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Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
Arriving Delhi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the
airport, you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your
name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to your hotel and assistance for
check-in will be provided. After check-in overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi -
Haridwar
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Haridwar
- The city of holy Ganges, Haridwar is lies on the foothills of the
Himalayas, is the point from where the legendary Ganges reaches the plains.
Haridwar is an ancient revered pilgrimage site for centuries. It is the gateway
to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Several temples
and ashrams dot this sacred town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into
the abode of God. Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been
blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the
major Shaktipeeths. On arrival check-in into hotel. After
check-in overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 03 - Haridwar -
Rishikesh - Haridwar
After an early breakfast you will see Har Ki Pauri -
This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that this ghat
was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is
also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat.
It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Mansa Devi - This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa
Parvat. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal
trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of
Haridwar. Chandi Devi - This temple is on the top of a hill
called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple
was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is
a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
In the afternoon half day tour
of Rishikesh. You will see Lakshman Jhula - This is the major
attraction of Rishikesh. It was built in 1939. Newly built, Ram Jhula is another
suspension iron bridge is suspended between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.
Gita Bhavan - Recently constructed, Gita Bhawan, situated just
across the Lakshman Jhula, boasts of its impressive paintings and statues from
the Hindu mythology. Swarga Ashram This places is dotted by numerous temples. It
also has many eating joints and shops in its surroundings. The amazing statues
in the area overwhelms the tourists. Neelkanth Mahadeo -
Located 12 km from Rishikesh is Neelkantha Mahadeo, the place where Lord Shiva
drank the venom. Legends say that, in the ancient times when the ocean was being
churned for 'amrit' (nectar for immortality), first venom oozed out of the
ocean. Seeing this, on course of saving the world from the venom, Lord Shiva
drank the venom at this place, now called Neelkanth Mahadeo. This beautiful
place is bounded by tranquil forests. Triveni Ghat - This
bathing ghat is thronged by thousands of pilgrims daily in the evening and
morning, who take bath here and attend the Maha Aarti being performed at the
Ghat.
In the evening attend
Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at 7 pm each night, is a spectacular
sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the
same instant. Hundreds throng to the ghats at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in
this festival. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately
following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature
lamps float along the river. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 04 - Haridwar - Shimla
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Shimla -
the popular summer capital of the British times is a proud capital city of the
state of Himachal Pradesh and it still retains the glory of its
historic splendours; racing, golf and cricket still prevail. While the must
visit shopping area in Shimla, the Mall is filled with elegant shops, splendid
hotels and bustling, cosmopolitan crowds that give the appearance of being on
perpetual holiday. On arrival check-in into hotel. Overnight at
hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 05 - Shimla - Kullu
- Manali
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and and drive to Kullu
- Blessed with an abundance of Natural beauty, the Kullu
Valley, Himachal's prized tourist destination, is rightly celebrated as the
valley of the Gods. Nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, it is
the cradle of the great River Beas. About 80km long, this lush valley extends
from the gorge at Aut to the Rohtang pass. it harbours forests, alpine meadows,
gurgling rivulets and orchards laden with fruit, and its Inhabitants are a
joyful and gentlepeople. Treat yourself to a glimpse of this Himalayan paradise.
Wander through the valley, succumb to its Magical charms and discover Himachal
at its best.
Later on continue drive to
Manali - Situated at the northern end of the kullu valley,
Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. Manali
literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological character who is
supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to
Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus
treat the temples over here as pilgrimage. On arrival check-in into hotel.
Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 06 - Manali
After breakfast full day excursion to nearby places. Visit
Hadimba or Dhungiri temple which is one of the most important temples
in the region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a
forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. Winding paths through forests and glades
of whispering Deodars form the setting for the majestic wooden temple of Hidimba
Devi in Manali. The motorable road is shaded by Chestnuts, Chinars and tall
deciduous Deodars. This forested backdrop enthral one’s spirit and refresh one’s
mind all along the uphill path.
