Himachal Pradesh

Arrival to Chandigarh airport and hotel check-in. Full day visit of Chandigarh city. Chandigarh is a unique city, besides being one of the newest cities of the twentieth century, that is characterized by the seal of Le Corbusier, who planned the city and was also the architect of its most emblematic buildings. In Chandigarh, you will also find the work of a large team of architects led by the partner of Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, who along with the British Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew conducted the master plan and built public housing and facilities much needed in the city. As a result, Chandigarh is one of the reference cities of the Modern Movement. Also worthy of noting are Indian architects (such as MN Sharma, A. Prakash, BP Mathur, and JK Choudhury), who collaborated with Le Corbusier and Jeanneret to turn Chandigarh into a reality. Visit the Capitol Complex. The site comprises several buildings (like the Assembly, the Secretariat, and the High Court), the main plaza, and several monuments like the Open Hand (the city symbol) and the Tower of Shadows. Next to the Capitol Complex, we’ll find one of the most iconic city parks, the unique and original Rock Garden you’ll discover why it’s a unique place. The tour continues with the Sukhna lake, an artificial lake included lately in Le Corbusier’s master plan. Visit the Rose Garden. Overnight stay in Chandigarh.

We will drive to Shimla and enjoy the scenic Himalayas from the comfort of your vehicle . On the way, we will stop over at Pinjore Garden and rope way at Timber Trail Resort if time permits. We will pass through Panipat, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Kalka, Parwanoo, Barog, and Solan on the way to Shimla. Upon arrival at your destination, you will check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Shimla.

After breakfast, we will travel towards the famous hill spots of Kufri and Fagu to enjoy breathtaking scenic views, and we will stop over at Sankat Mochan Temple on the way. In the evening, you could explore Shimla city on foot, as vehicle entry is prohibited. Shimla became the summer capital of the British Raj during the latter half of the 19th century, and the soldiers of the British army, merchants, and civil servants dropped in here to get relief from the scorching heat of the plains. You will come across several British structures in Shimla, such as the Viceregal Lodge, Auckland House, Gorton Castle, Peterhoff house, and Gaiety Theatre that are reminders of colonial times. Similarly, the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears testimony to the British engineering marvels in the region. This narrow-gauge railway line was built by the British in the early 20th century and is still operational today. It offers a scenic journey through the hills, tunnels, and bridges, providing a glimpse into the past. You can see other prime places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Ridge, Church, Mall Road, Scandal Point, Kali Bari Temple etc. Overnight stay in Shimla.

In the morning we will check out from the hotel and travel to Manali (a 7-8 hour drive). On the way, we will stop at Pandoh and Kullu. Upon arrival at Manali, you have the rest of the day free at your leisure. Manali town actually flourished during the British era. They made this hill station their choice to stay during the hot summers. They introduced apple, pine, and trout fishing to Manali. Overnight stay in Manali.

In the morning, we will proceed to visit the 450-year-old Hadimba Devi Temple built in the tranquil and serene woods, the Tibetan centre & monastery, Club House, Vanvihar, Mall Road Manali, and Vashisht village, known for its hot sulphur springs. Overnight stay in Manali.

Enjoy the morning breakfast at the hotel and later get ready for an excursion to visit Solang, Him Valley, and Nehru Kund. Solang Valley is outstandingly beautiful and is an ideal spot to view the majestic snow-covered Himalayas, serene natural surroundings, pristine lake, and fairy-white snow round the year. In Solang Valley you can enjoy adventure activities such as the following: paragliding, zorbing, ropeway and skiing at extra cost. Overnight stay in Manali.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and get driven to Dharamshala (236.5 km). It will take approximately 7 hours to reach Dharamshala (little Lhasa Tibet). On the way, you can enjoy the scenic views between Manali and Dharamshala. In the afternoon, upon arrival, we will check into the hotel and get refreshed before getting ready to explore the beautiful city. Admire the Kangra Fort, a magnificent structure dating back to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom. This heritage site offers a glimpse into the region’s illustrious past and provides panoramic views of Dharamshala and the surrounding mountains. Visit McLeod Ganj, the hill town of Himachal Pradesh. Lord Elgin, who served as a British Viceroy of India from 1894 to 1899, fell in love with the hill town. A remarkable place to visit is St. John in the Wilderness, a beautiful church nestled amidst the serene deodar forest. This neo-Gothic architectural marvel is dedicated to John the Baptist and holds historical significance as the final resting place of Lord Elgin. Continue the visit to the Norbulingka Institute, Triund Hill, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, HPCA Stadium, Tushita Meditation Centre, Bhagsu Waterfall, and Jawalamukhi Devi Temple. Overnight stay in Dharamshala.

Sightseeing of Dharamshala covering the official residence of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan Leader, Dal lake etc. Travel to Dalhousie, situated at 2039 m in the outer slopes of the Dhaula Dhar range with its natural beauty and natural surroundings. Arrive & transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure. Dalhousie, was named after the British viceroy of colonial India, Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India who established the town. It is known for its colonial-era churches and bungalows. The St. John’s Church in Dalhousie, built in 1863, is a beautiful example of British Gothic architecture. Overnight stay in Dalhousie.

In the morning leave for Khajjiar, one of the most scenic saucer-shaped plateau and is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests; its beauty has further been enhanced by a small lake in the center. This place is also called the Switzerland of India, and a stone brought from Switzerland has been installed here. Return to Dalhousie in the evening. Overnight stay in Dalhousie.

Checkout from the hotel in the morning and drive to Amritsar. One of Amritsar’s greatest sites is the Sri Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple. This is the holiest temple in the Sikh faith. Guru Ramdas Sahib, the 4th of 10 Sikh gurus, constructed the temple and its pool in the 1500s as a place of worship for all. The temple has been renovated many times, adding features such as the marble inlays along the floor. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire of India (1799-1849), had the temple’s upper floors covered in 750 kilos of pure gold. Visit the India-Pakistan Wagah Border in the evening. It is the boundary demarcation line dividing India and Pakistan upon which the Partition of British India was drawn. At the time of the independence in 1947, migrants from India entered Pakistan through this border crossing and vice versa. Overnight stay at your hotel in Amritsar.

Early in the morning, we will visit once again the Golden Temple before sunrise. Then after breakfast, we will visit Jalianwala bagh with its stone monument, porticos, and pathways – In remembrance of hundreds of Indians who were shot by British troops while attending a public meeting at the site on 13th April 1919. After that we will transfer you to Amritsar airport.