The Natural And Cultural Wonders Of India!!

Active and Unique Highlights:

• Saluting The Indomitable Human Spirit (Slum Tour)
• Going native in a Punjab Village.
• Spectacular Tirund Tibba day hike through Himalayan village and landscape.

Day 01: Arrival / Delhi (Interactive NGO Workshop Visit is closed on Sundays)

Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!

Mid morning arrival, Meeting and assistance upon arrival as well as traditional welcome with garlands Transfer to your hotel with your relationship executive who would also help you check in and deliver a tour briefing besides handing over a welcome pack containing your travel documents.

Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.

Today, proceed on a unique slum tour

In the slums of Sanjay Colony, the sky is only as wide as the lane below. Stacks of matchbox houses rise three or four storeys, a few feet apart from each other. This appears like jagged strips similar to machines at the garment factories where many residents of this slum work. In our special tour, the focus is not on the poverty – the idea is to engage with the local community and see their way of living. Through this tour, visitors also witness a wide range of activities like: embroidery, bakery, clothes recycling as well as manufacturing, and many more. These items are created in innovative ways and in very small spaces!! One could learn a lot from the people in the slums. There is a sense of community that exists in the area. A lot of people have come here from different parts of the country to live in this tiny neighborhood of Delhi, and this diversity is apparent in the temples and mosques that stand side by side. At the end of this inspiring session, the tour would give you a delicate insight into human relationships, and, the indomitable human spirit that seeks to survive as well as thrive against the harshest challenges posed by destiny.

Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room) (No Meals)

Day 02: Delhi

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, this vast, intricate work of mixed Mughal and Western architecture is one of the largest presidential residences in the world We will also visit the Parliament House as well as witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.

Following our drive pass to the Lutyens Delhi area, we will now visit the Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam, commenced the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture.

Then, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.

The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawala (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the color of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.

Overnight at Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (Deluxe Room) (B)

Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (270 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Jaipur.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel Jasvilas.

Evening, we proceed on guided walks along the lanes and bye-lanes of the old city. The city is best-explored on foot and only the inquisitive visitor willing to go into the rastaas (streets) and galis (lanes) will feel the spirit of the city. Jaipur’s colorful bazaars tantalize the eye wsith enameled blue pottery, exquisite gem-studded jewelry, engraved brass work traditional block-printed fabrics and brightly patterned dhurrie rugs together with traditional crafts and miniature painting.

Overnight at Jasvilas (Standard Room) (B)

Day 04: Jaipur

After breakfast, we will visit the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, a five-storied structure of pink sandstone with semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed windows overlooking the main street of the old city. It was built in 1799 so that veiled royal women could peer down unseen by the world through its 593 stone screens

Then, we visit Amber Fort, the former capital of the royal Jaipurs. Few fail to be moved by the dramatic Rajput grandeur of this hilltop fortress-palace 11 km north of Jaipur. Set on the dry wrinkled Aravali Hills, and surrounded by fortified battlements, the palace straddles two sepia-hued tundra hills overlooking Maota Lake, and its sprawling crenellated walls lattice the surrounding hills.

Then, we will ride up to the Amber on Jeep. Our guide will elaborate on the history of this architectural masterpiece with its mirror-studded alcoves, dazzling mosaics and water-cooled swings that delight today’s visitors as they did their former royal residents.

Later, we visit the Panna Meena ka Kund. This beautiful place was constructed during sixteenth century. The place was mainly utilized as a place of social meetings. People from nearby places come here for getting water, swimming or just to hang out with their loved ones. During ancient times, this place was utilized mainly as water protects pool. This beautiful Kund has a unique architecture and styling. This Kund was designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers.

We would also stop at Jal Mahal palace for photos. (From Outside Only)

We will proceed on a tour Of the City Palace & Observatory. The City Palace in the heart of the old city is a blend of Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The palace lies in the heart of the city and occupies the whole central grid. The fortified wall has seven gates and was built for protection from invading armies and animals that lived in jungles, which surrounded the wall that time. Next, we visit the Solar Observatory - an astronomical treasure house, with solar device that give accurate predictions till date.

Overnight at Jasvilas (Standard Room) (B)

Day 05: Jaipur / FatehpurSikri / Agra (245 Kms) (06 Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Agra, stopping at deserted capital city of Fatehpur Sikri This abandoned capital of the Mughals is a perfectly preserved city at the height of the empire’s splendor. The city divided into religious and secular parts has interesting well-sculpted buildings.

