DAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI

Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 02 DELHI

After breakfast at hotel, we can move out for a city tour of Delhi.  We visit Old Delhi and The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Jama Masjid (The Mosque  and  a rickshaw ride through busy and historical Chandni Chowk is some experience;  We continue with the tour and visit Raj Ghat (The place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated) and Shanti Vana. We make our way towards New Delhi and drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidents Palace and one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys) visit The India Gate: a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers.  Agrasen Ki Baoli a renowned monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and famous for its haunted stories. It is undoubtedly a must visit spot and for good enough reasons.  It was during the Maharashtra Era by Maharaja Agrasen, built with red sandstone, this well was constructed to serve as a reservoir of water in the earlier times.  The Agrasen Ki Baoli is often claimed to be the house of evil spirits. The term ‘Baoli’ refers to a well that is used to store water and could be reached by climbing down a series of steps. There is a dilapidated mosque in the western end of this structure. A recent film in Bollywood (‘PK’) starring Aamir Khan was shot in this monument. Return to hotel by afternoon and relax. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03 DELHI

A.M. visit Humayuns Tomb, The tomb of Humayun was built by the orders of Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum), Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, and begun in 1565, nine years after his death, and completed in 1572 AD at a cost of 1.5 million rupees at the time). Bahai Temple: Situated atop the Kalkaji Hill. It is also known as “The Lotus Temple” due to its distinctive lotus shaped design in Marble. It was built in 1987 by the followers of Bahai faith. The temple signifies the purity and equality of all religions, Qutub Minar of the 13th century an excellent example of Afghan Architecture. The Minar is 72.5 mts high victory tower, the construction of which began in the final year of twelfth century by Qutubuddin Aibak and later completed by his successor Iltutmis. Construction was started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was carried on by his successor, Iltutmish. In 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlaq constructed the fifth and the last storey. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as the Qutub complex.  Afternoon for shopping or rest. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04 DELHI – SHIMLA (343 kms 7-8hrs)

After early breakfast, leave for Shimla by surface. Arrive Shimla by late afternoon and check into hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05 SHIMLA

Post breakfast excursion of Chail, Kufri.   Chail is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a small hamlet with natural setting free from fast life, pollution and concrete jungles. Visit Chail palace in Chail Kufri is a beautiful hill station located near Shimla. Kufri is popular for its trekking trails and hiking. Many tourists extend their tour to Shimla and visit Kufri. The pine scented air and the beautiful views around, attract travelers to this serene hill resort. There are a number of beautiful spots that one can visit when in Kufri. Kufri is famous for its Himalayan National Park. Himalayan National Park at Kufri has several animals of the area including bears and musk deer. Horses and yaks are there for rides.

Return by late afternoon and visit Jakhhoo temple and mall. Jakhoo Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 2,455m near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a fine view over the surrounding valleys, out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Mall. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets.  Sankat Mochan: On Shimla-Kalka road is the famous “Lord Hanuman” temple. Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06 SHIMLA – CHANDIGARH

After breakfast, leave for Chandigarh (3hrs) Arrive by early afternoon and check into hotel.

P.M. local sightseeing, Visit THE ROCK GARDEN An unpretentious entrance leads to a magnificent, almost surrealist arrangement of rock fossils, broken chinaware, discarded fluorescent tubes, broken and cast away glass bangles, building waste, coal and clay – all juxtaposed to create a dream folk world of palaces, soldiers, monkeys, village life, women and temples,  than visit Chandigarh Museum, Rose Garden and Leisure Valley.  If time permit visit The Capitol Complex, The Legislative Assembly, The High Court, The Secretariat.  P.M. at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07 CHANDIGARH ANANDPUR SAHIB AND VIRASET E KHALSA – AMRITSAR

After breakfast Amritsar via Virasat-e-Khalsa`- A masterpiece of rich Sikh culture and religious history, the `Virasat-e-Khalsa` is located in the holy city of Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa. Conceived as a repository of the rich heritage of the `Khalsa`, the museum showcases the history and culture of Punjab; the heritage complex has been built to emphasize the eternal message of the 10 Sikh Gurus. The amazing Virasat-e-Khalsa created by Amardeep Bahl is a wonder which leaves you awe-struck. Anandpur Sahib.  It is one of the most important sacred places of the Sikhs and is closely linked with their religious tradition and history. It was founded in the year 1664 by ninth guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji.  Arrive Amritsar by late afternoon and check into hotel.  Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Ram Das, Amritsar is home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine, the spectacular Golden Temple, one of India’s most serene and humbling sights.   Rest of the time at leisure. Evening you can try out one of the famous restaurant in Amritsar for local veg or non veg food. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08 AMRITSAR

Start your city tour with the blessings of Golden Temple-the most important Sikh shrine which is also called Mecca for the Sikhs is a living symbol of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. Also visit the famous kitchen Guru Ka Langar : The tradition of serving langar Initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and then established by the 3rd Guru Sri Guru Amar Dass Jib at Goindwal. Even the Mughal King Akbar came and sat among the ordinary people to share langar. Everyone is welcome to share the Langar; no one is turned away. Each week a family or several families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is done by volunteers and or by voluntary helpers (Sewadars).

