Exploring Punjab and the Hill Stations

This wonderful India tour itinerary guides you through the Punjabi hub of Amritsar, the heights of Shimla and some of the most famous cities in the foothills of the Himalayas. Over 9 fantastic nights, you’ll also get the chance to explore the colonial city of Delhi.

Amritsar, Chandigarh, Shimla & Delhi
9 nights private tour from $7,700 per person
Himalayan Foothills Uncovered
Journey highlights
  • Delve into India's rich history, from witnessing the serene Palki Sahib ceremony at the Golden Temple to exploring Chandigarh's modernist architecture.

  • Enjoy personalized tours with private guides at iconic sites such as the Golden Temple and Humayun’s Tomb, ensuring a deeper, more intimate exploration of these landmarks.

  • Experience the best of India's landscapes with carefully planned journeys and the option to choose between scenic drives or the charming Toy Train, catering to your personal preferences.

  • Highlights itinerary:Our Highlights Journeys are designed to include bucket list destinations and activities paired with unparalleled insider access, exclusivity and industry-defining luxury accommodation
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

When to visit

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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

Amristar, tends to have extremes in terms of summers and winters. Summer runs from April – June and can have temperatures up to 49 °C / 120°F as in winters temperatures drop to sub zero. The best time to visit the area is from October to March.

Shimla and Chandigarh have much more constant and salubrious climates making them year round destination, but the best times to visit are from October to November and March to May. However we do advise to avoid the monsoon seasons as these can bring with them mudslides.

For Rajasthan, the hottest months are felt in May and June, while the coldest are experienced from December to February with the monsoon season hitting from May to August. The best time to travel to Delhi and Jaipur is from October to March, where you can expect warm and sunny weather, perfect for exploring and relaxing. 

For this itinerary as a whole, for the best and most constant weather we suggest traveling from October through to March.

Itinerary

Day 1-3

Amritsar, India

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Amritsar, easily reached by a short flight with a connection in Delhi. This bustling city is home to one of Sikhism's most sacred sites—the awe-inspiring Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib. Adorned with over 100kg of gold, this shimmering monument is best experienced during the 'Palki Sahib' ceremony, around 9:30 pm, when the holy scriptures are reverently carried to rest for the night. Much like witnessing the rituals along the Ganges in Varanasi, this is a deeply spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression. To enrich your visit, you’ll have a private guide to help you delve into the temple's significance and its spiritual aura.

Amritsar is also a city steeped in history, playing a key role in India’s colonial past. We recommend visiting the Jallianwala Bagh memorial garden, a poignant tribute to the victims of the tragic 1919 massacre, offering a moment of quiet reflection.

Accommodation: Taj Swarna Amritsar ( 2 nights )
Day 3-5

New Chandigarh, India

After your time in Amritsar, you’ll journey by road to Chandigarh, a scenic four-hour drive away. Chandigarh stands apart from other Indian cities, renowned for its unique design by the famous architect Le Corbusier. During your two-night stay, a private guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights, including the fragrant Hussain Rose Garden, the tranquil Sukhna Lake, and the historical splendor of the Pinjore Gardens, home to Mughal-style palaces and lush landscapes.

Accommodation: The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa ( 2 nights )
Day 5-8

Shimla, India

From Chandigarh, it’s on to Shimla, a beautiful hill station nestled in the Himalayas. The drive will take just over four hours, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountain scenery. While the charming Toy Train is a popular way to reach Shimla, we recommend driving due to the train’s lengthy journey time. However, if you'd like to experience the Toy Train, we can arrange for you to enjoy it during your stay in Shimla.

Shimla’s ambiance has evolved over the years, and today it is a lively Himalayan town with streets that wind their way down the hillsides. Here, you’ll spend three nights surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary allows you the freedom to relax and enjoy Shimla at your own pace. Should you wish for a guided experience, we can easily arrange a knowledgeable guide to show you around.

Accommodation: Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas an Oberoi Resort ( 3 nights )
Day 8-10

New Delhi, India

Your journey culminates in the capital city of Delhi, easily reached via a short flight from either Chandigarh or Shimla. You’ll spend two nights in Delhi, immersing yourself in the city’s rich colonial history and the grandeur of its architecture, much of which was built during the British Raj era. With a private guide at your disposal, your full day in Delhi will take you through the serene Lodhi Gardens, the lively bazaars, and to the city’s iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Humayun’s Tomb.

This thoughtfully curated journey promises to be an unforgettable exploration of India's cultural and historical treasures, with each stop offering a distinct and enriching experience.

Accommodation: The Imperial ( 2 nights )
Fly home from Delhi
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 212 660 0228 to start planning your holiday.

Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
Deposit from * Enquire
November 2024 $9,200 $2,300 plan your trip
December 2024 $9,200 $2,300 plan your trip
January 2025 $9,200 $2,300 plan your trip
February 2025 $9,200 $2,300 plan your trip
March 2025 $9,200 $2,300 plan your trip
April 2025 $7,700 $1,900 plan your trip
May 2025 $7,700 $1,900 plan your trip
June 2025 $7,700 $1,900 plan your trip
July 2025 $7,700 $1,900 plan your trip
August 2025 $7,700 $1,900 plan your trip
September 2025 $7,700 $1,900 plan your trip
October 2025 $9,200 $2,300 plan your trip
  • November 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $9,200
    Deposit from*
    $2,300
  • December 2024
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $9,200
    Deposit from*
    $2,300
  • January 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $9,200
    Deposit from*
    $2,300
  • February 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $9,200
    Deposit from*
    $2,300
  • March 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $9,200
    Deposit from*
    $2,300
  • April 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $7,700
    Deposit from*
    $1,900
  • May 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $7,700
    Deposit from*
    $1,900
  • June 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $7,700
    Deposit from*
    $1,900
  • July 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $7,700
    Deposit from*
    $1,900
  • August 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $7,700
    Deposit from*
    $1,900
  • September 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $7,700
    Deposit from*
    $1,900
  • October 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $9,200
    Deposit from*
    $2,300
  • plan your trip

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