North India Tour
- 13 Nights/14 Days
- india
- Delhi – Amritsar – Dharamshala – Manali – Shimla – Chandigarh – Haridwar – Delhi
About the Tour
Remnants of ancient empires, cosmopolitan cities, spiritual towns, scenic mountains, picturesque lakes, and lush valleys are all part of North India’s vast and diverse landscape. Amritsar is a treasure in terms of history, culture, and gastronomy. Dharamshala surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. At an altitude of 2,050 meters in the Beas Valley lies Manali, which has plenty of places on offer, including ancient temples, Tibetan monasteries, wildlife sanctuaries, art, and cultural centers. Shimla once the summer capital of British India, remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway. Haridwar is more of a spiritual destination with a plethora of temples and religious celebration that attracts Hindu pilgrims from across the world. Rishikesh, which is a go-to destination for yoga, meditation and adventure sports, such as bungee jumping, river rafting, and flying fox.
Highlights
- Explore Qutub Minar and Jama Masjid
- Visit Harmandar Sahib and Jallianwala Bagh
- Explore Tibetan Monastery and Bhagsu Nag Temple
- Visit Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake
- Visit Ha-ki-Pauri and Ganga Aarti
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Upon your arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be met by our office airport representative. After a warm welcome at the airport, you will be driven to your pre-booked hotel and our representative will assist you in check-in formalities. Get some rest or explore the city by walk. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Full day sightseeing in Delhi
Today morning after breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to start your excursion with Qutub Minar, it’s named after Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Sultan of the Mamluk Dynasty, This is the victory tower of Mughal, which indicated the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Visit Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad, Persian architects chosen by her.
Then drive to visit India Gate, it was built to commemorate the death of India soldiers, who were killed in the North West Province during the First World War and the Afghan Conquest of 1919. Later visit President House, The official residence of the President of India. Drive pass Parliament Street and move to Connaught Place for Lunch. From here you will head to Jama Masjid, it was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656, Jama Masjid is one of the biggest Mosques in India. Drive pass Red Fort and move the head towards Laxmi Narayan Temple located in the heart of Delhi, also known as the Birla Mandir, this beautifully decorated Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. Evening drive back to the hotel for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Train Delhi – Amritsar (SHTBDI, 07:20/13:45)
Early morning drive to Delhi railway station to board a train for Amritsar. Upon arrival check-in hotel and later visit Wagah Border “India–Pakistan Border” which is famous for its 'Retreat' ceremony at the time of sunset. Indeed the flag-lowering ceremony at the end of each day on the India-Pakistan border at Wagah in Punjab has over the years become a tourist destination. The two flag posts are located contiguous to the boundary line between the two gates. Evening drive back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Drive Amritsar – Dharamshala (210kms/ 5hrs approx)
After Breakfast, start your city tour with the blessings of Sri Harmandir Sahib, is named after Hari (God) the temple of God, also known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It was built by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in the 16th Century. In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev completed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Then visit Jallianwala Bagh which is a memorial to the countless numbers of innocent Indians which were massacred by General Dyer on 13 April 1919 which happened to be 'Baisakhi', one of Punjab's largest religious festivals. Later move ahead to Durgiana Temple, which is a premier Hindu temple of Punjab situated in the city of Amritsar. The name derives from the Goddess Durga and it is also called by the name of Lakshmi Narayan Temple. After lunch embarks your drive to Dharamshala. Upon arrival check-in hotel, it is a beautiful and serene hill town that shot to fame after His Holiness Dalai Lama took shelter here. Spend the rest of the day by indulging in the activities of your interest. Stay overnight.
Day 5: Day sightseeing in Dharamshala
After breakfast start your day sightseeing in Dharamshala including Dal Lake - placed amidst lush greenery the lake also has a Shiva temple on its banks, St. John's Church- an Anglican church built in 1852, it is dedicated to John The Baptist, Tibetan Monastery- for witnessing the worshiping rituals of the region and Bhagsu Nag Temple- an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Snake God, Nag and Lord Shiva. The rest of the day is at your own discretion. Partake in activities like shopping, trying out local delicacies and so on. Overnight stay.
