Golden Temple with Himachal Hill Station & Taj Mahal

Golden Temple with Himachal Hill Station & Taj Mahal: Complete Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi international airport, meet and greet with our office representative assistance and transfer to hotel, check-in. (Hotel check-in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to availability of rooms)

Afternoon drive past Red Fort & Chandni Chowk Bazar, Khari Baoli spice market. Visit Jama Masjid (Mosque). Shah Jahan (King of the World) founded the city of Shahjanabad, now referred to as Old Delhi, in 1648. Opposite the fort is the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan to dominate his city. Raj Gath; The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture. India Gate; The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Amritsar (Train)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to New Delhi railway station to board train 2029, Swarna Shatabdi, at 0720hrs for Amritsar. Breakfast on board. 1315hrs arrive Amritsar Railway station, meeting with our office representative &  transfer to hotel.

Later visit Golden Temple; Amritsar -Literally a pool of Nectar derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. Golden Temple (Harmander Sahib): famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most secred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The mandir is built on a 60-ft square of marble and is two storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had upper half of the building build wit approximately 400 kg gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temple like the Durgiana Temple. The forth guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, who had initially constructed a pool here, founded Amritsar, which houses the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. It is here that Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana. Rama & Sita are  believed to have spent there 14 ear exile in Amritsar, the epicenter of Sikhism. To the south of the temple is a garden and the tower of Baba Atal. 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. A visitor must cover his / her head before entering the temple premises. The Granth Sahib is kept in the temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or eternal throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapon used by Sikhs warriors. Guru Hargovind established it. The rugged old Jubi Tree in the north west corner of the compound is believed to possess the special power. It was planted 450 years ago by Golden Temple first high priest, Baba Buddha. Guru-ka-Langar or the communal canteen is toward the estern entrance of the temple complex, and its provide food to all visitors, regardless of colour, creed, cost or gender. Visitor to Golden Temple must remove there shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03:  Amritsar - Dharamsala (210kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, proceed to Dharamshala. The scenic drive through the mountains brings you to the upper Dharamsala or popularly known as McLeodgarh. This hill station with its magnificent view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas is the seat of His Holiness, the XIVth Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. The town has a large Tibetan refugee settlement. The numerous monks in their flowing maroon robes, the many street shops selling momos and butler tea, and old Tibetan women in their traditional clothes, walking past serenely turning their prayer wheels, could well be in Tibet. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Dharamsala
Breakfast at hotel. Sightseeing tour of McLeodganj, which is home to most of the Tibetan exiles. At McLeodganj, the Tibetans  have established many monasteries, schools and temples. Mcleodganj is sometimes known as ‘Little Lhasa’, after the Tibetan capital city. 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.

Inside are images of Shakyamuni (Buddha of the past), Padmasambhava the propagator of Buddhism in Tibet, and Avalokiteshvara (the compassionate one). All the images are in a posture of meditation with offerings of fruits, incense sticks and prayer flags in front. In the courtyard of the temple a curious tradition is enacted every afternoon by lamas from the Namgyal monastery. Punctuated by lots of shouting and clapping, the monks conduct serious debates on various theological issues.

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. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05: Dharamsala - Manali (245kms/ 6hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Manali. 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 Manali, check into the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Manali
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Manali, visit Hadimba Devi Temple: Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the Dhoongri Temple dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.

Vashist Hot Water Spring & Temple: Vashist, 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. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Manali – Rohtang Pass (51kms one way)
Breakfast at hotel, half day excursion to visit Rohtang pass (3979 m): Rohtang Pass is 51kms from Manali on 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. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and Chandra River flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. 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 hotel.

Day 08: Manali – Kullu – Shimla (258kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mandi Enroute sightseeing of Kullu (1,230mtr) the most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spread out its charm on either side of Beas River. The valley runs North to South of this river and is 80kms long and about 2kms at it’s broadest. The valley has awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by rushing streams and meandering brooks. It is also famous for its exquisitely woven colorful handmade shawls and Kullu caps. In the spring, Kullu is in most colorful shape. Early March, apricot and plum trees, dotted among the fields, burst into pink blossoms and wild meddler are crowned with white flowers. The higher slopes are soon aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons, white scarlet clusters of the smash blaze near the river, the terraced fields turning from green to gold. Continue drive to Shimla, check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit 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 theater and a number of good eating joints. The Ridge- This ridge of Shimla gives a spectacular sight of the ice-covered mountain peaks. 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 theater and a number of good eating joints. Jakhoo Temple- The temple being situated at the highest peak of Shimla gives a stunning view of the Shimla town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. So tourists visit this place for offering prayers before the idol. State museum- This is the abode to excellent paintings, handicrafts, textiles and stone carvings.

Day 09: Shimla - Delhi (358kms/ 6hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Delhi, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Delhi – Agra (204kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Agra, check in at hotel.  visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best. (Taj Mahal remain closed on every Friday)

Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic. By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to separate the Hindu and Muslim strands. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Agra – Delhi (204kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Delhi, direct transfer to international airport to board flight for your home country.