India’s iconic hill station, Shimla has retained much of its Victorian charm and occupies a wonderful position on the edge of the Himalayan foothills. The summer capital of the Raj for almost a century, it was to here that government officials and their families fled in an attempt to escape the oppressive heat of the plains. With its pretty bungalows, well-maintained gardens, quaint shops and gothic churches, Shimla is the most ‘English’ of towns. Visit iconic Christ Church, with a window designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard’s father, enter the Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall, explore Lord Dufferin’s Vice Regal lodge or hike the hills around the town. Shimla is also famous as the terminus of the century old Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge railway and taking a ride through the spectacular scenery is a highlight of any visit. Pettitts specialises in providing quality, tailor-made holidays and tours to northern India.
We are pleased to offer the following selection of suggested itineraries based on our personal experiences. By combining these itineraries with your thoughts and ideas we can tailor any journey to make it special, unique and designed around you.
13 days starting from £2950 per person
Inspired by the film Viceroy’s House, this special historical journey links the key locations that played such an important role in the latter days of British rule in India, the events surrounding partition and evolution of a modern India in the post-independence period. Combining regal New...
15 days starting from £3320 per person
From the magnificent Golden Temple of Amritsar, heart of the Sikh religion, to the quintessentially British hill station of Shimla, this tour incorporates the best of India's beautiful and the evocative Himalayan foothills. Stop en-route in the colourful Tibetan enclave of Dharamsala, home of the...
15 days starting from £3350 per person
One of the great journeys of the subcontinent, this tour is centred on the spectacular Manali to Leh road - one of the highest in the world and a route only briefly open for travel from July to September each year. Starting with three nights in the charming British hill station of Shimla, travel...