'Indian Summers'... A Historical Highlands Drama

13 days from £7,920 for 2023 per person

• Delhi
• Shimla
• Calcutta
• Glenburn

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 India. If 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.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus