Home > Rural & Rustic Tour > Golden Temple Tour with Himalayas
Duration : 15 Days & 14 Nights
Location : Delhi - Amritsar - Dalhousie - Dharamshala - Manali - Shimla - Chandigarh - Delhi
Location : Delhi - Amritsar - Dalhousie - Dharamshala - Manali - Shimla - Chandigarh - Delhi
Day 01
Delhi Arrival
COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer to your hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
The city is dotted with historic monuments that are the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. Apart from the monuments, there are museums, markets, gardens and eating joints that you can visit on your tour of Delhi. Some of the important sightseeing places in Delhi are given below.
INDIA GATE: It is the war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers, who died during World War I. The name of many soldiers who died during World War I is inscribed on its wall. Edward Lutyens, the man who planned and built New Delhi, designed India Gate. Almost every foreign tourist visits the monument. 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the eternal flame is added later. The eternal flame runs on gas and is a tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the service of the nation.
RED FORT: Located in Old Delhi, the Red Fort or Lal Quila is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. The fort was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. The construction of the Fort started in 1638 and it was completed 10 years later in 1648. Some of the important spots inside the Red Fort include royal baths or Shahi hamams, Shahi Burj, Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas.
JAMA MASJID: The largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan 1656 AD. About 5,000 laborers and craftsmen worked for six years to complete the monument. The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people. The mosque is located in the old Delhi. The domes are built in white marble. The prayer hall of the mosque has 260 pillars.
OLD FORT: Old Fort or Purana Quila as it is called is located near Pragati Maidan on the Mathura Road. You can club a visit to the Old Fort with your tour of Red Fort and Jama Masjid as the three monuments are located in Old Delhi and are not too far from one another. Humanyun’s started the construction of the fort in 1533 AD, but before the completion of the fort, Sher Shah Suri defeated him and captured Delhi. Sher Shah Suri completed the fort and named it -Shergah. He added many structures to the fort, of which Qila-I-Kuhna Mosque and Sher Mandal are worth mentioning. In 1555, Humanyun’s re-captured Delhi and converted Sher Mandal into a library.
HUMANYUN’S TOMB: Humanyun’s Tomb is mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humanyun’s. Bega Begum also known as Haji Begum, wife of Humayun constructed the mausoleum for her husband. The tomb was built between 1562 and 1572 AD. The tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyuth.
QUTAB MINAR: The construction of the Qutab Minar was stated by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD but he died before completing it. His son-in-law and successor Iltutmish completed the construction of the building. Qutab Minar is located in Meharauli.
LOTUS TEMPLE: Also known as the Bahai Temple, the monument was opened to public only in 1986. Located near Nehru Place, the Lotus Temple is designed like a lotus flower. If you are looking for some moments of peace and tranquility in the crowded city, Lotus Temple is the ideal place to visit.
Apart from the above-mentioned sightseeing options, there are various other tourist attractions that you can visit on your tour of Delhi. Some other sightseeing places in Delhi include Lodi Gardens, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, Dilli Haat and the Garden of Five Senses.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi – Amritsar
By Deluxe Train
Early morning you will be transferred to the railway station to board train for Amritsar. Reach and check into the hotel.
Popularly believed to have been laid in 1574, the city of Amritsar is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India due to the existence of several religious sites. It actually offers a host sightseeing options that are considered as some of the best tourist attractions in Amritsar.
Located in the North West region of India, the most striking feature about Amritsar is its antiquity. In Hindi the word Amritsar means 'a Holy pool of nectar' and it was back in the year 1573 that work for digging the Holy pool had begun. One of the ancient cities of India, the most important fact about Amritsar is that it is the main seat of Sikh history and culture. The city itself was founded by the Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, and till present times it is the spiritual and temporal center of Sikh culture with the Golden Temple in Amritsar as its nucleus.
Visit GOLDEN TEMPLE: Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterized by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe.
Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites of the Sikhs. The temple itself is topped by a golden dome contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who had the shrine rebuilt. It came to be called the Golden Temple after this. Located in the heart of the atmospheric old quarter it can be easily reached via the shopping area of Hall Bazaar. Devotees wash their hands and feet, and cover their heads while entering the temple complex via Darshini Darwaza. They then do the 'parikrama' or the round of the smaller homage sites surrounding of the temple. The parikrama is a wide marbled passageway that encircles the sarovar.
Day 04
Amritsar
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit the INDIA PAKISTAN BORDER for a dress parade. (GATE OPENING CEREMONY)
WAGAH BORDER: One of the many nearby places to visit from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometers from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guard’s ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss.
JALIANWALA BAGH: A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh is another must visit in Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by British General Dyer. Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr’s Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summers and from 10 am to 4 pm during winters.
SUMMER PALACE OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH: Is situated in the middle of a beautiful garden called Ram Bagh. This garden is laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Only its architecturally unique ´Darshani Deori´ has remained intact. A museum after the name of the Maharaja is set up here displaying oil paintings, miniatures, coins, and weapons relating to the Sikh period.
DURGIANA TEMPLE: Set within a serene sarovar the 16th century temple's gilded visage reminds you of the Darbar Sahib. It is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Within the complex devotees stop by at the Sheetla Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir.
Day 05
Amritsar - Dalhousie
By Road 191Kms/05hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Dalhousie. Reach and check into the hotel.
Located along the western side of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a very beautiful hill station to spend your holidays in. Built on and around five hills, the city was established by British rulers in the year 1854. It stands perched at a height of 6000-7000 feet above the sea level, adorned with natural beauty that is astounding. The place has many tourist attractions including churches made in British architecture. Apart from that it boasts of numerous excursions, nearby places that are worth seeing.
Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.
Overnight will be at Dalhousie.
Day 06
Dalhousie
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Khajjar: Located around 27 kilometers from Dalhousie, Khajjar is a major tourist attraction. The place is named after the twelfth-century, golden-vaulted temple of Khajinag. The place has picturesque lakes, magnificent meadow, and exotic architecture, which make it truly enchanting.
Gandhi Chowk and Subash Chowk: Both these spots are market places, full of attractions for shopping, with historical importance. Shops and restaurant situated near Gandhi Chowk show the lifestyle of Dalhousie. Similarly, Subhash Chowk houses Himachal Handloom Industry showrooms, where travelers shop for indigenous artifacts and products.
Subhash Baoli: Located around two kilometers away from Subhash squire in Dalhousie, the place offers a magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks in nearby surroundings. The place has historical importance, as it is linked with the famous freedom fighter ‘Subhash Chandra Bose’.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is full of versatile flora and fauna. Ghoral, Himalayan black bear and barking deer are some major creatures that can be glimpsed in the sanctuary. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary also offers good trekking & mountaineering opportunities to travelers, for further exploration of nature as well as adventure.
Dainkund: The playground of Beas, Ravi and Chenab rivers, Dainkund is beautifully located in sub-Himalayan range of mountains. It forms the largest slope in Dalhousie. The place offers panoramic overview to the travelers. A temple dedicated to some indigenous goddess is also there.
Overnight will be at Dalhousie.
Day 07
Dalhousie - Dharamshala
By Road 127Kms/04hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Dharamshala. Reach and check into the hotel.
Dharamsala was established in the year 1849, by British rulers, for the purpose of having a place where they escape from the scorching heat of Indian plains. Later on, the hill resort developed into big town and now is divided into two distinct parts – ‘Lower Dharamsala’ i.e. the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and ‘Upper Dharamsala’ i.e. places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. The place also serves as the residence of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is surrounded by some interesting and beautiful tourist attractions that make up its excursions. Read on to know about the places to see near Dharamsala.
With dramatic mountain ranges of Himachal Pradesh surrounding this place and spirituality in the air, Dharamsala is one place that a person must travel to at least once in his lifetime. Nowhere else in this world would get such a dramatic combination of spirituality and natural beauty. Tourists, locals, those in quest for answers, atheists and virtually every kind of person is found over here, mesmerized by the sheer simplicity of Dharamshala. The magnetism this place exudes is beyond comprehension and one can only surrender to this power.
Tourism in Dharamsala has caught up rapidly and this destination is counted as one of the most famous in India. There are a number of lodging facilities here along with tourist attractions. Dharamsala is divided into two parts: upper and lower Dharamsala. The upper part is known as Mcleodganj while the lower part is the main Dharamsala. Tall and dense pine trees with small streams flowing down from the nearby snowline make this place a favorite among people. Life goes on smoothly in this place even though it does not boast of the modern facilities of metro cities.
Overnight will be at Dharamshala.
Day 08
Dharamshala
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Bhagsunag Fall: Bhagsunag Fall is located 11 kilometers away from Dharamshala town and has an ancient temple, a fresh water spring, many waterfalls and numerous slate quarries. The place is reachable by road from McLeodganj. A dip in the chilly water of the fall gives an extraordinary experience.
Kangra Art Museum: This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
War Memorial: Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.
Dall Lake: Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. Situated 11-kms away from the town, this lake is easily approachable by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
St. John's Church: One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-km from Dharamshala on the way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Deodar branches, a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863.
Kunal Pathri: These are the rock temples from which the place derives its name. Kunal Pathri is a 3 Kms flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar
Overnight will be at Dharamshala.
Day 09
Dharamshala - Manali
By Road 235Kms/08hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Manali. Reach and check into the hotel.
