go to the cricket stadium and visit the temples nearby. You will be staying at Om Mahal homestay where complimentary activities include the chance to visit a tea plantations and enjoy a relaxing tea tasting session or enjoying an evening cooking session of Pahari food which is an experience in itself.
Day 5: Dharamsala
Visit McLeodganj**. Visit “Little Lhasa” which is miniature Tibet where you can shop for handicrafts. You can visit the Dalai Lama’s house* and temple and if His Holiness is in town you can even get an audience with him. Sip some coffee in cafes with the wonderful Dauladar range in the background. McLeodganj also has lovely restaurants with Israeli, German and French cuisine. In the evening come back to a complimentary bonfire dinner with your hosts
Day 6: Shimla
Drive from Dharamsala to Shimla and take the day easy. Take in the beautiful old English summer capital. Walk down the mall road, go people watching and relax with your hosts at the homestay.
Day 7: Shimla
Today you can use the day to see the various sites of Shimla. The mall road is the central point and the town centers around this. Visit the Ridge and Christ church. Sit at the many cafes and enjoy a coffee.
Day 8: Shimla
After breakfast, visit Kufri (2500 meters), which is a 2 hours’ drive from Shimla and is the Winter Sports capital of Shimla. Visit: Naldehra – famous Golf Course, Indira Bungalow, Himalayan Zoo. Enjoy a restful final evening at your Cottage.
Day 9: Shimla / Delhi
Transfer back to Delhi for your return flight.