Upon arrival in Agra check into hotel Crystal Sarovar Premiere Agra

Evening, we will visit Mehtab Bagh. The Moonlight Garden was an extension of the Taj Mahal Garden - on the other side of the river. In 1652 Aurangzeb wrote to his father telling of a visit to 'the blessed tomb and commenting that the Mehtab Garden was completely inundated and has lost its charm, but soon it will regain its verdancy. The octagonal pool and the pavilion around it are in splendid condition. The Mehtab Bagh was lost under the mud but re-excavated in the 1990s. Originally, the garden was planted with fragrant flowers and used in the cool of the night as a place from which to view the Taj Mahal reflected in the octagonal pool and in the river.

Overnight at Hotel Crystal Sarovar Premiere Agra (Deluxe Room) (B)

Day 06: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) (04 Hrs Drive)

Agra is the city of the Taj Mahal, perhaps the most photographed monument in the world. However, there is a degree of enigma about the Taj. Once you hear about a building so much and once you see so many pictures of a building your expectations are real high; and this is the enigma about the Taj Mahal. No matter how many pictures you have seen or no matter how high your expectations are the Taj never lets you down - the unparalleled glory and beauty of the building surpasses beyond all human imaginations. At sunrise we visit one of the greatest sights of one’s lifetime - Taj Mahal. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble building. Later we return to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles, built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire

Following the tour, we will drive to Delhi along one of the India’s finest freeways.

Upon arrival in Delhi check into hotel Novotel New Delhi Aerocity

Overnight at Hotel NovotelNew Delhi Aero city (Standard Room) (B)

Day 07: Delhi / Amritsar (AI 461 – 0800 / 0915 Hrs)

Early morning transfer to the airport to board the flight to Amritsar.

(Though Check – in time is 2:00 PM, every effort would be made to ensure an as early as possible check-in - subject to availability)

Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Amritsar & transfer to your Hotel Hyatt

After rest and relaxation, we visit the Golden Temple, which is the Mecca of Sikh religion .The temple with a shinny pure gold dome, is beautifully situated in the center of a lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All around the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings. The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to prepare the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However, besides the physical beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming. The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism.

During the day, we would also visit the Jalianwala Bagh, the martyr’s memorial where thousands of innocent Indians were cordoned off by the British and fired. The well where several Indians jumped to escape the bullets as well as bullet marks and a museum of pictures can be still seen here.

We would also be visiting the Golden Temple after dinner. There happens a spectacular ceremony, where the Sikhs put their holy book (Guru Granth Sahib) to sleep. The priests carry the books over their head to place them in a golden palanquin. The book is then carried to an inner chamber in the Palanquin to the accompaniment of bugles and drums and the chanting of the name of the Lord. The palanquin itself is carried by devotees in turns. It is quite a special sight. The book is again placed in the main sanctum similarly in the morning.

Overnight at Hotel Hyatt, Amritsar (Hyatt Room) (B)

Day 08: Amritsar

Following breakfast, we will ride out to a traditional village on the outskirts of Amritsar for an up close true Indian outback experience. The journey will take you into the heart of the Sikh land where you experience the richest hospitality as extended by the lion hearted Punjabis. As you arrive at the village, prepare yourself for a traditional welcome with ’Tikka’(Blessing) and offer of flowers along with Punjab’s real drink - sweet Lassi!! You are now hopefully ready to immerse yourself in the traditional richness of this remote village. Tread the narrow by-lanes of the village, or, ride in a tractor to arrive at a flour mill to witness the process of grain being converted into wheat flour. Among our several other visits, we would also be at the carpet weaving home enterprise, where you learn the art of weaving a carpet. That’s not all, you can experience a bullock cart ride through the lush green fields and alongside witness how fresh vegetables and fruits grow. During our stay at the village, we will also visit the village Gurudwara (Sikh Temple), the atmosphere here made by the pilgrims, chanting of hymns etc. is a very moving experience. Lastly, we will also have an opportunity to visit the home of locals where you enjoy the delicious Punjabi food as well as join the ladies of the house in their cooking activities. The Punjabis are well known for their friendliness and jovial nature. Enjoy your stay here; spending time with village families helps you to know more about their culture, norms, and, way of living. Following lunch, and, with added interactions with the natives, we bid farewell to the Village.

