AMRITSAR AND THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS

Day 1 Arrive in Delhi

Arrive into Delhi airport and stay close by, to relax after your long flight and to be ready for your flight north the following morning.

Overnight: JW Marriott Aerocity

Day 2 Welcome to Rishikesh

Return to the airport fly to Dehradun. Then travel in private vehicle to the Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa. The magnificent property is around one hour upstream from the buzzing spiritual centre, filled with ashrams and positioned on a spectacular terraced hillside where the Ganges flows swiftly by. Begin your spiritual journey and join an evening Aarti down on the banks of the river. The Aarti, an immensely uplifting ritual is an offering of sacred fire, incense and oil to Goddess Ganga. Return to the hotel for delicious wholesome cuisine and an evening looking out over the Garhwali Himalayas.

Overnight: Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa

Day 3 Hiking, Temples & Mountains

Begin the day with a private yoga session in a pavilion as the sun rises over the mountain. Spend the rest of the day with a private guide as you hike for around five hours to gain a rare glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain ranges. En route you will explore a local temple and village to get a real sense of local life. Return to the hotel where you like to enjoy an excellent treatment in the Jiva Sp.

Overnight: Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa

Day 4 At Leisure

Spend a full day at leisure to fully unwind. A stroll to a private pebble beach is highly recommended to immerse yourself in the wonderful natural surroundings. You may decide to walk over the stunning cable-suspension bridge through to the Singthali forest from where you can easily see Taj Rishikesh on its terraced perch. Relax on the terrace or perhaps make use of the spa once more.

Overnight: Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa

Day 5 Chandigarh

Return to Dehradun Airport for your short flight to Chandigarh, with a change of aircraft in Delhi. On arrival, take a private transfer to The Oberoi Sukhvilas, a journey time of just under one hour. Sukh in Sanskrit translates as 'good space' and The Oberoi is an opulent space, with its sparkling fountains, small clusters of luxurious tents and villas, colonial four-poster beds, deep soaking baths and rich fabrics. Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: The Oberoi Sukhvilas

Day 6 Exploring Chandigarh

This morning, explore the charming city of Chandigarh. Prosperous and largely hassle-free, strolling around the city is a real delight. Visit the parks and monuments that were mostly designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, the Rock Garden and the city's museum and art gallery before stopping for lunch at the smart rooftop restaurant Cloud 9, which offers excellent views of the tree-lined city and the distant Shivalik Hills. Return to The Oberoi for some time at leisure.

Overnight: The Oberoi Sukhvilas

Day 7 Amritsar Border Ceremony

Leave Chandigarh behind and continue your journey by road to Amritsar, a journey of around four hours. Amritsar is home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhisms holiest shrine, frenetic old-city bazaars and the colourful Border Ceremony.

Home for the next two evenings is the Taj Swarna, an elegant hotel in the heart of the city, with an excellent spa and several relaxed eateries. After you have settled in and enjoyed some chai, experience India and Pakistan's amazing border ritual - a singularly appealing event with dancing, clapping and a series of stomps and high kicks at the gate performed by officials from both countries. The Border Ceremony dates to 1959 and it is a patriotic performance that happens at sunset each day. Return to the Taj Swarna and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.​

Overnight: Taj Swarna

Day 8 Amritsar

Spend a day exploring the city with a private guide and visit the magnificent Golden Temple. The temple is not just of religious importance to the Sikhs, it is also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality and therefore everyone is most welcome. Explore more of the city to visit some of the top dhabas (roadside eateries), watch the moustache-twirling city-dwellers, and stroll through colourful local bazaars to go in search of fine Fulkari textiles, colourful turbans, antiques and silverware. After lunch, visit a local village where you will be warmly welcomed by a Punjabi family who will host you for a few hours to enjoy some gentle rural activities, such as riding on a bullock-cart, milking cows and perhaps a stroll around their own private farm. Return to the Taj for some time at leisure.

Overnight: Taj Swarna

Day 9 Fly back to Delhi

Enjoy a final morning at The Taj Swarna before catching a flight back to Delhi.

Overnight: JW Marriott Aerocity