Day 6: Drive Dharamshala – Jwalamukhi Temple – Manali (245kms/ 7-8hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Dharamsala. En-route visit Jwala Devi Temple, dedicated to the "Goddess of Light", the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from Emperor Akbar. The temple is considered very powerful, hence count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. Besides, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalji temple. Continue to drive to Manali on arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Day sightseeing in Manali
Breakfast at hotel, visit Hadimba Devi Temple: Manali has many attractions but the chief center of interest, historically and archaeologically, is undoubtedly the Dhoongri Temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame.
Vashist Hot Water Spring & Temple: 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. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8: Drive Manali – Rohtang Pass – Manali (51kms one way)
Breakfast at hotel, then half-day excursion to visit Rohtang pass (3979 m): Rohtang Pass is 51kms from Manali on the highway to Keylong / Leh. It offers a panoramic and spectacular Mountain View. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi, and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gateway to Ladakh. Back to Manali visit Tibetan Monastery: 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas River. Overnight at the hotel.
PS: Rohtang Pass excursion is not included our package cost, due to Manali Taxi Union. It will be chargeable extra payable directly by the guests as per the taxi union permit).
Note: Rohtang Pass will be closed every Tuesday & a sightseeing tour will be possible on subject weather conditions.
Day 9: Drive Manali – Kullu – Shimla (258kms/ 5hrs approx)
After breakfast, get an on-road transfer to Shimla, a very well-known holiday destination and the Summer Capital of the country during the British Raj. On the way, halt at the famous Kullu Shawl Industry. Once you reach Shimla, get transferred to your hotel. If you want then you can enjoy a leisure walk around your hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Day sightseeing in Shimla
After breakfast at the hotel sightseeing in Shimla visit The Ridge, this ridge of Shimla gives a spectacular sight of the ice-covered mountain peaks. Then visit Jakhoo Temple - is being situated at the highest peak of Shimla gives a stunning view of the Shimla town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Then move to State Museum- This is the abode to excellent paintings, handicrafts, textiles and stone carvings. The Mall - an ideal spot for shopping and tourists have a major attraction to this place for the place besides catering to shops also have a theatre and a number of good eating joints. Rest time to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Drive Shimla – Chandigarh (129 kms)
Have your breakfast and leave for Chandigarh by road. Once you reach Chandigarh. Move to your hotel. After lunch, leave for sightseeing, the first (post-independence) and the best-planned city in the country. You are going to cover the major attractions like Rock Garden and Rose Garden. Enjoy boat riding on Sukhna Lake. Stay overnight.
Day 12: Drive Chandigarh – Haridwar (200kms/ 5hrs approx)
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on your drive to Haridwar. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Evening visit Har-ki-Pauri (the footstep of God). Later witness the Aarti ceremony of the Holy River Ganges. Aarti is the beautiful ceremony in which deeyas (the oil lamps) are offered to God. The essence of the aarti ceremony is a time when we say "thank you," and we offer the light of our thanks, the light of our love and the light of our devotion. We realize that the small deeya is nothing compared to the divine light which shines on us all day. Night stay in Haridwar.
Day 13: Same day Rishikesh
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Rishikesh, also known as the 'Place of Sages', at the confluence of the Chandra Bhaga and Ganga. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of Hinduism.
In Rishikesh visit Laxman Jhula, a hanging bridge on the river Ganga is one of the most famous spots in Rishikesh. According to Indian mythology, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama crossed the Ganga with the help of a hanging bridge made of Jute. The bridge offers a scenic view of the river Ganga as it tumbles down to Haridwar. Also visit Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Triveni Ghat. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram. Evening drive back to Haridwar hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Drive Haridwar / Rishikesh – Delhi (220kms/ 5hrs approx)
Early morning drive to Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi, straight away departure transfer to Delhi international airport to board a flight for onward destination.
Inclusions
- Accommodation on Single / Twin / Double sharing basis in offered hotels or similar
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- All transfers and excursions will be covered by air-conditioned vehicle. (AC will switch Off on hills)
- Complimentary Mineral water bottle during your tour is provided in the car
- Services of Local English Speaking Guide for sightseeing
- Currently applicable taxes.
Exclusions
- Camera charges at any monument to be paid by the guest directly
- Any airfare international/ domestic
- Any insurance
- Lunch or Dinner unless supplement for the same has opted.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- And anything not mentioned in Inclusions.
Tour Notes
- Room category in all packages is the base category rooms.
- Christmas & New Year gala charges are on a direct pay basis at the hotel by guest
- In case we are not able to provide the same hotels as mentioned, then we shall provide similar alternate properties, change in the cost if any will be advised