Capital of the mountainous state of Himachal, or the "abode of snow",
Shimla was the summer capital of the 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 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi . You are met and assisted by our representative at the
airport. Transferred to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 : In 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 3 : 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 4 : 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 5 : Shimla / Manali by road
Transfer by road to Manali . Evening at leisure . Overnight stay in Manali
for three nights.
Day
6 : 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 7 :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 beautiful snow views and is surrounded by tea
plantations. It is a popular place for walking.
Day 8 : Palampur
Visit the local sights including the Sobha Singh's art gallery , a
monastery , pottery institute and the tea estates.
Day 9 : Dharamshala
Drive to Dharamshala (McLeodganj) for sightseeing and lunch. Dharamshala,
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.
