Arrive Amritsar by international flight. Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel for 02 nights.
In the night visit, Golden Temple to see Palki Ceremony at Golden Temple
There is a continuous singing of Gurbani Kirtan (hymns) at Sri Harimandir Sahib from the opening of its portals (doors) to their closing. Some minor changes are effected in the summer and winter months. After the departure of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib to The Akal Takhat Sahib, the devotees, accompanied by the Gurdwara staff, clean the Sri Harimandir Sahib for one hour. During this process these devotees sing the Gurbani Kirtan in melodious and devotional tones. After purifying the precincts, the rugs are spread, on which the Peera Sahib (a small cot) is placed to install the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the early morning. At the completion of the Ardas (Sikh Prayer), Karah Prasad (holy offering) is distributed among the devotees.
Overnight at the hotel.
Morning visit Golden Temple: 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. 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. Amritsar has gained tremendous popularity for its gourmet traditions; especially the dhabas (roadside eatery) that churn out, amongst an inexhaustible list of delicacies, irresistible kulchas, chola-bhaturas, tandoori chicken and fried fish, for a foodie a plate of chola-kulchas is an irresistible temptation. Also visit the historic Jalianwala Bagh where in April 1919 Colonel Dyer & his troops opened fire on the non-violent protesters.
Afternoon excursion to Wagah border village situated in Lahore District, Punjab, Pakistan and serves as a goods transit terminal and a railway station between Pakistan and India, and lies on the old Grand Trunk Road between Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and Amritsar, India. It is particularly known for the elaborate Wagah border ceremony that happens at the border gate, two hours before sunset each day. The Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force conduct the flag ceremony.
Today morning leave Amritsar for Dhramashala. (210 kms & 5.30-6 hours) The hill station was established by the British between 1815 and 1847, but remained a minor town until H.H. Dalai Lama settled here after Chinese invasion of Tibet in October 1959.
Upon arrival check in at hotel.
McLeod Ganj (also spelt McLeodGanj or Mcleodganj) is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as “Little Lhasa” or “Dhasa” (a short form of Dharamshala used mainly by Tibetans) because of its large population of Tibetans. The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today morning drive to Tibetan Settlement in Mcleodganj. It is also seat of HH Dalai Lama. See the museum & the main Tibetan temple here.
Norbulingka Institute was founded near Dharamshala in 1988 for preserving Tibetan culture, literature and art. The institute is named after Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet. The institute primarily works towards carrying on Tibetan traditions and heritage by providing training, education and employment to Tibetans in the region. Norbulingka produces high quality art objects, clothing and home furnishings. The institute also has the two-storeyed ‘Seat of Happiness Temple’ (DedenTsuglakhang) set amidst the Japanese inspired Norbulingka gardens. It is especially known for its 1,173 murals
of Buddha, frescoes of all the Dalai Lamas and drawings from the life of the 14th Dalai Lama. You can take a free guided tour of the institute on any day except on Sunday. Those interested in studying the Tibetan arts can also enroll into short-term workshops here. Norbulingka’s art studios include Tibetan statue making, Thangka painting, screen-printing, applique and tailoring, woodcarving, wood painting, papermaking, and wood and metal craft.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today morning drive to Pragpur visiting Kangra Art Museum, Kangra Fort &Musroor Rock Cut Temple Complex. Approx. 3.30 hours drive from Dharamshala.
After sightseeing drive to Judges Court in Pragpur village.
Afternoon visit colourful market of Pragpur village situated in Kagra district of Himachal Pradesh. Lying in the shadows of Dhauladhar range, and developed about 3 centuries ago, the village of Pragpur along with the nearby village of Garli.
Overnight at the hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Shimla approx. 195 kms & 7 hrs drive. On arrival, check in at hotel Le Royal for 02 nights stay .
Rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today morning Heritage walk of Shimla visiting Observatory Hills is located the Viceregal Lodge. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, it was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin, was the venue for many important decisions, Viceregal Lodge now called Indian Institute of Advance Studies which changed
the fate of the sub-continent. It is quite befittingly the only building in Shimla that occupies a hill by itself. This rambling Scottish baronial edifice was designed by Henry Irvine, architect to the Public Works Department of the colonial government in India . The most prominent building on the Mall is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. The Christ Church is the most important landmark here and is photographed by tourists. The silhouette of this can be seen on the skyline for miles around. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844, but consecrated only after 1857. The clock was donated by Colonel Dumbleton in 1860, and the porch added in 1873. One of the most striking buildings of the British empire, Gorton Castle is a new-Gothic structure that had the famous Sir Swinton Jacob as its architect – the Rajasthan jaali work on its balconies obviously came from his forty-five years of experience as the executive engineer of the princely state of Jaipur, completed in 1904.
