Compare Foothills Uncovered: Amritsar, Dharamshala & Shimla by Audley Travel vs Premium India by Intrepid Travel

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Amritsar.

Day 2 : Amritsar

Arriving into Amritsar today, meet an Audley representative before being introduced to your private driver who will accompany you for the duration of your trip. You will be driven to your hotel and have some time to relax and recover from the flight. This evening, head to the Golden Temple to see the impressive ceremony which puts the Holy Book to bed with a private guide.

Day 3 : Amritsar

Discover Amritsar and the Golden Temple today with your local and knowledgeable guide. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a water tank, the Amrit Sarovar, from which Amritsar gets its name. Believed to have healing powers, you can see pilgrims who have often travelled many miles bathing in the lake. Later this afternoon drive 45 minutes to the border with Pakistan to enjoy the fantastic Closing of the Border Ceremony.

Day 4 : Dharamshala

You have a five to six hour drive to Dharamshala today; the road conditions can be very poor but your driver is able to suggest places to stop along the way for refreshments. It's a particularly scenic drive, and always a wonderful moment the first time you see the Himalaya peeking above the skyline.

Day 5 : Dharamshala

Explore Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj today with your local guide on a private tour. In the area you will notice the Tibetan population and vibrantly robed monks, making it feel like another country.The Tsuglagkhang Complex is particularly fascinating, home to the Dalai Lama and the Namgyal Monastery. Your guide can explain the complex history of Tibetan refugees arriving across the border with Tibet, as well as a visit to the Tibet Museum (which does have irregular opening hours so not always possible).

Day 6 : Dharamshala

Trek in the region of Dharamshala today, discussing with your guide the type of walk you'd like dependent on your interests. The 8 km (5 miles) Triund Trek is a scenic choice - but quite steep so best discussed with your guide beforehand.

Day 7 : Pragpur

You have a couple of hours in the car today as you head to the heritage village of Pragpur. Sadly much of it is in a bad state of disrepair, but do wander through the street, meet the people and enjoy the peace. The hotel gardens are also beautiful to relax in.

Day 8 : Shimla

A five to six hour journey to Shimla today with your private driver, passing some great vistas. On arrival, take some time to relax at your hotel. It's well located on one end of the (pedestrianism) Mall Road where you can safely explore. You might like to head out in the evening as the shops and restaurants stay open late.

Day 9 : Shimla

Today enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Shimla while your guide tells you some of its interesting history. You can also visit the Viceregal Lodge. This afternoon you have the opportunity to spend some time on the famous 'Toy Train'. A variety of tickets are on offer and your specialist will be able to suggest the best choice for you.

Day 10 : Shimla

Today is at your leisure. Explore Shimla further, independently, or take a taxi up to Wildflower Hall for some pretty woodland hill walks, or afternoon tea in the dining room.

Day 11 : Delhi

Today travel by road and rail, via Kalka, to Delhi. A full day's travel, there are a few different journey options back to Delhi depending on your preferences. Arriving late in the evening you're met on the platform by an Audley representative and transferred to your accommodation, which is well located for easy access to the airport tomorrow.

Day 12 : International return flight

This morning you will be met at your hotel and taken to the airport by private transfer to catch your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Day 1 Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival at Delhi Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. This evening, there will be an important welcome meeting in the hotel at around 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this excitingly chaotic capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your welcome meeting, join your leader and small group for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining. Tonight your leader will introduce you to the exciting world of Indian cuisine. Perhaps start out with some classic dishes like mutton rogan josh and paneer tikka.

Day 2 Agra

Today, make the drive to Agra. Once arrived, take some time to settle in to your hotel then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous building as you tour it at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene. This evening, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India, and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. Pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra, one of the largest mosques in India.

Day 3 Ranthambhore National Park

Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the magnificent Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After your visit, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore, arriving in the late afternoon. On arrival, you may like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool, or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Day 4 Ranthambhore National Park

Rise early for a morning safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles, take game drives to search for animals, including the majestic tiger which stalks through the jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards to watch out for. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.

Day 5 Jaipur

Today you will travel to Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan region. Arrive at your Feature Stay accommodation, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This beautiful heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – look out for delectable chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a glittering swimming pool and lush gardens, you’ll enjoy a magical escape from the rush and racket of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles, past traditionally dressed Rajput men wearing colourful turbans and sporting magnificent moustaches. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Dinner this evening is something a little bit special – head to the home of a local  family for a wonderful homecooked dinner. Chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life and learn their culinary secrets.

Day 6 Jaipur

Begin the day with a visit to the extravagant Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. It is quite a sight, with its soft shades of red, sandstone and white marble with elaborate Hindu-style flourishes. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, lavish murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. Afterwards, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings, the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds', to capture your own photo. Then pay a visit to the striking City Palace, a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. Here you will meet the owner of the haveli who will give you a tour of the property and share fascinating photographs and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.

Day 7 Varanasi

Depart your feature stay accommodation then board a flight bound for Varanasi. On arrival, make a stop off at Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Continue on to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, it is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel from far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality. Varanasi may not be known for its cleanliness, but there’s no denying it is one of India’s most inspiring places.

Day 8 Varanasi

Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You will be joined by local musicians on board and watch a beautiful flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over this sacred city.

Day 9 Delhi

Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam so hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free for further explorations, then come back together in the evening for a final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.

Day 10 Delhi

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay on in Delhi to further explore the city, we are happy to help in booking accommodation (subject to availability). Perhaps pre-book an Urban Adventure and let a local show you more of this mega city.