Late night arrival. Meeting and assistance upon arrival as
our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative
would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents
to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest
is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity
to serve you!
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 02: Delhi
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586)
, the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect
towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived
the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with
a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930)
and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district
of the capital.
Afternoon we cross the city and into the walled gates of
the Old city with visits to the Jama Mosque (1650) and drive
through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates
to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors
meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648
built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra)
to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat
and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were
cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back.
The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion
in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This
is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and
bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets
bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all
description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride
would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers
as well as the onlookers.
Home Visit & A Welcome Dinner: This evening we would
visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The
evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into
Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality
and home made Indian food.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Mandawa
Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel and ride into
the heart of the Thar Desert to Mandawa, which used to be
a medieval Indian trade city and still has beautifully preserved
houses of medieval Indian traders in typical Rajput (Rajasthani)
style.
Upon arrival, check into Castle Mandawa which is a curious
mixture of the old and the new. Medieval turreted towers,
palanquin-roofed balconies, blend with modern comforts in
old-world rooms. Family portraits, antique cannons and arms
add to the charm of this family-run resort where tradition
still runs strong. Even time is measured by a different clock...
a huge brass gong struck by the resident timekeepers at the
fort every hour.
This afternoon, we walk through the main (and the only) street
of the town. We visit some of the ancient and beautifully
preserved 'havelis' (mansions). They would give us an idea
of how families lived in those days. The havelis have beautiful
paintings depicting mythological themes on the walls. Made
from vegetable dyes these paintings have lasted centuries
and still are quite sharp. Today, the world comes to this
storybook town to see its colourful frescoes on every subject
under the sun, that is, ranging from the religious to the
erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social
satire, rendered in the inimitable style of the local artist
Overnight at Castle Mandawa (Standard Room)
Day 04: Mandawa / Bikaner
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Bikaner. We would
have opportunities to stop on the way for pictures as well
as to interact with local tribes.
Upon arrival check in to Gajner Palace, a summer resort of
Bikaner Maharajas. The palace situated on the embankment of
a lake, has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel
in the Thar desert'.
Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the incredible charm of
your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Gajner Palace (Deluxe
Room)
Day 05: Bikaner
Morning is at leisure. Afternoon, proceed on a guided tour
of the city. Bikaner was founded in 1486 A.D by the Rathore
prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner.
Bikaner, has many magnificent buildings made of Reddish Pink
sandstone that transcends the surrounding barren wilderness.
Unlike other cities of Rajasthan, Bikaner has been able to
preserve its traditional aura of the medieval era. We visit
the Junagadh Fort. One of the most imposing forts of northern
India-- Junagarh Fort-- has remained unconquered till date.
This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able
and trusted generals of Akbar.
We also visit the Camel Breeding Farms. Take a ride on one
or watch the calves gamboling, or submit to a Raika or a Rebari
from traditional camel breeder, over a cup of camels milk
at the camel breeding farms just eight Kms away from the city.
This farm is the only of its kind in Asia.
Overnight at Hotel Gajner Palace (Deluxe
Room)
Day 06: Bikaner / Jaisalmer
This morning, drive to Jaisalmer. The drive is through desert
country with scantly vegetation and life stock in view.
Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Gorbandh Palace. This is
a centrally air-conditioned hotel built for comfort and leisure
in the desert and is inspired by the traditional Indian concept
of housing - a central courtyard with accommodation around
it. The Palace offers traditional cuisine in a well appointed
restaurant and has all modern amenities and comforts to make
the discovery of the desert more pleasant. The hotel is away
from the noises of the city and yet only two kms. away from
all the action. Enjoy the calm and clear starry sky in the
pleasant desert evenings. The dances and folk music for which
Rajasthan and specially Jaisalmer is very famous can be enjoyed
by camp fire in open air at night.
Rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest you walk along
the old city to explore traditional and typical Jaisalmer.
The havelis (mansions) in a beautiful state of preservation
are a fascinating sight.