Afternoon visit the Jakhoo Hills. The highest point of the city is Jakhoo Hill Shimla that is covered with Alpine trees. At the top of the flat hill is the colourfulJakhoo Temple and the newly constructed Hanuman statue. Jakhoo Hill Shimla is a favourite escape for visitors wanting peace and calm from the city far below. The walk up to the hill takes approximately 30 minutes and follows a pleasant route, just beware of the criminal minded monkeys that are waiting to rob tourist of food and shiny objects!
Overnight at the hotel.
Today in time transfer to Shimla railway station to board the Shimla-Kalka Himalayan Queen toy train for Kalka. The historic & UNESCO listed Shimla-Kalka train journey was inaugurated by the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon in November 1903, covering the distance of 96 km from Kalka through the curving tracks, up to Shimla hills- the summer capital of colonial India. The toy train passes through 102 tunnels (originally 103), 969 bridges, 919 curves and 20 railway stations in its entire journey.
Shimla / Kalka Himalayan Queen 1035/1610 hours
From Kalka board train for New Delhi.
Kalka/New Delhi Shatabdi Express 1745/2155 hours
Meeting and assistance upon arrival at New Delhi railway station and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
In New Delhi explore the 16th Century Humayun’s Tomb built by Haji Begum, senior wife of Humanyun the 2nd Mughal Emperor. It is an early example of Mughal architecture in Delhi, a rose petal sandstone mausoleum. visit Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom;India Gate, the 42-metre-high, free-standing arch, designed by Lutyens, built in 1931, is dedicated to 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in World War I. The interesting Bangla Sahib Sikh temple which feeds thousands of people every day through its huge community kitchen. Drive past the President’s House, the official residence of president of India.
Evening street food & cultural walk of Old Delhi. One of the major draws of Delhi, among other things, is its vibrant and eclectic food scene. The average middle class urban Delhi resident has acquired a global palate and is familiar with a
range of cuisines from across the world. Yet, notwithstanding the profusion of European, Asian, American and Mediterranean food options, locals keep returning to Old Delhi aka ‘PuraniDilli’ for their fill of soul satisfying comfort street food. While tastes might veer towards the exotic, food cravings continue to be satisfied by good ‘ol street fare. Not surprisingly, old Delhi street food enjoys considerable branding, so even posh restaurants now claim to offer authentic old Delhi street food. But this food is best enjoyed in its original setting, in the noisy labyrinthine by lanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk where golden gurdwaras share space with historic mosques.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today morning drive to Agra. On arrival check in at the hotel for 01 night.
Afternoon visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Built in the 11th century, era marked by invasions and battles, this red stone-fortified castle was the site of the India Rebellion of 1857.
Sunset visit Taj Mahal which is living example of greatest love story ever told. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in wild extravagance, Mughal emperor Shahjehan built her this memorial. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this wealth of white marble and precious stone. (Taj Mahal remain closed every Friday)
Overnight at the hotel.
Today morning drive to Agra enroute sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri
Located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the
prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the ‘Ghost City’ including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.
On arrival check in at hotel . Overnight at the hotel.
Morning excursion to Amber fort with elephant joy ride. Amber is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort not only look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. Miniatures painted on the walls depict hunting and war scenes, apart from festivals. Precious stones and mirrors are embedded into the plaster. Inside the Jag Mandir is the famed Sheesh Mahal – a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. En route to Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds.
Overnight at the hotel.
In Jaipur city visit Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Also, take an interesting Cycle Rickshaw Ride in the crowded bazar of Old Jaipur town.
Evening visit Birla temple to see the Aarti ceremony. The small but lovely Birla temple is made of white marble and is perched on a small hillock overlooking the surrounding areas. The evening aarti here with the lamps and devotees chanting religious hymns creates a soothing & spiritual atmosphere.
Overnight at the hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi by surface , On arrival check in at hotel
Overnight at the hotel.
Today in time departure transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination