From Plains to Hills

On this exciting highlights of north India itinerary you will venture off the beaten path and discover new areas of north India. Your trip with take you to Delhi, Hoshiarpur and Dharamsala giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s major attractions, experience rural life and immerse yourself in culture. Your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India.

Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

Day 1: Delhi

On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Darshan Homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your hosts Col. Mohinder Walia and his wife, Sonia Walia in their sun-lit home. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application, participating in an Indian cooking class or shopping in the local art and craft shops.

Visit Old Delhi where you will see major attractions such as Jama Masjid and Red Fort. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, how about shopping in the famous Chandni Chowk market? Or head to Raj Ghat – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Vana – the cremation site of Jawahar Lal Nehru. Alternatively head towards historic sites such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and Parliament House.

Day 2: Delhi

In the morning visit the Old Fort and after you have had your fill of sight seeing around the fort you can also enjoy boating in the lake. Humayun’s Tomb and Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah are other destinations you can visit after the Old Fort. In the afternoon, visit the Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple and Qutab Minar. In the evening explore the markets of Delhi where you can buy a range of items. Come back for a relaxed dinner at the homestay.

Day 3: Amritsar

Take a train or flight to Amritsar and check into your homestay. You cannot miss the beautiful Golden temple and the delicious Punjabi food at your homestay. Then in the evening you can travel to Wagah Border to watch the flag lowering ceremony at the India – Pakistan border and come back to your homestay for dinner.

Day 4: Dharamsala

Drive to Dharamsala and on the way you will be stunning by the view and the changing landscapes. Dharamsala waits for you with its Namgyal Monastery funded by Japanese. The Dauladar range views are magnificent over the valleys. Enjoy some lovely Chinese and Tibetan food at Dharamsala. Visit the hosts garden and enjoy a walk. Go to the cricket stadium and visit the temples nearby. In the evening enjoy a cooking session of Pahari food which is an experience in itself. Stay at Santushti homestay which is filled with surprising little offerings like a tucked away swimming pool.

Day 5: Dharamsala

Visit McLeodganj. Visit “Little Lhasa” which is miniature Tibet where you can shop for handicrafts. You can visit the Dalai Lama’s house and temple and if His Holiness is in town you can even get an audience with him. Sip some coffee in cafes with the wonderful Dauladar range in the background. McLeodganj also has lovely restaurants with Israeli, German and French cuisine.

Day 6: Shimla

Drive from Dharamsala to Shimla and take the day easy. Take in the beautiful old English summer capital. Walk down the mall road, go people watching and relax with your hosts at the homestay Mid Hills.

Day 7: Shimla

Today you can use the day to see the various sites of Shimla. The mall road is the central point and the town centers around this. Visit the Ridge and Christ church. Sit at the many cafes and enjoy a coffee.

Day 8: Shimla

After breakfast, visit Kufri (2500 meters), which is a 2 hours’ drive from Shimla and is the Winter Sports capital of Shimla. Visit: Naldehra – famous Golf Course, Indira Bungalow, Himalayan Zoo. Enjoy a restful final evening at your homestay before catching an early morning flight back to Delhi for your connecting flight home.

Your From Plains to Hills includes:
Eight nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package

If you have any questions about making a booking please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our trained reservations team will be happy to help.

India
1 800 425 2737
(Toll Free)

United Kingdom
(0) 20 3140 8422
(Local call from all UK)

International
+91 44 3027 7712

Take a tour that is individually tailored for your needs and interests, promoting responsible tourism using local guides and staying in family homestays.

Mahindra Homestays

At a glance