Explore Hidden Jewel Of India

Day 1 Arrive Delhi.

Arrive Delhi by evening, reception at airport, Transfer to the hotel, Night in hotel.

Day 2 Delhi - Amritsar. By train 6h.

Morning transfer to Railway station, train to Amritsar, on arrival transfer to hotel. Amritsar translates as “pool of nectar” and surrounds the Sikh Golden Temple. A causeway connects to the temple in the middle of the pool. A Sikh high priest reads the holy book, sitting on the east side of the temple, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Visit one of the biggest community kitchens in the world. Most fascinating is the work done by volunteers who help to peel, chop, cook, wash dishes, and serve free meals to thousands of devotees. By afternoon, visit Wagah border to attend the retreat ceremony (or Parade) that takes place on the Grand Trunk Road between India (Amritsar) and Lahore (Pakistan) – an incredible experience at sunset. By evening, attend the closing ceremony of the sacred book and enjoy the serenity of the Golden Temple.

Day 3 Amritsar to Dharamsala, Mcleodganj (1830m), 190 kms, 6h.

Leave for Dharamsala. En route, visit the thousand-year-old Brijeshwari Temple dominating old Kangra town, built in Shikara style and dedicated to the goddess Brijeshwari. The 10-minute walk leading to the temple premises passes through a decorated alley with colorful shops selling articles for religious rituals. In the afternoon, check-in at the hotel. Later in the evening, stroll with Indo-Tibetan crowds on the streets of Mcleodganj, a former colonial retreat that rose to prominence after the large-scale exodus of Tibetans from their homeland in 1959. It is the residence (Ocean of Tranquility) of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. The backdrop features the majestic Dhauladhar Mountains. The Tibetan Government in exile has been based here for decades. Night in the hotel.

Day 4 Visit Dharamsala (1830m).

Morning visit to the impressive Namgyal Monastery, surrounded by a row of prayer wheels, housing larger-than-life images of Buddha: Padmasambhava and Avalokiteshvara. The Tsuglagkhang complex is the most important Buddhist monument in McLeodganj, with an interesting collection of sacred texts based on the teachings of Buddha, as well as centers for medicine and astrology. Visit the Norbulingka Institute and its museum. This Tibetan Arts Museum promotes the study and representation of Tibetan performing arts to ensure their preservation. If possible, meet the monks (some areas may be closed for renovations or Tibetan festive events). The Tibetan handicraft center can also be visited. Night in the hotel.

Day 5 Dharamsala to Mandi (760m), 126 kms via Rewalsar (1360m).

Leave for Mandi. En route, take a glimpse of the tea estate of Palampur at the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. Short stop to visit the Shiva Temple at Baijnath, dedicated to Vaidhyanath. The temples are built in Shikara style and are remarkable for their proportion and architectural beauty. Drive further to Rewalsar (Pool of Ancient Wisdom), a dark jewel on a wooded hillside. This sacred lake is identified as the “Sahar of Yore.” Legend states that Padmasambhava left from here for Tibet to spread the words of the Buddha in the 8th century. Mandi is an important town in Himachal Pradesh and the gateway to Kullu Valley. It is known for its aesthetically carved Shikara-style temples such as Bhootnath, Triloknath, and Panchvakra. Stroll through the old streets leading to these temples. Night in the hotel.

Day 6 Mandi to Kullu-Manali (2000m), 90 kms.

Today, we leave for Manali. En route, visit the Shiva Temple at Bajaura before reaching Kullu town. Kullu–Manali is situated in the inner range of the Himalayas and is famous for apple orchards, pine trees, and cheerful people. The valley has hundreds of temples and deities. The Aryans named this valley Kulantpitha, meaning “the end of the habitable world.” Upon arrival, visit the Temple of Manu in Old Manali village. Evening free to stroll in New Manali. Night in the hotel.

Day 7 Exploration around Manali.

Visit the pagoda-shaped wooden Temple of Goddess Hadimba, associated with the Mahabharata, located in the middle of a giant cedar forest. Further to Nagar Castle, a fine example of mountain architecture in the valley. An overview of another wooden temple, Pagoda-style, dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari. Visit the famous Art Gallery of Russian painter Nicolas Roerich and stroll through a typical Himalayan village. Evening back to Manali. Night in the hotel.

Day 8 Manali to Chandigarh, 300 kms. 8h

Drive through several villages of Himachal. Afternoon, reach Chandigarh: a city designed by the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Visit the Rock Garden, an epitome of creativity & innovation. This unique garden consists of various art objects, all made using industrial & urban waste, making it one of the most visited sites. If time allows, take an overview of the Capitol Complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. This complex contains administrative buildings & the Open Hand Monument, the “Emblem of Chandigarh” (Closed on Sunday & Govt. holidays). Evening dinner & stroll in the city center. Night in a hotel.

Day 9 Chandigarh to Kurukshetra – (100 km/ 2-3 hrs)

Land where the epic Mahabharata was born. Visit Jyotisar, the birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna gave the lesson of karma to Arjuna. Visit Kurukshetra: Sannihit Sarovar, Sheikh Chilli Tomb, Kalpana Chawla Planetarium & Srikrishna Museum, where texts of the great battle are depicted in a large diorama. Rest of the time is free to relax. Night in a hotel.

Day 10 Kurukshetra – Rishikesh, (170 kms/ 5 hrs)

Departure to Rishikesh, the sanctuary of saints and Sadhus. Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, it has been a great pilgrimage center since medieval times, attracting large numbers of pilgrims, saints, and sages (sadhus). It is well-known for yoga and meditation centers. Visit ashrams and temples, and witness the evening ritual ceremony on the banks of the holy Ganges, where hundreds of people float little flower bowls with oil lamps on the river. Night stay at the hotel.

Day 11 Rishikesh to Haridwar, 23 kms. (Ganga Dussehra Festival)

Start your journey to Haridwar. Check-in to the hotel. Visit Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to Shakti, the goddess of power. Then visit Kankhal and the historical Daksha Mahadev Temple, associated with King Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Sati. Visit the Ghats, where hundreds of pilgrims take a sacred dip in the Ganges. By evening, join the grand Ganga Aarti, one of the most fascinating religious rituals in the world. Haridwar, meaning "Gateway to God," has been a sacred place for centuries and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the Ganges. According to Hindu mythology, millions of Hindus take a holy dip in the sacred river to seek emancipation. Night in a hotel.

Day 12 Haridwar to Delhi by train, 240 kms.

Visit Old Delhi Morning transfer to the railway station for a 6-hour train journey to Delhi. By afternoon, reach Delhi. Visit the spice market and the colorful streets of Chandni Chowk by tricycle rickshaw, mingling with the real Indian folk. Get an overview of the grand Jama Masjid (closed during prayer hours) and take an outer view of the Red Fort. Night in a hotel.

Day 13 Delhi- Agra. 220 kms. 4h

Morning drive to Agra, the city of the Taj. In the afternoon, visit the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous monuments in the world, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a token of eternal love. In the evening, visit the Red Fort, built in the 16th century with red sandstone. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, this fort served as their residence and is an exquisite blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Night in a hotel.

Day 14 Agra to Delhi via Fatehpur Sikri. 300 kms

By evening, departure Morning visit to Fatehpur Sikri, “The City of Victory,” built in the 16th century on a rocky ridge. The city's architecture reflects both Hindu and Muslim domestic styles popular in India at the time. Later, the red sandstone city became Emperor Akbar’s impossible dream. After lunch, drive back to Delhi. If time allows, enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping. Evening drop-off at the airport for your onward flight. No hotel in Delhi.