For Booking Call : +91 98718 08177
|
|
For Booking Call : +91 98718 08177
|
|
Home |
About Us |
Tour Packages |
Incentive Tours |
Plan My Trip |
Travel Tips |
Testimonial |
Contact Us |
Sitemap |
links
|
|
Home » North India Tours » Himachal with Golden Temple and Varanasi
Himachal with Golden Temple and VaranasiDuration : 14 Nights/15 Days Destinations : Delhi – Kalka - Shimla – Manali – Dharamshala – Amritsar – Agra – Varanasi – Delhi Day 1 : Arrive Delhi  Arrive Delhi by International flight in the evening. Delhi, the is acclaimed for being the cultural capital of India. The spectacular architecture of Delhi city is evident through its antique monuments. This city witnesses an interesting blend of diverse cultures (some even 5000 years old). Delhi has always had a mysterious eternity, the city having witnessed empires rise to glory and fall to ashes. The contemporary Delhi is a culmination of seven cities built by different emperors. Ruins of this ancient city are found even today and now converted to some major tourist attractions, which can be seen during city tours. You will be well received on your arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Traditional welcome upon your arrival at hotel with arti, tikka, garlanding & welcome drink. After check- in formality, you will check in to the room. Overnight in Delhi. Day 2 : Delhi Buffet Breakfast at hotel. Later, proceed for full day city tour of Old Delhi (in the morning) & New Delhi (in the afternoon). The city of Delhi can broadly be divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Delhi’s Muslim rulers notably the Mughals between 17th & 19th centuries. New Delhi on the other hand is referred to as the IMPERIAL city when the British decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911. 
The sightseeing of Old Delhi includes a visit to Jama Masjid which is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Red Fort, a 17th century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi, Rajghat, cremation site of father of Nation- Mahatma Gandhi) and rickshaw ride through the streets of Chandni Chawk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers.Sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Drive pass Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. Visitors are immediately struck by the tomb's resemblance to its more famous cousin - the Taj Mahal - with its four grand gateways, octagonal base-plan, soaring niche-shaped arches, lofty double domes and the symmetrical garden with its central canal. And finally Qutab Minar, one of Delhi’s most striking monuments, which is the world's tallest brick minaret with a height of 72.5 meters. Overnight in Delhi. Day 3 : Delhi/ Kalka/ Shimla - Train Early Breakfast at hotel. 
Later, transfer to railway station to board Shatabdi Express (07h40/ 11h45) to Kalka. Breakfast will be served on board by Indian Railways. You will be met upon your arrival at Kalka railway station and connect Toy Train (12h00/ 17h20) to Kalka.The best way to reach Shimla is to travel by Toy train from Kalka. The railway track is small in width between Kalka and Shimla and is known as meter gauge track opened by British Government in the year 1903. The distance of 96kms passes through 102 tunnels and 87 bridges. There are more than 20 stations in this railway system which still uses the old Neals Token Instrument system for track interlocking. It connects Kalka at an height of 656meter to Shimla at 2076meter from mean sea level. There are around 900 curves and sharpest curve is of 48 degree. The five hour journey is one of the best train journeys for tourist operated by Indian railway. This railway line was officially declared by UNESCO as world heritage site. Shimla is a captivating hill station and also the capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is also lovingly referred to as the “Queen of the Hill Stations” owing to its unparalleled natural beauty. The entire town of Shimla is replete with forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak and experiences pleasing summers and cold, snowy winters. Besides, it is also highly acclaimed for its buildings styled in tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture evocative of the colonial era. It was the most sought-after summer getaways and the summer capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India as well. You will be met upon your arrival at Shimla railway station and transfer to hotel. Arrive hotel and check in to your room. Overnight in Shimla. Day 4 : Shimla Buffet Breakfast at hotel. 
This morning, proceed for city tour of Shimla, visiting Indian Institute Of Advanced Studies, located in the Viceregal Lodge, it was constructed in the year 1888. The kind of architecture is English Renaissance with stonework of the walling in light blue limestone and the wrought stonework being done in sandstone in a stunning light gray shade. Sankat Mochan Temple, is located at Taradevi on the Kalka- Shimla National Highway and one of the most important temple visited not only by the devotees & pilgrims but also by the tourists of all age groups and Jakhu temple, is located at an altitude of 2455mtrs from sea leave and dedicated to Monkey God, Hanuman. It is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. Stop for a while at the beautiful stained-glass-windows of Christ Church, which was built in the 1850.In the evening, stroll around Mall road, which is a key shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, tourist offices and most of town’s highlights. The place becomes breathtakingly romantic in the evening offering wonderful views of the lit up city. Overnight in Shimla. Day 5 : Shimla/ Manali (260Kms & 6-7hrs drive) Buffet Breakfast at hotel. 