Overnight at Hotel Gorbandh Palace (Deluxe
Room)
Day 07: Jaisalmer / Sam / Jaisalmer
This morning, we visit the residential portions of the fort
where one third of the population of the old city lives. The
design of houses remains, as they were a couple of century's
back and so are the lifestyle of people occupying them. This
is because most of the families continue to work for generations
for the rural (though only titular now) hence there is a sense
of continuity. The houses are arranged in narrow lanes and
have small windows from where the shy child or the girl peeps.
This is the city believed to be the home of the most handsome
men and women in Rajasthan.
Afternoon, drive to Sam, a dessert outpost. Enroute we visit
a few typical dessert villages, which have a sprinkling of
huts. The rough terrain here does not support cultivation;
hence the entire village works as casual labourers in road
works or community projects. Inspite of their poverty and
hard life the people are very friendly and seem to be aware
that they are proud owners of very expressive and beautiful
faces. We move on to Sam where we explore the dessert on camel
back.
Evening drive back to Jaisalmer.
Overnight at Hotel Gorbandh Palace (Deluxe
Room)
Day 08: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
After breakfast drive to Jodhpur.
Upon arrival check into your hotel Ratan Vilas, exudes an
aura distinctly its own - enhanced by its rich and varied
collection of paintings, treasure troves and hunting trophies
of yesteryear. Everything is well preserved by the royal family,
which still uses a part of the building as its home. The magnificent
sandstone building, built for Sir Ratan Singhji, the Maharajadhiraj
of Jodhpur, tastefully blends the lavish interiors and modern
comforts. Present day facilities are harmonized so as not
to disturb the antiquity of the royal abode.
This evening, we would ride horse carriages to the Clock
Tower Bazaar. This is one of India's largest and most colourful
wholesale markets especially with respect to clothes, fabrics,
spices, vegetables etc.
Overnight at Hotel Ratan Vilas (Standard
Room)
Day 09: Jodhpur / Rohet
After breakfast, proceed on a guided tour of Jodhpur. Our
tour includes the massive fort. In olden days this must have
been impregnable since its rocky base is scraped straight
down making it nearly impossible to ascend. Once inside, royal
palaces abound with fascinating history and priceless jewels,
on to the armoury and Jaswant Thada - the Royal Crematorium.
Following the Tour of Jodhpur drive to Rohet, upon arrival
check into the Rohetgarh fort
At Rohet, one is transported in to a world of the past, a
world of honour and of chivalry, of glory and of pride; a
world of vibrant colours and spectacular magnificence. Past
centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet-
the 16th century fortified deserted home of a Rajput clan.
Within the precincts of these time weathered walls is our
hotel, the impressive Rohetgarh Fort- a bastion of proud Rajput
traditions bathed in the ambience of unmistakable Rajasthani
culture where one can, even today experience the famed warm
and courteous Rajput hospitality. Frescoes on the tall gateway,
brightly painted in the traditional style, using traditional
motifs and colour schemes herald your entry to this charmed
world the bygone era. The gateway leads to a compound where
a profusion of flowers frame the archways in welcome. The
portico is a warm and informal place decorated with the artifacts
and trophies of many years. Exquisitely carved furniture,
delicate hand block prints, original paintings and photographs
decorate your rooms, which though redolent with the romance
of a bygone era, provide all the modern amenities. Antique
hunting riffles, shields & spearheads, daggers and original
paintings form the backdrop of the dinning room. The swimming
pool here is in beautiful settings and is an oasis in a dessert.
The food at Rohetgarh is special; each recipe is both traditional
and typical, handed down the generations and jealously guarded
to retain its pristine flavours. You savour only the very
best of Rajasthani cuisine's, food favoured by the Royalty.
The 16th century descendants of the Rathore ruling family
still live here and host the guests. The members of the Royal
family interact with the guests and interesting stories and
anecdotes are narrated.
This afternoon, we would explore Rohet, which is a fascinating
small feudal town, which seems to be straight out of the Arabian
Nights. There is no proper road here - only one main dust
trail. On either side are typical thatched houses and shops
of all kinds - colourful bangles, silver jewellery, potters,
fruit vendors on carts, dress shops, tailors etc.
Late evening, we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of
Rajasthan villages where tradition centuries old still permeate
life styles. One can witness the 'opium ceremony' - a ritual
by which guests are welcomed. Gaily attired men and women
carry on their chores and one can catch a glimpse of their
norms and customs. The smoothened mud floors of the village
huts remind one of the simple and traditional living here.