In the afternoon visit
Vashist Springs - At about half an hour’s brisk walking distance from
town, there are sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the
mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful
view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all
kinds of ailments out of their systems.Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 07 - Manali -
Dharamshala
After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to
Dharamsala which is the main hill station in the Kangra Valley - a
fertile, undulating valley, lying between the gentle Shivalik Hills and the
foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars - a valley noted for the beauty of its
scenery - lush terraces, wooded hills, manicured tea gardens and sparkling
streams. The Dhauladhars, "the white mountains" that rise 4,000 m above the
valley floor, provide a dramatic backdrop. On arrival check-in into hotel. Rest
of the day free to relax at your hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 08 - Dharamshala
After breakfast visit Macleodganj which is a charming Tibetan
settlement with bustling bazaars that sell carpets, handicrafts and delicious
Tibetan food. A giant prayer wheel ornaments a main street and in the monastery,
a serene statue of the Lord Buddha presides over the gentle chanting of the
monks. The Dalai Lama resides in Macleodganj, which is now a major centre of
Tibetan culture. It has the School of Tibetan Studies with rare manuscripts and
ancient texts, the Tibetan Institute for the performing Arts and a handicrafts
centre. Rest of the day free to relax at your hotel. Car and driver will be at
your disposal. You can explore nearby places. Overnight at hotel.
(Breakfast)
Day 09 - Dharamshala -
Amritsar
After an early breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to
Amritsar. On arrival check-in into hotel. In the afternoon an excursion
to visit 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 kilometres from the Amritsar main town. In the late evening come back to
hotel. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast)
Day 10 - Amritsar -
Delhi
2030 Shababdi Exp. Amritsar (ASR) 1700 Hrs New Delhi (NDLS) 2250 Hrs
After breakfast visit The Golden Temple - A symbol of
the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world, the Golden
temple is the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. The temple was gilded
with 165 kg of gold by the Great Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, hence the
name Golden Temple. Another remarkable feature of this holy shrine is the
presence of its four entrance doors (deoris) in all four directions, which is a
symbol of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance which is characteristic of the
Sikh faith. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank,
flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements make it breathtakingly
beautiful.
Also visit Ram Bagh
which is a beautiful garden with the summer Palace of Maharana Ranjit
Singh in its centre. To commemorate the memory of his heroism Ram Bagh on its
one end has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse in a
winsome stance. The garden was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru
Ram Das, the founder of the city of Amritsar.
In the late afternoon in time
transfer to railway station to catch SHATABDI EXPRESS train to New Delhi. On
arrival you will be met by our representative, holding a play card with your
name on it at the exit. Arrival transfer to hotel. After
check-in overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Delhi
(Departure)
After breakfast full day city tour of Delhi which is
India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal
dynasties as well as the British ruled. Old & New Delhi present a stunning
juxtaposition of sights and sounds with the ancient city built by Emperor Shah
Jahan the builder of the famous Taj Mahal, and the new garden city built in 1911
by the British.
First of all visit
India Gate which is a famous war memorial at the east end of Rajpath.
Edward Lutyens designed this 42 m high gate structure in memory of the thousands
of Indians who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Today, an eternal flame is
lit under the gate known as Amar Jawan Jyoti, to honor the unknown soldiers and
the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971.
Also visit Rajghat (the cremation site of
Mahatma Gandhi ). Later on visit Lotus Temple(Bahai Temple)
which is the newest most extravagant architectural wonder of the Bahai faith,
located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. The temple in white is shaped like a half
opened lotus flower. Made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand, the Lotus Temple
is a marvel of 20th century architecture. The lotus shaped temple in a modern
and contemporary form captivates into its sanctum sanctorum people from all
races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents
the Bahai faith, - an independent world religion; divine in origin, all
embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian
in its principles, and dynamic in the influence.
In the afternoon visit
Qutab Minar which is 72.5 m in height and has a mosque at the base. It
is a magnificent structure whose construction started in 1199 by a Muslim King
Qutab-ud-din Aibak (after whom it was named) and was finished by his heir
IItutmish. There is an iron pillar standing proudly in front of it since 5th
century and has not rusted till yet! It is said that if one hugs this Iron
Pillar of Mehrauli and wish for something, it is granted. Later
on drive past President's House, Parliament House &
Secretariat Building. Car and driver will be at your disposal until
departure transfer to International Airport to catch flight back to home.
(Breakfast)
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