Classic North India Tour

Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway station to board train to Amritsar. Upon arrival you will be given assistance in transfer to hotel. Later in afternoon you will proceed to Wagah Border (Indo-Pak border) to witness the evening retreat ceremony. Wagah Border, on the Indo-Pakistan border, is just 28 kms from Amritsar. Numerous visitors come to see the ceremonious change of guards and the flag hoisting and lowering activities done skillfully and with precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A site you should not miss when you are in Amritsar. The ceremony starts just 1-hour prior sunset (at around 1700hours during winter) and lasts for almost an hour. But crowd is always there and therefore we suggest visitors to leave early so that they can occupy a place to sit which is on first-come-first-serve basis. Thereafter you will be back to the hotel and relax. 

After breakfast, proceed for the city tour. Firstly, visit the famous Golden Temple- the most important and holy Sikh shrine, located in the old part of the town of Amritsar. It is also known as Hari Mandir (Temple of the Lord). Situated at a walking distance from the Golden Temple is Jallianwala Bagh. The Jallianwala Bagh holds a great historical importance to Indians and especially the Sikhs, as the place is a reminder of the brutal and heartless massacre upon a crowd of non-violent protesters and pilgrims (who had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh), carried out by British General Dyer in April 1919. Transcend back in time to the British era as you enter this memorial, established in 1951. Proceeding further, you’ll visit Partition Museum and Durgiana temple also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple. The temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Durga, looks similar to the Golden Temple, and is surrounded by a huge pond. Optionally, visit the Golden Temple at night as its golden shine is certainly a treat for the eyes & soul. Post sightseeing, return to the hotel and relax. 

After breakfast you will proceed to Chandigarh; upon arrival check in at a hotel and relax. Later in afternoon, as time permits, you may visit Rock Garden, which consist of various arts and objects made of industrial and urban waste. The credit of its foundation goes to Dr Nek Chand who was the road inspector in the Engineering department of Chandigarh; Rose Garden which is Asia's largest rose garden. It contains more than 17,000 plants and over 16,000 varieties of roses; and Sukhna Lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. People visit in the morning to enjoy fresh breeze. Later in evening, stroll around the famous shopping area of Sector- 17. 

After breakfast, check out and drive to Mussoorie. Upon arrival check in at a hotel and relax. Evening is free at leisure to stroll around the Mall area. The Mall Road is one of the most crowded places of Mussoorie. The structure of the road takes you back to the colonial period of Britishers. There are numerous restaurants, hotels and shops on this road. The Methodist church is situated on the Mall and is around 100 years old. 

After breakfast you will proceed for full day visit of Mussoorie as follows:

Lake Mist and Mussoorie Lake: Lake Mist is located 5 km before Kempty falls and 10kms from Mussoorie. Whereas Mussoorie Lake is situated before you enter Mussoorie on Mussoorie- Dehradun road. Both the lakes offer pedaled boating facilities along with offers fascinating view of Doon Valley and nearby villages.

Sir George Everest House: It is the Park Estate of Sir George Everest who was the First Surveyor General of India. The world’s highest peak Mt. Everest is named after Sir George Everest. It is situated 6 km from Gandhi Chowk and vehicle can go right up to the place. The place provides an enchanting view of Doon Valley on one side and view of Yamuna Valley and snowbound Himalayan ranges on the other.

Nag Devta Temple: It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is about 6km from Mussoorie on way to Dehradun. The temple is well accessible with motorable roads. This place affords enchanting views of Mussoorie and Doon valley.

Jwalaji Temple: Jwalaji Temple is also known as Benog Hill. It is situated 9kms west of Mussoorie at an elevation of 2,104mts above sea level. It is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and looks like a crowned hill. It is surrounded by thick forest having an old idol of Goddess Durga offers a marvelous view of Yamuna Valley.

Camel’s Back Road: This road begins from the Rink at Kulri Bazar and terminates at Library Bazar stretching 4km. The place offers a picturesque view of the sunset and a life like resemblance of a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here. British graveyard having ancient graves on the way provides new dimension to the walk. 

Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is located in Landour area which is the oldest inhabited place in Mussoorie. Lal Tibba exemplifies highest point in mussoorie. There’s a 20m tall tower situated at the edge of the cliff. The tower has an old telescope. You can take a close look at tempting Himalayan range from it.

Gun Hill: Gun Hill is situated 400mts above The Mall and it is the second highest peak of Mussoorie. Gun Hill is set at an elevation of 2122mts and it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan ranges and Doon valley. Before independence a Gun mounted on this top used to be fired at mid-day for people to adjust their watches. Presently Gun Hill houses the water reservoir of Mussoorie. It can be reached by the Ropeway ride whose distance is 400mts or by the bridle path which forks-off from Kutchery which takes around 20min. Overnight in Mussoorie.