As evening descends upon our hotel, the darkness of the night
is lit up by the flickering flames of fire around which the
rhythmic movements of the folk dancers assumes shape in brilliant
colours; truly an electrifying experience.
Overnight at Rohetgarh (Heritage Hotel)
(Standard Room)
Day 10: Rohet / Ranakpur / Udaipur
After breakfast we ride out to Udaipur. Our first stop would
be at Ranakpur. This is a site of some exquisitely carved
white marble Jain temples .The profusion of such detailed
and intricate sculpture depicting various folk tales and gods
is mind boggling.
From here we continue our ride to Udaipur.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival check into your hotel
Jagat Niwas, a modern heritage hotel replete with character
and charm, besides all comforts discerning tourists would
seek.
This afternoon we explore the bustling bylanes of Udaipur
which have artisans practicing their traditional crafts handed
down to them by their elders. Khari printers do decorative
floral patterns in gold and silver on plain or printed fabric.
Block printers print various designs and patterns in different
colours with the help of wooden blocks. You'll also find artisans
carving furniture, making puppets and traditional wooden toys.
Along with engraving and embossing on brass, silver, jewellery,
copper and even pottery, Meenakari is a specialty of this
region. Udaipur also specializes in stone carving, especially
in marble and sandstone, with artisans working hard at chiseling
their finest filigree work. Colour as usual plays an important
role in the life of Udaipur as in Rajasthan. It is wonderfully
evident in ghagharas (long flowing skirts), cholis (blouses),
and odhnis (long scarves) of the women as well as the turbans
of the men.
Overnight at Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace (Deluxe
Lake View Loom)
Day 11: Udaipur
The morning is at leisure to enjoy this amazingly beautiful
city. We suggest independent walks along the tranquil lake
or a visit to the bustling bazaar of the old city. Udaipur
has wares on offer that can convert the most unwilling of
shoppers into avid buyers. The better known items include
folk toys, brightly colored garments, hand printed textiles,
batiks, dyed saris, metal images, silver jewelry, and the
Pichwal wall hangings.
Afternoon, we proceed on a tour of this "Lake City".
Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It
is probably the most romantic city in a state where every
city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge city
palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace
complex in Rajasthan. Though it is a conglomeration of buildings
built by successive rulers, it manages to retain a surprising
uniformity of design and affords very fine view of the lake
and the city from the upper terraces. The Jagadish temple
next to the city palace enshrines a black stone image of Lord
Vishnu and his vehicle- a mighty bird called garuda - in a
brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan
Art.
Overnight at Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace (Deluxe
Lake View Loom)
Day 12: Udaipur / Jaipur (9W 373 - 0740 / 0825)
Morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Jaipur.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
Hotel Alsisar Haveli - This is the flagship hotel in a bouquet
of heritage hotels. The Haveli lies tucked away in the heart
of Pink City, Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur
of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthan experience
for the guests. Refurbished in 1982, the Haveli incorporates
the finesse of traditional Rajput architecture and a site
to behold. The large elevated platform that dominates the
central area of the ground floor and once used for get-togethers
by the gents of the house is now open to guests who can witness
puppet shows and folk dances while enjoying their snacks or
drinks. The spacious lobby which opens into the chowk (inner
courtyard), was a century ago used by the ladies of the house
and is now open to guests. You will treasure this experience
of staying in an authentic Rajput home.
Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the unending shopping
options of Jaipur with your guide. An essential starting point
for Rajasthan craftwork is block making and block printing
and we will be exploring the process from start to finish
in some of the popular stores here. The opportunity also exists
here to tailor make outfits to your design and size.
We also explore one of the chief attractions of Jaipur -
its jewelry, which offers a variety that ranges from chunky
tribal jewelry to enameled gold to modern diamond jewelry.
Kundan (art of stone setting) and enamel jewelry has been
a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. The
stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns
and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the
champeve (raised field) technique. Jaipur is well known for
its gold and silver enameling. Colorful bangles made of lac
and set with semiprecious stones make an inexpensive buy.
The craftsmen take great pains to embed the hundreds of stones
into the lac. The skilled gem-cutters of Jaipur carve enchanting
little animals and birds from rock, crystal, jade, smoky topaz
and amethyst. Intaglio beads & buttons and crystal scent
bottles are also available.
