Umaid Bhawan  Palace JODHPUR Logo Northindia (1)
Back to Listing

'Indian Summers'... A Historical Highlands Drama

13 days from £7,920 for 2023 per person

To celebrate the launch of Channel 4’s hotly anticipated 10-part period drama ‘Indian Summers’, we have created the ultimate tour exploring India’s historic colonial charms by taking you to regions that are integral to the Raj: her famously stunning hill stations and atmosphere-drenched cities of Calcutta and Delhi.

Dubbed the ‘Indian Downton’ and starring screen legend Julie Walters, the ‘Indian Summers’ TV series is set in 1932 colonial India. Against a backdrop of the tea plantations in Northern India and the town of Shimla in the foothills of the Himalayas, the story follows the decline of the British Empire and the birth of modern India. This luxury itinerary includes the finest colonial-era hotels and introduces you to the locations that Indian Summers is filmed in and inspired by.

Start in Delhi at The Imperial Hotel, which was built in 1934 by the British Raj. A true jewel in the crown, this landmark hotel is located in the heart of New Delhi and exudes the style and colonial elegance that the imperial era was renowned for. Next, head to the star of the ‘Indian Summers’ drama, Shimla. Known as “the queen of the hill stations”, it was once the summer playground of the Raj as it is wonderfully cool, surrounded by forests of oak, deodar, pine and rhododendron. Today it is more of a thriving town, but it retains many interesting Victorian buildings. 

Go from the cool hills of Shimla to the smouldering heat of Calcutta – no other location in India captures the whole spirit of the colonial era like Calcutta.  It was the HQ for the East India Company until 1911 and it is an incredibly evocative place. Travel through history with privately guided tours of the Victoria Memorial, the Marble Palace and the Southpark Cemetery and stay at the Oberoi Grand, easily the most historic colonial hotel in India. Finally, make your way up to Darjeeling, the summer retreat of the East India Company when escaping the heat of Calcutta and which still retains its former charms. Cosy up in planter’s bungalows and enjoy cream teas by the fire and tea plantation walks – you’ll be well looked after with white gloved waiters, hot water bottles and bed tea!

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made holiday in IndiaIf you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Honeymoon and Family Holiday collections, as well as our favourite Ultimate Luxury, Active and Spa & Wellness itineraries.


Itinerary details

13 days from £7,920 for 2023 per person

Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 20 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 20
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 12 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 12
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 15 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 15
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 13 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 13
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 9 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 9
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 10 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 10
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 11 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 11
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 19 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 19
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 17 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 17
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 18 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 18
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 16 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 16
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 1  (1) Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 1  (1)
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 2 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 2
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 3 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 3
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 1 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 1
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 5 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 5
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 6 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 6
Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 7 Indian Summers A Historical Highlands Drama 7
Oberoi Maidens Hotel Delhi North India Oberoi Maidens Hotel Delhi North India
The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling

Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences