My Journey Through Delhi, Shimla, Dharamshala & Amritsar
Firstly, I want to thank Newmarket Holidays, Distinct Destinations and Virgin Atlantic for such an amazing trip. As a travel agent, I’m lucky enough to experience some incredible destinations, and this India MegaFAM has really stood out to me. Everything throughout the journey was so well organised, which made the whole experience completely stress-free. The hotel teams were welcoming and attentive, the transfer staff were fantastic, and our tour manager’s knowledge for India made every destination even more interesting. His passion for his country was truly inspiring.
I flew with Virgin Atlantic, and it was the perfect start to the trip. The flight was comfortable, the cabin crew were attentive throughout, and the whole journey felt smooth and relaxing.
Our first stop was Delhi, which was the perfect introduction to India. It’s a city full of contrasts, where busy streets and modern life sit alongside incredible history and culture. One of my highlights was visiting Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was even more impressive in person. The architecture and history behind it was fascinating.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip, and definitely my favourite, was the journey on the Himalayan Queen toy train to Shimla. The scenery along the way was unbelievable, misty mountains, forests, small villages, and incredible views around every corner. Shimla itself had such a charming atmosphere, almost like stepping back in time. I also loved seeing the monkeys wandering around, although they definitely had a mischievous side! During my stay, I had the opportunity to visit Radisson Hotel Shimla, which has stunning mountain views and features on Newmarket Holidays India tours.
Dharamshala had a peaceful, scenic, and incredibly spiritual atmosphere. Exploring the Tibetan monasteries and local markets was a real highlight, and visiting the Dalai Lama Temple Complex was a special experience. In the evening, we were lucky enough to see the snow-capped mountains in the distance, which made the setting even more memorable.
On the journey to Amritsar, we visited Kangra Fort and the Masroor Rock Cut Temple, both of which were fascinating and often described as some of India’s hidden gems. We also stopped at Judge’s Court Heritage Hotel, a beautiful family-run property where the hospitality was genuinely warm and welcoming from the very beginning, this hotel also features on a few of Newmarket Holidays India tours.
Amritsar was another major highlight of the trip. Seeing the evening Palki Ceremony at the Golden Temple is something I’ll never forget. The atmosphere was incredibly moving, with music playing around the temple and such a strong sense of community and spirituality. I returned the next morning to visit the community kitchens, where volunteers prepare and serve meals to thousands of visitors every day. Watching everything run so smoothly on such a huge scale was amazing to see.
For the final part of the trip, I returned to Delhi and spent more time exploring the city. Taking a rickshaw ride through the busy streets was an experience on its own, and visiting Jama Masjid gave even more insight into the city’s culture and history. It felt like the perfect way to end the journey.
What I loved most about this trip was the variety of experiences throughout. From the energy of Delhi to the unforgettable toy train journey to Shimla, the peaceful mountain scenery of Dharamshala, and the spirituality of Amritsar, every stop felt completely different and offered something unique.
India can feel daunting to plan independently, which is why travelling with a trusted operator like Newmarket Holidays makes such a difference. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience and take in everything the destination has to offer.
If India is on your travel wish list, I’d love to help you plan your own journey.
Georgia Benedict – Birstall Office
Georgia.benedict@holidaylounge.co.uk
0116 267 6006