Heritage Himachal and The Golden Temple

Delhi - Shimla - Palampur - Paragpur - Dharamshala - Amritsar

Arriving right into the heart of the beautiful country, an overnight stay in Delhi will be your first stop. A day in this vibrant, culturally rich town would take you back into the times of the Mughals as you admire their rich heritage all over the city. New Delhi brings you into more recent times, showing you the face of newer India with traces of British legacy all around the center of Delhi, in Connaught Place. After spending another night in Delhi you take a train to Kalka which connects to the famed toy train. A heritage walk around the town often called the Queen of Hills gets you relaxed and in a holiday mood after two days in the fast capital city.

A round of golf would be just the thing to do after a day of sightseeing in Shimla. Blow off all your extra steam from work by teeing off on the lush golf course of Naldhera. The next day you drive to another fascinating hill station; the beautiful town of Palampur. This lush town with numerous streams running all around is a perfect combination of greenery, mountains and water streams. To soothe the senses you get a whole day to relax here. A visit to Andretta a lovely village known mostly for the art gallery there, would be ideal. Located below a thickly wooded hill it is the perfect artists escape. From Palampur take a scenic drive to Paragpur, exploring the heritage village there. The way from Paragpur to Dharamshala is yet another experience worth cherishing. Sights of the Kangra valley are breathtakingly beautiful.

Once at Dharamshala, you will see how culturally rich that town is. McLeodganj, home to the Dalai Lama will offer you a chance to visit Buddhist monasteries and other places of interest, religious or otherwise.

 

This would be the end of the hills for the trip but awaiting next is a train journey to Amritsar. There you would be visiting the Golden Temple, a temple of utmost significance to the Sikhs alongwith places of historical significance like Jallianwala Bagh. The Wagah Border, the dividing line between India and Pakistan is also on the itinerary. This done, you are free to visit places of special interest to you until the train finally takes you back to Delhi and ends this beautiful holiday.

Throughout the duration of your tour in India, you will either choose to travel on your own or as a part of a larger gay group. All our guides are gays or gay welcoming, similarly all our host hotels in India welcome LGBT travellers. 
 

 

Detailed Itinerary:

 

 

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi

 

 

 

After arrival at the capital city, you transfer to the hotel and stay there overnight.

 

Day 02: Delhi

 

This morning you take a full day city tour of Old & New Delhi.

You will visit the Qutab Minar, a pillar monument built in 1199, Humayun’s Tomb,       India Gate (War Memorial Arch), and Lakshminarayan Temple - a modern Hindu Temple. You would also drive past President's House, Parliament House, Government Secretariat Buildings and Connaught Place shopping centre.

 

As for Old Delhi, you will visit Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid, while driving past the bustling Chandni Chowk market and the Red Fort.  This day would end with an overnight stay at Delhi.

 

Day 03: Delhi - Shimla

 

Early morning transfer to railway station to board train train to Kalka. Your train to Kalka connects to the famed toy train to Shimla. Arrive at Shimla & transfer to hotel. The stay will be overnight at Shimla.

 

Day 04: Shimla

 

Take a heritage walk of Shimla.

Shimla at an altitude of 2130 meters is an utterly charming resort & is the best loved hill station in India & has been a favourite since British troops set up camp here in 1819. At an altitude of 2130 meters, the Shimla town is a beautiful place. With the Mall and Ridge being main attractions, climbing beyond Scandal point & Ridge beyond Shimla a 2 Kms walk takes you to the Jakhoo hill, with a panoramic view of Shimla & Hanuman temple. The stay will be overnight at Shimla.

 

Day 05: Shimla - Naldhera

 

Visit Naldhera for a round of golf. 23  km from Shimla - named after the little temple that stands on  the links, Naldhera is a 9 hole golf course. The original course  was laid out  by the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon who was so enchanted by  this spot that he gave his daughter Alexandra, Naldehra as her second name. Nestled between the beautiful lofty ranges of the Himalayas, lies the Naldehra hill station.  The blue skies, lush green forests and an occasional rainbow thrown in makes the place look like it has been painted on a canvas. 

 

Day 06: Naldhera - Palampur

 

Drive to Palampur. The day is free to relax. 35 km from Kangra, is this quiet unspoilt town situated on a little plateau with the dramatic, Neugal chasm of the Bundla stream cutting across one edge. It is surrounded by green tea estates with forests of pine and deodar on the higher slopes. Palampur has lovely walks and trails. It has opportunities for angling in the river Bundla and for hand gliding at Billing-Bir. The stay will be overnight at Palampur.

 

Day 07: Palampur

 

Palampur is the heart of the tea producing Kangra region of Himchal Pradesh situated on the base of the Dhauladhar ranges. While at Palampur, you'd love to visit the Tea Estates, pamper yourself at Kayakalp; The Himalayan Institute for Yoga and Naturopathy, Tashijong Monastery, pottery studios at Andretta and perhaps fly hang gliders at the Bir village. The stay will be overnight at Palampur.

 

Day 08: Palampur - Pragpur

 

A scenic drive takes you to Pragpur and an afternoon exploring the heritage village.

Pragpur is the only place in India where an entire village has been deemed a Heritage village. The best part about Pragpur are the uniquely crafted and built havelis(mansions) which abound this little village. The stay will be overnight at Pragpur.

 

Day 09: Pragpur - Dharamshala

 

On the way to Dharamshala there are many opportunities to enjoy the distinctive sights of the Kangra Valley. The stay will be overnight at Dharamshala.

 

Day 10: Dharamshala

 

Spend the day visiting the Buddhist learning centers and other places of interest at McLeodganj, home to the Dalai Lama.

Set amidst the mighty Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas; McLeod Ganj is never said to be out of season. It continues to attract tourists from across the world for its richness of culture, religion and natural beauty. The stay will be overnight at Dharamshala.

 

Where to go: Tsug-lha-Khang Temple Complex, Namgyaima Stupa, Church of St. John in the Wilderness, Tibetan Theatre.

 

Day 11: Dharamshala - Amritsar

 

The 200 kms journey takes six to seven hours so it is best to leave after early breakfast.

 

Day 12: Amritsar - Delhi by overnight train

 

Visit the Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh and also the Wagha border with Pakistan. You could revisit special places of interest or relax until it is time to take the overnight train to Delhi.

 

Day 13: Arrive Delhi & Departure

 

Morning arrive at Delhi & Transfer to airport in time to board flight for onward journey.