Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Delhi – Amristar – Dharamsala – Chandigarh – Haridwar – Rishikesh
100% customisable for you
Your journey to India begins with a direct overnight flight to Delhi, taking around nine hours. Head to the airport, breeze through security, grab a late-night snack and settle in for the flight – it’s the perfect time to catch some Z’s, watch a film or practice your Hindi ready for the adventure ahead.
When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. After your overnight flight, unpack, take a nap or head straight for coffee if needed – though nothing quite wakes you up like Delhi.
Step out and explore the historic Connaught Place, lined with colonial-era buildings, buzzing cafes and quirky shops. Wander around the flea markets and pick up something meaningful for your spiritual journey – colourful prayer beads, incense, small statues of deities or even a tiny Ganesha to keep you company on the road.
Feeling peckish? The street food in Delhi is a rite of passage. From crispy chaats and spicy samosas to melt-in-your-mouth parathas, the flavours are as vibrant as the city itself. Just maybe pack some wipes – street food adventures can get messy.
Later, you’ll meet your private driver, who’ll be your guide as you weave your way around Delhi.
Today is yours, and Delhi is hardly short on ways to fill it. You could spend the day exploring some of the city’s most spiritual spots, from the serene Lotus Temple to Gurduwara Bangla Sahib or the intricately carved Akshardham Temple. And if you fancy simply wandering, Delhi is the perfect place – just see where the day takes you.
As the sun dips and the city lights flicker on, head out for a guided walk through Old Delhi, the capital’s traditional district. Along the way, stop at Sisganj Gurudwara, one of the holiest Sikh temples in the city, as well as the Sunehri Masjid, a golden-hued mosque that glimmers in the evening light.
Next, it’s time to treat your sweet tooth through the bakeries of Ballimaran, stopping at the legendary Kanwarji confectioners, a sweet shop that has been delighting locals for generations. The grand finale to the stroll ends at Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, with architecture that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From here, plunge into the dizzying energy of Chandni Chowk bazaar, where rickshaws zigzag, cows amble, motorcycles weave through the crowds and oxcarts lumber past stalls overflowing with spices.
After a jam-packed day, head back to your hotel and enjoy a quiet night in. Tomorrow brings the next chapter of your spiritual journey across India.
This morning, leave the buzz of Delhi behind and catch a short one-hour flight to Amritsar. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your accommodation for the next two nights: a beautifully restored colonial mansion set within leafy gardens.
To ease into Amritsar, start with an Ayurvedic treatment at a nearby spa – the perfect antidote to a morning of airports and airplanes. Afterwards, head out to explore the neighborhood and sample some of the city’s cuisine; this is Punjab, after all, and the food scene takes its reputation very seriously. You’ll also meet your private driver today, who will be your trusted companion on the road for the next ten days – and will know exactly where to find the best chai along the way.
Soak up the atmosphere today at Amritsar’s most famous landmark: the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib. Slip off your shoes, cover your head and step into the temple complex, where marble walkways circle a sacred pool and the gold-plated shrine gleams at its centre. Priests chant passages from the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred book of the Sikhs, as a steady flow of worshippers come and go.
While you’re here, observe the Palki Sahib ceremony, an important daily ritual at the temple. Devotees gather together as hymns are sung and prayers recited, watching as the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in an ornate palanquin between the temple and nearby Akal Takhat in a slow procession. The sacred book rests there overnight before being brought back to the heart of the temple at dawn the next morning. After paying respects, visitors are often given karah prasad, a warm offering made from flour, sugar and ghee – so cup your hands, receive your blessing and enjoy the sweet treat.
Fancy a change of pace? The India-Pakistan border closing ceremony at Wagah is just a short drive away, where crowds gather on both sides of the border to watch soldiers perform a flag-lowering ritual, complete with marching, cheering and plenty of patriotic flair.
Hit the road again this morning as you leave Punjab behind and head towards the foothills of the Himalayas. Your private driver will take you to Dharamsala, a scenic journey of around five hours that winds through rural villages, farmland and mountain landscapes.
When you arrive in Dharamsala, settle into your hotel in the heart of the city, where Tibetan culture is woven into daily life. The area is dotted with charming Tibetan-style guesthouses, prayer flags flutter from balconies and the distant mountains provide a pretty spectacular backdrop.
The rest of the day is yours – wander the streets, browse for Tibetan handicrafts, find a cosy cafe or simply relax and recharge ahead of tomorrow’s explorations.
Today, enjoy a private tour of Dharamsala, a town perched at an altitude of 5,900ft. Under the British Empire, it was a popular holiday spot for serving officers, thanks to its cooler temperatures, but today it serves as an important refuge for the exiled Tibetan community. Following the Chinese military invasion and the subsequent Tibetan uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama, and 80,000 followers settled here and established the seat of the Tibetan government in exile.
Next, visit the Dalai Lama's residence, the Norbulingka Institute, which preserves Tibetan arts and culture and the Academy of Tibetan Culture and its library. You can also stop by the refugee reception centre to see how newcomers are welcomed and supported. The day ends with a visit to the Jamyang Choling Institute, home to around 130 nuns and share a quiet moment observing their daily routines.
