|
Foothill of the Himalayas : - As the cradle of some of the
world's greatest religions you would expect India to boast
mighty monuments and uplifting moments. This tour has been
designed not for the religious student but to showcase sights
that, whilst rarely seen by Westerners are worthy of the title -
"Wonder of the World". The Golden Temple, holiest shrine for
Sikhs, is an architectrual marvel; the presence of the Dalai
Lama in his spiritual home, Dharamsala, somehow imbues a visit
to this most scenic of mountain retreats with a special aura;
and, in the Manali / Shimla region, whilst you stand in awe of
the snow-capped peaks that surround you, you will have no
problems understanding why the British Raj called this, the
Queen of Hill Stations. A wonderful tour for the second time
visitor to India.
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel
in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of
fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs
and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes
on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Train Delhi to Amritsar (1630/2215)
A busy day of Delhi sightseeing that includes the Red Fort, Jama
Masjid and Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi and Raj Ghat (the
cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi) The Hindu temple of Birla
Mandir, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's House),
Qutab Minar and The Bahai Temple in New Delhi. Later, transfer
to Delhi Railway Station for the 4.30pm train to Amritsar - Home
to the Harmandir Sahib, known as the Golden Temple and
considered the most important Sikh pilgrimage site. Overnight in
Amritsar
Day 3 In Amritsar
Your sightseeing begins early with a visit to The Golden Temple
- founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed
by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is here that people from all
over the world come to pay their reverence to The Guru Granth
Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of
Immortality) for spiritual purification. Also in Amritsar is the
Jallian Wala Bagh - notorious for the massacre that took place
here under British rule.
In
1919 General Dyer personally led the troops to this walled
ground and ordered his men open fire on a group of peaceful
protestors. At the east end of the garden there is a large
memorial built in memory of those who died here. Later this
afternoon, visit the Wagha Border - the international border
between India and Pakistan where the pomp and pageantry of the
Beating Retreat & Change of Guard ceremonies make for a most
charming spectacle. Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 4 Drive Amritsar to Dharamshala (200kms/5 hours)
Morning drive to Dharamshala - home of the Tibetan leader The
Dalai Lama and set against the backdrop of the dramatic
Dhauladhar Mountains. Dharamshala is a busy bazaar town and has
established itself as a base camp for those who wish to explore
the nearby mountains. The rest of the day is at your leisure to
explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight at Chonor house
in Dharamshala
Day 5 In Dharamshala
Day at leisure to explore Dharamshala.
Day 6 Drive Dharamshala to Manali (265kms/6 hours)
This morning depart for Manali, with its spectacular views of
snow-capped peaks and wooded slopes, Manali's major asset is its
proximity to the snowline. It is a popular honeymoon destination
and trailhead for numerous treks as well as great countryside
for those with a passion for adventure sports. Overnight in
Manali
Day 7 In Manali
Depending on the weather and your mood you might like to head
out skiing, hang gliding, river rafting, take a short hike,
visit the Mountaineering Institute and the apple orchards or
just relax in scenic surrounds.
Day 8 Drive Manali to Shimla (260kms/8 hours)
Drive to Shimla, the British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill
Stations" and it is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and
rhododendron forests. In spite of its modernization, it still
retains a colonial flavour, and is one of Indian's most popular
and biggest hill stations. Overnight in Shimla
Day 9 In Shimla
A day to stroll the mall, rummage in the bazaars, visit smaller
local towns and enjoy the mountain scenery. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 10 Drive Shimla to Delhi (340kms/8 hours)
Drive to Delhi or alternatively, choose to take the picturesque
Toy Train from Shimla to Kalka, a journey of 100 kilometres that
takes just over four hours, and passes through quaint little
towns and villages and over a hundred tunnels. Overnight in
Delhi
Day 11 Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to the International airport in time to
board your flight home. |