Set in the picturesque Kullu Valley, Manali was originally known as 'Manu Alaya' or the abode of Manu. It is believed to be the spot where Manu first landed from his celestial boat, after the great floods and became the progenitor of human population. Manali is counted amongst the famous hill resorts and tourist destinations of India. Though it does not have Shimla's colonial architectural heritage, it offers fantastic views of River Beas and Solang Nala, which is covered with snow the year round.
Many treks and mountaineering expeditions converge at Manali, especially those that venture into Solang Valley and the valley of Lahaul and Spiti. The hill station is also the starting point of the trans-Himalayan journey in the cold desert of Ladakh. The tourism industry of Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate. Now, it is rapidly becoming a popular base camp for trekkers and gallant mountaineers. People come here in summers, to escape the heat of the plains.
Manali lies at the intersection of the main trade route from Himachal to Ladakh, which passes through Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass. Other transport routes of the region, such as the ones that lead to Spiti, Rupshu and Tibet, also pass through the hill resort. Its beautiful alpine meadows, deodar and pine forests and fruit orchards and high peaks always remain snowbound and present a picture-perfect setting for the visitors who travel to this part of Himachal Pradesh.
Overnight will be at Manali.
Day 10
Manali
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Rohtang Pass: Located 51 Kilometers from the town of Manali, Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. Army’s permission is required to go through this path, which remains open from the months of June to September and promises to treat tourists with breath taking views. Sports activities like skiing are also organized here.
Naggar: Naggar, an extremely pleasant village, is located at an hour’s drive from the main city of Manali.
Manu Temple: Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at a distance of three kilometers from the main market. The temple is dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti.
Hadimba Devi Temple: Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhim, one of the five Pandava brothers in the Indian epic Mahabharata. As the legend goes, Bhim married Hadimba and they had a son.
Overnight will be at Manali.
Day 11
Manali - Shimla
By Road 260Kms/08hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Shimla. Reach and check into the hotel.
Shimla – the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, Shimla is the state’s most important centre. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. Shimla has spread along the seven hills around its original home on a ridge, with little regard for aesthetic or eco-friendly development. It no longer offers visitors the gentle flavors of the Raj era. But those who love Shimla, warts and all, can still find favored haunts that are not touched with the noisy exploits of the Mall crowd which seems to descend on the hill town year round now.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Day 12
Shimla
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Explore the scenic places around Shimla
The Mall - It's the heartbeat of the hill town, love it or hate it you will still end up strolling down this notified 'Heritage Zone' of Shimla. Many of its colonial buildings may be replaced with high rise residential blocks and hotels and numerous restaurants along the way, but you'll still discover some of the old favorite’s here-Baljees, Diwan Chand, the Chinese shoemakers. And there's the tiny Gaiety Theatre, still in use. Rudyard Kipling, Amrita Shergill, Prithivraj Kapoor are just a few of the luminaries associated with the theatrics enacted here over time.
Lakkar Bazaar, is a popular hangout for the holiday crowd, as there are pony rides on offer and woodcraft to take home as souvenirs. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, where the Maharaja of Patiala is said to have run off with a memsahib, causing a great 'scandal' amongst the British community. It is a large open square, packed with visitors now enjoying the views. Above the Rivoli Bus Stand you'll find the open air ice skating rink, which is thronged with visitors braving the winter chill from November to January.
Viceregal Lodge represented the negotiating grounds for the end of British rule and the partition of India. Set upon the green environs of Observatory Hill, it was from this lavish setting that the Raj ruled India in summers. It is now the home of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Visitors are permitted to see the first floor which has a small museum and a main hall.
Himachal State Museum; A short walk up Inevram Hill close to the Viceregal Lodge the museum has a fine collection Pahari miniatures, manuscripts, local handicrafts, textiles, stone sculpture, and embroidery.
Bazaar: The Chotta Shimla bazaar is awash with fruit sellers, small eateries and Tibetans's hawking sweaters shawls and sundry souvenir items.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Day 13
Shimla
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Mashobra (14 km): Mashobra's serene environs is perfect for walks or a comfortable drive to the lovely green glen of Craignano. The Raj serial, Jewel in the Crown was filmed by the Merchant-Ivory film company at Sunderban owned by Sir Sobha Singh's son General Gurbax Singh.
Naldehra, a short drive away has a lovely golf course and you can play a game if you get a free slot, for a nominal green fee. The walks around the golf course are not too steep and can be quite pleasant for all age groups.
Jakhoo Hill: It's a hard hike up to Shimla's highest point. Be wary of the hordes of monkeys that periodically waylay unsuspecting visitors wending their way to the Jakhoo Temple. It is dedicated, appropriately to Lord Hanuman. Enjoy some fine views from this lofty perch. Christ Church, Shimla's most famous landmark is located here. It has some beautiful stained glass windows. From Elysium Hill, located behind Jakhoo Hill, you get great views of the Shimla hills and the hill town.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Day 14
Shimla - Chandigarh
By Road 117Kms/04hrs
After breakfast drive to Chandigarh. Reach and check into the hotel.
Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. However, unlike most of the other places, the city is famous for the modern architectures and the exotic landscape, rather than the ancient historical monuments. Be it the magnificent Capitol Complex or the unique Rock Garden, the tourist attractions of Chandigarh are quite unusual in their very nature.
Relax and then proceed for the sightseeing.
Rock Garden: Rock Garden is a unique attraction as Chandigarh, in its being a magnificent gallery of artistic works made out of industrial and urban wastes. The raw materials have been molded to form lively images of animals, human beings, trees, etc. Founded by Nek Chand, a government official, in 1957, the garden preserves a special collection of artistry found nowhere else in the world.
Sukhna Lake: Sukhna Lake is a popular artificial lake in Chandigarh, made at the foothills of the Shivalik hills. It was created by Le Corbusier, in the year 1958. It is an ideal place for exercises like walking, jogging, strolling and even organizing picnics. The lake is rich in natural beauty and serves as the shelter for several migratory birds as well.
Capitol Complex: Capitol Complex is Le Corbsier’s most spectacular work in the Chandigarh city. He had conceived the master plan of Chandigarh as analogous to the parts of the human body, in which Capitol Complex was supposed to be the heart. It consists of three architectural Government buildings, High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly. In the middle stands The Open Hand, the official emblem of the city, signifying the city’s credo of “open to be given, open to receive”.
Leisure Valley: Le Corbusier planned lots of greenery in Chandigarh, by constructing a series of parks and gardens, collectively called the Leisure Valley. The valley consists of gardens extending from Sector 53 in the Southern edge to the Sector 1 in the North. Some of the gardens and parks are Rajendra Park, Bougainvillea Garden, Fitness Trails, Rose Garden, Children Traffic Park, Botanical Garden and Smriti Upavan & Topiary Park.
International Dolls Museum: International Dolls Museum is situated in Bal Bhawan, in Sector 23 of Chandigarh. It contains more than 300 dolls from nearly every country in the world. It was inaugurated on 24th December, 1985. The museum was established by Chandigarh administration, in alliance with Rotary Club of Chandigarh, for the purpose of entertaining the children. It is a must-visit if you’re visiting the city with your kids.
Government Museum and Art Gallery: Government Museum & Art Gallery is located in Sector 10 of Chandigarh and has a fine collection of stone sculptures belonging to the Gandhara School of Art. It also displays fossils and artifacts belonging to the prehistoric times and works of modern art and miniature paintings. This square building (165 feet by 165 feet) is a splendid display of architecture by none another than Le Corbusier himself.
Chandi Mandir: Chandi Mandir is a temple located in the northern border of the city. Devoted to the Mother Goddess of power, Chandi, it is considered as one of the twelve Shakti Peethas for Hindus. The name Chandigarh is derived from this shrine only. There is an aura surrounded to this temple and if you are in search of divinity and tranquility, there is no better place for you than this temple. It is also one of the oldest temples of the area, claimed by many to date back to era of Mahabharata.
Overnight will be at Chandigarh.
Day 15
Chandigarh – Delhi - Departure
By Deluxe Train
Proceed to the railway station to board train for Delhi. Reach Delhi and check into the hotel.
Relax for the day and enjoy last minute shopping.
As per your INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TIMINGS you’ll be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home with sweet memories of TOUR
...........................................................................TOUR ENDS...........................................................................
INCLUSIONS:
Delhi Arrival
COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer to your hotel.
DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. It is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land. A window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 02
Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day sightseeing tour of the city.
The city is dotted with historic monuments that are the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. Apart from the monuments, there are museums, markets, gardens and eating joints that you can visit on your tour of Delhi. Some of the important sightseeing places in Delhi are given below.
INDIA GATE: It is the war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers, who died during World War I. The name of many soldiers who died during World War I is inscribed on its wall. Edward Lutyens, the man who planned and built New Delhi, designed India Gate. Almost every foreign tourist visits the monument. 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the eternal flame is added later. The eternal flame runs on gas and is a tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the service of the nation.
RED FORT: Located in Old Delhi, the Red Fort or Lal Quila is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi. The fort was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, when he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. The construction of the Fort started in 1638 and it was completed 10 years later in 1648. Some of the important spots inside the Red Fort include royal baths or Shahi hamams, Shahi Burj, Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas.
JAMA MASJID: The largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan 1656 AD. About 5,000 laborers and craftsmen worked for six years to complete the monument. The mosque can accommodate about 25,000 people. The mosque is located in the old Delhi. The domes are built in white marble. The prayer hall of the mosque has 260 pillars.
