12 days in India Itinerary

A holy city, Amritsar stands as the spiritual and cultural capital of Sikhism, and the location of the religion's most revered and holiest shrine.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Wed): admire the striking features of Akal Takht and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Golden Temple - Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Amritsar using our trip planner.

Bengaluru to Amritsar is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Bengaluru in May, plan for somewhat warmer days in Amritsar, with highs around 46°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can go by car to Dalhousie.

Set over a number of hills, the quiet town of Dalhousie was established by the British in the 19th century as a summer resort town.

On the 3rd (Fri), take in the awesome beauty at Dainkund Peak, then look for all kinds of wild species at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, and then steep yourself in history at Subhash Baoli. On the 4th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: buy something for everyone on your list at Gandhi Chowk Shopping Plaza, then admire the natural beauty at Rock Garden, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Chamera Lake.

To see other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read Dalhousie holiday builder site .

You can drive from Amritsar to Dalhousie in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Dharamsala.

The hill station of Dharamsala's reputation stems from its large community of exiled Tibetan Buddhists, including the Dalai Lama.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dalai Lama Temple Complex, admire the sheer force of Bhagsu Waterfall, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Triund Hill. On the 6th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the spiritual surroundings of Mata Brajeshwari Devi, then admire all the interesting features of Norbulingka Institute, and then appreciate the views at Kangra Valley.

To find maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Dharamsala day trip app .

You can drive from Dalhousie to Dharamsala in 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Manali.

People visit Manali for a number of reasons, but all of them revolve around the landscape.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Tue): take in the natural beauty of Vashisht Baths, admire the verdant scenery at Solang Valley, then explore the activities along Beas River, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Hidimba Devi Temple. Here are some ideas for day two: take a memorable drive along Rohtang Pass, then identify plant and animal life at Rani Nallah, and then get great views at Gulaba.

For photos, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Manali holiday planner.

Getting from Dharamsala to Manali by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can go by car to Shimla.

The city of Shimla spreads out across a ridge, offering views of Himalayan scenery all around.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Annandale Ground, see the interesting displays at Annandale Army Heritage Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kali Bari Temple, then make a trip to The Ridge, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Jakhu Temple. On the 10th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: identify plant and animal life at Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary, then make a trip to The Mall, and then admire the landmark architecture of Viceregal Lodge.

Start your trip to Shimla by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

You can drive from Manali to Shimla in 4.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to catcht the bus to Chandigarh.

Leading the post-independence development of the country, Chandigarh represents the first planned city built after the colonial-era ended.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Sat): contemplate the waterfront views at Sukhna Lake, don't miss a visit to Gurudwara Nada Sahib, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kansa Devi Temple, and finally stroll through The Rock Garden of Chandigarh. Here are some ideas for day two: take in nature's colorful creations at Sarkaria Cactus Garden, admire the natural beauty at Pinjore Gardens, and then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Chandigarh sightseeing planner.

You can take a bus from Shimla to Chandigarh in 2 hours. Another option is to drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.