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DAY 01 :
ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive
Delhi in the evening. Upon arrival, you shall met & assisted
with your baggages at the airport by our executive and transferred
to prebooked hotel.
Delhi
: India’s capital & a major gateway to the country, contemporary
Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its
fold the ancient & the modern. Its strategic location was one
of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their
seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British left
behind . The division between New & Old Delhi is the distinction
between the capitals of the British & the Moghuls respectively.
So, wherever the visitor goes, he will invariably confront the citys’
past.
DAY
02 : DELHI
After
breakfast, half day city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the
largest mosque in India. Built by Shah Jahan, the construction was
started in 1844 and was not completed until 1658; drive past Red
Fort, which was also built by Shah Jehan. This massive fort was
built from 1638 to 1648; Chandni Chowk and Rajghat - the cremation
site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Afternoon, city tour of New Delhi. Visit Humayuns Tomb : built in
mid 16th century this is an early example of Mughal architecture;
Qutab Minar, drive past India Gate, President House, Connaught Place.
The tour ends with a visit to Laxmi Narayan Temple.
DAY 03
: DELHI - CHANDIGARH
Morning, transfer to Chandigarh - the 1st planned modern city
of India designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh
and the area surrounding it were constituted as a union territory
on 1st November, 1966. It serves as the joint capital of both, Punjab
and Haryana states. It is bounded on the north and west by Punjab
and east and south by Haryana. Total area of the union territory
is 114Sq.Km. The city was named after the mother goddess of power,
Chandi, whose temple Chandimandu is a feature of the new city. Le-Corbusier
was assisted by his cousin, Pieree Jeanneret and the English couple
E.Mazwell Fry and Jane B. Druel. These 3 architects are responsible
for most of the public and residential building raised in Chandigarh
between 1950 and 1965. The beautiful city also known as 'city of
roses', was planned to house the capital to the erstwhile Punjab
state. Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel
Afternoon, visit the Rock Garden, Rose Garden & Sukhna Lake
DAY 04
: CHANDIGARH - SHIMLA
After breakfast, drive to Shimla - The British called Shimla
the "Queen of Hill Stations." Situated in the north-West
Himalayas, Shimla the summer capital of India before independence
is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name
from "Shyamala";- the goddess Kali, whose temple existed
in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the early 19th century.
The English named it Shimla. Arrive Shimla, check-in at prebooked
Hotel
DAY 05
: SHIMLA
Excursion to Kufri - 16 kms. from Shimla at a height of 8,600 ft.
Kufri is the winter sports capital. Kufri is a lovely picnic spot
with a beautiful view of the hills around and the snowy peaks
Afternoon, free to explore Shimla – The Mall, Christ Church, Jakhu
Hill, Shimla State Museum
DAY 06
: SHIMLA - MANALI
Transfer to Manali. According to Legend, Vaivasvata,the seventh
incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The
fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would
do him a great service. Vaivasvata cared for the fish till the day
it grew so huge that he released it into the sea before departing,
the fish warned Manu of an Impending deluge when the entire world
would be submerged and bade him to build a sea-worthy ark. When
the flood came. Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages were towed to safety
by Matsya the fish-which is regarded as the first avatara of Lord
Vishnu. As the waters subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to rest
on a hillside and the place was named Manali (2050 m) after him.
As the earth slowly dried. Here arose a place of breath taking natural
beauty - which was only appropriate, for it was at Manali that life
began again. And today this legendary cradle of all human kind is
a prime holiday destination. There are thick forest full of cool
breezes and bird song. Upon arrival, check-in at prebooked Hotel
DAY 07 :
MANALI
Visit Hadimba Devi temple - Built in 1553 and with a superbly
crafted four tiered pagoda roof. It is famous for its exquisitely
carved doorway ; Vashisht Hot Springs, Tibetan Monastries
DAY
08 : MANALI
Day at leisure.
