Delhi - Amritsar - Kapurthala - Chandigarh - Palampur - Dharmshala - Delhi

Highlights Of The Itinerary:

• Golden Temple - Amritsar
• French Architecture - Kapurthala
• Rural Punjab - visit to Farm
• City of Le Corbusier - Chandigarh

Specially Created For:

• Cultural Enthusiasts & Adventure Activities

Welcome to India.

India is the world’s largest democracy and covers an area of 3,287,263 sq km, stretching from the high Himalayas in the North, to the southern tropical rain forests and flanked by the Arabian Sea in West and The Indian Ocean in the East. In the shape of a triangle, India's topography is greatly varied in that there are deserts and rain forests, much of its land is comprised of fertile river plains and high plateaus. A vast subcontinent of over 1.2 billion people, and contains more different languages ,religions ,races and cultures than any other country in the world. India offers the traveler a multitude of unique experiences ensuring an unforgettable visit. From the vibrant and bustling markets and extravagant festivals to the serenity of a mountain retreat, India is a destination that will touch your soul.

Your Journey at a Glance (Custom-Designed Itinerary):

Day 1:

• VIP Meet and Greet at New Delhi’s International Airport.
• Transfer from Delhi airport to the Hotel.
• 01 Overnights in Oberoi Gurgaon, NCR of Delhi.

Day 2:

• Morning transfer to Delhi Airport to fly to Amritsar.
• On arrival transfer to Hotel.
• Evening proceed on a heritage walking tour of city in old market + street Food tour, followed by Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Post Dinner visit to Golden Temple to see the Palki Sahib (Palanquin) carrying ceremony.
• 03 Overnights in Taj Swarna Amritsar.

Day 3:

• Morning proceed on a full day excursion to the Punjabiyat Lodge (70 kms / 1 ½ Hours) for a rural Punjab experience. – Ride Tractor, visiting local farm + visiting village School + Experience an Incredible Punjabi Lunch.

Day 4:

• Morning visit to Golden Temple.
• Afternoon trip to Wagah Boarder which separates India from Pakistan, Seeing the spectacular beating retreat ceremony that is held here daily is an absolute must.

Day 5:

• Morning drive to Chandigarh (235 Kms / 5 Hours).
• Enroute visiting Kapurthala with Lunch at local “Dhaba”.
• On arrival check-in at Hotel.
• 2 Overnights in a Oberoi Sukhvilas.

Day 6:

• Morning proceed on sightseeing tour of Chandigarh City.

Day 7:

• Morning drive to Palampur (244 Kms /5 ½ hours).
• Later afternoon proceed on Mt. Biking.
• 3 Overnight in Rakkh, Palampur.

Day 8:

• Morning transfer to Nag rota Railway station to board narrow gauge train to Baijnath Temple. (One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva). It’s an opportunity to travel as locals do.
• Afternoon drive back to your resort and rest of the day at leisure for independent activities or proceed on a walking tour to a local village.

Day 9:

• Morning proceed on a Paragliding experience.

Day 10:

• Morning transfer to Dharamshala Airport to board flight to Delhi.
• On arrival in Delhi, transfer to Hotel.
• On arrival transfer to the Hotel.
• 1 Overnight in Oberoi Gurgaon NCR of Delhi.

Day 11:

• Morning departure transfer from Hotel to Airport for flight back home.

Glossary:

• B&B = Bed and Breakfast Basis

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: ARRIVE DELHI

• On arrival in Delhi, guests will be met at the aero bridge and will be assisted through customs / immigration baggage collection. And you will be transferred to your hotel “The Oberoi Gurgaon”.
• On arrival transfer to Hotel Oberoi Gurgaon.
• Oberoi Gurgaon: The award winning hotel is conveniently located just fifteen minutes from Delhi's international and domestic airports, and thirty minutes from Central Delhi, in Gurgaon - the business and commercial centre of Delhi's National Capital Region.
• Spread over nine acres, this hotel is an urban sanctuary defined by bespoke design features. Its high ceilings and open spaces filled with natural light afford refreshing views of the hotel's vast, azure reflection pool and verdant green wall. The hotel also offers an art gallery, salon and a luxury retail arcade.
• Check in time is of 1400 hrs.
• Spend One Night at Oberoi Gurgaon. Accommodation is in a Deluxe Room. Your stay is on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 2: DELHI - AMRITSAR