Later, drive towards Manali through captivating peaks and valleys. On the way visit Kullu valley.Manali is a beautiful hill station situated at a height of 2050mts (6398 ft) in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas River with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday and known as the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Arrive Manali in the evening and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Manali. Day 6 : Manali Buffet Breakfast at hotel. Later, proceed to visit the snow point- Gulaba or Marhi, from where the majesty of the mountains and the glaciers can be seen at their best. You have couple of hours to enjoy this snowy heaven. You can even participate in snowbound activities. Take a sledge ride down the slopes, try your luck climbing the little snow hills. 
After enjoying the beauty of year round snow capped mountains, drive down to Solang valley, which offers a breathtaking view of glaciers and snow capped mountains & peaks. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The sports most commonly offered are paragliding, zorbing, horse riding and Lift to Phathru peak to view Pir Panajal ranges. You can even participate in these activities. Later, proceed for horse riding up to Anjani Mahadev waterfall and come back. Later in the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Manali, visiting Hadimba temple, dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. Vashist hot water spring & temple, 3kms from town, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. TIBETAN MONASTERIES, 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas River. In the evening walk around Mall Road. The main market in Manali is situated along The Mall Road. It gets crowded in the evenings. Overnight in Manali. Day 7 : Manali/ Dharamshala (280Kms & 7-8hrs drive) Buffet Breakfast at hotel. Later, drive towards Dharamshala, the land of the Lama and jewel of Kangra Valley. A scenic drive through the mountains brings you to the upper Dharamshala or popularly known as McLeodganj. 
The exquisite town of Dharamshala is situated at a height of 1250mtr to 1982mtr, divided into two parts, the lower and the upper Dharamshala. This hill station with its magnificent view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas is the seat of His Holiness, the XIVth Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile. This place is approximately 127years old and it became the capital in 1852. Even if the Tibetan community dominates the town, still it has retained the colonial lifestyle and British fervour. Arrive On arrival, check-in to your Hotel. Overnight in Dharamshala. Day 8 : Dharamshala Buffet Breakfast at hotel. This morning, proceed for walking tour of Mcleodganj area covering, Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama's Temple), which is the most important Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. Here lies the Dalai Lama's residence, monastery, museum, library etc. The Namgyal Monastery: It is named after the original Namgyal monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. This is where novice monks are trained under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monastery has nearly two hundred monks and the younger ones study the major texts of the Buddhist Sutras and Tantras. In the afternoon, proceed to visit Bhagsu Nag Temple, just down the Bhagsu Road from Mcleodganj is the village of Bhagsu Nag with its ancient temple, cool clear fresh water springs and nearby Bhagsu Waterfall. St. John's Church, this is a living example of excellence of British architecture, which also houses a memorial of Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy who died in 1963 and also an old graveyard. Norbulingka Institute, it is perhaps one of its best in the world. In the beautiful main temple, known as Seat of Happiness, 1,173 Buddha images, and portraits of all 14 Dalai Lamas adorn the 44 ft (13m) high temple hall. An impressive gold covered 14 foot copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, crafted by Norbulingka's master statue-maker, Pemba Dorje, is the one of the largest of its kind made outside of Tibet. Overnight in Dharamshala. Day 9 : Dharamshala/ Amritsar (250Kms & 6hrs drive) Buffet Breakfast at hotel. This morning, drive towards Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikhs. 
Amritsar known for its Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs. Amritsar derived its name from the water pool (Pool of Nectar). Amritsar is the most revered place of the Sikh Community. Once a dense forest, Amritsar was sanctified by Guru Nanakji who blessed a local herd boy to preach the tenets of Sikhism to his fellowmen; who grew up to be the first 'granthi' of the famous Har Mandir Sahib or the Golden Temple that was constructed by Guru Arjan Devji in the center of Amrit Sarovar.Arrive Amritsar and check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit Golden Temple to witness night (closing) ceremony. There is Palki Sahib Ceremony in the Golden Temple which takes place twice a day. Palki Sahib Ceremony (night ceremony) is when the holy book Guru Granth Sahib is carried to a room for night stay. This is symbolic gesture. Overnight in Amritsar. Day 10 : Amritsar/ Agra (overnight train) Buffet Breakfast at hotel. 
This morning, proceed for city tour of Amritsar, visiting Golden Temple- The most sacred and most important religious place to the Sikhs. It has a dining hall (langar) serving free basic meals to all... A definite must for visitors. Jallianwala Bagh, the massacre was happened on April 13, 1919 (which happened to be “Baisakhi” one of Punjab's largest religious festivals), when fifty British Indian Army soldiers, commanded by Brigadier- General Reginald Dyer, began shooting at an unarmed gathering of men, women and children without warning. The casualty number quoted by the Indian National Congress was more than 1,500, with roughly 1,000 killed. Durgiana Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. Supposedly built during the 16th century AD, the temple lies in the middle of a medium sized lake giving it a wonderful overall view.In the evening, proceed to visit Indo-Pak Wagah Border to watch Flag Retreat Ceremony at Wagah Border, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border 30Kms from Amritsar where the daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervor rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause. Rooms until departure. Late in the evening, transfer to railway station to board overnight train @ 00h30 for Agra. Overnight on board (2 Tier AC- Bed sheets, Pillow & Blanket will be served by railway). Day 11 : Arrive Agra Breakfast will be served on board and arrive Agra @ 11h30. Agra is the city of Taj Mahal and one of the famed cities of India. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra houses one of world's most spectacular monuments - Taj Mahal. 