Don’t worry if you find yourself getting a little out of breath – it's the altitude, and there’s plenty of cafes along the way serving Tibetan momos (dumplings) and strong Himalayan coffee.
Buckle in for a five-hour drive today as you leave the mountains behind and head back towards the plains, arriving in Chandigarh, Punjab’s capital.
The city was designed in the 1950s by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, under the direction of Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and it remains one of the most striking examples of planned urban design in India. Explore the wide avenues, leafy gardens and sparkling lakes – a fascinating mix of modernist ambition and everyday Indian life. Take in the local rhythm: morning tai chi in the parks, street food vendors balancing trays of pani puri and the occasional goat wandering along the roadside, adding a touch of rural charm. Despite Chandigarh being a relatively new city, pockets of devotion pop up everywhere, from the gentle clatter of temple bells mingling with the morning traffic to locals pausing mid-samosa for a quick prayer.
Are you (or your travel companion) an architecture nerd? We can arrange a more in-depth guided tour of Chandigarh, diving into the city’s clever planning and genius of Le Corbusier.
This evening, head to your hotel for an early night, ready for the journey tomorrow.
Sit back and enjoy the five-hour ride this morning as you follow the plains east towards Haridwar, one of India’s most sacred cities. You’ll be staying in the Khankal district, your home for the next two nights on the banks of the Ganges.
Spend the afternoon soaking it up however you like: lounge on a rooftop terrace, curl up with a good book in a shaded garden or treat yourself to a traditional Indian massage while listening to the gentle flow of the Ganges.
Today is all about soaking up the spirituality in Haridwar as you explore some of its most fascinating temples with your guide. Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and the starting point for pilgrims making the journey to the source of the Ganges.
You’ll explore a mix of shrines, from the shimmering Pawan Dham glass temple, where mirrored mosaics create a dazzling glow, to the Jain Temple’s where incense smoke drifts through the air, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Next, head to the Shanti Kunj Ashram to experience a more contemplative side of Haridwar, where visitors study spiritual teachings, chant and meditate in peaceful gardens. Finally, visit Maya Devi Temple, one of Haridwar’s oldest, and watch devotees offering flowers and placing tokens in eager hands as part of their daily prayers.
This evening, join the puja ceremony along the Ganges. The spiritual energy flows across the water as hundreds of devotees pray, light fires, chant and sing. You’ll see locals and visitors alike making their own offerings – floating lanterns or saying a quiet prayer – so if you’re feeling inspired, go ahead and make a wish of your own.
Another day, another adventure. This morning, hop in with your driver and follow the river north to Rishikesh – a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive away. You’ll be staying here for the next two nights in a peaceful hotel on the banks of the Ganges.
This part of your trip is all about slowing down – Rishikesh gives you the chance to pause and reflect. Fancy a bit of meditation, or a sunrise stretch in a yoga class? Or perhaps sit with a steaming mug of your newfound favourite brew of nilgiri tea and watch local river boats drift past on the Ganges.
Completed enough spiritual healing and fancy picking up the pace? Adrenaline junkies can try whitewater rafting on the Ganges. Feel the river’s energy as you splash, paddle and whoop your way through the rapids as the mountains whizz by. Whether you go full zen or full throttle (or a little bit of both), Rishikesh has vibes that stay with you long after you leave.
Rise and shine this morning in Rishikesh. Today, you’ll cross the suspended footbridges – no rickshaws here – and take in the sights of the city on foot. Nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Land of the Gods’, this is where (according to Hindu mythology) the passage to paradise is located, drawing pilgrims and religious seekers for centuries. The city has a touch of rock-star magic too; back in the late 1960s, the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was where the Beatles composed a good chunk of the White Album. Pop those tunes in your headphones and let the music set the mood as you explore.
You’ll visit three of Rishikesh’s most renowned ashrams: Swargasharam, one of the oldest in northern India; Sivananda, home to the Divine Life Society; and Parmarth Niketan, the largest in the city. By this point in your journey, you’ll be a pro at ceremonies, so join in the Hindu ritual of Ganga Aarti, a lively celebration of songs, prayers and offerings around a sacred fire – and don’t be shy about dancing along with the flames and chants.
This morning, you’ll be privately transferred to Dehradun Airport, where you can say your goodbye to your driver – you’ve probably gotten to know them quite well over the past ten days. From there, take a quick flight to Delhi, about an hour and a half in the air, before being privately transferred to your hotel near the airport.
When you arrive, it’s time to unwind and soak up the last bit of Indian sunshine. Lounge by the pool, sip a sundowner at the bar and toast the incredible spiritual journey you’ve been on. Cap off the day with a final Indian feast – ask your Concierge for the best local restaurant to mark the last night of your adventure.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to India. This morning you’ll be privately transferred to Indira Gandhi Airport for your direct flight home, taking around ten hours.
By the time the trip is over and you’re on your way back, you’ll hopefully be feeling like a brand-new person, reflecting on the spiritual habits you plan to weave into everyday life and enjoying your newfound patience in airport queues. Just don’t forget it by the time your next adventure rolls around...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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