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Discover the spiritual fabric of this powerful country on our 18 day itinerary which showcases the multifaceted heart of North India, from fascinating Hindu rituals upon the Ganges, to the Sikh's golden symbol of brotherhood in Amritsar and the colonial inspired Christ Church which crowns Shimla's snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Along the way, sample wild culinary delights, marvel at a chaotic needlework of lost empires and discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal.
Tour Overview
- Duration: 18 Days
- Starts: Delhi
- Ends: Delhi
- Tour Guide: Yes, English speaking local guides available at all places
- Group Size: Min 2 - Max 20
- Minimum Age: 12 Years Accompanied By An Adult
- Hotel Ratings: Good 3 Star Hotels
- Country: India
- Meals Included: 17 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- Theme: Explorer & Cultural
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travelers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Please note:
To confirm your position on this trip we require your full name and date of birth at time of booking, to be able to secure tickets for included train & flight tickets.
Click on days for detail tour plan
Itineraries
Arrive at Delhi Airport and you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.
Meals:
No Meals for the day
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame,
Later sightseeing continues to visit New Delhi include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Morning board your train for Amritsar.
Amritsar, situated on the north – western border of the country. The 400 years old city , founded by the fourth guru of the Sikhs , Guru Ramdas , has been the seat of the Sikh religion and culture from its very inception. It is renowned for the famous Golden Temple. Amritsar , literally – ‘Pool of Nectar’ derives its name from the holy pond around the temple.
On arrival at Amritsar check in at your hotel. Full day is to explore Amritsar on your own. Night stay is in Amritsar.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Visit The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib is a highly revered religious Sikh shrine and symbolizes equality and human brotherhood. Afternoon will visit Jallianwala Bagh is one of the most important historical places in India. Located in the holy city of Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is just a walking distance from the sacred Harmandir Sahib/ Golden Temple and in the evening visit Wagah Border the Beating Retreat Ceremony held here every evening marks the closing of the borders of both the countries and lowering of the flags by the military of both the countries. overnight stay in Amritsar.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After the breakfast, you will be driven towards Chandigarh. After the check in at the hotel, a visit
to rock garden will give you a sense of relaxation. Built using urban; industrial waste, Rock Garden has been
designed & constructed by Nek Chand, former road inspector in Chandigarh. It is a sculpture garden and has different types of installations present. Also present is an open-air exhibition hall, theatre trove; a
miniature maze. You can also find some performances taking place at the theatre. Enjoy the overnight stay at
the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After the breakfast, you will be taken to Kalka Railway Station to board the toy train for Shimla The toy train ride in itself is quite exciting and you will get to see breath taking views while on the train, including huge mountains & dark tunnels, ones like in the films. On arrival in Shimla, you will be transferred to the hotel and you can enjoy the overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After the breakfast, sightseeing around Shimla will begin. Located just 16 km away from Shimla, Kufri is known
for its trekking & hiking trails. It gives a view of lush green valleys, deep forests, mountains & scenic
views. In the evening, you will return to Shimla, explore and indulge in shopping at Mall road.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After the breakfast, you will be driven towards to Rishikesh On arrival at Rishikesh you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. . Enjoy the overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
To in the morning enjoy Yoga session with Yoga teacher [On direct payment basis]. After breakfast visit The Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, gained global fame after the iconic band, The Beatles, visited this serene place in the late 1960s. This ashram is a testament to Rishikesh's spiritual heritage and offers a tranquil retreat for meditation and introspection.
While the ashram may lack maintenance and information, it still holds immense significance for music lovers and spiritual seekers alike. Visitors can explore the ashram's premises, soak in its peaceful ambiance, and even meditate in the same halls where The Beatles once sought inspiration.
Visit Ram Jhula & Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges.
Evening is free to explore Rishikesh on your own.
Must-Do: Immerse yourself in the calmness of the ashram, visit the meditation halls, and reflect on the spiritual beauty of Rishikesh.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Explore Yoga capital of the world on your own. In the evening watch holy River Ganges Aarti ceremony.
The river is the focal point of the fascinating evening aarti which starts with a holy fire ceremony. Priests offer a purifying mixture of herbs and ghee to the fire whilst prayers are chanted and small lamps are lit to thank the river for being the source of life and prosperity in the area.
