Holy India Travels

Places of visit :   Delhi – Jaipur – Abhaneri – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Mathura – Rishikesh – Amritsar–     Dharamshala – Manali – Shimla – Chandigarh- Dehlhi.

Duration of Tour :   18 Nights/ 19 Days  .

Day 01| Arrival at Delhi |

Afternoon/evening arrive at Delhi International airport. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02 | Delhi |–Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Old Delhi Markets

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi City. Start from old Delhi monuments.

Raj Ghat–is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and a memorial was placed here. People come here to pay homage to Father of Nation. Foreign ministers, dignitaries, Indian ministers, guests, tourists and local all come here to pay respect to the man who believed in non-violence and helped India gain its independence.

Red Fort– Red Fort which is also known as Lal Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. This monument represents the grandeur of the Mughal Court, constructed during the 17th century. Lal Qila was once the residential area of the Imperial Family of India. It was the capital of the Mughal rulers until 1857. (Visit from outside)

Jama Masjid– The stunning Jama Masjid mosque is the largest in India and the final architectural magnum opus of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction of the mosque began in 1644, but it wasn't completed until 1658. 

Here you will enjoy a Cycle Rickshaw Ride at Chandni Chowk market. This is one of famous Old Delhi’s market. The pleasure associated with the rickshaw ride here is ultimate. The rickshaw pullers here take you on a ride through various routes, offering you a different experience all together.

Qutub Minar– Qutub Minar is one of the tallest individual towers in the world, measuring about 234 ft in height. The construction work of Qutub Minar was commissioned by the ruler of Slave Dynasty, Qutubuddin-Aibak in 1199, which was later completed by his descendant Shams-ud-din-Iltutmish.

Lotus Temple– Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower and made of marble. (Close on Monday).

Gandhi Smriti- This poignant memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is in Birla House, where he was shot dead on the grounds by a Hindu zealot on 30 January 1948, after campaigning against intercommunal violence. The house itself is where Gandhi spent his last 144 days. The exhibits include rooms preserved just as Gandhi left them, a detailed account of his life and last 24 hours, and vivid miniature dioramas depicting scenes from his life (Close on Monday).

India Gate– India Gate is situated on the Raj Path and was commissioned by Sir Edwin Lutyens for paying reverence to the Indian Soldiers, who died during the First World War. The huge walls of India Gate reveal more than 90,000 names of the soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

President’s House– Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, which is situated towards the west end of the Rajpath. It is a blend of both Mughal and European architectural styles with a copper dome and around 340 bedecked rooms.

Evening free to visit local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 03 | Delhi - Jaipur (265 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Jaipur. “Jaipur”– The Capital of Rajasthan. It’s popularly known as ‘The Pink City’ for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. On arrival check-in at hotel.

In the evening you can excursion to “Chokhi Dhani”– Chokhi Dhani is 5* ethnic resort and located 30Kms from Jaipur city. It is one its own kind, each of the detailed work in the village tells you about the culture and tradition of Rajasthan. It could be Camel Rides, Elephant Rides, Tonga Rides, Bullock Cart Rides, Bow n Arrows, Turbans or Food. It will make you feel a King. Enjoy Rajasthani dinner with live culture dance show. Later return back to hotel (This is optional activity).  Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04 | Jaipur |–Elephant Ride at Amber Fort

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Jaipur city.

Amber Fort and Palace– Amber Fort, also known as Amber Palace, is said to have played a key role in the history of Medieval India. This fort depicts true royal lifestyle of the Rajputs, who are known for their decadent, radical and volatile behaviour. The Amber Palace is a perfect fusion of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Here enjoy the unique experience of an ascent on the back of a brightly caparisoned Elephant up to the Fort. This is one of the highlights of a visit to the stunning Amber Fort is the chance to ride an elephant up the hill to the main entrance. These wonderful animals are painted with traditional designs and almost effortlessly transport visitors up the steep slope to the fort.

City’s Palace Complex– City Palace, a beautiful palace in the city of Jaipur, is surrounded by large walls on all sides. It also houses audience halls, pavilions and many other important buildings. The construction work of this palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during the early 1730s.

Jantar Mantar– Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantars" as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement.

Hawa Mahal– (Palace of the Wind)– It is a five-storey structure that has more than 950 windows. The latticework was built for allowing women to watch everyday life of the city. Hawa Mahal is situated near the Johari Bazaar and provides a beautiful view of the entire Pink City.

Jal Mahal– Jal Mahal was built during the 18th century in the middle of Mansarovar Lake. This is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Jaipur, which was constructed using red sandstone. It is a five-storey structure built in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

Later free to visit the local markets/bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 05 | Jaipur -  Abhaneri - Fatehpur Sikri  Agra (235 Kms/ 5-6 hrs) |  

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Agra. On the way visit to Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri.

Abhaneri- The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones.

“Fatehpur Sikri”– Constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Here one can visit Asia biggest door Buland Darwaja, Dargah of Sufi Saint Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal etc. Further drive to Agra.

“Agra”– Agra is famous in worldwide for the Taj Mahal (Monument of Love). On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. 

Day 06 | Agra  |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of  Agra city.

Taj Mahal (Monument of Love)– one of the most recognisable structures in the world, attracts around four million visitors annually. This beautiful structure of white marble was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 20,000 workers to complete this monument in a period of 22 years from 1632 to 1653. ( Taj Mahal is close on Friday ).

Great Red Fort of Agra– Built by the Mughal dynasty's greatest Emperor Akbar in 1565. A number of the fort’s beautiful palaces, mosques and gardens were built by his successors in later years.

Itmad ud Daulah Tomb - is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs. Constructed during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, this tomb comprises cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, who were parents of Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. The tomb is primarily built in white marble with mosaic and lattice.

Rest of the day free for leisure / shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Agra.

Day 07 | Agra – Mathura -  Rishikesh (410 Kms/ 7-8 hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Rishikesh. “Rishikesh”– The 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. Rishikesh located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India, it is known as “The Gateway to the Himalayas”.

On the way visit  Mathura, birth place of Lord Krishna. Further drive to Rishikesh. Overnight stay at hotel in Rishikesh.

Day 08 | Rishikesh |

Breakfast at hotel. Today visit Lakshman Jhula– Lakshman Jhula, which was built in 1939, is a suspension bridge, which is 450 ft long. In early 1889, this Jhula was a hanging jute bridge, which was later rebuilt into suspended iron bridge.

Ram Jhula– Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge situated at Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh. Built in the 1986, over river Ganges to cross the river. 

In the evening visit Ashram Parmarth Niketan– The famous holy Ashram “Ashram Parmarth Niketan” who is located at corner of holy river Ganga. Ashram is famous for Yoga & Mediation. Join evening Aarti of river Ganga at bank of river Ganges. Later return back to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Rishikesh.

Day 09 | Rishikesh - Haridwar (20 kms /30 minutes ) | - Amritsar by train |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Haridwar.  “Haridwar”– This is an ancient holy city of Hindus. The River Ganga, after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára.

On arrival at Haridwar visit Har Ki Pauri– One of the most famous places in Haridwar, is believed to be the exit point of River Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. According to another legend, it is believed that at this place, two great Hindu Gods; Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu appeared during the Vedic era. Since then the place is considered to be sacred.

In the afternoon take train to Amritsar. Overnight stay at hotel in Amritsar.

Day 10 | Amritsar  |

Breakfast at hotel.  Morning start sightseeing tour of  Amritsar City

Golden Temple– It’s also called Sri Harmandir Sahib. It was built by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan, in the 15th Century. In 1604 Guru Arjun completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, and installed it in the Gurdwara.

Jallianwala Bagh– It is a public garden and houses a memorial of national importance, established in 1951 to commemorate the massacre by British occupying forces of peaceful celebrators on the occasion of the Punjabi New Year on April 13, 1919 in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Colonial British Raj sources identified 379 fatalities and estimated about 1100 wounded. Civil Surgeon Dr. Smith indicated that there were 1,526 casualties the true figures of fatalities are unknown, but are likely to be many times higher than the official figure of 379.

Wagah Border,– India-Pakistan border at Wagah, where one can view the lively brotherhood between the Indians & the Pakistanis. On every sunset time the parade takes place between the soldiers of India & Pakistan. It is a stunning moment to see the soldiers in such a great enthusiasm & respect to each other countries. Overnight at hotel in Amritsar.