OLD FORT: Old Fort or Purana Quila as it is called is located near Pragati Maidan on the Mathura Road. You can club a visit to the Old Fort with your tour of Red Fort and Jama Masjid as the three monuments are located in Old Delhi and are not too far from one another. Humanyun’s started the construction of the fort in 1533 AD, but before the completion of the fort, Sher Shah Suri defeated him and captured Delhi. Sher Shah Suri completed the fort and named it -Shergah. He added many structures to the fort, of which Qila-I-Kuhna Mosque and Sher Mandal are worth mentioning. In 1555, Humanyun’s re-captured Delhi and converted Sher Mandal into a library.
HUMANYUN’S TOMB: Humanyun’s Tomb is mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humanyun’s. Bega Begum also known as Haji Begum, wife of Humayun constructed the mausoleum for her husband. The tomb was built between 1562 and 1572 AD. The tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyuth.
QUTAB MINAR: The construction of the Qutab Minar was stated by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD but he died before completing it. His son-in-law and successor Iltutmish completed the construction of the building. Qutab Minar is located in Meharauli.
LOTUS TEMPLE: Also known as the Bahai Temple, the monument was opened to public only in 1986. Located near Nehru Place, the Lotus Temple is designed like a lotus flower. If you are looking for some moments of peace and tranquility in the crowded city, Lotus Temple is the ideal place to visit.
Apart from the above-mentioned sightseeing options, there are various other tourist attractions that you can visit on your tour of Delhi. Some other sightseeing places in Delhi include Lodi Gardens, National Museum, Jantar Mantar, Dilli Haat and the Garden of Five Senses.
Overnight will be at Delhi.
Day 03
Delhi – Amritsar
By Deluxe Train
Early morning you will be transferred to the railway station to board train for Amritsar. Reach and check into the hotel.
Popularly believed to have been laid in 1574, the city of Amritsar is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in India due to the existence of several religious sites. It actually offers a host sightseeing options that are considered as some of the best tourist attractions in Amritsar.
Located in the North West region of India, the most striking feature about Amritsar is its antiquity. In Hindi the word Amritsar means 'a Holy pool of nectar' and it was back in the year 1573 that work for digging the Holy pool had begun. One of the ancient cities of India, the most important fact about Amritsar is that it is the main seat of Sikh history and culture. The city itself was founded by the Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, and till present times it is the spiritual and temporal center of Sikh culture with the Golden Temple in Amritsar as its nucleus.
Visit GOLDEN TEMPLE: Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Characterized by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe.
Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites of the Sikhs. The temple itself is topped by a golden dome contributed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who had the shrine rebuilt. It came to be called the Golden Temple after this. Located in the heart of the atmospheric old quarter it can be easily reached via the shopping area of Hall Bazaar. Devotees wash their hands and feet, and cover their heads while entering the temple complex via Darshini Darwaza. They then do the 'parikrama' or the round of the smaller homage sites surrounding of the temple. The parikrama is a wide marbled passageway that encircles the sarovar.
Hall Gate is a great place to stock up on Pakistani jootis as is the Mochi Bazaar. Punjab is the heart of the 'jadau' jewellery business so if you're into traditional Indian jewellery check out Guru Bazaar. Textiles was big business in this city (try the shops at Katra Jaimal Singh near Hall Bazaar) and it continues to be a major centre for woollens and blankets; check the shops at Shastri Market. And for the famous pappad - vadis of Amritsar look no further than the Majith Mandi.
Overnight will be at Amritsar.
Amritsar
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit the INDIA PAKISTAN BORDER for a dress parade. (GATE OPENING CEREMONY)
WAGAH BORDER: One of the many nearby places to visit from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Located on the Indo-Pakistan border, Wagah is 28 kilometers from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to see the change of guard’s ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you cannot afford to miss.
JALIANWALA BAGH: A historical monument that tells the sad story of mass killing during the independence movement in India, Jalianwallah Bagh is another must visit in Amritsar. Here lies the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 massacre by British General Dyer. Presently the place also has a park. The Martyr’s Gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summers and from 10 am to 4 pm during winters.
SUMMER PALACE OF MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH: Is situated in the middle of a beautiful garden called Ram Bagh. This garden is laid out on the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Only its architecturally unique ´Darshani Deori´ has remained intact. A museum after the name of the Maharaja is set up here displaying oil paintings, miniatures, coins, and weapons relating to the Sikh period.
DURGIANA TEMPLE: Set within a serene sarovar the 16th century temple's gilded visage reminds you of the Darbar Sahib. It is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Within the complex devotees stop by at the Sheetla Mata Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and the Hanuman Mandir.
Food is the next best way to get under the skin of the city, especially its street offerings, cheap and tasty; they will spoil your taste buds thoroughly. On Maqbool Road line up for the legendary kulcha channa of All India Fame Amritsar Special Kulcha. Get there well before noon. For a full veg meal head for Bharawan Da Dhaba, close to the Golden Temple and order their legendary thalis. If non-veg are your thing it has to be Amritsari Macchi at Katra Sher Singh. For grilled chicken it's the famous Surjit Chicken House, just off Lawrence Road. Brijwasi Bhandar on Cooper Road has the best chaat in town. Wrap up your meal with the rich pinnis of Kanhaiya Lal. Else head for Katra Alluwalia for its yummy jalebis. The Guru Ka Langar at the Golden Temple serves simple but great home-cooked style veg meals.
