Evening visit the Golden Temple to see the “Palki Shaib” ceremony.   Overnight at the hotel.

(Thu) Sep 04            IN AMRITSAR

Morning sightseeing tour of Amritsar city. Visit the Golden Temple – The sacred Sikh sanctuary, Marbled, Bronzed and covered with gold leaf where is the Guru Granth Sahib-The Bible of the Sikhs is placed reverently. Also visit the community kitchen where 10000 pilgrims are fed daily on voluntary and complimentary basis. The historic Jallianwala bagh where Gen. Dyer’s bullets killed scores of innocent Indians and the beautiful Ram Bagh Gardens. Late afternoon proceed to the Wagah Border (Indo-Pakistan Boarder) and witness the flag exchange ceremony by the boarder security forces. Overnight at the hotel.

(Fri) Sep 05            AMRITSAR-DHARMASALA
Morning after breakfast, depart by surface to Dharamsala (199 kms/5 hrs), the land of Dalai Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalows. Dharamsala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people. There are several places to visit and see around Dharamsala that make excellent weekend trip and excursion options. Three km east of McLeod Ganj is the village of Bhagsu, or Bhagsunath an excellent weekend excursion place from Dharamsala. Head for the murky Dal Lake that is connected to Dharamkot by a path down wooded slopes. It is the scene of an animal fair and Shaivite festival each year. Overnight at the hotel. ASIA HEALTH RESORT www.asiahealthresort.com

(Sat) Sep 06             DHARAMSALA & KANGRA VALLEY

The whole day is dedicated to the visits of Dharamsala & Kangra Valley. View the exotic natural beauty blooming everywhere in the valley.  Overnight at the hotel.

(Sun) Sep 07             DHARAMSALA-SHIMLA
After early breakfast, depart by surface to Shimla (298 kms) and upon arrival check into the hotel: OBEROI CECIL www.oberoihotels.com

Shimla, the 'summer capital' of the British India is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has well-developed facilities; easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill station after Srinagar. Placed in the lower ranges of the Himalayan Mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment complexes that make it one of the most popular hill stations around the world. Overnight at the hotel.

(Mon) Sep 08            IN SHIMLA

Full day tour of the city of Shimla, which offers great opportunities for nature walks. Explore The Mall, Christ Church, and go for a Heritage walk to see various visiting the Institute of Advanced Studies, where the Shimla Agreement took place between Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohammad Ali Jinnah – both then and first Prime Ministers of the Independent India after it became free from the British Rule. Also visit various Heritage Churches and Temples. 

(Tue) Sep 09             SHIMLA-RISHIKESH OR HARIDWAR

Morning depart by surface to Rishikesh (290 kms) and upon arrival check-in at the hotel: hotel. COUNTRY INN & SUITES www.carlsonhotelsasiapacific.com

Evening visit the famous Lakshman Jhula. Rest of the Sep at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel. Rishikesh is the supreme Pilgrimage invites millions of pilgrims on the auspicious dates when pilgrims try to get the drop of nectar through the holy dips at Haridwar and Rishikesh. Rishikesh is one of the most popular pilgrim centres and gateway to the Himalayan Shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The Yoga Centres of Rishikesh have enhanced the significance of the place.

(Wed) Sep 10             RISHIKESH-HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH

Full day excursion to Haridwar and watch Ganga Aarti being performed at the bank of Ganges- the holy river. Hardwar, or Haridwar, is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. It is significant that pilgrims often go from Haridwar to the two great Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, as Har means Shiva (the deity of Kedarnath), Hari means Vishnu (the deity of Badrinath), and Dwar means gate. Hardwar is thus the gateway to the two holy shrines of Shiva and Vishnu. ToSep, Hardwar is the home of many Ashrams (hermitages and places for meditation) and Dharamshalas (rest houses for pilgrims) that have been established by various swamis, yogis and religious institutions. 