Later, we will journey 40 Kms to Wagha, the border between India & Pakistan. Each evening a very impressive lowering of guards ceremony is performed along with a march past by soldiers of both countries in synchronization to the accompaniment of bugles. The soldiers of both countries wear ceremonial dresses. It is quite a spectacular sight to see the same thing happening on both sides of the border.
Overnight at Hotel Hyatt, Amritsar (Hyatt Room) (B)

Day 09: Amritsar / Dharamshala (202 Kms) (04 ½ Hrs Drive)

After breakfast, we drive to Dharamshala

(Though Check – in time is 2:00 PM, every effort would be made to ensure an as early as possible check-in - subject to availability))

Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Dharamshala and check into Hotel Chonor House
Afternoon is at leisure. We suggest you enjoy a walk along the mall road where Tibetan refugees display and sell their crafts.
Overnight at Hotel Chonor House (Superior Room) (B)

Day 10: Dharamshala

This morning proceed on a walk from Naddi to Dharamkot. We drive from to Naddi where the road ends. This is the best way to enjoy the day is to walk through a forested path to Dharamkot. A three hours walk introduces you to the Gaddi lifestyle and the flora & fauna of the region. The road leading to the small market of village Naddi has the hotels erected either side obstructing the view of the Dhauladhar ranges. Narrow cemented paths bifurcate to right from the middle of the bazaar and leads to the Village Naddi that lies across the fields. Here you may see women working in the fields or returning home with a heavy load of fallen wood on their back that they collect from the forest. Water flowing through a water channel coming from a spring is available for everyone in the village. Women wash their laundry and young girls help their mothers drying it in sun. There is a cowshed outside every house and the cow-dung cakes can be seen stuck to the walls. The wooden houses have slated roofs and a courtyard in front where the fire wood is stacked in the corner or a string cot has been kept.

Overnight at Hotel Chonor House (Superior Room) (B)

Day 11: Dharamshala

Following breakfast, proceed on a tour of Dharamshala. We visit the Norblinga Institute for Tibetan Buddhism which is perhaps one of its best in the world. The Institute has its own temple, museum, hospital and meditation hall. We would meet with monks here to learn more about Buddhism. Of special mention here are the magnificent miniature paintings done by students here. It is great to see the students sketch a design and then paint it on canvas. We would visit the Dalai Lama’s Palace and temple in the afternoon and meet with the spiritual leaders to know more about the plight of Tibetans, their future, the problems they face in India etc. If the Dalai Lama is there in Dharamshala at the same time as we are, every effort would be made to have a personal audience with him, the Tibetan Buddhism’s deity of Universal Compassion. It is special meeting him, not because of his title or the high degree of reverence that the people of Tibet hold him in; but more because how it feels in his company. Several strong impressions remain about the meeting, including the way in which he gives his whole attention to questions. There is wisdom in his thinking which comes through clearly in his words, filled as they are with common sense and realism. His firm handshake, his sense of compassion, his sense of humour, his highly infectious and kind laughter are some of the everlasting images of the Dalai Lama.

Afternoon, tour of Dalai Lama Palace
Overnight at Chonor House (Superior Room) (B)

Day 12: Dharamshala / TriundTibba Trek / Dharamshala

Morning we will take a short excursion to TriundTibba

A full day trek to triundtibba: This is the highest peak in the vicinity of Dharamsala and a perfect trek to enjoy the astounding views of dhauladhar range of Himalaya. Drive to dharamkot in the morning at 8.30 am. The base of the trek is a tea shop. Hike up to the peak. On the way there are hutments made by gaddis - the Shepherds who keep roaming in these hills with their hearts of sheep and goats. Reach the peak by the afternoon. Pack lunch is carried. The meadows are the perfect grounds for overnight camping too. Spend some time here and make good use of your camera. Return by the evening. On arrival at Dharamkot drive to your hotel. Overall, the hike is a personal experience where the Himalayan scenery becomes an inseparable part of your tour.

Following the trek to Triundtibba we will drive back to Dharamshala

Overnight at Hotel Chonor House (Superior Room) (B)

Day 13: Dharamshala / Delhi (AI 9714 – 1305 / 1500 Hrs)

(Though the check out time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges - subject to availability)

After breakfast we transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Delhi

Upon arrival in Delhi check into hotel NovotelAerocity

Rest of the day is on leisure for your independent activity (Car and Driver available for local Visits)

Overnight at Novotel Aerocity (Standard Room) (B)

Day 14: Delhi / Departure

(Though the check out time is 12 noon, every effort would be made to retain rooms till as late as possible without additional charges - subject to availability)
In Time we transfer you to the international airport to board your onward flight
No Hotel Quoted for this day