Overview
This truly is an extraordinary journey which showcases so many different facets of India, its hard to know what to tell you about first. The Golden Temple at Amritsar is a wonderful place to visit, so much more than a monument because it is a fully operational gurudwara, visited by tens of thousands of people each day, and solely run by volunteers. The scenery at the foothills of the Himalayas is spectacular and is wonderful to get away from the crowds, stretch the legs and enjoy the views. Visit Tibetan settlements and monasteries, take narrow gauge train rides, visit the former British Hill Station of Simla and then the town of the French Architect, Corbusier. This trip packs a whole array of cultures into one fun bundle.
Highlights
- Visit Qutub Minar, the Red Fort and the Lotus Temple in Delhi.
- Visit the spectacular Golden Temple in Amritsar and volunteer in the kitchens.
- Explore the Tibetan culture in Mcleodganj.
- Take picturesque train journeys on narrow gauge railways.
- Relax at Shimla, the summer retreat of British Raj.
- Experience some of Corbusier’s architecture in Chandigarh.
Tour Details
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Day 1 - Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. You will have free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. Overnight will be at Delhi.
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Day 2 - In Delhi
After breakfast, start your day with a full day Delhi Sightseeing. The tour begins in Old Delhi with Jama Masjid and then a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on a rickshaw.
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Day 3 - Delhi to Amritsar By flight
As per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight to Amritsar. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. In the early evening proceed to Wagha Border to visit the Indo-Pakistan border closing ceremony. Return to your hotel for the night. Overnight will be at Amritsar.
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Day 4 - 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. Overnight will be at Amritsar
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Day 5 - Amritsar to Itmenaan Estate By road 75kms / 2hrs
After breakfast, an hour drive takes you to the farm in rural Punjab. Upon arrival, check-in at your farm. Later enjoy traditional Punjabi food and experience various other activities like Tonga ride, Tractor ride etc offered by the farm. Overnight will be at Itmenaan Estate.
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Day 6 - Itmenaan Estate to Mc leodganj By road 115kms / 3hrs
After breakfast, drive to Mc leodganj. Mc leodganj 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 will be at Mc Leodganj.
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Day 7 - In Mc leodganj
This day begins by visiting His Holiness the Dalai Lama's monastery, Tsuglag Khang. 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 and a local family house to see the regional Gaddi dress. Overnight will be at Mc Leodganj.
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Day 8 - Mc leodganj 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 will be at Pragpur.
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Day 9 - In Pragpur
After leisurely breakfast at the hotel, experience a day in the village. Overnight will be at Pragpur.
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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 will be at Shimla.
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Day 11 - In Shimla
After breakfast, enjoy full day sightseeing 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 will be at Shimla.
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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 hrs approx). On arrival in Chandigarh, check in at the hotel. Overnight will be at Chandigarh.
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Day 13 - Chandigarh to Delhi By road 260 kms / 6hrs
After breakfast, drive to Delhi and as per your flight timings, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight back home with sweet memories of the tour. TOUR ENDS!