Home » Asia » India » Majestic Himalayas & Spiritual Ganges

Majestic Himalayas & Spiritual Ganges

In the foothills of the towering, snow-capped Himalayas lies a hidden side of India, where small traditional villages, deep wooded valleys and high, wide ridges afford spectacular views of Nanda Devi and other majestic mountain peaks.

The Himalayas are among the most beautiful landscapes in the world, where magnificent mountain peaks soar up into the sky and at ground level, winding trails lead to places and peoples of a bygone era. Take respite from the buzz of the city and the heat of the sandy plains, retreating to a part of India where you can relax and experience Indian culture at a gentler pace. It takes as little as half a day to leave behind the bustle of Delhi and find yourself ensconced in the foothills of the Himalayas. Venture off the beaten track, taking in the fresh, pine-scented air while walking and trekking for miles deep into stunning scenery, absorb the ethereal atmosphere along the banks of the holy Ganges, go in pursuit of tigers in the jungles of Corbett or enter a world of pampering in one of the foothills’ world-class spa retreats.

  • Amritsar

    Home to the spectacular Golden Temple, one of India’s most serene and humbling sights, Amritsar is abuzz with daily life. The old city, containing many historic sites, is a fascinating area to explore, with its network of narrow bazaars that seem to drift between the centuries. In the modern areas you will find gleaming malls and hotels, standing testament to the prosperity of the city. Near to the city lies the Wagah Border, popular for the flag retreat ceremony that occurs before sunset every day and is a sight to behold.

  • Rishikesh

    Considered by many as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’, Rishikesh is one of India’s seven Hindu holy cities and is home to all kinds of spiritual learning. Bisected by the mighty, fast-flowing Ganges, the city is surrounded by stunning scenery and forested hills, where the evening breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing in its wake.

  • Shimla

    Strung out along a 12 kilometre ridge, 2000 metres above sea level, Shimla was once the cool summer retreat for the British colonial government who sought respite from the heat of the plains. Trails lead uphill through the forest towards the Jakhu Temple while maze-like alleys of the bazaar cascade downhill steeply towards the railway station, where vintage trains make for scenic journeys. Varanasi: Blindingly colourful, wonderfully chaotic and bold, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities and a centre for Hinduism. This deeply religious destination is a magical place, where rituals, sights, sounds and smells are in abundance. Varanasi is truly unique, and a walk along the ghats or a boat ride on the river Ganges will live long in your memory.

  • Varanasi

    Blindingly colourful, wonderfully chaotic and bold, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities and a centre for Hinduism. This deeply religious destination is a magical place, where rituals, sights, sounds and smells are in abundance. Varanasi is truly unique, and a walk along the ghats or a boat ride on the river Ganges will live long in your memory.