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 Hotel Justa - The Residence, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 02: Delhi (Red Fort is closed on Monday)
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.
Later we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma 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 Jahan 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 Hotel Justa - The Residence, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 03: Delhi / Agra (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Agra along one of the India’s finest Freeways.
Upon arrival in Agra, check into hotel Radisson.
After rest, 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.
Evening, we will visit Mahtab Bagh. The Moonlight Garden was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden - on the other side of the river. In 1652 Aurangzeb wrote to his father telling of a visit to 'the blessed tomb' and commenting that 'the Mahtab Garden was completely inundated and has lost its charm, but soon it will regain its verdancy. The octagonal pool and the pavilion around it are in splendid condition.' The Mahtab Bagh was lost under the mud but re-excavated in the 1990s. Originally, the garden was planted with fragrant flowers and used in the cool of the night as a place from which to view the Taj Mahal reflected in the octagonal pool and in the river.
Overnight at Hotel Radisson – a 5* Hotel (Superior Room)
Day 04: / Delhi (204 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive) (Taj Mahal is Closed On Friday)
Delhi / Amritsar (SG 2515 – 1900 / 2025 Hrs)
Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - Taj Mahal. 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. Later we return back to our hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast, we will drive to Delhi along one of the India’s finest Freeways.
Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to airport to board your flight to Amritsar.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival, transfer to hotel Radisson.
Overnight at Hotel Radisson (Superior Room)
Day 05: Amritsar
Morning, 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.
Evening we will 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.
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 Radisson (Superior Room)
Day 06: Amritsar / Dharamshala (200 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will 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 in Dharamshala, check into Grace Hotel.
Overnight at Grace Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 07: 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 Grace Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 09: Dharamshala / Amritsar (200 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Amritsar / Delhi (AI 462 - 1415 / 1525 Hrs)
After breakfast, we will drive to Amritsar.
Upon arrival in Amritsar, transfer to airport to board your flight to Delhi.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival, transfer to hotel Justa.
Overnight at Hotel Justa - The Residence, G.K. (Superior Room)
Day 10: Delhi / Haridwar (Dehradhun Shatabadi – 0650 / 1125 Hrs)
Early morning, transfer to the train station to board your train to Haridwar.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the Hotel Haveli Hari - 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 11: Haridwar
After breakfast, 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)
Day 12: Haridwar / Rishikesh / Haridwar
After breakfast, we will drive 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 will drive back to hotel Hari Ganga in Haridwar.
Overnight at Haveli Hari Ganga (Deluxe Room)
Day 13: Haridwar / Delhi (210 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)
Delhi / Departure
After breakfast, we will drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to international airport to board your onward flight.
END OF SERVICES…
Tour Cost Based On 02 People Traveling Together Sharing 01 Room
• Cost valid for period till 30th September, 2014: - INR 90,300* Per Person
• Cost valid from 01st October till 31st March, 2015: - INR 96,900* Per Person
Additional Cost For Suggested Upgrades To Hotels In Various Cities Per Room / Per Night
