Visit the incredible city of Rishikesh which sits on the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh is an inspirational destination for spiritual seekers and is where the Beatles famously visited an Ashram as guests of the Maharishi Yogi in the 1960s. Continue to the cosmopolitan city of Chandigarh, a metropolis of sweeping boulevards, lakes, gardens and grand civic buildings, before finishing your journey in Amritsar, famously known for the magnificent Golden Temple and for the flamboyant Wagah-Attari Border Ceremony, where poised army men in their uniform and exalted headgear perform to signal the closure of the border for the day.
AMRITSAR AND THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the beautiful Hindu ritual of Aarti on the Ganges.
- Visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the spiritual capital of the Sikhs.
- Be a spectator at the flamboyant Wagah border ceremony.
- Explore the world-renowned architecture of Chandrigarh.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
Arrive into Delhi airport and stay close by, to relax after your long flight and to be ready for your flight north the following morning.
Overnight: JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity
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Day 2 Welcome to Rishikesh
Return to the airport fly to Dehradun. Then travel in private vehicle to the Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa. The magnificent property is around one hour upstream from the buzzing spiritual centre, filled with ashrams and positioned on a spectacular terraced hillside where the Ganges flows swiftly by. Begin your spiritual journey and join an evening Aarti down on the banks of the river. The Aarti, an immensely uplifting ritual is an offering of sacred fire, incense and oil to Goddess Ganga. Return to the hotel for delicious wholesome cuisine and an evening looking out over the Garhwali Himalayas.
Overnight: Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa
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Day 3 Hiking, Temples & Mountains
Begin the day with a private yoga session in a pavilion as the sun rises over the mountain. Spend the rest of the day with a private guide as you hike for around five hours to gain a rare glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountain ranges. En route you will explore a local temple and village to get a real sense of local life. Return to the hotel where you like to enjoy an excellent treatment in the Jiva Sp.
Overnight: Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa
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Day 4 At Leisure
Spend a full day at leisure to fully unwind. A stroll to a private pebble beach is highly recommended to immerse yourself in the wonderful natural surroundings. You may decide to walk over the stunning cable-suspension bridge through to the Singthali forest from where you can easily see Taj Rishikesh on its terraced perch. Relax on the terrace or perhaps make use of the spa once more.
Overnight: Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa
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Day 5 Chandigarh
Return to Dehradun Airport for your short flight to Chandigarh, with a change of aircraft in Delhi. On arrival, take a private transfer to The Oberoi Sukhvilas, a journey time of just under one hour. Sukh in Sanskrit translates as 'good space' and The Oberoi is an opulent space, with its sparkling fountains, small clusters of luxurious tents and villas, colonial four-poster beds, deep soaking baths and rich fabrics. Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: The Oberoi Sukhvilas
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Day 6 Exploring Chandigarh
This morning, explore the charming city of Chandigarh. Prosperous and largely hassle-free, strolling around the city is a real delight. Visit the parks and monuments that were mostly designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, the Rock Garden and the city's museum and art gallery before stopping for lunch at the smart rooftop restaurant Cloud 9, which offers excellent views of the tree-lined city and the distant Shivalik Hills. Return to The Oberoi for some time at leisure.
Overnight: The Oberoi Sukhvilas
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Day 7 Amritsar Border Ceremony
Leave Chandigarh behind and continue your journey by road to Amritsar, a journey of around four hours. Amritsar is home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhisms holiest shrine, frenetic old-city bazaars and the colourful Border Ceremony.
Home for the next two evenings is the Taj Swarna, an elegant hotel in the heart of the city, with an excellent spa and several relaxed eateries. After you have settled in and enjoyed some chai, experience India and Pakistan's amazing border ritual - a singularly appealing event with dancing, clapping and a series of stomps and high kicks at the gate performed by officials from both countries. The Border Ceremony dates to 1959 and it is a patriotic performance that happens at sunset each day. Return to the Taj Swarna and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Taj Swarna
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Day 8 Amritsar
Spend a day exploring the city with a private guide and visit the magnificent Golden Temple. The temple is not just of religious importance to the Sikhs, it is also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality and therefore everyone is most welcome. Explore more of the city to visit some of the top dhabas (roadside eateries), watch the moustache-twirling city-dwellers, and stroll through colourful local bazaars to go in search of fine Fulkari textiles, colourful turbans, antiques and silverware. After lunch, visit a local village where you will be warmly welcomed by a Punjabi family who will host you for a few hours to enjoy some gentle rural activities, such as riding on a bullock-cart, milking cows and perhaps a stroll around their own private farm. Return to the Taj for some time at leisure.
Overnight: Taj Swarna
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Day 9 Fly back to Delhi
Enjoy a final morning at The Taj Swarna before catching a flight back to Delhi.
Overnight: JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity
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Depart
| Low | $ 5,979 |
| Mid | $ 6,512 |
| High | $ 7,514 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights as detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance and visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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