Overnight at Hotel Alsisar Haveli - a Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 13: Jaipur
This morning we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of
the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput
grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur.
Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified
battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills
overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls
lattice the surrounding hills.
We will ride up to this hilltop palace on a caparisoned,
painted elephant, passing through the ancient main gate where
Maharajas of Jaipur have entered for four hundred years. Our
guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural
masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics
and water-cooled swings that delight today's visitors as they
did their former royal residents.
We shall visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied
structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately
honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old
city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could
peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens.
Afternoon, proceed on a tour of City Palace & Observatory.
The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The centre of the palace
is a seven-storied building called Chandra Palace, with fine
vies over the gardens and the city. The palace lies in the
heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The
fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection
from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which
surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory
- an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give
accurate predictions till date.
Overnight at Hotel Alsisar Haveli - a Heritage
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 14: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Following breakfast we drive to Fatehpur Sikri for a guided
tour. This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly
preserved city at the height of the empire's splendour. The
city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting
well-sculpted buildings. From here we ride to Agra.
Upon arrival check into hotel Howard Park Plaza.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities,
car and driver at disposal for local visits & Shopping.
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza (Standard
Room)
Day 15: Agra
We are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's
lifetime - the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for
the monument we shall be served tea/coffee and cookies so
that our eyes open real wide to behold this breathtaking sight.
A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical
effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours
of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building.
Afternoon, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant
buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu
and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar,
the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers
of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti
Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill
of the ancient Indian architects.
Overnight at Howard Park Plaza (Standard
Room)
Day 16: Agra / Jhansi (Shatabdi Express - 0840
/ 1020)
Jhansi / Orcha / Khajuraho
Morning, transfer to the train station to board your Shatabdi
Express to Jhansi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to the medieval
city of Orcha, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, seems to have
frozen in time, its palaces and temples still retaining their
original grandeur. The city, located by the side of the beautiful
Betwa river, was founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain,
Rudra Pratap, in the 16th century.The word Orchha means 'hidden'.
When the Tughlaqs, who were ruling Delhi in the 15th century,
pushed the Bundelkhand rajas out of Garkhundar, they retreated
to distant Orchha. Apart from the famous landmarks like Jehangir
Mahal, the Laxminarayan Temple, the area is peppered with
fascinating little shrines and memorials, all of which add
to the overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, the city evokes
in the visitor.
Following the tour we will have our lunch at a spectacular
Amar Mahal Palace.
After the lunch, drive to Khajuraho.
Upon arrival check into your Hotel Jass
Sound & Light Show
Evening, we visit temple complex to enjoy Sound & Light
Show, where the history of the temples is narrated through
the medium of Sound & Light. This fascinating Son-et-Lumiere
spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela
Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the
10th century to the present day. Amitabh Bachhan, the Indian
Super Star, narrates the story of Khajuraho in his mesmerizing
voice
Overnight at Hotel Jass (Standard Room)
Day 17: Khajuraho
Morning, we meet our guide, and, proceed on a tour of the
world famous western group of temples depicting erotic sculptures
of love making images of Gods and Goddesses and celestial
Nymphs. The sexual fantasies displayed in the sculptures are
mind boggling. It speaks very highly of the artistic creativity
and imagination of the sculptors.
Afternoon, we proceed on a guided tour of Eastern group of
Temples .If pictures speak a thousand words, then the temples
of Khajuraho form a magnum opus... an expression of Indian
sculptors of yore. These temples of Khajuraho were built by
the Chandela kings following the tradition of Tantric art.
Although famed for their erotic sculptures, the philosophy
behind the temples is much more vast and encompassing. They
are in fact a celebration of life!
Overnight at Hotel Jass (Standard Room)
Day 18: Khajuraho / Delhi (9W 724 - 1330 / 1600)
Morning is at leisure to have some mild adventure in this
very safe village of Khajuraho. You may hop on to a cycle
rickshaw and ride through some of the remote tribal villages.
You may also wish to walk to the western group of temples
for a second visit.
