Tour of the Himalayan Foothills
In the North, apart from the spectacular mountain ranges of the Himalaya there are the gardens and lakes of Kashmir, the desert kingdom of Ladakh, the rhododendron forests of Darjeeling and Sikkim and the hill stations with meadows of wild flowers and forests of pine. (see our Northern Tours for further information)
A tour of the Himalayan Foothills, staying in former summer residences of the Maharajas and the British Raj with walks and fishing for Trout and Mahseer.
Day 1
Take overnight train (Air Conditioned, 1st Class) from Delhi to Kalka.
Day 2
Connect with “Toy Train” to Shimla.
Stay at Hotel Chapslee, the 19th century home of the Maharaja of Kapurthala.
Or, at The Oberoi’s Wildflower Hall a luxurious resort with an exceptional Spa.
Day 3
In Shimla. Take Day walks and explore.
Stay a second night at your chosen hotel.
Day 4
In Shimla. Visit Chail bird sanctuary, play golf or fish for Trout/Mahseer.
Stay a third night at your chosen hotel.
Day 5
Driven to Pragpur via Nagarkot Fort in the Kangra Valley.
Stay at Judges Court, a 19th century country mansion in a Heritage Village.
Day 6
Explore the heritage village.
Stay a second night at Judges Court.
Day 7
Go for Fishing, walking, bird watching etc. Stay a second night at Judges Court.
Day 8
Driven 3 hrs to Dharamsala, home of the exiled Tibetan leader, H.H. The Dalai Lama.
Stay at Clouds End Villa a 19th century Raj style bungalow.
Day 9
Visit Dharamsala (There are charming walks through the adjoining forests to Macleodganj, where you can visit the headquarters of H.H. the Dalai Lama).
Stay a second night at Clouds End Villa.
Day 10
Stay a third night at Clouds End Villa.
Day 11
Driven to Nalagarh to stay at the 15th Century Nalagarh Fort, now a hotel.
Or, be driven to Amritsar to stay at Ranjit’s SVAASA a destination spa haveli, with a history dating back to over 200 years.
Or, stay at Mrs. Bhandari’s Guest House (Mrs.B’s), a simple guest house in the Cantonment.
Day 12
Relax at Nalagarh or Amritsar.
Stay a second night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 13
Driven to Nalagarh to stay at the 15th Century Nalagarh Fort, now a hotel.
Or, be driven to Amritsar to stay at the luxurious Hyatt Amristar.
Or, stay at Mrs. Bhandari’s Guest House (Mrs.B’s), a simple guest house in the Cantonment.
Day 14
Take the Shatabdi Express back to Delhi.
End of Choomti’s Tour of the Himalayan Foothills.
NB: The best Trout fishing can be found a 7 hour drive from Shimla staying at a simple lodge with superb home cooking. Perhaps the best Mahseer fishing can be done on the Cauvery River, close to Mysore and Bangalore in South India, staying at a remote Comfortable Fishing Camp.