(Thu) Sep 11            RISHIKESH- DELHI (drive)- VARANASI by train

Morning after breakfast, travel by surface from Rishikesh to Delhi. On arrival transfer to railway station to board SHIV GANGA EXP at 1830 hrs to Varanasi. Packed Snacks Dinner would be given. Overnight on board train.

(Fri) Sep 12            IN VARANASI

Arrive Varanasi at around 0730 hrs. Assistance on arrival & transfer to hotel. Breakfast at hotel.

Afternoon excursion to Sarnath, the fabled place bears testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples expounding the principles of Buddhism. Also visit the museum which has treasures of Buddhist sculptures, inscriptions and pottery. Later Ganga Aarti at the Ganges. Overnight at the hotel TBA

(Sat) Sep 13     IN VARANASI - AGRA

Early morning boat ride on River Ganges visiting various Ghats of The Ganges. In Varanasi life and various activities revolve around the river. Life begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims – and devotees – come down to the river to offer early morning prayers.

After breakfast, visit the Temples of Varanasi including Durga Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, consort of Lord Shiva. Bharat Mata Temple: This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and houses one of the most perfect relief of India carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble this unique temple has the whole of Ram Charit Manas (Ramayana) inscribed on its wall. Well laid out landscaping around the temple adds to its beauty and Banaras Hindu University. Also visit the famous ghats and enjoy a spectacular view of sunrise from river Ganges.

Later departure transfer to the Railway station to board train Marudhar Exp (1720-0610) to Agra. Overnight on board train.

 (Sun) Sep 14    AGRA/TAJ MAHAL

Assistance on arrival at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast sightseeing tour of Agra city sightseeing tour of   Agra city which includes: Visit to the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, this beautiful mausoleum is built of pure white marble and is an architectural marvel. Built in the memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The building was conceived as a garden tomb with the mausoleum rising at the far end of the complex with the river Yamuna flowing below. Beneath the dome are the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan. Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar over the years 1565 – 1573 with its maze of courtyards, mosques, and private chambers. Most of the buildings originally built by Akbar were destroyed and were replaced by his grandson Shah Jehan. The only surviving structure from Akbar’s period apart from the solid sand stone ramparts and the gateway is the Jehangir Mahal. It is the biggest private residence in the complex and its architecture indicates strong influences from Hindu overtones. Overnight at the hotel TBA

(Mon) Sep 15  AGRA –FATEHPUR SIKRI – DELHI

Morning after breakfast departure by surface to Delhi en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Mughal India. Among the principal attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are the large audience halls, palaces, the Mosques, the tomb of Salim Chishti, The Panchmahal, and the Buland Darwaza, Which is among the biggest gates in Asia. Upon arrival transfer to a restaurant for farewell dinner with few rooms for wash & change. Later departure to airport to board flight to onward destination.

 (Tue) Sep 16            DEPART DELHI 

TOUR COST: $ 2550 per person

Single room supplement: $900 per person

Airfare $970 on Continental: BWI/Newark/Delhi

 Rate includes:

Shared accommodation on and breakfast for total of 15 nights at the hotels mentioned or similar.

Assistance on arrival/departure at airport/hotel/railway station by our representatives.

All transportation using one air-conditioned Mini Bus. Local transportation in Dharamsala would be provided by local MUV, since coaches cannot cover the sightseeing tour by buses.

Services of an accompanying RIV escort throughout the tour.

Services of a locally appointed English-speaking guide, wherever necessary.

All currently applicable entrance fees to the monuments.

Air-conditioned chair car train tickets on Delhi-Amritsar sector.

Services of a Yoga & Meditation instructor in Rishikesh.

One farewell Indian Barbeque Dinner with few rooms for wash & change in Delhi on Day 15.

Rates do not include:

Meals other than breakfast.

Tips and gratuities.

Camera fees at the monuments.

Medical & Travel Insurance.

Expenses of any personal nature such as laundry, beverages, telephone calls etc.

We plan to do trips to all the Planetary Chakra sites in the coming years. To learn more about the chakras around the earth, visit http://www.rainbowserpent.co.uk/home.html