Late morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your
hotel The Connaught
Overnight at Hotel The Connaught - a 4*
Downtown Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 19: Delhi / Haridwar (Shatabdi Express -
0655 / 1130 Hrs)
Morning, transfer to the train station to take a ride on
India's premier train service to Haridwar.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and check into Hotel
The Haveli Hari Ganga, a beautiful heritage "Haveli"
(mansion) situated on the banks of the Holy Ganga, a mere
500 meters walk through the Bazaar from the sacred "Har
ki Pauri" at Haridwar. It stands at the gateway to the
Devbhumi - the abode of the Gods and the "Char Dham Yatra".
The Haveli is an architectural marvel, where the ancient structure
has been restored to recreate the old - world charm with modern
day hospitality. The interiors of The Haveli are interestingly
reminiscent of old Indian Mythological times where there are
balanced tones of tranquility & comfort.
This evening we suggest you walk across over the bridge to
witness the fascinating Ganga 'Aarti' (invocation). The golden
reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most
enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony
at the ghat. The synchronised chanting of prayers that takes
place during the Aarti is a very uplifting experience.
Overnight at Haveli Hari Ganga - (Deluxe
Room)
Day 20: Haridwar / Rishikesh / Haridwar
Following a leisurely breakfast we proceed on a day return
trip to Rishikesh.
Most of the pilgrims who pass through Rishikesh on their
way to the Himalayan shrines of the Char Dham pause for a
holy dip and puja at Triveni Ghat, There are a number of ashrams
in and around Rishikesh, where rishis (saints) stay. Some
of the ashrams are situated on the eastern bank of the river
Ganges and the entire cluster is known as Swargashram. Maharishi
Mahesh Yogi's Ashram is famous the world over for which the
credit goes to the rock band Beatles. Several ashrams offer
yoga courses and many pilgrims from in and around the country
come here to learn yoga. Along with the ashrams, there are
a few temples having some mythological importance.
Later we drive back to our hotel Haveli Hari Ganga in Haridwar.
Overnight at Haveli Hari Ganga - (Deluxe
Room)
Day 21: Haridwar
Today we explore the unending list of attractions in Haridwar
is endless. Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacred ghat was constructed
by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari.
Haridwar abounds with several Hindu temples and Ashrams (Hermitages).
More than the architectural designs, it is the spiritual ambience
of the place that is so striking. The Daksh Mahadev Temple
is an ancient shrine situated to the south of Kankhal town.
This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810.
Kankhal has several other temples and ashrams too. The Sapt
Rishi Ashram is situated along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road.
The Ganges flows in seven streams in front of this Ashram,
hence this place is also called Sapt Sarovar. The Kanva Rishi
Ashram is situated around 42 km from Haridwar. The ashram
is on the banks of the Malini River along the forest road
to Kotdwar. Other important places to visit are the Bharat
Mata Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bhimgoda, and Shanti Kunj.
Overnight at Haveli Hari Ganga - (Deluxe
Room) (B)
Day 23: Arrival / Pathankot / Dharamshala.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and drive to Dharamshala,
a very scenic and peaceful hill station which has the added
attraction of its strong Tibetan influence. It was here that
the Dalai Lama and his followers had fled after the Chinese
invasion of Tibet.
We would have opportunities to stop on the way to interact
with the locals as well as to enjoy the incredible natural
beauty of the region.
Upon arrival, check into Hotel Grace Cottage.
Afternoon is at leisure. We suggest you enjoy a walk along
the mall road where Tibetan refugees display and sell their
crafts.
Overnight At Hotel Garce Cottage (Standard
Room)
Day 24: Dharamshala
Following breakfast, proceed on a tour of Dharamshala.
We visit the Norblinga Institute for Tibetan Buddhism which
is perhaps one of its best in the world. The Institute has
its own temple, museum, hospital and meditation hall. We would
meet with monks here to learn more about Buddhism. Of special
mention here are the magnificent miniature paintings done
by students here. It is great to see the students sketch a
design and then paint it on canvas.. We would visit the Dalai
Lama's Palace and temple in the afternoon and meet with the
spiritual leaders to know more about the plight of Tibetans,
their future, the problems they face in India etc. If the
Dalai Lama is their in Dharamshala at the same time as we
are, every effort would be made to have a personal audience
with him, the Tibetan Buddhism's deity of Universal Compassion.