Since ancient times Rishikesh has been a rest stop for holy men and pilgrims heading into the Himalaya seeking purity.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast drive to Delhi. On arrival check in to your hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Early morning you will be transferred to Delhi railway station to board the train for Varanasi. This is a scenic 7 -8 hours journey on the train. On arrival at Varanasi you will be transferred to your hotel.
Evening you will be taken to see the famous Aarti in the Ganges. Engross in the beats of claps, ringing bells, blowing conch, enchanting mantras and hymns and the sweet-scented air. Let the magical aura of the place awaken your soul. Get back to the hotel after that. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
T
Wake up in the wee hours to catch the sun rising from the boat ride on Ganges.
Set off at dawn, as the sun rises above the vast horizon, painting the pale and pastel-coloured sky with streaks of rich amber and red. be captivated with spectacular views of the vibrant, animated culture and traditions of the Hindu people. Watch the intimacy of life and death play out in this City of Light and absorb the dynamic sights and smells that settle in the labyrinth of crooked streets and bustling ghats (riverside steps).
Later deboard from boat ride and explore by lanes of Varanasi. You will be going through old Varanasi city in the very narrow lanes to find the life on the way and interact with the local people, etc. You will see a variety of historic structures, market alleyways, and Ghats. Discover Varanasi, one of the holiest sites for Hindus and a stunning example of how many religions and sects can coexist together.
Listen to the melodic tunes of musicians, from sitar players to flutists and tabla performers, as they awaken the city, evoking a pure sensory experience that fully compliments the awe-inspiring visual scenes. Varanasi is a powerful intense place, like nowhere else on earth.
Head back to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast you will be taken to visit some places of Varanasi. Varanasi has spiritual and mythological significance; and is deemed to be auspicious place to pass away. The city’s name is derived from confluence of two rivers: Varuna & Assi. Explore the city visiting chief attractions: Bharat Mata Temple, Burning Ghats, Benaras Hindu University and Sarnath (a significant Buddhist pilgrimage).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Varanasi airport to board your flight to Pink City of Jaipur a UNESCO world heritage site. On arrival at Jaipur you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay. Evening is free for leisure and rest. Overnight at Hotel in Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning we shall meet you at your hotel and take you for an experience of the morning aarti or prayer chanting at the Govind Devji Temple at the City Palace where crowds chant songs to the deity. Receive the blessings at this 18th century Krishna temple where the deity, worshipped by the erstwhile royal family.
From there, we’ll take you to the wholesale flower market near Hawa Mahal. Here you’ll see turbaned crowds trading sacks of roses and marigold.
There will be a short break of 10- 15 minutes, where we stop at a chaiwalla on Chaura raasta for some cardamom early morning tea in Kullad, which is one of the specialty in Rajasthan.
From there, we’ll take you back to your hotel for breakfast at last.
Later get ready for the first stop today is at the astonishing facade of the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’, erected as portion of the City Palace and aimed to allow the women of the harem to see the city lower without being seen. Visit the splendid City Palace, now a mesmerizing museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. The City Palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur which has a fabulous collection of robes, saris in cotton and silk with gold latticed work, paintings, a huge collection of arms in the ammunition gallery,
Later proceed to Amber Fort, which displays a beautiful mix of Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. Also visit the Jagat Shiromani Temple on the foothills of the Amber Fort. Later stop by Jal Mahal (Water Palace) which was a resting place for the kings in summer time. After lunch visit also visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory built in 1727.
In the evening if you opt then we can arrange a short trip to local street food of Jaipur or explore the local markets with their mind boggling varieties of colours, fragrances and people selling and buying almost everything under the sun like clothes, jewelery, bangles, shoes, utensils, spices and much more. These traditional markets of Jaipur are a big attraction by themselves.
Night stay is in Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Drive for Agra. On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri. Sikri the Phantom city or abandoned city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the second half of the 16th century. Fatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughals to be marked by magnificent administrative, residential, and religious buildings comprised of palaces, public buildings, mosques, and living areas for the court, the army, the servants of the king. Continue your drive to Agra and check in at your hotel
Later move to see the Agra Fort built by Akbar where Shahjahan own son Aurangzeb imprisoned Shahjahan. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you will see the magnificent 7th Wonder of the World TAJ MAHAL. It is a must see with the rising sun as it is bathed in the golden rays of the morning sun. Built by Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial that has the tomb of his beautiful wife Mumtaj Mahal. This monument took 22 years to be completed and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa.