DAY 09
: MANALI - DHARAMSHALA
Drive to Dharamshala - came into being in 1849, when it was
selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment that was being
raised in the town. Dharamshala originally formed a subsidiary cantonment
for the troops stationed at Kangra was fully occupied by its garrison
and there was insufficient space for the civil station , a search
for an alternate location was made. The ideal location for the cantonment
was found at the slopes of the Dhauladhar, upon which stood an old
Hindu sanctuary or 'Dharamshala' the name adopted for the town.
Dharamshala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent
view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful
hills. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala
than any other hill station in India. Dharamshala now really has
become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements and the
residence of Noble Laureate the 'Dalai Lama'. Upon arrival, check-in
at prebooked Hotel
DAY 10 :
DHARAMSHALA
Explore Dharamshala & Mcleod Ganj
DAY 11 :
DHARAMSHALA – DALHOUSIE
Leave for Dharamshala, enroute visit the Kangra Fort & the
Jain temples – 20 kms for Dharamshala.
Arrive Dalhousie - is a gorgeous hill station located on the western
border of the Dhaula Dhar Range of the great Himalayas. It was founded
in 1854 by the British Viceroy Lord Dalhousie, It was a delightful
summer retreat for the British troops and bureaucrats. Dalhousie
is the most famous hill station of Himanchal Pradesh and is located
563 kms from Delhi. Beside its breath taking landscapes the other
highlights are the ancient temples, untouched beauty of Chamba &
Pangi valley, the valley of milk, honey and streams
Upon arrival check-in at prebooked Hotel
DAY 12 :
DALHOUSIE
Excursion to Khajjiar At a distance of 7 kilometers from Dalhousie
is Khajjiar. The nature lovers and the adventure seekers alike throng
Khajjiar. The marvelous meadow, lovely lake and the captivating
cedar trees add to the beauty of Khajjiar. The ancient, golden domed
temple of Khajinag lends its name to Khajjiar. Whilw hjolidaying
at Khajjiar you may check out the nine-hole golf course
Drive to Chamba. 56 km away from Dalhousie. Chamba could have derived
its name from the abundance of fragrant Champa flowers in the area
or the princess Champavati. In Chamba you must visit the Lakshminarayana
temple complex. The temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu
reveal the elegance of the Hindu style of architecture. Then there
is the Rang Mahal. The palace is in the shape of a feudal castle
and boasts of marvelous murals. The Bhuri Singh Museum is also worth
visiting in Chamba. Amongst the many exhibits are the paintings,
sculptures, stone inscriptions, wonderful embroideries, ancient
weapons, and other rare artifacts. Return to Dalhousie for overnight
stay.
DAY 13
: DALHOUSIE – AMRITSAR
Drive to Amritsar. Upon arrival, check-in at Hotel Ritz Plaza
DAY 13 :
AMRITSAR
After breakfast, city tour of Amritsar - Golden Temple-the holy
scripture is brought in a vivid procession from the Akal Takhat
(the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs) in the morning to the temple
to be returned at night. Singing is central to Sikh worship &
is a feast to the souls when hymns from the holy scripture are recited
Kirtan and the waves of the classical ragas, a sublim blend of voice
& music. Jallianwala Bagh-the historic site where hundreds of
innocent Indian men, women an children were massacred by British
General Michael Dyer on April 13, 1919. A memoral and Garden have
been created here as a national monument.
Afternoon visit Indo-Pak Border to watch retreat ceremony-30 KM
on the road to Lahore is India-Pakistan Border. A visit to the border
is an interesting experience especially at Sunset, when the retreat
ceremony takes place with the Border Security Force on the Indian
Side and the Sutlej Rangers on the Pakistan side putting up a well
coordinated and spectacular display. The sound from the Bugles blown
together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and
Pakistan were one, simultaneously Flags of the two nations are ceremoniously
retrieved and lights are switched on marking the end of the day.
Amidst thunderous applause today this point is the only land route
open to approach Pakistan
DAY 14
: AMRITSAR - DELHI (TRAIN)
Morning at leisure
Afternoon, Transfer to the railway station to board train for Delhi
. Dinner will be served on board the train.
Arrive Delhi, transfer to prebooked Hotel
DAY 15
: DEPART DELHI
Morning, transfer to the airport to board flight back home.
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