India with Luxury & Style (9 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-I-9-3-8-11-RAIJ
DAY
1: Arrive in Delhi and travel to Amritsar, INDIA
This morning you are transferred to the Delhi airport for your early
afternoon flight to Amritsar. This 16th century city, founded by Ram Das,
the fourth guru of the Sikhs, is today both the center of Sikh religion
and the major city of the Punjab state. You are met upon arrival in Amritsar and taken to your luxurious hotel. ►Suggested hotel: Ista Hotel, Amritsar
DAY 2: Amritsar, INDIA
Enjoy a full day of touring – starting with a morning visit of the
magnificent Golden Temple. Your city tour continues, including a visit
of the garden and national memorial at Jalianwala Bagh, the site where
hundreds of Indians were massacred by the British in 1919. This
afternoon, drive outside the city to Wagah Border to see the dramatic
daily flag ceremony at the Indo-Pakistan border. Tonight return to the
Golden Temple to witness the ritualistic and colorful Palki Sahib, or
night ceremony.
►Suggested hotel: Ista Hotel, Amritsar
DAY 3: Amritsar to Dharamsala, INDIA
Today, drive up towards the magnificent snow-clad Himalayas to
Dharamsala, a city surrounded by dense forests and streams. It is also
the seat of the Tibet’s government in exile and the temporary residence
of His Holiness, Dalai Lama. Your afternoon sightseeing tour visits the
residence and temple of the Dalai Lama, where you are welcome to
participate as the monks chant and meditate. Learn about Tibetan
history, politics and culture at the Tibet Museum, which has more than
over 80,000 manuscripts. Go for a short Kora Walk around the temple and
residence of H.H. Dalai Lama to see the many prayer flags, “mani” stones
and Buddhist monks and nuns chanting holy hymns. ►Suggested hotel: Chonor House,
Dharamsala
DAY 4: Dharamsala, INDIA
Today’s full day sightseeing tour includes visits to the Tibetan Library
of Work and Archives, Tibetan Medical and Astrological Center, and
Norbulingka - established to teach and preserve traditional Tibetan Art,
such as wood carving, thangka painting, goldsmithing and embroidery.
Tour St. John’s in the Wilderness, an Anglican church built in 1852. It
is decorated in grey stone with fine Belgian stained glass windows
donated by Lady Elgin. And you’ll visit Bhagsu Nag Temple, where
pilgrims go to bathe in the pure spring waters, and quiet Naddi Village
with its magnificent views of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range and the
Kangra Valley. ►Suggested hotel: Chonor House,
Dharamsala
DAY 5: Dharamsala to Pragpur, INDIA
This morning drive to Pragpur, located in Himachal's most panoramic
areas, in the shade of the Dhauladhar Mountains or the White Ranges.
Founded in the 17th century, Pragpur is a small, neat settlement known
for its abundance of springtime flowers. This afternoon visit
300-year-old Heritage Village, with its cobbled streets, ornamental
village tank, and well-preserved architecture of mud plastered and slate
roofed houses. Your accommodations for the next two nights are at
Judge’s Court, a classified "Heritage” country manor. ►Suggested hotel: Judge’s
Court, Pragpur
DAY 6: Pragpur, INDIA
This morning, visit the famous Jwalamukhi Temple, dedicated to the
“Goddess of Light.” Uniquely without an idol, an eternally burning blue
flame emanating from a rock sanctum is worshipped as a manifestation of
the goddess. This afternoon, it is a short drive to Dada Siba to see the
ruins of ancient Lord Krishna Temple, with beautiful centuries-old
Kangra mural paintings that cover the inner walls. ►Suggested hotel: Judge’s
Court, Pragpur
DAY 7: Pragpur to Mashobra, INDIA
Today enjoy a scenic drive into the magnificent Himalayas. Mid-afternoon
arrive at the Wildflower Resort. This former residence of Lord Kitchener
is a colonial period masterpiece, set amid 23 acres of virgin woods.
Enjoy your the rest of the day at leisure to explore this fairytale
sanctuary and its deluxe amenities. ►Suggested hotel: Wildflower Hall, Mashobra
DAY 8: Excursion to Shimla, INDIA
Today is a full day excursion to Shimla, the exclusive British summer
capital in the 1800s.At 7,500 feet high, Shimla sprawls along
crescent-shaped ridge, with buildings clinging to the slopes. See the
stately English houses, including Gorton Castle and the Vice Regal
Lodge. Enjoy a ride on the famous Toy Train, a narrow-gauge railway
built in 1924, with one of the world’s steepest rises. The ride past
little hamlets and terraced fields, and through breathtaking bridges and
tunnels reveals memorable and seemingly endless panoramic vistas. Return
to your resort by late afternoon. ►Suggested hotel: Wildflower Hall, Mashobra
DAY 9: Depart Mashobra, INDIA
This morning it is a short drive to the Shimla airport for your flight
to Delhi. Here you can connect to your departing flight home or on to
your next destination.