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North India with Taj 16 Nights / 17 Days
Destinations covered: Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali - Kaza - Tabo - Nako - Kalpa - Sarahan - Shimla - Agra-DelhiDay 01: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at International airport, the guest will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Delhi, capital city of the Federal Republic of India is one of India's fastest growing cities. The city has two distinct parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects shades of Mughal Emperor whereas New Delhi shows the legacy of what British left behind.
The streets of Old Delhi are narrow and bustling. The beauty and serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. New Delhi was proclaimed the capital of India by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), and is tree-lined and spacious.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for day sightseeing of Delhi covering the following areas of New Delhi and Old Delhi
Rajghat - A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Bapu (Father of Nation)
Red Fort (Lal quila) - Old Delhi is centered on the Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan between 1636 and 1658, when the mougal empire was on its peak.
Jama Masjid (Mosque) - Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India.
Qutub Minar - is the tallest stone tower in India. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer
Indian Gate - Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Built from sandstone, the arch also houses the Eternal Flame, a gesture in memory of the Indian soldiers who laid their lives in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms
Overnight in Delhi - we will be happy to recommend places for an evening stroll or a restaurant for dinner tonight.
Day 03: Delhi - Chandigarh (250 Kms 5hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Chandigarh.
Chandigarh- If Varanasi symbolizes the spirit of ancient India, then Chandigarh is its city of 'today'. Visitors used to the meandering sprawls and historic skylines of most old Indian towns are surprised at the planned layout of Chandigarh and its sleek buildings. In fact, the city is considered as the Mecca of modern architecture and planning all over the world.
Arrive Chandigarh and check in at hotel In the afternoon proceed for half day sightseeing of Chandigarh. Capitol Complex Chandigarh capitol complex houses the seat of Government. Initially, it served as the seat only for the Govt of Punjab, but now it has the headquarters of both, the Govt of Punjab and Haryana. The credit for the awesome designing of the Capitol complex goes to Le Corbusier. Located in Sector 1, capitol complex in Chandigarh, India consists of three main edifices, namely, the Secretariat, the Legislative Assembly and the High Court. Rock Garden Chandigarh rock garden is an epitome of creativity and innovation. It is a unique garden that consists of various art objects. But the best part about the rock garden is that each of its artwork has been made by using industrial and urban waste. It is located in Sector 1 between the Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake. Leisure Valley Leisure valley is the most beautiful and popular tourist attraction destination in Chandigarh. Chandigarh Leisure valley is like a garland of gardens that beautifies the entire city. It begins from Rajendra Park in Sector 1 that is basically used for long walks, yoga and other fitness workout activities and stretches till the Bougainvillea garden in Sector 3. Sukhna Lake Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. The unique thing about Sukhna is that it is a manmade lake. It is a 3 km long lake that was created in the year 1958. It was done by damming the Sukhna Choe, which is a seasonal stream flowing down from the Shivalik hills.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Chandigarh - Manali (284 Kms 7hrs drive by road)
After breakfast start for Manali.
Once called the "end of the habitable world," Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. In brief, Manali-the veritable "valley of the Gods"-is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort. Arrive Manali and check in at hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Overnight at hotel
Day 05: Manali
After breakfast start for local sightseeing of Manali. Visit Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht hot water springs, Jagatsukh. In the afternoon Visit Kullu region and Manikaran hot springs In the evening visit Tibetan market and shopping areas around the Mall area.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Manali
After breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing for Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass presents the convoluted molds of snowy barbs originating from a massive glacier that had slither down. From here, the dense woody forests become visible as tiny grasslands. Trekking to Rohtang Pass is an exploratory expedition that bears out attractive mountain peaks with the spectacular view of menacing crags stringed by silvery cascades. Depending upon the snowfall in the upper regions, Rohtang Pass opens at anytime during the month of June for travel and a seal in October. The tedious journey is often dangerous owing to the high velocity wind and the unpredictable snowfall. Relax in the evening.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Manali - Kaza (224 Kms 7 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Kaza. Kaza- Once was the capital of Nono the chief of Spiti, Kaza situated at an altitude of 3600m above sea level on the left bank of Spiti, presently is the Head quarter of Spiti Sub Division. This beautiful place has Buddhist monastery and Hindu Temple Arrive Kaza and check in at resort. Relax in the evening.
