Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Welcome to our tour, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Crown Plaza Mayur Vihar (Superior Room)
Day 2 : Delhi
cycle rickshaws
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
guided tour of New Delhi
New Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. It is also a municipality and district in Delhi and serves as the seat of Government of Delhi. Here, we will be visiting many fascinating sights such as Humayun’s Tomb (1586) - a bright testament to the brilliant craftsmanship of the Mughal architect & their creativity. The Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the perfect tower in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. We will continue our discoveries, with a drive through the Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart, the soul, and main shopping district of the capital. We will also witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.
guided tour of Old Delhi
Old Delhi is one of the best places to observe the great colossal of cultural and social convergence of old and new. In one corner you might witness a group of oldies sharing their past experiences, sometimes laughing (perhaps over a joke on their spouses!!) - all happy within themselves. In the opposite corner, you might see a bunch of youngsters singing new and old Bollywood songs – Time somehow stands still in the streets of Old Delhi. Besides, on the tour, we will visit the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Later, we will visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
After breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi
Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old City for a guided tour of Old Delhi
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Overnight at Crown Plaza Mayur Vihar (Superior Room)
Day 3 : Delhi / Amritsar (9W 2791 – 1240 / 1350 Hrs)
After Dinner
There happens a spectacular ceremony, where the Sikhs put their holy book (Guru Granth Sahib) to sleep. The priests carry the books over their head to place them in a golden palanquin. The book is then carried to an inner chamber in the Palanquin to the accompaniment of bugles and drums and the chanting of the name of the Lord. The palanquin itself is carried by devotees in turns. It is quite a special sight. The book is again placed in the main sanctum similarly in the morning.
Golden Temple
The temple with a shinny pure gold dome, is beautifully situated in the center of a lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All around the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings. The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to prepare the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However, besides the physical beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming. The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism. Also, just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell Sikh religious artifacts like swords (decorative), bracelets, combs, small daggers etc.
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Amritsar
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Amritsar & transfer to your Hotel
Rest of the day is at leisure..
We would be visiting the Golden Temple After Dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Hyatt (Hyatt Room)
Day 4 : Amritsar
Golden Temple
The temple with a shinny pure gold dome, is beautifully situated in the center of a lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All around the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings. The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to prepare the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However, besides the physical beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming. The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism. Also, just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell Sikh religious artifacts like swords (decorative), bracelets, combs, small daggers etc.
Jalianwala Bagh
The martyr’s memorial where thousands of innocent Indians were cordoned off by the British and fired. The well where several Indians jumped to escape the bullets as well as bullet marks and a museum of pictures can be still seen here.
Wagah
Each evening a very impressive lowering of guards ceremony is performed along with a march past by soldiers of both countries in synchronization to the accompaniment of bugles. The soldiers of both countries wear ceremonial dresses. It is quite a spectacular sight to see the same thing happening on both sides of the border.
Following our breakfast, we will visit the Golden Temple, which is the Mecca of Sikh religion.
During the day, we would also visit the Jalianwala Bagh
Evening, we will travel to the Wagah, the celebrated Border between India & Pakistan.
Overnight at Hotel Hyatt (Hyatt Room)
Day 5 : Amritsar / Dharamshala (205 Kms) (04 ½ Hrs Drive)
Dharamshala
Dharamshala a very scenic and peaceful hill station which has the added attraction of its strong Tibetan influence. It was here that the Dalai Lama and his followers had fled after the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Ofcourse, we would have opportunities to stop on the way to interact with the locals as well as enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the region.
After breakfast, we will drive to Dharamshala
Upon arrival in Dharamshala, we will check into our Hotel
Afternoon is at leisure. We suggest you enjoy a walk along the Mall Road.
Overnight at Chonor House (Superior Room)
