In 2025 The Society undertook what was perhaps its most ambitious pilgrimage, and certainly its first to a destination outside Europe. Titled ‘A Hiatus in India’ our trip took place 22 February to 9 March and fulfilled its promise of being ‘the trip of a lifetime’.

India was an outstanding jewel for Victorian Britain. Many of the characters in the tales of Sherlock Holmes – not least John Watson – have strong links to India and it is not unlikely that Holmes himself visited India during the Great Hiatus. It seemed entirely proper therefore that the Society should undertake a pilgrimage to India.

Our trip was a bespoke one, tailored for the Society by specialist tour operator TransIndus not only to visit the sights, but also to enjoy special events relevant to the world of Sherlock Holmes and Victorian times that resonate with our interests. Our programme was as follows:

22 February: arrival in Kolkata, the former capital of British India to explore its historical sites and party on the river in costume
25 February: Flying on to Lucknow, known as much for its cultural heritage, architecture and famous Avadh Cuisine as for the tumultuous events of 1857
28 February: Travel by coach to Agra, visiting not only the Taj Mahal, but other items of historical interest, including the Agra Fort, which plays a significant part in ‘The Sign of Four’
02 March: We moved on to Delhi, the vibrant heart of India, by coach
05 March: Travel by train to Shimla, the summer capital of the Raj, set in the foothills of the Himalayas
08 March: Return to Delhi by train, ready for departure on 09 March

We travelled in style and stayed in hotels that were not only comfortable but also have resonances with the times of Holmes and Watson. And, as ever with our pilgrimages, there were opportunities to don a costume and take part in parties and playlets in character.

We have now published a commemorative book, The Jewel in the Canon which includes not only photos and accounts of the trip, but much else about India in Victorian times and Holmes’s likely involvement with it. You can buy it at https://sherlock-holmes.org.uk/product/the-jewel-in-the-canon/. And as you will see, much of the trip was in Victorian costume, so if you want guidance on how to dress for Sherlockian pilgrimages, see A Study in Styles, available at https://sherlock-holmes.org.uk/product/a-study-in-styles-wardrobe-guidance-for-1895/.