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Day 01: Delhi (Arrival)
Around midnight arrival in
Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital New Delhi is the main
gateway for the travellers to
India. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations representative and transferred to the hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
- Amritsar (about 450 km by train)
In the morning we start our train journey by Shatabdi Express and
proceed to Amritsar.
Amritsar (meaning pool of Nectar) lies in the northern state of Punjab
and is famous for its Golden
Temple. We visit the Golden Temple to know more about the native
Sikh population of the state Punjab. Sikhs are meanwhile scattered
in whole of India and are easily recognizable through their mighty
colourful turbans.
Day 03:
Amritsar - Dharamsala (about 200 km)
Today we leave Dharamshala and drive through the lower mountains
of Himalaya to Dharamshala. Dharamshala has one of the
most spectacular settings for a Hill Station as it varies in height
from 1200 m. to 1800 m. In Dharamshala, there is a strong Tibetan
influence. The Dalai Lama settled here after the Chinese invasion of
Tibet in 1959. There is a monastery at Mcleodganj a short distance
along from the Dalai's Lama's residence. We have a walk through
Mcleodganj and visit a Tibetan monastery, the
church of St.
John and a school complex.
Day 04:
Dharamshala - Manali (about 260 km / 5 hours)
In the morning after having breakfast we drive to
Manali. The landscape here is breathtaking. One can see
spectacular views of well-defined snowcapped peaks and wooded
slopes. The
Beas
River rushes along its rocky course amid grassy meadows carpeted
with wild flowers and wagtails hop along from stone to stone along
the stream's edge. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny
fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a
favorite resort for trekkers to various regions in Kashmir valley.
It is known as the Switzerland of India. In the evening arrive in
Manali.
Day 05: Manali
In the morning we will have sightseeing in Manali. Today we will
visit Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Spring and Monastery.
Hidimba Devi temple was built in 1553. This temple has a
superbly crafted four-tiered pagoda roof and famous for its
exquisitely carved doorway. Vashishth Hot Water Springs are the well
known hot water springs. There are old temples dedicated to the sage
Vashishth and Lord Rama. In the evening we visit a small Tibetan
monastery which houses several Buddha images and Rahella Falls. It
is a beautiful picturesque site from where the Beas river falls down
from the height of 50 meters above sea level.
Day 06: Manali - Shimla
(about 250 km / 5 hours)
In the morning we drive towards
Shimla. The British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations."
Shimla is situated in the northwest
Himalayas. It was the summer capital of India
before independence and it is now the capital of
Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla derives its name from "Shyamala" the
goddess Kali, whose
temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhu Hill in the
early 19th century. Its well developed facilities, easy
accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most
popular and biggest hill stations.
Day 07: Shimla
Today we have sightseeing in Shimla. In our sightseeing we visit
the
Gothic Christ church. This Christ church is located on the
Shimla’s prominent Ridge. Even today, the church has some
interesting memorial tablets while the pews still mark the seats of
British Viceroy of India, the Commander-in-Chief and the
Punjab’s
Governor. Later we visit the
Jakhoo Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla and offers a
spectacular view of the town, hills and distant mountain ranges. The
peak has a temple dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. After visiting the
temple we return back to hotel. In the evening we visit the Mall and
Scandal Point for shopping.
Scandal Point is the hub of Shimla’s social life and is said to
be so named after a British Commander-in-Chief’s daughter eloped
from the spot with the Maharaja of Patiala.
Day 08: Shimla -
Kalka (about 100 km / 2 hours) – Delhi (by train)
Today we drive from Shimla to Kalka. Later we will have train from
Kalka to Delhi.
Day 09: Delhi - Jaipur (about 270
km / 5 hours)
Today we drive from Delhi to
Jaipur.
In the evening arrive in Jaipur.
Day 10: Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to the ancient capital of
Amber, laying 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient
capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to
newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the
back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we will visit the
Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains
953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows
enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions
below without being seen. After a break in Jaipur we visit the
City palace which is still the formal residence of the royal
family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
In the museum of the city palace we visit the private collection of
the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to
Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, the largest of Jai Singh's
five remarkable observatories. It's complex instruments reveals us
the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Later we have a walk through the colourful Bazaar of Jaipur and
visit a factory to see the famous block printing work being done
since centuries in Jaipur. In the evening we drive through the new
city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made
out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a
prayer ceremony.