In the Golden Temple Community Kitchen at an average 75,000 devotees or tourists take langar in the Community Kitchen daily; but the number becomes almost double on special occasions. On average 100 Quintal Wheat Flour, 25 Quintal Cereals, 10 Quintal Rice, 5000 Ltr Milk, 10 Quintal Sugar, 5 Quintal Pure Ghee is used a day. Nearly 100 LPG Gas Cylinders are used to prepare the meals. 100’s of employees and devotees render their services to the kitchen.v100’s of employees and devotees render their services to the kitchen.

DAY 09 AMRITSAR

Visit Jallianwala Bagh- a memorial where 2000 victims all unarmed were massacred by the British. Shri Durgiana Temple- a place of pilgrimage for Hindus.  Partition Musuem In 1947, 1 big nation ‘India’ was broke and was partitioned into 2 smaller nations – India and Pakistan. This museum is about the times before India’s independence, the struggle of freedom fighters, the moments of freedom with pictures of 15th august 1947. This museum is newly inaugurated in year 2017. Later we visit Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. The museum houses master class of Artists who sculptured the real crucial moments of wars of 18th century with ‘life like’ plaster of Paris models. They have recreated the scenes from the times of the King Ranjit Singh. You get to see some stunning fine art of the artists showing of the local markets in 18th century, the war scenes, the crucial battles they have won and a lot more picturesque models inside a glass chamber.

In the afternoon visit Wagah Border “India–Pakistan Border” which is famous for its ‘Retreat’ ceremony at the time of sunset. Indeed the flag-lowering ceremony at the end of each day on the India-Pakistan border at Wagah in Punjab has over the years become a tourist destination. The two flag posts are located contiguous to the boundary line between the two gates. The Wagah check-point is about mid-way between the cities of Lahore in Pakistan and Amritsar in India, each about 25 kilometers away. After that in evening back to the Hotel, Overnight at Amritsar Hotel.

DAY 10 AMRITSAR – SRINAGAR BY FLIGHT

After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight G8-2403 1210/1300hrs to hotel/ Houseboat.
P.M. visit Mughal Gardens  and the Heritages Places, Cheshma Shahi (By Shah Jehan in 1632 AD.), Pari Mahal (By Dara Shikoh), Nishat Bagh (By Asaf Khan in 1633 AD.), Shalimar Bagh (By Jehangir in 1616 AD), & Shankarachariya Temple. Evening lake ride by Shikara (Small Cruise Boat) to visit Floating Gardens, Lotus Gardens, Nehru park inside of the Dal Lake.

DAY 11 SRINAGAR – SONMARG – SRINAGAR

After breakfast leave from Srinagar towards to Sonamarg (Meadows of Gold), Sonamarg lies at the head of the Sindh valley. The drive through here presents a spectacular facet of the countryside; Sonamarg is the beginning of the enchanted journey into a natural wonderland, Surrounded by pine forest mountains upto 5300 meters high the valley is divided by a spur of the “Thajiwas Range Mountains”  you can have a pony ride to visit Thajiwas Glacier where snow remains round the year. Sonamarg is known as Gateway of Leh Ladakh, Return to Srinagar by evening. Dinner and overnight at houseboat.

DAY 12 SRINAGAR – PAHALGAM (3HRS)

After breakfast we leave for Pahalgam En route, visit the Saffron Fields of Pampore, Awantipura Ruins (1100 years old Temple of Lord Vishnu built by the King Awantivarman) & enjoy the beautiful countryside life. Drive through the pine valley forest and arrive Pahalgam by late afternoon or evening. Check into hotel.   Rest of the time at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel

DAY 13              PAHALGAM

A.M. visit Chandanwari, Betaab valley and Aru by jeeps.  Afternoon is at leisure.  Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 14  PAHALGAM – GULMARG

After breakfast leave for Gulmarg. Arrive Gulmarg by afternoon and check into hotel.  Gulmarg (The Meadow of Flowers) Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful summer resort/winter Ski resorts in the valley, and world’s highest golf course.  Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Gulmarg was discovered in 16th Century by Sultan Yusuf Shah.We will explore Gulmarg.  (8700 fts a.s.l). We can have a gondola ride from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg (Altitude 3100 mtrs) to have a real view in natural beauty of the summer, also we can have a view of Nanga Parvat (altitude 8137 Mrts) in cloudless days and full snow view in winter.  Pony can be hired locally for a ride in the open fields to visit seven springs and to Alpather lake (altitude 3843 Mrts) which remains frozen until June. Lager drive to Pahalgam via bye pass road outer Srinagar towards to Pahalgam (The Valley of Shepherds), one of the beautiful and fascinating ideal resorts all the year. It is the base for several treks in the region & for the Annual Pilgrimages to the cave shrine of Amarnath; it is surrounded by 12 high snow capped peaks.