• This morning you will be met and transferred to the Airport for your flight to Amritsar.
• Amritsar: - Immerse yourself in centuries of history at Amritsar. Home to the beautiful Golden Temple. Amritsar is recognised as the spiritual centre of the Sikh community. This beautiful city was also an important hub of the freedom movement in India.
• On arrival in Amritsar Airport you will be met and driven to your hotel (30 minutes) and on arrival check-in at Taj Swarna. Afternoon at leisure.
• Evening proceed on a heritage walking tour of old city to experience the hustle and bustle of the city.
• The Heritage walking tour will take you deep inside the narrow lanes and Bye lanes of the 400 year old city of Amritsar. One gets to see Katras, Akharas Bungas, Havelis, and Hatties. The walk takes you back in the time as you witness town planning traditional trade and crafts being Practiced in the same place and in the same manner as have been done for centuries. You will have also the opportunity of visiting.
• During heritage walking tour you will also visit the streets famous for its food, from many generations. Guests will visit traditional food stalls that developed in the folds of the culture of Amritsar. At each stop guests will see the house specialties. Some of the foods that guests may sample are: Parathana’s, (Indian Flatbread) Samosa (triangular deep fried dumplings stuffed with potatoes), Kachori (deep fried dumplings stuffed with an assortment of lentils and spice), Kulfi (Indian ice-cream), Lassi (a yogurt drink), jalebi, (Indian Sweet) etc.
• Later you will be taken to a local restaurant for Dinner “Kesar de Dhaba” Must place for visiting This restaurant has been famous from generations.
• Followed by visit to Golden Temple (the temple of the Sikhs) and witness the Palki ceremony.
• Golden Temple: The magnificent Golden Temple, known by locals as Harmandir Sahib or Darbur Sahib, is surrounded by the holy waters of the Amrit Sarovar. The holy texts of the Guru Granth Sahib are recited daily in the sanctum within this temple. The pool of water is said to have curative properties, and devotees travel here from across the world to bathe in its sacred waters.
• The Golden Temple is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs.
• When the prayers end in the evening, the Siri Guru Granth Sahib (Holy book of the Sikhs) is reverently closed, wrapped in fresh layers of rich silk and muslin, and ceremoniously carried to the palki waiting outside (Palanquin). The palki is shouldered by devout Sikhs and taken to the Kotha Sahib where the Siri Guru Granth Sahib will rest for the night.
• Spend Three Nights at the Taj Swarna. Accommodation is in Deluxe Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 3: AMRITSAR

• Morning proceed on a full day excursion to the Punjabiyat Lodge (70 kms / 1 ½ Hours) for a rural Punjab experience.
• Punjabiyat: - Pronounced Punjab-i-yat, meaning 'being Punjabi', 'essence of Punjab', 'quintessential Punjabi', is meant to be an expression of jest and effervescence of the Punjabi culture and its large heartedness.
• Located a little more than an hour’s drive from Amritsar amidst vast farm lands, pulsating with vivacity and prosperity, the area though well-connected but once off the tarmac road you are like a million mile away in splendid isolation. Lush green fields as far as eyes can see, glittering in the sun and merging into the distant horizon.
• The setting of Punjabiyat is just perfect to enjoy the famed Punjabi food, which has been the flavour of India for a long time; so much so that when someone talks about North Indian food, they invariably mean Punjabi food.
• On arrival you would be welcomed with a traditional drink, later a cooking demo will be organised and later You will be taken to explore the farmlands nearby, Visit the nearby village dairy, enjoy a bullock cart or tractor ride, cycle around rural landscape – experience Punjab at its purest, visit to local village school.
• Return for lunch to enjoy most authentic Punjabi food on charpoys and phattas under a tree. You will be served traditional Punjabi lunch - including Makke Di Roti, Sarson Da Saag, Stuffed Naan, Butter Chicken, Vegetable, Raita and of course Dal Makhni with white butter. Wash your lunch down with a glass of Lassi. Finally, end the meal with Kheer made of Sugarcane or try carrot Halwa.
• Evening return to Amritsar.

Day 4: AMRITSAR

• Morning visit to Golden Temple to see the community kitchen.
• Sikhism developed as an antithesis to the caste ridden and ritualistic forms of Hinduism and developed as a simple religion whose foundation was “sewa” – socially responsibility irrespective of a person’s social standing. Thus every Sikh Temple has the famous community kitchen, where it is considered a privilege to assist cooking the food and serving a simple meal to pilgrim and visitors.
• Dining in the Guru-ka-Langar, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The langar is a wholesome meal served by the kitchens of the Golden Temple as a service to the community. The kitchen feeds devotees at no cost, and donations and assistance are always appreciated.
• Later proceed on a trip to Wagah Boarder.
• The Wagah Border: - Which separates India from Pakistan, is about 30 kilometres from Amritsar. Seeing the spectacular beating retreat ceremony that is held here daily is an absolute must. Watch in awe as the Indian and Pakistani soldiers put on a theatrical show of strength as they parade, before lowering the flags and shutting the gates as the sun sets.