After breakfast you will proceed to Rishikesh; on arrival you will visit for half day. Today, proceed on a half-day tour of Rishikesh. One of the holiest cities in India, Rishikesh is not just known for its religious connection, but also for its stunning landscape. Surrounded by the Shivalik Range on three sides, with holy river Ganga river flowing through it, Rishikesh is truly an ethereal experience. Visit the Lakshman Jhula, a suspended bridge across the Ganga. Legend has it that Lakshman crossed a bridge made of jute ropes here. The view from the bridge is panoramic… mountains, the river, the temples and the ashrams. Later, visit Muni-ki-Reti…literally, the sands of the sages. The sandy banks of the Ganga have been used by the sages for meditation for years, thus giving the area its name. Muni-ki-Reti is known for the many ashrams that dot the area. The Beatles too visited the now closed Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram here in the sixties. Later check in at a hotel and relax. 

After breakfast you will proceed to Haridwar; upon arrival visit Haridwar for half day. Today, proceed on a half-day tour of Haridwar. Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar. The town stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand … Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Visit Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat. Drive past the other bathing ghats at the Ganga River, where pilgrims come to take a dip… it is believed that all your sins get washed away if you take dip in Ganga River at Haridwar. Thereafter, visit the Mansadevi Temple. This temple atop the Bilwa Parvat offers a panoramic view of Haridwar, the Ganges, and the countryside.  Later check in at a hotel and relax. In evening you will witness evening prayer ceremony near the famous ghat- Har-Ki-Pauri. 

After breakfast, day is at leisure for your independent activities or to enjoy learning Yoga for a day. 

After breakfast, day is at leisure for your independent activities or to enjoy learning Yoga for a day. 

After breakfast, you will proceed to the cable ropeway near the Gauri Shankar temple to ascend the Neel Parvat Hill. Also visit the Chandi Devi Temple on the top of the hill. Built to honor the incarnation Goddess Parvati, the Chandi Devi temple is also known as Seedhapeeth, as one’s wishes are supposedly fulfilled here. Every year thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit this temple. In evening you will be given transfer to Haridwar railway station to board train to Delhi.Upon arrival at New Delhi railway station you will be given assistance in transfer to hotel. 

After breakfast you will proceed for full-day tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in India, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of the mosque can hold about 25,000 worshipers. Enjoy a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, the busiest market in Old Delhi- a bit noisy, chaotic but uniquely Indian. You will then visit the Red Fort (closed every Monday), which was constructed during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan and served as the residence for the Mughal royal family. It continues to be significant even today, as every Independence Day, the Prime Minister makes a speech from its ramparts as the Indian flag is hoisted. Later, drive past President House and several other government buildings in Edwin Lutyen’s Delhi before you head to Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948.

Later in the evening visit the Qutab Minar, which is the tallest brick minaret in the world; it was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. 

After breakfast you will proceed to Jaipur; check in at a hotel on arrival and relax. 

This morning after breakfast, set off for a day of exploration in Jaipur and ride to the top of the hilltop fortress - the Amber Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) on an elephant’s back. Get to know the dramatic grandeur of the fort perched on the Aravalli Hills and surrounded by fortified battlements. Then, pay a visit to the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds, the five storied structure featuring 953 small windows called jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. Made using red sandstone, the towering structure resembles a honeycomb and was initially built to allow the royal ladies to peer down without being seen. Next, visit the City Palace. Built in the 18th century, the City Palace is a perfect exemplar of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles and fortified walls, built for protection from invading armies. Also, visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an astronomy site which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the 18th century with 13 architectural astronomy instruments. Overnight in Jaipur.

After breakfast you will drive to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and other palaces. Drive continues to Jaipur. Upon arrival you will check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast you will proceed for full day city tour of Agra.

Today, explore the city of Agra. Visit the Agra Fort, which was commissioned in 1565 by Akbar, and subsequently embellished by other Mughal Emperors. The beautiful yet forbidding structure is a handsome example of Mughal architecture. History says, Agra was founded by Sultan Sikander Lodi in 1504. But it flourished much later under Mughal patronage. If it's Agra, Taj Mahal (closed every Friday) has to be your halt. The white marble mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal on the banks of Yamuna, is the ultimate epitome of love. Owing to beautiful Mughal architecture, Taj features among the Seven Wonders of The World. Thereafter, visit Itmad- Ud - Daula, known as the "Baby Taj"; this mausoleum rests in a walled garden close to the Yamuna River. You will then visit Sikandra, which is also a mausoleum… of the great Emperor Akbar. Akbar designed his own mausoleum as a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain designs and motifs, in keeping with his religious tolerance and secular views. Overnight in Agra.

After breakfast, transfer to Agra Cantt railway station to board train to Jhansi. Upon arrival you will drive to Khajuraho; en route visit Orchha- Jahangir Mahal, Cenotaphs and the Fort. Upon arrival Khajuraho you will check in at a hotel and relax. Overnight in Khajuraho.

After breakfast, visit the world-famous tourist attractions of Khajuraho. Khajuraho is an example of rich cultural heritage of India. It is one of the top tourist destinations famous for its sculptures, temples and architecture. The temple complexes are adorned with Nagara style of architecture but that’s not all, the temples here are replete with erotic sculptures. Khajuraho’s Western Group has a fascinating collection of temples, in fact, it is regarded as the best that comprises of temples such as Kandariya Mahadeo, Devi Jagadambi Temple, Chausath Yogini Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Varaha Temple and Vishwanath Temple.Thereafter you will transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival Varanasi you will check in at a hotel and relax. In evening you will enjoy witnessing Ganga Arti near the river banks of holy Ganges. