Indian Summer - Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Shimla

Rooms are available at the hotel from 2.00pm on the 17th March, allowing for an early check-in. Nothing is planned before a pre-lunch talk. In the afternoon, visit the New Delhi created between 1912–31 by Lutyens, Baker and others as a uniquely grand and spacious city. The Secretariat buildings on Raisina Hill are Classical at first glance, but closer inspection reveals Buddhist and Mughal motifs. First of two nights in Delhi.

Visit Old Delhi for a short walk on The Ridge, taking in Flagstaff Tower, a safe haven for the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The memorial commemorating those killed in action is a Neo-Gothic spire with elements of Indian design. Coronation Park in north Delhi was the location of the 1911 Durbar, at which George V announced the shift of the British capital from Kolkata. Following Independence, it became the resting place of the statues of kings and officials of the British Raj.

In the morning, subject to special permission, it may be possible to visit the interior of the vast Rashtrapati Bhavan, the former Viceroy’s residence. The fortress-like garrison church of St Martin, designed by Arthur Shoosmith (1930), has been called one of the great buildings of the 20th century. Fly from Delhi to Amritsar in the evening. First of two nights in Amritsar.

Amritsar was founded by the 4th Sikh guru in 1579 and is home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the Golden Temple. The sacred lake surrounding the temple dates from this period but the current form of the temple is 18th century, and the gilt early 19th century. Jallianwala Bagh was the scene of the massacre of demonstrators against British rule in 1919 and now is a moving memorial garden. In the afternoon, drive to Wagah for the theatrical sunset closing ceremony of the border with Pakistan.

In the morning, visit the poignant Partition Museum which has gathered a collection of personal artefacts, oral histories and artwork memorialising the experiences of the millions affected by one of the largest migrations in human history. Drive on to Kapurthala, where the local ruler, an ardent francophile, built his palace (1900–1908) loosely modelled on the palace of Versailles and the chateau of Fontainebleau. Now a boys’ school, the interior is lavish, while the gardens are embellished by fountains and statuary in the traditional French style. Continue to Chandigarh to arrive at the hotel in time for dinner. First of two nights in Chandigarh.

The joint capital of the states of Haryana and Punjab emerged from the partition of the Punjab in 1947. Conceived by Le Corbusier and Maxwell Fry following the principles of the International Modern movement, it is laid out on the grid principle. The Capital Complex is the home of the administrative buildings, the ‘head’ of the city and some of Le Corbusier’s most ambitious planning.

Transfer to Kalka in the foothills of the Himalayas to board the ‘toy train’ to Shimla. The Kalka–Shimla Railway has been operating daily since 1903 and is a remarkable feat of engineering. After a 3½-hour ride through stunning scenery, transfer to the hotel. First of three nights in Shimla.

The former summer capital of British India, Shimla is set in the lush pine and cedar forests of the Himalayan foothills. Its impressive colonial architecture is best admired through walks along the Mall. Viceregal Lodge, the summer residence of the British viceroy is probably Shimla’s best-known building. Built in 1888, the grey sandstone structure retains the British royal coat of arms on its façade. After lunch at Wildflower Hall, once the site of Lord Kitchener’s suburban retreat, visit Bishop Cotton School, Asia’s oldest boys’ boarding school.

Walk eastward along The Mall towards Christ Church. The Gaiety Theatre was built in 1887 as the original Town Hall. The Gothic building has been the centre of Shimla’s social life for over a century. The tower of Christ Church (1857) dominates Shimla’s skyline from the Ridge, above the town. Time for independent exploration in the afternoon.

Morning drive to Kasauli. The pretty hill station of Kasauli has some interesting 19th-century buildings such as Christ Church. Continue onto Kalka and take the train back to Delhi, arriving in the evening. First of two nights in Delhi.

Visit the imposing Red Fort, founded in 1639 under Shah Jahan. Exquisite pietra dura work remains intact in the throne pavilion. Together with the fort, the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, dominates Old Delhi. Cycle rickshaw through the labyrinthine streets near Chandni Chowk. After lunch, visit the Qutb Minar, site of the first Islamic city of Delhi.

Car transfers to Delhi airport can be arranged for your onward journey.