It is special meeting him, not because of his title or the
high degree of reverence that the people of Tibet hold him
in; but more because how it feels in his company. Several
strong impressions remain about the meeting, including the
way in which he gives his whole attention to questions. There
is wisdom in his thinking which comes through clearly in his
words, filled as they are with common sense and realism. His
firm handshake, his sense of compassion, his sense of humour,
his highly infectious and kind laughter are some of the everlasting
images of the Dalai Lama.
Overnight At Hotel Grace Cottage (Standard
Room)
Day 26: Dharamshala / Amritsar
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Amritsar.
In the evening we journey 40 Kms to Wagha, the border between
India & Pakistan. Each evening a very impressive lowering
of guards ceremony is performed along with a march past by
soldiers of both countries in synchronization to the accompaniment
of bugles. The soldiers of both countries wear ceremonial
dresses. It is quite a spectacular sight to see the same thing
happening on both sides of the border.
Overnight At Hotel Ritz (Standard Room)
Day 27: Amritsar
Following breakfast we visit the Golden Temple, which is
the Mecca of Sikh religion .The temple with a shinny pure
gold dome, is beautifully situated in the center of a lake
(The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All around
the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings.
The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people
continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to prepare
the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at a time -
are a mind-boggling sight. However, besides the physical beauty
of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere
of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming.
The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain
sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple
complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have
an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would
talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism.
Just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell
Sikh religious artifacts like swords (decorative), bracelets,
combs, small daggers etc.
During the day, we would also visit the Jalianwala Bagh,
the martyr's memorial where thousands of innocent Indians
were cordoned off by the British and fired. The well where
several Indians jumped to escape the bullets as well as bullet
marks and a museum of pictures can be still seen here.
We would also be visiting the Golden Temple after dinner.
There happens a spectacular ceremony, where the Sikhs put
their holy book (Guru Granth Sahib) to sleep. The priests
carry the books over their head to place them in a golden
palanquin. The book is then carried to an inner chamber in
the Palanquin to the accompaniment of bugles and drums and
the chanting of the name of the Lord. The palanquin itself
is carried by devotees in turns. It is quite a special sight.
The book is again placed in the main sanctum similarly in
the morning.
Overnight At Hotel Ritz (Standard Room)
Day 28: Amritsar / Delhi (Amritsar Shatabdi
- 0510 / 1105)
Morning, transfer to the train station to board Amritsar
Shatabdi to Delhi.
Following a leisurely breakfast, drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival check into your Hotel The Connaught.
Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.
However we suggest you to visit Dilli Haat, a project conceived
with the basic idea of providing encouragement and exposure
to needy artisans and craftsmen all over the country who often
spend their lives within the confines of their own village
and town. The success of the project lied in freeing the craftsman
and the artisan from the stranglehold of the middlemen and
bringing them into direct contact with buyers both within
the country and outside. Dilli Haat offers the visitor not
only the arts and handicrafts of the country at one place,
but also the cuisine and performing arts from different parts
of the country. While developing the concept, it was kept
in mind that when a 'Haat' comes to the city, it has to adjust
to urban contemporary needs while retaining the cultural ambience
familiar to rural crafts people.
Overnight at The Connaught - a 4* Downtown
Hotel (Standard Room)
Day 29: Delhi / Departure
Transfer to International airport for your onward flight back
home.
Indicative Low Season Cost Based on 02 People Traveling
Together: - USD 2445 Per Person
Cost Includes: Accommodation on twin sharing basis;
Daily American Breakfast; Home Dinner with an Indian family;
An Air-conditioned Private Car for all journeys and tours
as per Itinerary; Local guides for city tours as per the itinerary;
Elephant Ride at Amber Fort; Jeep Safari at Rohet; Camel ride
at Sam; Inner India Airfare for Khajuraho / Delhi Sector in
Economy Class; Air-conditioned Sleeper (Overnight Journey)/Air-conditioned
Seating (Day Journey) Train accommodation.
Destinations India offers online reservation for The Spirit
of India Tour Itinerary, India. For details please fill up
the form given below.