Overnight will be at Amritsar.
Day 05
Amritsar - Dalhousie
By Road 191Kms/05hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Dalhousie. Reach and check into the hotel.
Located along the western side of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a very beautiful hill station to spend your holidays in. Built on and around five hills, the city was established by British rulers in the year 1854. It stands perched at a height of 6000-7000 feet above the sea level, adorned with natural beauty that is astounding. The place has many tourist attractions including churches made in British architecture. Apart from that it boasts of numerous excursions, nearby places that are worth seeing.
Dalhousie is a quiet town, with a sense of enchantment. This hill station spreads over five low-level hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range, just east of the Ravi River. The picturesque town is interspersed with the colonial-era buildings, low roofed stalls and hotels. The pine-covered slopes around it are intersected with paths and treks, which are ideal for short undemanding walks.
Overnight will be at Dalhousie.
Day 06
Dalhousie
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Khajjar: Located around 27 kilometers from Dalhousie, Khajjar is a major tourist attraction. The place is named after the twelfth-century, golden-vaulted temple of Khajinag. The place has picturesque lakes, magnificent meadow, and exotic architecture, which make it truly enchanting.
Gandhi Chowk and Subash Chowk: Both these spots are market places, full of attractions for shopping, with historical importance. Shops and restaurant situated near Gandhi Chowk show the lifestyle of Dalhousie. Similarly, Subhash Chowk houses Himachal Handloom Industry showrooms, where travelers shop for indigenous artifacts and products.
Subhash Baoli: Located around two kilometers away from Subhash squire in Dalhousie, the place offers a magnificent view of the snowcapped peaks in nearby surroundings. The place has historical importance, as it is linked with the famous freedom fighter ‘Subhash Chandra Bose’.
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is full of versatile flora and fauna. Ghoral, Himalayan black bear and barking deer are some major creatures that can be glimpsed in the sanctuary. Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary also offers good trekking & mountaineering opportunities to travelers, for further exploration of nature as well as adventure.
Dainkund: The playground of Beas, Ravi and Chenab rivers, Dainkund is beautifully located in sub-Himalayan range of mountains. It forms the largest slope in Dalhousie. The place offers panoramic overview to the travelers. A temple dedicated to some indigenous goddess is also there.
Overnight will be at Dalhousie.
Day 07
Dalhousie - Dharamshala
By Road 127Kms/04hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Dharamshala. Reach and check into the hotel.
Dharamsala was established in the year 1849, by British rulers, for the purpose of having a place where they escape from the scorching heat of Indian plains. Later on, the hill resort developed into big town and now is divided into two distinct parts – ‘Lower Dharamsala’ i.e. the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and ‘Upper Dharamsala’ i.e. places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. The place also serves as the residence of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is surrounded by some interesting and beautiful tourist attractions that make up its excursions. Read on to know about the places to see near Dharamsala.
With dramatic mountain ranges of Himachal Pradesh surrounding this place and spirituality in the air, Dharamsala is one place that a person must travel to at least once in his lifetime. Nowhere else in this world would get such a dramatic combination of spirituality and natural beauty. Tourists, locals, those in quest for answers, atheists and virtually every kind of person is found over here, mesmerized by the sheer simplicity of Dharamshala. The magnetism this place exudes is beyond comprehension and one can only surrender to this power.
Tourism in Dharamsala has caught up rapidly and this destination is counted as one of the most famous in India. There are a number of lodging facilities here along with tourist attractions. Dharamsala is divided into two parts: upper and lower Dharamsala. The upper part is known as Mcleodganj while the lower part is the main Dharamsala. Tall and dense pine trees with small streams flowing down from the nearby snowline make this place a favorite among people. Life goes on smoothly in this place even though it does not boast of the modern facilities of metro cities.
Overnight will be at Dharamshala.
Dharamshala
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Bhagsunag Fall: Bhagsunag Fall is located 11 kilometers away from Dharamshala town and has an ancient temple, a fresh water spring, many waterfalls and numerous slate quarries. The place is reachable by road from McLeodganj. A dip in the chilly water of the fall gives an extraordinary experience.
Kangra Art Museum: This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
War Memorial: Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.
Dall Lake: Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. Situated 11-kms away from the town, this lake is easily approachable by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
St. John's Church: One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-km from Dharamshala on the way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Deodar branches, a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863.
Kunal Pathri: These are the rock temples from which the place derives its name. Kunal Pathri is a 3 Kms flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar
Overnight will be at Dharamshala.
