- Enjoy traditional Punjabi food
- Explore the Tibetan culture in Mcleodganj
- Take picturesque train journeys on narrow gauge railways
- Relax at Shimla, the summer retreat of British Raj
- Private tour of Amritsar and the Partition Museum
- Night visit to the Golden Temple, the holiest site for the Sikh religion
- Take in a military ceremony at the India/Pakistan border
- Le Corbusier-designed Capitol Complex in Chandigarh
A Fascinating Journey through India
There are a multitude of unique experiences in India that ensure an unforgettable journey. UNESCO World Heritage sites consisting of ancient forts, temples, monuments and national parks. There is so much to discover in this magical country.
Highlights
- Visit Jama Mosque, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib , Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple & Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi
- An excursion tour to explore Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
- Visit the spectacular Golden Temple in Amritsar
- Opportunity to experience life on a live farm ensconced within the rustic fragrance of the country.
Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Day 2 - In Delhi
The tour begins in Old Delhi with Jama Masjid India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. and then a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk once the grandest Indian market. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in this street.
Drive pass by Red Fort before driving to New Delhi. Enjoy the calm serenity of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and witness the Langar (free kitchen), where everyone is welcomed and fed a vegetarian meal, irrespective of color, cast, creed, age or gender.
Continue drive along the city landmarks of India Gate, President’s House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings and stop for photo opportunity there.
Next visit Lotus Tempe(closed on Monday) one of the marvels of modern architecture. The temple gives the impression of a half-open lotus flower afloat, surrounded by its leaves. The shining pure white marble, the majestic dome, the petals clearly standing out create a sense of grandeur and awe.
Conclude the tour at 11th-century Qutub Minar 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. Return back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3 – Delhi – Agra - Delhi
This morning transfer to the railway station to connect train to Agra.
Train:Gatimaan Express
Departure: 08:10 Hrs.
Arrival: 09:50 Hrs.
Upon arrival met with our representative and proceed for sightseeing tour of Taj Mahal, Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna,synonymous to love and romance.
Next visit 16th-century Agra Fort also known as Red Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565, when the initial structures were built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and subsequently taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan, who added most of the marble creations to the fort.
Later drive back to Delhi and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4 - Delhi to Amritsar by train
As per below train timings, you will be transferred to the railway station to board the train to Amritsar
Train: AMRITSAR SHTBDI
Departure: 07:20 Hrs.
Arrival: 13:45 Hrs.
Upon arrival met with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon proceed to Wagha Border to visit the Indo-Pakistan border closing ceremony. Return to your hotel for the night. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5 - In Amritsar
Early morning visit to magnificent The Golden Temple is also known as “Harminder Sahib” and is the spiritual nerve center of the Sikh faith. Afterwards visit The Jallianwala Bagh, which commemorates the innocent victims of a massacre by British forces. Later in the evening relax or can go for stroll around the local market. Evening Palki ceremony at the Golden Temple. Overnight stay at hotel
Day 6 - Amritsar to Punjabiyat resort by road 75kms / 2hrs
After breakfast, drive towards the farm in rural Punjab. Upon arrival, check-in at your farm resort.Set amidst vast blooming green fields, crisscrossed by long canals.
Later enjoy traditional Punjabi food and experience various other activities like Tonga ride, Tractor ride,Cow milking & farming etc. offered by the farm. Experience the tranquility of countryside and farm life, and walk along the sprawling acres of carefully nurtured crops. Gaze at the rural idylls as the shadows lengthen and a spectacular sunset follows, and when night comes be mesmerised by the sky with its millions of glittering stars. Truly, this is a magical Punjab getaway with a twist of unpretentious luxury. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 7 - Punjabiyat resort to Mcleodganj by road 115kms / 3hrs
After breakfast, drive to Mcleodganj. Mcleodganj is home to the Dalai Lama and is the center of Little Tibet. Reach and relax at the hotel. In the evening you can enjoy a stroll in the mall road / local town market. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8 - In Mcleodganj
This day begins by visiting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s monastery, TsuglagKhang. From the outside, the monastery resembles a simple brick and mortar building but inside it is beautifully carved and contains paintings, murals and other artifacts that give a great insight into Buddhist life. Your tour also includes a visit to the Norbulingka Institute, which is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture, particularly the traditional Tibetan arts of woodcarving, Thangka painting, goldsmithing and embroidery. Proceed to the handicrafts center . Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9 - Mcleodganj to Pragpur By road 80 km / 2hrs
After breakfast, drive to Pragpur en route visiting Kangra Fort. Pragpur is a small hamlet nestled in the valley of Dhauladhar Range. Reach Pragpur and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, explore the village and indulge in several activities available. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10 - Pragpur to Shimla By road 230 km / 5hrs
After breakfast, drive towards Shimla. Reach Shimla and check in at the hotel. Relax and retire early after a long drive. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11 - In Shimla
Morning Walk through Shimla’s Heritage Zone. Shimla is a walker’s paradise and can be known more if you walk. The trails are protected by nature. Most of the lanes have been carved through the forests of lofty cedars, rattling oaks, blooming rhododendrons or whispering pines.The most imposing and attractive structures which includes the Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre, the Bandstand, some heritage hotels, old banks and government offices are the highlights of this walk. These are some of the best examples of British Architecture of the era and reveal history and various interesting stories of the glorious past. They will compel you to glance at them from every angle.
Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Shimla. The tour will include visiting some of the colonial landmark buildings, the Jakhu temple, the Viceregal Lodge, Chadwick Falls and the local down town bazaars.Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12 - Shimla to Chandigarh By road 150 kms / 3hrs
In the morning enjoy the ride in famous Shimla–Kalka Toy train. The “toy trains” still ply between the two stations, passing through 105 tunnels and beautiful railroad stations. At every stop on the journey, you will see smiling faces giving a warm welcome. The journey takes approximately five to six hours at a slow pace. We recommend you take a packed lunch from your hotel before leaving the Shimla.
You are met on arrival at Kalka railway station and transferred to Chandigarh (1 hrsapprox). On arrival in Chandigarh, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13 - Chandigarh to Delhi By road 260 kms / 6hrs
Chandigarh is known for its architecture and designs also one of the ‘Wealthiest towns’ in India. It is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana state. This morning exploreRock Garden, this was secretly started by a government employee named Nek Chand in his spare time in the year 1957. It is completely built of industrial and home waste and thrown-away items.
Next visit the Open Hand Monument is one of the most notable structures in the city. It consists of a hand-like structure standing on a trench which rotates like a weather cock with the flow of the wind. Made up of metal sheets, it weighs around 50 tonnes. Unlike a weather cock, though, this hand-like structure holds special significance of conveying a social message to the world. Le Corbusier designed the open hand to convey the message of openness of ideas and of peace and unity.
Conclude your tour at Sukhna Lake, man-made lake was created in the year 1958 by damming the SukhnaChoe stream flowing from the Shivalik hills. The Sukhna Lake is also the habitat of a number of fishes and migratory birds like cranes and Siberian ducks.Water-sporting activities like boating, yachting and water-skiing are carried out with absolute zeal and enthusiasm here.
Later drive back to Delhi and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14–Delhi Depart
Morning at leisure.
This afternoon check-out from hotel and explore Humayun’s Tombbuilt in 1570, the tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Its unique beauty is said to have inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the unparalleled Taj Mahal.
Later you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!