DAY 1

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.

Ista Hotel, Amritsar

DAY 2

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. (B)

Ista Hotel, Amritsar

DAY 3

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. (B,L,D)

Chonor House, Dharamsala

DAY 4

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. (B,L,D)

Chonor House, Dharamsala

DAY 5

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. (B,L,D)

Judge’s Court, Pragpur

DAY 6

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. (B,L,D)

Judge’s Court, Pragpur

DAY 7

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. (B,L,D)

Wildflower Hall, Mashobra

DAY 8

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. (B,L,D)

Wildflower Hall, Mashobra

DAY 9

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. (B)

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Ista Hotel
Amritsar, India

Set close to the Golden Temple, in the heart of the city,, the Ista Amritsar is a flawless convergence of comfort, taste and chic. Vast spaces, beautifully landscaped areas and strategically located water bodies define the property, giving it its own personal character. The hotel’s spa is a leading destination spa and offers Oriental therapies and Western experiences. There is also a pool and fitness center and a business center. The hotel offers a selection of world-class dining facilities and a relaxing lounge. All rooms are designed to the highest levels of comfort, each equipped with a writing desk, large bay windows, a LCD TV, internet access, electronic safe, minibar and in-room coffee/tea maker. There is also a walk in shower.

Chonor House
Dharamsala, India

Chonor House was designed and built by British architect David Porter in a style intended to blend with the natural environment of the hills overlooking the Kangra valley. Set amidst tall cedars, Chonor House is peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle of the town & is conveniently located near the Thekchen Chöling Temple adjacent to the Dalai Lama’s residence. The hotel offers a library with email access and an impressive collection of books and videos, as well as a restaurant, lounge and gift shop. Each of the 11 well-appointed rooms is beautifully decorated according to a unique Tibetan theme, with murals featuring various regions including the flora and fauna of the Land of Snow. These striking wall paintings created by Norbulingka artists are complemented by appliquéd fabrics, hand-knotted carpets and carved wooden furniture. Each room is provided with, a gas heater, small electric kettle, mini fridge and international dialing telephone.

Judges Court
Paragpur, India

The Judge´s Court is a Country Manor, and India's first classified “Heritage” Country Manor. With an ambience reminiscent of the turn of the 20th century, the buildings stand in a 12-acre orchard consisting of mango, lychee, plum, citrus and exotic trees like camphor, clove and cardamom. The hotel has a restaurant that offers a wide variety of Indian and Continental cuisines, and spa services on-site. The Judge's Court's elegant accommodation comprises of 10 rooms; Travcoa reserves one of the three suites located inside the cottage along the ancestral courtyard. The rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished with modern facilities including TV, telephone and a private bath.

Wildflower Hall
Mashobra, India

Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Wood paneling and original artwork create an aura of old world charm; Teak wood floors, hand knotted rugs and rich furnishings are complemented by spectacular views. The Oberoi spa resort offers holistic treatments based on Ayurveda, Oriental and Western traditions. Enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Take leisurely walks on the trails winding through the fragrant pine forests and enjoy Gourmet picnic hampers that accompany your explorations. There are two restaurants as well as a coffee chop and lounge. Guest rooms are appointed with teak floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings which reflecting the colonial heritage of the hotel and respect the traditional skills of local craftsmen. Every room has Satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet connectivity, a walk-in closet, electronic safe, minibar, 24 Hour Butler service, plus a spacious marble bathroom with both a bathtub and a separate shower. Travcoa reserves Premier Mountain View rooms with large bay windows offering a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the cedar forests.

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