RISHIKESH...
Rishikesh lies at the foothills of the Himalaya along the banks of the sacred river Ganges. It is full of ashrams, sadhus (holy men) and pilgrims. We suggest staying at one of two very different hotels, situated just outside the town. Ananda in the Himalayas is one of India’s finest hotels and is considered one of the best spas in all Asia. (See Spa page for further details.) Situated just north of Rishikesh is The Glasshouse on the Ganges is a delightful small, riverside retreat lying on the banks of the Ganges. Set in pretty gardens and orchards, it makes an ideal base for exploring the quirky town of Rishikesh but is also an excellent ‘switch off’ place where you can walk, fish, rest on the small beach or raft down river. It is simple and understated but cosy and serves vegetarian food.
Rishikesh is accessed by train from Delhi to Haridwar followed by a 2 hour drive. It is also easily accessed by road from Dehra Dun
or Corbett.
SHIMLA
Shimla, once the summer capital of the British during the days of the Raj, is now a bustling town, spread out over several levels and straddling a mountain ridge. Replete with many fascinating architectural legacies from the Raj and glorious mountain views, it is a fascinating town to explore. We suggest staying at one of three hotels here. The excellent The Cecil hotel is based in the centre of town and is an easy stroll up to the Viceregal Lodge. |
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The Wildflower Hall, situated outside town, in a wonderfully wild wilderness area is also an exceptional property and offers total peace and quiet. Both are Oberoi properties, please see Hotel page for further details. Our final choice is Chapslee, a delightful private home and one of the oldest houses in Shimla. A small, cosy hotel, it has 6 bedrooms and is owned and inhabited by the Kapurthala Royal Family. Full of character and faded grandeur, it exudes old world charm.
Shimla is accessed by train from Delhi (or to Chandigarh followed by a 3 hour drive), or by road from Nalagarh or Pragpur.
MUSSOORIE...
Mussoorie is another popular
hill station in Uttaranchal and overlooks the huge Doon Valley. Once resplendent with royal palaces, only a few remain and the town is fun to explore on foot. Nearby are the plunging Kempty falls and Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary. Kasmanda Lodge is a charming place to stay and is still owned and run as a small hotel by the Kasmanda Royal Family. It has had a long and varied history, much of which can be gleaned from examining the artwork and photographs adorning the walls.
Mussoorie is accessed by train from Delhi to Dehra Dun followed by a one hour drive or by road from Rishikesh or Delhi. |
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DHARMASALA...
Dharamsala, in the northern reaches of Himachal Pradesh is now famous for its Buddhist community. Neighboring Mcleodganj is home to the headquarters of HH The Dalai Lama who resides here most of the year. The monastery is fascinating to visit and the town has a very relaxed, sleepy, friendly atmosphere. We suggest staying at Clouds End Villa, a pretty, old fashioned garden bungalow, situated just below the town and run as a small guesthouse by the owning family. Alternatively stay an hour outside town at Taragarh Palace, owned by the Royal Family of Jammu & Kashmir and now run as a small hotel. Surrounded by stunning scenery and pretty gardens, it is extremely peaceful and close to Tashijong Monastery. The 12 rooms are simple and retain much of their original furniture and charm.
Dharamsala is accessed by train to Pathankot followed by a 3 hour drive or by road from Taragarh, Kangra and Pragpur.
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lADKHA...
Ladakh or ‘Little Tibet’ is India’s northernmost state bordering Nepal and China. Remote, sparsely populated and unexploited, Ladakh is a heavenly place to visit during the Indian summer. Described as being ‘the roof of the world’ it forms a high altitude, barren plateau, interspersed with green oasis, isolated settlements, farmland and a plethora of both huge and tiny, medieval gompas (monasteries). Inhabited by friendly Buddhists, you will be welcomed wherever you go and the days exploring this strangely beautiful land will fill you with lasting memories. Explore the capital, Leh, before visiting other far-flung monasteries such as Shey, Thikse, Hemis, Spitok and Alchi. There is also a chance to venture into the virtually unknown Nubra Valley which can be explored by Bactrian camel. The country offers sublime walking and trekking opportunities in its many hidden valleys.
Ladakh is accessed by air from Delhi between the months of April and September or by a long road journey from Manali. |