Overnight at hotel
Day 08: Kaza
After breakfast start for full day sightseeing tour of Kaza. Visit the Ki (Key) monastery – 4116 m, 12 km from Kaza. This labyrinth of rooms and corridors once acted as a fort. It houses valuable thangkas and offers a panoramic view of the area. Also visit the small Gompa at Kibber – 4205m, 9 km from Ki Gompa. Kibber is the highest permanently inhabited village of the region connected by a motorable road. More time at Kaza will enable you to visit the Hikim, Komic and Langja monasteries.
Overnight at resort
Day 09: Kaza - Tabo (42 Kms 1 hour drive by road)
After breakfast start for Tabo.
Tabo is in arid Spiti where there are thirty monasteries spread over its rugged terrain. Tabo is the largest monastic complex in Spiti and has nine temples, twenty three chortens, a monks’ chamber and a nuns’ chamber. The Tabo Chos-hKhor or Doctrinal Enclave was founded in 966 AD by the great teacher Rinchensang-po and is renowned for its breathtaking murals and stucco statues. This has been declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO. Arrive Tabo and check in at resort In the afternoon visit nine temples, twenty three chortens, a monks’ chamber and a nuns’ chamber.
Overnight at resort.
Day 10: Tabo - Nako - Kalpa (240 Kms 7 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Kalpa, enroute visit Nako. Village of Nako is built around a lake. On its northern side are four Buddhist temples that house large prayer wheels. Near Nako is a rock where a footprint like impression is ascribed to Padmasambhava.
Arrive Kalpa and check in at resort.
Kalpa- Across the river, facing Kalpa is the majestic Kailash range. This is a spectacular sight early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and gold light. Kalpa was also the favorite resting-place for several of the British colonialists.
Known as the Chini when it was the main town in Kinnaur, Kalpa is the legendary winter home of Shiva, during the winter, the god is said to retire to his Himalayan home from here and indulge his passion for hashish. In the month of Magha or January/February, the gods of Kinnaur supposedly meet here for an annual conference with Shiva.
Overnight at resor.
Day 11: Kalpa
After breakfast start for day sightseeing of Kalpa.
Recong Peo - Up a side road from the main thoroughfare through Kinnaur are the two main towns of Kalpa, the former capital and Recong Peo the current capital of Kinnaur. Filled with incredible views of the mighty Kinnaur Kailash Mountain, among several others
Kothi - Just 3-km from Recong Peo, Kothi has a temple dedicated to the Goddess Chandika Devi. Set against the backdrop of mountains and groves of deodar the temple has an unusual architectural style and fine sculpture. An exquisite gold image of the goddess is enshrined in the sanctum.
Powari - Situated, 70-km, from Rampur, Powari is the last major stop of N.H.22 with a petrol station. The link road to the district headquarters Recong Peo, takes off to Powari.
Morang - Morang is one of the largest villages in Tukpa Pargana of Tehsil Morang. From Powari, Morang is 26-km and is situated at an altitude of 2,276m. It's a beautiful village and the approach to it is highly picturesque, encircled by lofty mountains on three sides except westward, where it is open. There is an ancient fort inside the village, believed to build by the Pandavas.
Day 12: Kalpa - Sarahan (70 Kms 2 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Sarahan. Sarahan- Flower-decked, quiet little Sarahan is an unpretentious Himachal hamlet. Sarahan's stunning beauty offsets an extravagant backdrop of snowy peaks and undulating valleys. This memorable village is often overlooked in the rush to more recent discoveries in the Kinnaur area, but it's a delightful place to unwind and drink in the unadulterated mountain scenery. The village is famous for its ancient Bhimakali Temple and as a starting-point for treks to the mountain of Shrikhand Mahadev. Arrive Sarahan and check in at resort. In the afternoon visit The Bhimakali Temple, reputed to be at least 800 years old, is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bhimakali and is considered one of the significant Shakti Peeths of Shaivite Hindus. The temple is Tibetan in its architectural style, with Buddhist and Hindu influences and bronze statues of both religions in the shrines.
