Ride the Himalayan Queen ‘toy train’ from Kalka. The UNESCO listed railway route is one of the most scenic in India where you will see dramatic views of rugged mountains, lush forests and sleepy villages. Travel through 102 tunnels and cross 864 bridges to reach Shimla. Explore the hill station of Shimla which was once the summer retreat to the British Raj, visit the incredible Golden Temple in Amritsar and witness the unique Wagah Beating Retreat border ceremony at the border of Pakistan and India.
DAY 1 Delhi – Kalka – Shimla
Welcome to India! You’re about to embark on a unique journey through Northern India and into the Himalayan foothills. Jump straight in with an early morning transfer to the train station for your train to Kalka. In Kalka you will board the Himalayan Queen, a narrow-gauge ‘Toy Train’ that will journey along the well-known Kalka-Shimla Railway. Completed in 1903, the scenic journey through mountainous terrain offers dramatic views of the pine covered hills and surrounding villages, and is one of the best modes of transport for exploring this area of the Himalayas. Disembark in Solan to continue your journey by car to the hill town of Shimla.
Stay at:
East Bourne Resort (4 star) or Radisson Hotel Shimla (5 star)
DAY 2 Shimla
Walk through history today with a full day sightseeing of Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj. Showcasing a wide spectrum of old colonial architecture and a glimpse of this town’s glorious history, see the Viceregal Lodge, Gorton Castle, St. Michael's Cathedral, The Mall, The Ridge and Clarkes Hotel. Spend the evening at the famous Mall Road and Ridge. B
DAY 3 Shimla
With a full day to explore this buzzing capital of Himachal Pradesh you can wander at leisure in the traffic-free zone of central Shimla. For a contrast visit the Lakkar bazaar with its bustling maze-like alleys offering a myriad of wooden handicrafts.B
DAY 4 Shimla – Chandigarh
After breakfast drive to Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana states. Your tour includes a visit to the city’s main attraction, the unique Nek Chand Rock garden. The sculpture garden located near Sukhna Lake was founded by Nek Chand a former government official who started cultivating the garden secretly in his spare time. He kept the eccentric sculptures hidden from the government authorities for 18 years, till 1975. The garden features several interlinked causeways that run along the waterfalls of the Sukhna. B
Stay at:
Lemon Tree (4 star) or The Lalit (5 star)
DAY 5 Chandigarh - Amritsar
Your tour continues to the golden city of Amritsar. Late this afternoon, travel the short distance to the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan to witness the lowering of the flags ceremony, which takes place each evening before sunset. Also referred to as the ‘Beating Retreat’ border ceremony, this daily military ritual has been practiced by both India and Pakistan – the Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers – since 1959. Return to Amritsar. B
Stay at:
Ramada Hotel (4 star) or Hyatt Amritsar (5 star)
DAY 6 Amritsar
Todays full day sightseeing tour you will visit the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhism’s spiritual and cultural centre. After the temple visit Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden and site of the notorious massacre of Indians under British rule who had gathered to celebrate Punjabi New Year. B
DAY 7 Amritsar - Delhi
Your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight back to Delhi. B
Excursions
Triple and single room rates are available. Please contact us for details.