Trip Information
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01 Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat'
(Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to
hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines
in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime
reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more
mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from
the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were
built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek,
Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City
Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was
planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative
area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city &
New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight hotel – Delhi
DAY 02 Delhi
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century
walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal
mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down
or take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah
Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by
Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of
the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the
spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate,
memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in
the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in
these wars are inscribed on the walls. Then we visit the President's House,
official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until
1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the
Governor-General of British India . We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial
of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World
Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in
India. We also visit Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek.
It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of
Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi
DAY 03 Delhi - Amritsar (By Train / Swarna Shatabdi) (0720 /
1325 hrs)
Today morning on-time transfer to Delhi Railway Station to
board the morning Shatabdi Train to Amrit-Sarovar - the Pool of Nectar of
Immortality - believed by millions of Sikhs. This city takes its name from
Sikhism's holiest shrine, the Harmandir Sahib, also called the Golden Temple or
Darbar Sahib. Situated in northwest India, Amritsar partially shares the
northwest border lands between India and Pakistan at Wagah, a half hour drive
from town. It is about 30-odd miles east of Lahore, the ancient capital of
Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab in undivided India. Amritsar was established in
1577 as a small settlement (on a piece of land granted by the Mughal Emperor
Akbar) by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of Sikhism.
On arrival at Amritsar, you will be transferred to your
hotel for check-in.
Excursion to Wagah Border.
Relax for a while. Later proceed to Wagah Border to attend
the evening spectacular ceremony. Wagah Border, the borderlands of India and
Pakistan are marked by cultivated fields. Only the barbed wire fence breaks
this pastoral scene reminding you of the political significance of this place.
At Wagah you can recharge your patriotic feelings with rousing hurrahs for
India during the elaborate ceremonial change of guard held on both sides of the
border, at sunset everyday.
Overnight Hotel - Amritsar
DAY 04 Amritsar - Mecleodganj (190 Km / 5 Hrs)
Today morning we proceed for the sightseeing of Holy City -
Amritsar. We will visit Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, the most sacred temple
for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people
all over the world. The evolution of Darbar Sahib is entwined in the history
and ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture are included, symbols associated with
other places of worship.
Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or
Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English
speaking world), is named after Hari (God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all
over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at
Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.
Jallianwala Bagh is the spot of the black incident where 379
people were ruthlessly killed and about 1,200 injured by General Dyer's troops
during the British Raj in India. The Martyrs' Gallery is a poignant reminder of
this heinous crime during the British Raj. The entry to this old garden complex
is a narrow passage with a single entry-exit point.
Later we drive down to Meacleodganj.
Overnight Hotel - Mecleodganj
DAY 05 Mecleodganj
Mecleodganj is also called 'Little Lhasa' as it is the base
of Tibetan Refugees and their leader Dalai Lama. It is situated in Dhalaudhar
Range of Himalayas at average elevation of about 2000 m.
Explore the little town visiting Tibetan Library, Palace of
Exiled Dalai Lama, Monastery and bazaar. In the evening one can walk around the
woods.
Overnight Hotel - Mecleodganj
DAY 06 Mecleodganj – Manali (270 Km / 8 Hrs)
Today after breakfast we will drive to Manali, Once called
the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill station
of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year.
Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot
Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is
also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering,
paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief,
Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the
ones in search of both adventure and comfort. The Kulluis in brightly patterned
puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali
porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in feisty
woollen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western
tourists-all add up to the welcoming hubbub of Manali.
En route we visit Kullu, The Kullu valley has also been the
valley of Gods in India. Kullu, the town is one of the most preferred summer
destinations. The sun-scorched souls of the plains take refuge in the Kullu
Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The temples, apple orchards and the Dussehra
festivals are what have attracted thousands of tourists time and again to
Kullu. The local handicrafts top the list of must buys from Kullu. Check out
the hill resort of Kullu with the majestic mountains and the beautiful Beas
River.
Overnight Hotel- Manali
DAY 07 Manali
Today we explore Manali town, visit Hadimba Temple, Sulphur
Springs and a Buddhist Monastery. Later take an excursion to Naggar to visit
the Roerich Art gallery and the Palace.
Overnight Hotel – Manali
DAY 08 Manali
After breakfast, day free at leisure or you can take an
optional excursion to Rohtang Pass.
Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level,
is another adventure tourist site where it can be chilly even on summer day.
You can also visit SolangValley enroute.
Overnight Hotel – Manali
DAY 09 Manali - Shimla (260 Km / 08 Hrs)
Today we drive through a scenic route to Shimla, which was
the Summer capital of India under the British rule. Presently, it is the state
capital of Himachal Pradesh, with a population of around 1.6 lacs. Shimla has
seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India
& Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural
beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples.
Overnight Hotel- Shimla
DAY 10 Shimla
Today we proceed for a sight seeing tour of Shimla, spilling
over the steep slopes of a 12 km ridge, in the lower Himalayas. Shimla was the
summer capital of erstwhile British India. Now the capital of the state of
Himachal Pradesh, it evokes a sense of nostalgia with its pretty gabled
cottages, half-timbered buildings and old churches. The Mall is agog with
elegant shops and bustling cosmopolitan crowds. In the center of the city is
the famous scandal point. The Ridge is a place where all tourist flock and
spend time. While in Shimla, one can tour Viceregal Lodge - the imposing
six-storey edifice, which is today the institute for advanced studies, Jakhu
hill - the highest point of Shimla with a famous temple dedicated to Lord
Hanuman. St. Micheal's Cathedral on the Ridge, is regarded as the second oldest
church in north India and is known for its fine stained glass windows.
Overnight Hotel - Shimla
DAY 11 Shimla
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the natual beauty of
Himalayas.
Optional: You can take an excursion to Naldera – Highest
Golf Course, Masobra – Countryside with woods, Kufri - place for skiing and
Chail - to see highest Cricket Ground and Chail Palace.
Overnight Hotel - Shimla
DAY 12 Shimla – Chandigarh (115 Km) / Chandigarh - Delhi
(Shatabdi Train @ 1830 - 2145 Hrs)
Today morning drive down to Chandigarh. Chandigarh is
India`s planned and modern city, designed by renowned French architect Edouard
'Le Corbusier' Jeanneret, who fashioned Chandigarh as a city of 'Sun, Space and
Verdure'. We will do an orientation tour of the city. Though it does not have
any old monuments, one can see famous Rock Garden and explore the planned city.
Later we will transfer you to Chandigarh railway station to board your train to
Delhi,
Upon arrival in Delhi our representative would meet and
transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi
DAY 13 Depart Delhi
Today we will ensure a punctual transfer to the
International airport to board your flight for onward travel.