Also visit Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple complex- The Rampur rajas of Bushahr, who once ruled Kinnaur, made Sarahan their intermediary summer capital, when they left Kamru in the Sangla Valley, and before Rampur Bushahr became the new capital. The 200-year-old Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple complex is a splendid multi-layered edifice in timber with beams of cedar.
Overnight at Sarahan.
Day 13: Sarahan - Shimla (174 Kms 5 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Shimla "The Queen of Hills". Shimla- One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Shimla located in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station. Also known as Shimla, your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. This beautiful hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring Shimla as their summer capital Arrive Shimla and check in at hotel.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Queen of Hills and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Overnight at hotel
Day 14: Shimla
After breakfast start for full day sightseeing tour of Shimla.
Mall Road Shimla - One place that you cannot ignore is definitely the Mall Road in Shimla. Located at the heart of the town, the Mall Road in Shimla is one of the busiest commercial areas of this place. Built by the British during the colonial rule in India, the Mall Road was constructed keeping in mind the traffic on this route.
Shimla Ridge - Located in the heart of Shimla is the famous tourist attraction known as The Ridge. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Lakkar Bazaar, Mall, Scandal Point, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.
Annandale - Situated at a distance of 2 kilometers from the heart of the city, Annandale is a lovely picnic spot that is a major tourist attraction. One can relax and unwind over here and spend as much time as they want to.
Glenn - A thickly wooded forest, Glenn is a famous picnic spot that is located around 4 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The thick cover of the deodar trees makes this place a calm and tranquil locale. It used to be known as the playground of Shimla where racing, cricket and polo used to be the favorite pastime of the British.
Prospect Hill - Situated at a height of 2155 meters, the Prospect hill is a great place to visit and unwind in the natural surroundings. It is also famous for a hilltop temple dedicated to Kamna Devi.
State Museum and Library - The Shimla State Museum and Library is a famous tourist attraction that is located at a distance of around 2.5 kilometers from the center of Shimla. The museum is famous for is collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, coins and photographs. The museum has samples of the famous Pahari miniature art form, which ceased to exist when the Western art form took over. The museum should be visited by anyone who is coming to Shimla.
Summer Hill - The Summer Hill is located at a height of 1283 meters above sea level. This charming spot is famous for its university of Himachal Pradesh that is located here. It is said that Mahatma Gandhi used to come to stay here during his visit to Shimla.
Viceregal Lodge - The Viceregal Lodge is located at the top of Observatory Hills and was constructed by the British. This brilliant building served as the residence of the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin. It was completed by the year 1888 and it is still well maintained. This Lodge has now been transformed into the famous Institute of Advanced Studies and the six storey building still stands in all its splendor. The lodge has famous gardens and perfectly manicured lawns. The place is a very famous tourist attraction and must be visited.
Overnight at hotel
Day 15: Shimla - Delhi (362 Kms 9 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Delhi.
Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16: Delhi - Agra (201 Kms 04 hours drive by road)
After breakfast start for Agra by road. Check in at hotel.
Agra- Heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century.
Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.
Evening proceed for Taj Mahal sightseeing
Taj Mahal For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty. The Taj Mahal in Agra India is considered one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India. The history of the Taj Mahal is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum in 1612 A.D. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal or Crown of the Palace. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should "build a tomb in her memory such as the world had never seen before." The history of the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end.
Overnight at Agra.
Day 17: Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Delhi
After breakfast drive to Delhi.
Enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri - The city of victory beautifully preserved. The sandstone mansions of Sikri are experiments in art and architecture and to a great extent uphold Akbar's ideals and visions. Arrive Delhi and check in hotel close to the airport. In the evening proceed for International airport to catch flight for onward destination. Proceed with the sweet memories of the tour.