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Spiritual heritage of India

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  • Spiritual heritage of India

Duration: 12 days | 11 nights

Location: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Chandigarh - Pragpur - Amritsar - Dharamshala - Mac Leod Ganj - Shimla

Highlights of the programme :
  • Chandigarh, the amazing city of Le Corbusier
  • Amritsar and the Golden Temple of the Sikhs
  • Dharamshala, the residence of the Dalai Lama
  • The charm of Shimla, the summer capital of India Viceroys

Arrive at Delhi International Airport. And transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Early departure by train to Haridwar. Arrival in the late morning. City tour, one of the seven holy cities of Indian mythology. Haridwar or Gate of the Gods is said to be the place where they would have left their mark. This is probably the most sacred city of India but also very old, as quoted by Chinese travelers in the 7th century. Evening on the ghats of Har-ki-Pauri. Overnight at hotel.

Day dedicated to visiting Rishikesh, located about thirty kilometers from Haridwar. In landscapes full of calm and serenity, this little town, just as holy as her big sister, seems calm. Here is a more intimate atmosphere on ghats, the offerings are nonetheless as many floating on the river. In the evening religious ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, where many pilgrims come to perform their devotions. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to the city of Chandigarh and discover the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. This new city was built after independence of India in 1947 by a team of architects led by Le Corbusier himself to replace the former capital of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan allocated. Today it is a spacious city with wide straight avenues and gardens, has remarkable buildings such as the Parliament, the High Court of Justice or the Government House. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Pragpur in the Kangra Valley. In 1997, the place has become a “Heritage Village” and really deserves this name. This village, very lively with its cobbled streets lined with houses with whitewashed walls, gardens, temples and bazaars, is full of charm. The village also houses a famous painting school. Then visit Garli, near, which is somewhat the twin city of Pragpur. Overnight at hotel. 

Morning drive to Amritsar, the “Basin Nectar”. Amritsar is the religious capital of Punjab and holy city of the Sikh community. City tour and the garden with its Jalianwala Bagh memorial dedicated to the memory of the Indians massacred by the British in 1919. Then, towards Wagah place on the line established in 1947 during the Partition. The village, thus found bisected with a side Pakistan and other, India.Every night is held the ceremony of closing the doors of this boundary in the presence of the soldiers of both countries. Back to Amritsar for the religious ceremony at the Golden Temple, which stands in the middle of a basin surrounded by marble balustrades. The Sikh holy book, the Adi Granth, written in gold letters, is preserved in this peaceful and serene sanctuary. Overnight at the hotel.

Departure to Dharamshala, seat of the Tibetan government in exile after the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. Visit the Namgyal Monastery, including the Center for Tibetan Studies. Much Dharamshala is a big Indian village, as the very top, McLeod Ganj became a small Indian Lhasa since the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government found refuge. This Tibetan enclave in Indian territory, the Mecca of Buddhism, has a very special atmosphere both Tibetan and cosmopolitan with pilgrims from around the world. Stupas, temples, floating multicolored banners in the wind, lamas dressed in burgundy color dresses twirling their prayer wheels. Overnight at hotel.

Day visit and walk McLeod Ganj, a beautiful city with countless Buddhist temples and schools surrounded by a wilderness where the craft is important. But it is also the guarantor of Tibetan medicine with the Institute of Medicine and Tibetan Astrology founded in 1961 that heals and teaches. Visit of the church St John-in-the-Wilderness whose cemetery contains the grave of Lord Elgin, a British East India viceroys, who died in Dharamshala late 1863. Its particular residence, Mortimer House, now houses the Dalai Lama. Overnight at hotel.

Departure to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh through several towns and villages. Discovered by the British when it was still a simple village, Shimla became the summer residence of the viceroys of India. The administration was leaving Calcutta, nearly 1,800 kilometers away, during the long hot summer. Overnight at hotel.

Visit of the city where there is the British period many buildings reminiscent of 19th century England churches, government buildings, schools, palaces. Pleasant climate and a beautiful environment valleys covered with pine and rhododendron forests are most enjoyable.Overnight at hotel.

From Shimla on board the legendary “Toy Train”, which was built in 1903 by the British, to Kalka located 96 km to the south. Sixteen small stations, 102 tunnels, the longest of which is over a kilometer, 800 bridges and 900 curves incredible! A memorable and unforgettable trip. It is this train qu’emprunta Mahatma Gandhi to come and meet the Viceroy of India in Shimla. Continue to Chandigarh. Overnight at hotel.

Morning departure for Delhi. In the evening transfer to the international airport for the return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Maidens – Delhi

The oldest hotel in Old Delhi built in the 1900 Colonial architecture, spacious gardens, magnificent chandeliers, long corridors, everything is done to revive the scent of old India. Very friendly and attentive staff.

Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel – Haridwar

Located beside the Ganges, in a former palace of the Maharaja turned into a small boutique hotel. Step peaceful and relaxing in the heart of the vibrant Haridwar. Decoration of refined old. Beautiful terraces overlooking the Ganges. Excellent cuisine. A good place.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Rishikesh

Nice location for this property. Rooms small but clean. Very attentive staff. The ashram has beautiful gardens and the atmosphere is very pleasant.

The Fern Residency – Chandigarh

Nice location. Pretty correct and comfortable rooms. Fast service. Helpful and cooperative staff.

WelcomHeritage Judge’s Court – Pragpur

A 100-year leap backwards in a majestic, sophisticated atmosphere. Spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent service and cuisine made with the farm by the hotel. Lovely gardens where you can take a stroll. It feels like home.

Golden Tulip – Amritsar

Close to all the tourist spots. Modern, spacious rooms and great facilities. Beautiful hospitality and top service.

The Exotica – Mac Leod Ganj

Pleasant cottages lost in nature offering a beautiful view of the surroundings. Courteous and attentive. Spacious and well equipped. Well maintained facilities. Swimming Pool

Willow Bank – Shimla

Conveniently located on the Mall road just a minute from the public elevator. Colonial style hotel rooms, clean and adequate.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

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