DAY 15 GULMARG – SRINAGAR (02hrs) + flight – DELHI – AGRA (203 kms 4hrs)

Breakfast at hotel.  Leave for Srinagar around 09AM to arrive by 11 AM at Srinagar airport to board flight I5-713 at 1405/1540hrs. Pick up from airport and drive to Agra. Arrive by late evening and check into hotel Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 16 AGRA

Sunrise visit to Tajmahal Taj Mahal,– A white marble Tomb building 1631 – 1648 in Agra the monument of everlasting love. But there are many more things to see in Agra! The royal Mughal has, in addition to the legendary Taj, many magnificent monuments that epitomize the high point of the Mughal architectural achievement. Not even Delhi, the seat of kings and emperors for over a thousand years, can boast such a heritage of architectural and cultural splendor from the golden age of the Great Mughals.

Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast check out and visit Agra Fort and hear its fascinating story:  Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.  Situated 3 km upstream of the Taj Mahal on the right bank of the Yamuna, the Agra Fort was built under the direction of Akbar. It took eight years to complete and entailed an expenditure of three and a half million rupees. Visit It-mad-ud-daula’s Tomb – the pillar of state was a tile bestowed on him by emperor Jehangir. The tomb is at times referred to as the baby taj. The mausoleum rests in a walled garden with a view of the river Yamuna. In fact it is approximately one and a half kilometres upstream of the Taj Mahal. The structure is renowned for its pietra dura decoration i.e. the inlay works and the carvings. It way quite different from the other Mughal tombs in terms of its architecture. The sight of the tomb is a spectacular indeed even though the structure is not as large as the Taj Mahal.  The beauty of the white marble with the mosaic and the lattice is simply awesome. The tomb structure has a minaret on each one of its four corners. The walls of the cenotaph reveal the intricate inlay work with a variety of illustrations. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at hotel

DAY 17 AGRA – JAIPUR (236 km)

After breakfast drive to Jaipur via  Fatehpur Sikri – old and deserted town, a phantom city. A red sand stone city of yesteryears. But the inner citadel is immaculately preserved. Its walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to a great visionary and builder. The heart of the palace complex however, is very much alive.  Continue the drive towards ABHANERI * Chand Baori in Abhaneri, near Jaipur, Rajasthan Among the largest, if not the largest, and perhaps the most visually spectacular step wells, Chand Baori is a deep four-sided structure with an immense temple on one face. 3,500 Escher-esqe terraced steps march down the other three sides 13 stories to a depth of 100 feet. The construction dates to the tenth century, and is dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness. Arrive Jaipur by evening and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 JAIPUR

Post Breakfast at 0830 hrs , This morning excursion to Amber Fort; which is located just outside the city, this is among the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a majestic view of the city down below. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. You can have the Royal experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated.

Continue city tour of this amazing Pink city.   We will visit City Palace -the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, which houses a museum in the heart of Jaipur  which is a complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings, the impressive City Palace is right in the center of the Old City. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh, but within it the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries. There are palace buildings from different eras, some dating from the early 20th century. Despite the gradual development, the whole is a striking blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Visit Central Museum with its huge collection of jewellery, colorful costumes, woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware, and pottery,  also visit Jantar Mantar, which is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. Jantar Mantar which is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh who was a Rajput king. The title of (King) and Sawai was bestowed on him by Emperor Mohammad Shah. Next we proceed to Hawa Mahal enroute we stop at Jal Mahal for a photo shoot. Hawa Mahal -This elaborate building is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies is the most awe-inspiring sight in the city of Jaipur. The structure was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Ustad in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. It is also known as ‘Palace of Winds‘ because of its windows that allow the wind to flow in keeping it cool. There are 953 stone-carved screens or windows in the palace. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal Ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen.  After that Panna Meera Kund and Gaitor Tomb. Afternoon and evening free to explore the colorful bazaars, Jaipur is world famous for its beautiful Jewellery and designs, textile quality among the best in word. Overnight at Jaipur.

DAY 19 JAIPUR – MUMBAI

After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight I5-942 1025/1225hrs to Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. P.M. city tour of Mumbai visit Flora fountain or stream – built in honor of Governor of Mumbai Sir Bartle Frere (1862-67) in 1869.  Also visit Prince of Wales Museum: It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. The museum was renamed in the 1990s or early 2000s after Shivaji  the founder of Maratha Empire. Hanging Gardens : The Hanging Gardens, in Mumbai, also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park.. Dhobhighatam – an open laundry. Evening at leisure/ shopping. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 20 MUMBAI

After breakfast visit the Gate way of India: which is one of the architectural marvels of our country. Located on the southern part of Mumbai on the shores of Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India is an important landmark of the city. It is virtually the starting point for any tourist who wants to get acquainted with the exuberant and exciting life of Mumbai. Take a ferry from The Gate way of India to visit Elephanta Caves: are a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful carvings and sculptures. In the vicinity of the financial capital of India, Mumbai, these caves offer you the much-needed peace from the chaos of the metropolitan. It is a good place to look into the past culture and art. Here you will find two categories of caves; one is the Hindu rock art and the other is the Buddhist rock art. Return to Mumbai by afternoon. Rest of the time at leisure for shopping. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21 Depart Mumbai

Transfer to airport