The route takes you to the lower Himalaya, which affords good views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks and thus, adds the adventure and excitement element as well. The entire area visited is called the Kangra valley and is set off by the Dhauladhar range of mountains. Two centuries ago, this region engendered a genre of miniature paintings celebrated for the richness and delicacy with which they represent all the nuances of human love.

DELHI/ NALAGARH/ PRAGPUR/ TARAGARH/ DHARAMSALA/ SHIMLA/ DELHI - 11 Days

DAY 01 DELHI

Arrive Delhi meet and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing of New Delhi and Old Delhi. In the evening attend the sound and light show. Overnight at Hotel Oberoi Maidens in Old Delhi.

In keeping with the mood of the tour, can suggest to clients to have their dinner (to be paid by themselves) at Chor Bizarre (Thieves Market) which is in the Hotel Broadway in Old Delhi. The restaurant has an unusual atmosphere and one feels like browsing around as old memorabilia, hand picked from various thieves markets are on display. The restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri food.

Alternatively, they can eat at the Hauz Khas village restaurant called `Top of the Villageí overlooking the 14th century tombs of the Hauz Khazi dynasty. The atmosphere recreated is of an old village with ethnic shopping and dining.

DAY 02 DELHI-NALAGARH

After an early breakfast, drive to Nalagarh, stopping en route at a tourism restaurant for lunch (to be paid for by themselves). Overnight at the Nalagarh fort.

Nalagarh is the capital of the Kingdom of Hindur, founded by Raja Ajai Chand in 1100 A.D. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who originate from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of Central India. The famous Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela kings of yore. The fort was built during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand in 1421. Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India, 300 kms north of Delhi and is located on a hillock at the foot of the hills. The decor is unusual and all rooms differ from each other.

The Ramgarh fort was built by Raja Ram Chander in 1540 on a hill top at a height of 400 feet located 21 kms north of Nalagarh.

The resort has facilities for badminton, gymnasium, herbal massage, pitch & putt golf.

DAY 03 NALAGARH-PRAGPUR

After breakfast, depart for Pragpur arriving by lunch. In the early evening, take a short walk in the village and witness the restoration and preservation of one of the old village homes. Overnight at Judgeís Court Hotel.

Pragpur, meaning ëCountry of Pollení, was founded in the early 17th century and is set at an elevation of 1800 ft in the Kangra Valley, famous for the Kangra School of paintings. The 300 year old home called Judgeís Court offers ancient altars of worship as well as being an elegantly restored hotel.

DAY 04 PRAGPUR

A day to wander into the village and witness artisans at work. Relax in the comfort of Judgeís court.

DAY 05 PRAGPUR-DHARAMSALA

After breakfast, we travel on to Dharamsala. Overnight Chona House run by the Norbulingka Institute or the guest house at the Norbulingka Institute or a hotel, depending on availability.

Dharamsala is a hill resort, once very popular with the British and today, the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Built along the spur of the Dhauladhar range, it varies in height from 1250 metres to 1768 metres at Mcleodganj.

The Tibetan township has the newly built Gelugpa monastry and the Norbulingka Institute for the encouragement of Tibetan culture.

DAY 06 DHARAMSALA

A day to visit the Church of St John in the Wilderness where the 8th Lord Elgin, one of the few Viceroys to die in office is buried. Visit to the Namgyal monastery, known as Little Lhasa resembles the original monastery in Lhasa. Also visit the museum of Kangra art and the Norbulingka Institute can also be made. A meditation for group can be arranged here with prior notice. Classes in traditional art forms, plus lectures are held at the Institute as well.

DAY 07 DHARAMSALA-TARAGARH

After breakfast, proceed to Taragarh. After lunch, visit the Tashijong monastery. Overnight at Taragarh Palace Hotel.

The Tashijong monastery commands excellent views of the Kangra Valley and is one of the few built by the Dalai Lama. Tashijong promotes arts, carpet weaving, tankha painting and block printing.

Taragarh palace is situated on a 15 acre forested estate surrounded by tea gardens in the Kangra valley, one of the most scenic and unexplored areas of Himachal. Located at a height of 1000 metres, Taragarh has a view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Built in the early 1930ís as a summer resort, it was bought by the family of u and Kashmir in 1951. The family of Dr Karan Singh now run this as a hotel.

DAY 08 TARAGARH

After breakfast, travel to Andretta and visit the Sobha Singh Art Gallery and the Andretta Pottery Society.

DAY 09 TARAGARH- SHIMLA

After an early breakfast, depart for Simla - the famous hill station of the British Raj. Overnight Hotel Woodville Palace.

Simla: The Queen of the hills. Situated at a height of 7000 feet above sea level, is Simla, once the summer capital of British India. Today it is the capital of the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh in North India, a land with snow capped Himalayan mountain ranges crossing 20,000 feet in altitude.

Simla echoes the elegance and charm of an imperial past where Viceroys, Nobles and Princes maintained retreats to escape the scorching heat of the plains in summer. A paradise for recreation and relaxation, Simla today offers to the visitor riding, trekking, golfing, fishing, skating and skiing in winter, keeping up a the same time its old world charm that earned it the title, `Queen of the Hill Stationsí.

Woodville Palace: A Princely Retreat is barely half a mile from the main shopping centre, the Mall which may well be called the `heartí of Shimla. Woodville Palace is located in four acres of peace and solitude, nestling in the midst of 150 evergreen `deodarí pine trees and this beautiful mansion surpasses all Simla residences in grandeur, dignity and serenity. Once the abode of the Commanders-in-Chief of the Imperial British Indian Army from the 1860ís to the 1880ís, in 1926, His Highness Maharaja Bhagvat Singh of Gondal state in Western India purchased the property for his daughter, Princess Leila. In 1938, the old Victorian building was demolished and rebuilt by her husband, ruler of the Jubbal state.

DAY 10 SIMLA

Wander around Simla and imagine yourself back in the days of the Raj. View the Vice regal lodge on Observatory hill, built for Lord Dufferin in 1888. Simla is still a mix of Victorian Gothic architecture and later mock-Tudor. Cottages with `Englishí gardens and splendid houses set in the deodar and pine forests can still be seen. Visit the Wild flower hall, once the summer home of Lord Kitchener. Overnight hotel.

DAY 11 SIMLA-NALAGARH

Today we leave Simla behind and return to Nalagarh. Relax in the ramparts of the fort. Overnight at Nalagarh fort.

DAY 12 NALAGARH-DELHI

Today we re-trace our route to Delhi. Overnight hotel.

DAY 13 DELHI DEPARTURE

Transfer to the international airport for your return flight home.
 
 

HOTELS Heritage Hotels are used for this tour.

PRICE PER PERSON based on twin sharing basis.

INCLUDED IN THE COST

Accommodation on twin sharing basis in the Heritage hotels mentioned above or equivalent.
Room and Breakfast.
All transfers, Sight seeing and excursions as per the itinerary in a chauffeur driven Non AC car.
Qualified English speaking guide at Pragpur, Taragarh, Dharamsala and Simla, and entrances at monuments except camera fees.
All currently applicable taxes (Any Government or State taxes subsequently introduced will be extra.)