Day 11:
Jaipur - Udaipur (about 420 km / 6 hours)
Today we drive to
Udaipur. Udaipur is called the romantic city of
Rajasthan. A
city built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect
the green hills of the Aravali ranges. In the evening we enjoy a
Boat ride on the Lake Pichola. The famous
Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former
rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this
palace more known in the west.
Day 12: Udaipur
Today we visit
Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing
with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of
Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After
the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This
museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets,
masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display.
After a break we proceed to
City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of
Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and
integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to
believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the
palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall
paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit
a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings
done.
Day 13: Udaipur -
Ahmedabad (about 256 km / 4 hours)
Today we drive from
Udaipur to Ahmedabad. In the evening arrival in
Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the second largest cosmopolitan city of
Gujarat.
This city nurtures in its fold pages of history, a breath of harmony
and a show-case of exquisite architecture. Upon arrival, you will be
transferred to the hotel in Ahmedabad.
Day 14: Ahmedabad
In the morning we visit the
Gandhi ashram. Gandhi ashram is situated in Sabarmati which is
about 6 kms from the Ahmedabad. This ashram is one of the beautiful
ashram and the important tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. After
visiting the Gandhi Ashram we visit the Gandhinagar's famous temple,
the Akshardham temple. Gandhinagar is the second planned and
architecturally integrated city in India after Chandigarh. The
Akshardham temple is the most famous temple of the Swaminarayan
Sect, one of the richest religious sects in the world. This temple
houses the 7 feet gold-leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and is a
unique cultural complex. Akshardham is an intricately carved,
majestic monument of 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone and is surrounded
by lush green gardens and beautiful fountains. After
visiting the temple we visit the
Calico museum of textiles. This museum is widely regarded as one
of the finest textiles museums in the world, started in Calico
Textile Mill. This museum of textiles has excellent exhibits of
antique and modern textiles including rare tapestries, wall
hangings, costumes and old weaving machines.
Day 15:
Ahmedabad - Rajkot (about 220 km / 4 hours)
In the morning we drive to
Rajkot. Rajkot is a very pleasant provincial town.
Mahatma Gandhi
spent a few years of his life in this town. His father was the Dewan
(Chief Minister) of Rajkot, once a small princely State. In the
evening arrive in Rajkot. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rajkot.
Day 16:
Rajkot - Bhavnagar (about 175 km / 3 hours 30 mins)
In the morning drive to
Bhavnagar.
Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the Kathiawar
peninsula in the Saurashtra plains. Once the capital of a princely
state, Bhavnagar is home to several lakes and temples. In the
evening we visit the
Takhteshwar Temple and Gandhi Smriti Museum. Takhteshwar temple
is located on a small hillock and provide good views over the city
and out into the Gulf of Cambay.
Gandhi Smriti Museum is located northeast, by the clock tower
and has a good collection of Gandhi memorabilia.
Day 17:
Bhavnagar - Mumbai
(by flight)
In the afternoon we drive to the airport to catch the flight to
Mumbai. Upon arrival, you will be met by an Indo Vacations
representative and transferred to the hotel.
Day 18: Flight to home
Around midnight flight to home destination.
Tour Reservation
To get more
information or to book this tour please submit the
Query Form
or send us an
e-mail !
Your
booking will be activated only after we get a reconfirmation from
your side.
Our Services Include:
Accommodation in
double room on twin sharing basis with bath and WC in the
chosen category.
Services of qualified
local guides (English speaking or languages of your choice)
at every place of sightseeing.
All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations
representative.
All Transfers and Sightseeing
throughout the tour by Car with driver.
Exclusions:
Any
Kind of Personal Expenses such as Tips, Laundry, Telephone Bills
and Alcoholic
beverages.
Camera Fees (Still
or Movie).
Any Flight Charges.
Monument Entrances.
Unspecified Meals etc.
Visa Fees
We always look
forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for
your individual trip.
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If
you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group Departure
dates are available
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Festival calendar
to know about the dates
of various festivals of North India
during your
travel ! |
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for more Tours & information on North India ! |
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