Day 5: AMRITSAR – KAPURTHALA - CHANDIGARH

• This morning you will be met and drive to Chandigarh (235 Kms / 5 Hour).
• Chandigarh: the capital of the states of the Punjab and Haryana set at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas was planned by the French architect Le Corbusier after India’s independence. The young-at-heart, fast-growing and progressive city is striking for its urban planning, impressive buildings with brise-soleil facades, well-organized sectors and broad tree-lined avenues.
• On arrival check-in at the new Oberoi resort “Sukhvilas”.
• Oberoi Sukhvilas: - The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa is an exquisite luxury Spa Resort surrounded by over 8,000 acres of protected natural forest at the foothills of the outer Himalayas. The Oberoi Sukhvilās Resort & Spa harmonizes traditional architecture, landscaped gardens and water features, and offers spacious, luxury accommodation equipped with all modern conveniences, fine dining and an Ayurvedic spa.
• Spend Two nights at Oberoi Sukhvilas. Accommodation is in a Premier Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 6: CHANDIGARH

• Morning proceed on a city tour of Chandigarh and visit to the Rock Garden.
• Rock Garden: The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a , also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden after its founder Nek Chand, a government official who started the garden secretly in his spare time in 1957. Today it is spread over an area of 40 acres and located near the Sukhna Lake. It is completely built of industrial and home waste and thrown-away items. It consists of man-made interlinked waterfalls and many other sculptures that have been made of scrap and other kinds of wastes which are placed in walled paths.
• Later return to your resort and rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7: CHANDIGARH – PALAMPUR

• Morning drive to Palampur (244 Kms / 5 ½ Hours).
• Palampur: Palampur is the tea capital of North India. This hill station is not only known for its numerous tea gardens and paddy fields but it also known for its colonial architecture and temples. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar range and the slopes of the Kangra valley from Palampur. Palampur and places around it are popular for adventure sports like hang-gliding and trekking.
• On arrival; check-in at the Rakkh.
• Rakkh: Perched on a hilltop just outside the pretty village of Rakh and surrounded by terraced hillsides and the scintillating Dhauladhars in the distance. Rakkh offers fifteen cottages and two interconnecting rooms with the perfect blend of authentic design using local materials and all the modern comforts one would expect of a boutique property.
• Later afternoon you may proceed on Mountain biking. Explore the surrounding countryside on two wheels!
• One of experienced activity guides will take you on various trails across the stunning landscapes that flank the resort, with plenty of rest and snack stops along the route. Different trails have been specially designed to cater for differing levels, from beginners to more practiced mountain bikers. Mountain bikes and equipment will be provided for younger guests of 8 and above.
• These scenic bike rides take you through the surrounding villages of Rakh and Ghamrota, through local tea estates, past isolated Tibetan monasteries and at the end of the excursion our vehicle will be on hand to pick you up and return you to the resort.
• Spend Three Nights at the Rakkh. Accommodation is in Mountain View Cottage with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 8: PALAMPUR

• Morning transfer to Nag rota Railway station to board narrow gauge train to Baijnath Temple. (One of the Twelve Jyotirlingas the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva)
• Baijnath Temple: - has been continuously used for worship ever since its construction in 1204 A.D. The two long inscriptions in the porch of the temple indicate that a temple of Shiva existed on the spot even before the present one was constructed. The present temple is a beautiful example of the early medieval north Indian Temple architecture known as Nagara style of temples. There is a small porch in front of the entrance to the inner sanctum with an idol of “Nandi”, the bull, in a small pillared shrine, and with a larger Nandi, which devotees whisper their wishes into his left ear.
• Later drive back to your resort for Lunch.
• Afternoon proceed on a short hiking tour. The immediate area surrounding Rakkh has provided some perfect hiking trails. Step outside your room and within minutes we’ll take you on some very special walks, varying in terms of distance, terrain and difficulty level, so there’s something for everyone.

Day 9: PALAMPUR

• Morning proceed on a adventure activity “Paragliding”.
• Hoist your sails up in the skies with our day tours to the world-famous paragliding destination of Bir-Billing – known as one of the premier paragliding spots places the world. Taking off from Billing, you and your flight instructor sail across fourteen kilometers of Himachal skies, with the Dhauladhar mountain range offering a generous panoramic spectacle, and land safely in Bir.  Flights are on average 20-25 minutes depending on the conditions.
• Afternoon return to your resort and spend rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 10: PALAMPUR – DHARMSHALA - DELHI

• Morning transfer to Dharamshala Airport to board flight to Delhi.
• On arrival transfer to Hotel Oberoi Gurgaon.
• Spend One Night at Oberoi Gurgaon. Accommodation is in a Deluxe Room. Your stay is on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 11: DEPART DELHI

This morning you will be transferred to the International Airport.