Temples and Hills (7 Days)

Temples and Hills (7 Days)

Explore the historical monuments in Delhi, before heading to the spiritual capital of Sikh in Amritsar. The journey combined the experience of traveling in Satabdi train. Further drive to Dharamsala and explore the Buddhist capital in exile outside the Tibet in the beautiful surrounding of Dhauladhar hills. You will also visit one famous Saktipeeth Jwala Devi Temple before heading to British colonial town Shimla.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Stop At: Qutub Minar, Qutb Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030 India
On arrival at Delhi International airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel check in.

Later city tour of Delhi, visiting landmark of Old Delhi which include Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Sightseeing of New Delhi visit Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, Lotus Temple & VVIP areas President House, Parliament & India Gate.
Duration: 8 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Delhi - Amritsar (Train No.12029 SWARNA SHTBDI, 0720/ 1345hr)

Stop At: Amritsar Railway Station Goal Bagh Side, Guru Arjun Nagar, Goal Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab 143001, India
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to railway station to board satabdi train to Amritsar.

On arrival at Amritsar railway station assistance and transfer to hotel.

Later excursion to visit Bagha border to attend Beating Retreat Ceremony

Every evening, just before the sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship. Officially, the purpose of the ceremony is to formally close the border for the night and lower the national flag. However, it is an entertainment ceremony and a display of national pride for the thousands of people who come here every day. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause and Bollywood-style dancing on Hindi songs.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Amritsar - Dharamsala (210km/ 5hrs approx)

Stop At: Golden Temple Road Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar 143001 India
Breakfast at hotel visit Golden Temple famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offer free food to around 20,000 people every day. The number shoot up to 1,00,000 on special occasions.

The Durgiana Temple - though a Hindu temple, its architecture is similar to the Golden Temple. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum famous for its rare and priceless collections, particularly Paintings, Weapons and Armours, Manuscripts & Coins.

Gobindgarh Fort originally built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi, the local chieftain in the 18th century Gobindgarh was conquered and enhanced in the early 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who renamed it after the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The fort had five cannons which included the famous two ‘Zamzama' cannons.

Rickshaw ride and walking tour of old market in Amritsar.

Later drive to Dharamsala check in at hotel.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Dharamsala

Stop At: Kalachakra Temple, Thekchen Choling Temple Complex, McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala 176219 India
Breakfast at hotel. Visit McLeodganj, which is home to most of the Tibetan exiles. At McLeodganj, the Tibetans have established many monasteries, schools and temples. McLeodganj has a distinctly different character, with its brightly painted buildings, Buddhist temples, prayer flags fluttering in the air and saffron monks and nuns hurrying along the streets. The main Buddhist temple or Tsuglagkhang (cathedral) is a five-minute walk from the main bazaar. Said to resemble the one in Lhasa, the temple is surrounded by red and gold prayer wheels that are set in motion by devotees to scatter prayers in the air.

Dal Lake: lake surrounded by Deodar trees, with temple of Durgeshwara Mahadev by the lakeside.

Bhagsunath Temple old temple of Bhagsunath with a fresh waterspring. Further, about 0.5 km is beautiful Bhagsunath waterfall which is enough to sooth one’s eyes and mind.

Church of St. John in the Wilderness, built in 1860, worth a visit for its beautiful stained glass windows, the church was severely damaged in a major earthquake that rocked the region in 1905. Rebuilt subsequently, the church has old bells that had been cast in London and installed in 1915. Lord Elgin, one of the few Viceroys of India who died in office, lies buried here.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5: Dharamsala - Shimla (250km/ 6hrs approx)

Stop At: Jawalamukhi Devi Temple, Jawala Ji Temple Road, Jwalamukhi 176031 India
Breakfast at hotel drive to shimla. Enroute 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 the 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 drive to Shimla, check into the hotel.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Shimla

Stop At: Shimla Heritage Walk, Shimla Heritage Zone, Shimla India
Breakfast at hotel. Visit The Mall an ideal spot for shopping, besides catering to shops also have a theater and a number of good eating joints. The Ridge a spectacular sight of the ice-covered mountain peaks. Jakhoo Temple situated at the highest peak of Shimla gives a stunning view of the Shimla town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. State museum- This is the abode to excellent paintings, handicrafts, textiles and stone carvings.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Shimla - Delhi (350km/ 7hr approx)

Pass By: Shimla Heritage Walk, Shimla Heritage Zone, Shimla India
Breakfast at hotel drive to Delhi and drop off to your hotel or airport.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.