Day 09
Dharamshala - Manali
By Road 235Kms/08hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Manali. Reach and check into the hotel.
Set in the picturesque Kullu Valley, Manali was originally known as 'Manu Alaya' or the abode of Manu. It is believed to be the spot where Manu first landed from his celestial boat, after the great floods and became the progenitor of human population. Manali is counted amongst the famous hill resorts and tourist destinations of India. Though it does not have Shimla's colonial architectural heritage, it offers fantastic views of River Beas and Solang Nala, which is covered with snow the year round.
Many treks and mountaineering expeditions converge at Manali, especially those that venture into Solang Valley and the valley of Lahaul and Spiti. The hill station is also the starting point of the trans-Himalayan journey in the cold desert of Ladakh. The tourism industry of Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate. Now, it is rapidly becoming a popular base camp for trekkers and gallant mountaineers. People come here in summers, to escape the heat of the plains.
Manali lies at the intersection of the main trade route from Himachal to Ladakh, which passes through Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass. Other transport routes of the region, such as the ones that lead to Spiti, Rupshu and Tibet, also pass through the hill resort. Its beautiful alpine meadows, deodar and pine forests and fruit orchards and high peaks always remain snowbound and present a picture-perfect setting for the visitors who travel to this part of Himachal Pradesh.
Overnight will be at Manali.
Day 10
Manali
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Rohtang Pass: Located 51 Kilometers from the town of Manali, Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. Army’s permission is required to go through this path, which remains open from the months of June to September and promises to treat tourists with breath taking views. Sports activities like skiing are also organized here.
Naggar: Naggar, an extremely pleasant village, is located at an hour’s drive from the main city of Manali.
Manu Temple: Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at a distance of three kilometers from the main market. The temple is dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti.
Hadimba Devi Temple: Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhim, one of the five Pandava brothers in the Indian epic Mahabharata. As the legend goes, Bhim married Hadimba and they had a son.
Overnight will be at Manali.
Day 11
Manali - Shimla
By Road 260Kms/08hrs
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Proceed to Shimla. Reach and check into the hotel.
Shimla – the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of British India, Shimla is the state’s most important centre. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, Shimla retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. Shimla has spread along the seven hills around its original home on a ridge, with little regard for aesthetic or eco-friendly development. It no longer offers visitors the gentle flavors of the Raj era. But those who love Shimla, warts and all, can still find favored haunts that are not touched with the noisy exploits of the Mall crowd which seems to descend on the hill town year round now.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Shimla
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Explore the scenic places around Shimla
The Mall - It's the heartbeat of the hill town, love it or hate it you will still end up strolling down this notified 'Heritage Zone' of Shimla. Many of its colonial buildings may be replaced with high rise residential blocks and hotels and numerous restaurants along the way, but you'll still discover some of the old favorite’s here-Baljees, Diwan Chand, the Chinese shoemakers. And there's the tiny Gaiety Theatre, still in use. Rudyard Kipling, Amrita Shergill, Prithivraj Kapoor are just a few of the luminaries associated with the theatrics enacted here over time.
Lakkar Bazaar, is a popular hangout for the holiday crowd, as there are pony rides on offer and woodcraft to take home as souvenirs. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, where the Maharaja of Patiala is said to have run off with a memsahib, causing a great 'scandal' amongst the British community. It is a large open square, packed with visitors now enjoying the views. Above the Rivoli Bus Stand you'll find the open air ice skating rink, which is thronged with visitors braving the winter chill from November to January.
Viceregal Lodge represented the negotiating grounds for the end of British rule and the partition of India. Set upon the green environs of Observatory Hill, it was from this lavish setting that the Raj ruled India in summers. It is now the home of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Visitors are permitted to see the first floor which has a small museum and a main hall.
Himachal State Museum; A short walk up Inevram Hill close to the Viceregal Lodge the museum has a fine collection Pahari miniatures, manuscripts, local handicrafts, textiles, stone sculpture, and embroidery.
Bazaar: The Chotta Shimla bazaar is awash with fruit sellers, small eateries and Tibetans's hawking sweaters shawls and sundry souvenir items.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Day 13
Shimla
After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing.
Mashobra (14 km): Mashobra's serene environs is perfect for walks or a comfortable drive to the lovely green glen of Craignano. The Raj serial, Jewel in the Crown was filmed by the Merchant-Ivory film company at Sunderban owned by Sir Sobha Singh's son General Gurbax Singh.
Naldehra, a short drive away has a lovely golf course and you can play a game if you get a free slot, for a nominal green fee. The walks around the golf course are not too steep and can be quite pleasant for all age groups.