Day 11 | Amritsar – Dharamshala (201 Kms/ 4-5 Hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Dharamshala(Mcleodganj). Residence of The Dalai Lama. On arrival check-in to hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Dharamshala.

Day 12 | Dharamshala |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Dharamshala & McLeodGanj.

Visit Tsuglagkhang Temple– This is the most renowned Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. There are three magnificent images of Buddha.

Namgyal Monastery– Namgyal Monastery is associated with Dalai Lama and was founded by Sonam Gyatso in 1575. This monastery is located inside the Potala Palace, where Buddhist monks perform their rituals.

St. John's Church– St. John Church in Dharamshala is also known as St. John Church in Wilderness. It is an Anglican Church which is dedicated to Saint John. This church was constructed in the year 1852, situated at Forsyth Ganj. It is built in Neo-Gothic architectural style and features Belgian stained-glass.

Kangra Valley is one of the most serene and scenic valleys in the Dhauladhar range. Popular for its picturesque beauty and wide variety of flora and fauna, Kangra Valley is also known for its religious destinations and as a hot spot for adventurous activities.

Mcleodganj Area– McLeodganj is nicely situated in upper Dharamshala and is the renowned seat of the holy leader Dalai Lama. Mcleodganj a real cross section of Tibet is a well known learning centre of Tibetan culture and Buddhist dharmas and rituals. It has been nick named as the little Lhasa, reverberating the Buddhist influence on the land. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Dharamshala.  

Day 13 | Dharamshala – Manali (201 Kms/ 5-6 Hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Manali, one of the famous hills station of North India. On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at walk to Mall road. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali.

Day 14 | Manali |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour of Manali city.  

Visit Rohtang Pass– It offers a landscape and amazing view of the glaciers, deep ravines. There is a good-looking sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley & Snow Point if roads are open. En-route to Rohtang visit the charming Solang valley famous for skiing and you can have a view of glaciers and snow capped peaks.

Hidimbi Devi Temple– This temple also known variously as the Hadimba Temple located in Manali. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, sister of Hidimba, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahabharata.

Vashisht Village– 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. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Evening free to visit local markets/bazaar at Mall road. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali.

Day 15 | Manali  – Kulu – Shimla  (250 Kms/ 6-7 Hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Shimla. On the way visit to Kulu.

“Kulu”– This valley is famous for its beauty and its majestic hills covered with Pine and Deodar Forest and sprawling Apple Orchards. Here you can enjoy river rafting (This is optional activity).

Further drive to drive to Shimla.  “Shimla”– Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the north-west Himalayas at an average altitude of 2,205 meters (7,234 ft).

On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening free at walk at Mall road. Overnight stay at hotel in Shimla.

Day 16 | Shimla |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning start sightseeing tour Shimla city.

Visit Ridge– Ridge is located in the core of the fascinating Shimla and offers a large open space. The beautiful region is full of lush vegetation and panoramic scenic beauty.

The two prominent landmarks of Shimla, the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new Tudor Library building are the other attractions located here. Evening free at walk to Mall road by walking. Overnight stay at hotel in Shimla.

Day 17 | Shimla – Chandigarh (110 Kms/3-4 Hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Chandigarh. On arrival check-in at hotel. After wash & change at hotel  start sightseeing tour of Chandigarh city.

Visit Rock Garden– Almost surrealist arrangement of rock fossils, broken chinaware, discarded fluorescent tubes, broken and cast away glass bangles, building waste, coal and clay – all juxtaposed to create a dream folk world of palaces, soldiers, monkeys, village life, women and temples.

Botanical Garden– The Botanical garden is spread over 88 acres. Its rockeries, lily-pools, and the rare species covered in green houses draw garden lovers as well as botanists. Overnight stay at hotel in Chandigarh.

Day 18| Chandigarh – Delhi (250 Kms/ 5-6 Hrs) |

Breakfast at hotel and drive to Delhi. Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.   

Day 19 | Delhi/ Departure |

Breakfast at hotel and drop at New Delhi international airport to board on flight for onward destination.

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