After breakfast checkout and drive to Delhi.
Evening is free to explore on your own. Spend your night in Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend more time in Delhi, we would be happy to book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions
Tour Highlights
Note: The highlights and sightseeing's may change depending on the departure date you choose.
- Enjoy excellent regional cuisine in the area's top cities
- Explore the bustling streets and markets in Old Delhi
- Visit a Sikh community kitchen serving thousands of free vegetarian meals a day
- Be amazed by the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest shrine in Sikhism
- Stay two nights in Shimla, the former summer capital of British India
- Ride the Viceroy's Toy Train to Kalka for a relaxed journey with stunning views
- Learn yoga [1 hour session] on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in Rishikesh
- Take a boat trip along the Ganges to see the pilgrims
- Experience river ghats (and sari shops) in the "Varanasi of central India"
- Agra – Enjoy a visit to Agra Fort and the legendary Taj Mahal, the most extravagant symbol of love ever built
- Marvel at the fortresses and palaces of the Rajasthani Royals
Included
- Breakfast daily and 2 dinners as per tour plan
- All train fares as per tour plan
- 17 nights in 3 star and heritage hotels
- Guided sightseeing at all places
- Rickshaw ride in Delhi
- Excursion to Wagah border [ India Pakistan border] for flag ceremony
- Morning boat ride on River Ganges in Varanasi
- Watch spectacular evening aarti celebrations of River Ganges in Varanasi
- Excursion of Sarnath from Varanasi
- Rickshaw tour in Pink city Jaipur
- Internal flight fare for Varanasi - Jaipur sector in economy class
What's Not Included
- Tipping and Gratuities
- International Travel
- Any monuments fees as per tour plan
In the summer months, Rajasthan can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use suitable skin guard.
There are numerous early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really become active in the dawn light.
It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a new twist on the already stunning panorama. Though, it may cause traffic congestion and delays.
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours.
Indian Rupee
Depends on Nationality. For more information of Tourist Visa visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Yes -But have to pay extra cost. Please send mail to us at india@travelntoursindia.co.uk
Yes – mostly in all the hotels free Wi -Fi is available
3* Category Hotels
60 days prior to departure
About Accommodation
A variety of hotels are exercised in India. These can differ in terms of service, efficiency and cleanliness. In many occasions they might not be like what you are used to back home.
The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Though a number of hotels have generators there may be times when these won’t work. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
During the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, particularly if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in instantly on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and discover our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
Generally, Wi Fi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for Wi Fi access.
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
TRANSPORT IN INDIA
Main roads in India are regularly very busy with an variety of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Surpassing on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your travel agent know immediately.
TRAVEL TIMES
Distances in India do not replicate the driving time and to cover 100km may take much lengthier than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
TRAINS
The best way to see India is at ground level on the railway system. In fact, no visit to India would be complete without the experience of travelling on a train and negotiating the busy railway stations. The chaos in the Indian Railway stations is a replica of the life in India. Indian trains are not merely a conveyance they are an odyssey so sit back relax, be patient and enjoy the show.
tti tours uses a combination of AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier (for overnight journeys) and AC Chair car or second class seats for day journeys.
There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains a coach attendant will appear at your berth and ask you if you would like to order food. Regular stops are made at stations where food is also obtainable and on some trains many vendors board the train selling chai, cold drinks and crisps and biscuits.
Don't imagine pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class fairly clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition. Bring your own toilet paper and hand wash soap or liquid.
Indian trains are quite safe to travel on, even for families or women traveling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems. Having said that, theft of luggage, although rare is not unheard of, so just for peace of mind you may like to take along a chain and padlock to safe your bags (readily available at all Indian railway stations).
IMPORTANT NOTE: If travelling between December to February in Indian Trains
From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your travel agent in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
FLIGHTS
Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
MEALS
Eating is a big part of traveling. Normally, meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating opportunities, to give you the maximum elasticity in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Vegetarians will be able to find a huge range of different foods - India is vegetarian heaven.
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