
India is a country of enormous cultural diversity, particularly in the north where the vast Gangetic Plain meets the Himalaya.
Here India's history is perhaps at its most complex, manifested in the profusion of religions and landscapes.
We visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs at Amritsar as well as Pragpur, a Heritage Village, and Mcleod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama.
We end with Shimla, the former 'summer capital' of the British Raj and, of course, the exquisite Taj Mahal.
Countries visited: India
Day 1
Depart London.
Day 2
Arrive Amritsar; evening visit to the Golden Temple.
Day 3
Early morning visit to the Golden Temple and bazaar; drive to the Heritage Village of Pragpur in the Kangra Valley.
Day 4
A full day to explore the remarkable village of Pragpur with its elegant havelis, mansions, Italianate buildings and traditional mud and slate houses along cobbled streets.
Day 5
By road to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj; afternoon orientation tour.
Day 6
Sightseeing in and around McLeod Ganj.
Day 7
Explore the Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture.
Day 8
Drive to Andretta village; spend the night at Palampur surrounded by thriving tea gardens.
Day 9
To Mandi; explore the old trading town and stay at Raja's palace.
Day 10
To Shimla; afternoon visit to The Ridge, Christ Church and Scandal Point.
Day 11
Explore Shimla, walk along the Mall and visit the former Viceregal Lodge.
Day 12
Take the Viceroy's 'Toy Train' to Kalka; short drive to Pinjore Mughal Gardens where we stay.
Day 13
Early morning train to Delhi; drive to Agra visiting Sikandra on arrival.
Day 14
Explore Itmad-Ud-Daulah, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort.
Day 15
Visit Taj Mahal at dawn before returning to Delhi; afternoon free.
Day 16
Fly to London.