The history of Agra is much older than the times of Mughals. The Mughal rule had transformed the city into one of the great centers of art, culture, learning and commerce. Magnificent monuments in majestic work of art and architecture are still flourishing with arts and crafts including leather work and pietra dura marble-inlay work. You will be well received upon your arrival at Agra railway station and transfer to hotel. Arrive hotel and check in to your rooms. In the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Agra, visiting the massive Agra Fort- constructed out of red sand stone by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and containing the Halls of Public and Private Audience, Itmad-ud daulah, one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna and finally visit the world famous TAJ MAHAL at sunset, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal, after her death in 1631. The Taj Mahal is recognized worldwide as a symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays. Overnight in Agra. Day 12 : Agra/ Varanasi (overnight train) Buffet Breakfast at hotel. 
This morning, proceed to visit Fatehpur Sikri (40Kms from Agra), which was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. He is also reputed to be a very tolerant ruler, and the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blended both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style. One of the buildings even reflects the new syncretistic faith founded by Akbar, Din-e-ilahi, which though very short-lived remains a matter of controversy. In the afternoon, proceed towards Mehtab Bagh to visit Taj Mahal from across river Yamuna at sunset.Mahtab Bagh is situated on the sandy bank of Yamuna River just opposite the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The place is an ideal spot for it provides picturesque view of Taj Mahal. The name Mehtab Bagh means 'Moon Lit Garden' and the same was testified by the beautiful reflection of Taj Mahal in the pool at night in Mahtab Bagh. Late in the evening, transfer to railway station to board overnight train @ 21h15 for Varanasi. Overnight on board (2 Tier AC- Bed sheets, Pillow & Blanket will be served by railway). Day 13 : Arrive Varanasi Arrive Varanasi @ 0815hrs. 
Varanasi is one of the holiest and most important pilgrimage sites in India. It has been the religious capital of Hinduism since time immemorial. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilization for more than 2,000 years. Written records of the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata mention its existence as long as 3,000 years ago. It is probably the oldest living city in India and one of the world’s most ancient. You will be met upon your arrival at railway station and transfer to hotel. Arrive hotel and check in to your rooms. Buffet Breakfast at hotel and rest of the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath Sarnath is a very old Buddhist pilgrim centre. It is located 10 kilometer north of Varanasi city. It is a very religious and cultural place. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon here (after gaining Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya) before his five disciples 2500 years ago. This first sermon was called Dharmachakrapravartana or Turning of the Wheel of Law. It is also birth place of the 11th Jain Tirthankar Shreyans Nathji. Here is one Shiva temple also. So Sarnath is a place of Inter religious faith. In the evening, you will be taken for the bank “ghats” of river Ganges to witness the evening “Aarti” ceremony. Overnight in Varanasi. Day 14 : Varanasi Early morning, leave for boat ride on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. Sunrise on the riverfront, as seen from a boat, can be a spiritually uplifting sight. The life on the Ghats bound in an endless string of rituals; ever-changing aspects of the river & the wide landscape across have fascinated visitors from all over the world. Disembark from boats and walk through the narrow ghats to see the old temples of Varanasi. 
Return to the hotel for breakfastLater, proceed to visit the city, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is the most visited and most important religious site in the city. Standing in dedication to Lord Shiva, the temple’s original structure was damaged by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Rani Ahilyabai of Indore set upon the task of rebuilding the temple in 18th century. Sankat Mochan Kanuman Temple, it is one of the sacred temples of Hindu god Hanuman in the city of Varanas. The word Sankat Mochan in Hindi means reliverer from troubles. Bharat Mata Temple is dedicated to ‘Mother India’. The inauguration of the temple was done back in 1936 by none other than Mahatama Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation’. In the afternoon, proceed to visit Ramnagar Fort, it is about 14kms from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The current Maharaj lives here. A trick to know if the maharaja is in the palace, is the look at the flag on the fort. If the flag is up, it means he is in the palace. He still performs ceremonial and charitable functions. Overnight in Varanasi. Day 15 : Varanasi/ Delhi Buffet Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure until departure. Free for shopping etc. Later in the afternoon, transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and transfer to the city centre for last minutes shopping etc. Later in the evening, transfer to Delhi International airport to board your flight back home. Please ask for the best deal by filling the below form.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Home | About Us | Tour Packages | Incentive Tours | Plan My Trip | Travel Tips | Contact Us | Sitemap | links | Refund Policy |
 Copy Right © 2013, All Rights Reserved by Dependable Travel Solutions (India)Website Powered by Drishti Infotech & E Online Business |