Jakhoo Hill: It's a hard hike up to Shimla's highest point. Be wary of the hordes of monkeys that periodically waylay unsuspecting visitors wending their way to the Jakhoo Temple. It is dedicated, appropriately to Lord Hanuman. Enjoy some fine views from this lofty perch. Christ Church, Shimla's most famous landmark is located here. It has some beautiful stained glass windows. From Elysium Hill, located behind Jakhoo Hill, you get great views of the Shimla hills and the hill town.
Overnight will be at Shimla.
Day 14
Shimla - Chandigarh
By Road 117Kms/04hrs
After breakfast drive to Chandigarh. Reach and check into the hotel.
Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. However, unlike most of the other places, the city is famous for the modern architectures and the exotic landscape, rather than the ancient historical monuments. Be it the magnificent Capitol Complex or the unique Rock Garden, the tourist attractions of Chandigarh are quite unusual in their very nature.
Relax and then proceed for the sightseeing.
Rock Garden: Rock Garden is a unique attraction as Chandigarh, in its being a magnificent gallery of artistic works made out of industrial and urban wastes. The raw materials have been molded to form lively images of animals, human beings, trees, etc. Founded by Nek Chand, a government official, in 1957, the garden preserves a special collection of artistry found nowhere else in the world.
Sukhna Lake: Sukhna Lake is a popular artificial lake in Chandigarh, made at the foothills of the Shivalik hills. It was created by Le Corbusier, in the year 1958. It is an ideal place for exercises like walking, jogging, strolling and even organizing picnics. The lake is rich in natural beauty and serves as the shelter for several migratory birds as well.
Capitol Complex: Capitol Complex is Le Corbsier’s most spectacular work in the Chandigarh city. He had conceived the master plan of Chandigarh as analogous to the parts of the human body, in which Capitol Complex was supposed to be the heart. It consists of three architectural Government buildings, High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly. In the middle stands The Open Hand, the official emblem of the city, signifying the city’s credo of “open to be given, open to receive”.
International Dolls Museum: International Dolls Museum is situated in Bal Bhawan, in Sector 23 of Chandigarh. It contains more than 300 dolls from nearly every country in the world. It was inaugurated on 24th December, 1985. The museum was established by Chandigarh administration, in alliance with Rotary Club of Chandigarh, for the purpose of entertaining the children. It is a must-visit if you’re visiting the city with your kids.
Government Museum and Art Gallery: Government Museum & Art Gallery is located in Sector 10 of Chandigarh and has a fine collection of stone sculptures belonging to the Gandhara School of Art. It also displays fossils and artifacts belonging to the prehistoric times and works of modern art and miniature paintings. This square building (165 feet by 165 feet) is a splendid display of architecture by none another than Le Corbusier himself.
Chandi Mandir: Chandi Mandir is a temple located in the northern border of the city. Devoted to the Mother Goddess of power, Chandi, it is considered as one of the twelve Shakti Peethas for Hindus. The name Chandigarh is derived from this shrine only. There is an aura surrounded to this temple and if you are in search of divinity and tranquility, there is no better place for you than this temple. It is also one of the oldest temples of the area, claimed by many to date back to era of Mahabharata.
Overnight will be at Chandigarh.
Day 15
Chandigarh – Delhi - Departure
By Deluxe Train
Proceed to the railway station to board train for Delhi. Reach Delhi and check into the hotel.
Relax for the day and enjoy last minute shopping.
As per your INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT TIMINGS you’ll be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home with sweet memories of TOUR
...........................................................................TOUR ENDS...........................................................................
INCLUSIONS:
- ACCOMODATION AT SUGGESTED HOTELS,
- DAILY BUFFET BREAKFASTS,
- AC VEHICLE WITH THE DRIVER FOR ALL TRANSFERS & SIGHTSEEING AS PER THE ITINERARY,
- MEET AND ASSIST AT THE AIRPORT/STATION ON ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE,
- ENGLISH SPEAKING LOCAL GUIDES AT PPLICABLE PLACES
- RICKSHAW RIDE IN DELHI,
- TRAINFARE IN AC CHAIR CAR FROM DELHI – AMRITSAR / CHANDIGARH – DELHI,
- TOLL TAXES, DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING, AND
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
- BOAT RIDE AT RIVER GANGES IN VARANASI,
- SARNATH EXCURSION,
- EVENING AARTI CEREMONY IN VARANASI,
- TRAINFARE IN AC CHAIR CAR FROM DELHI – AGRA / LUCKNOW – DELHI,
- TRAINFARE IN AC2 FROM AGRA – VARANASI,
- TOLL TAXES, DRIVER ALLOWANCE, PARKING, AND
- ALL APPLICABLE TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES.
- LUNCHES & DINNERS,
- MONUMENT ENTRANCES,
- CAMERA CHARGES AT THE MONUMENTS,
- PORTER CHARGES,
- TIPS &
- PERSONAL EXPENSES.
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Copyright © Mesmerizing india. All rights reserved.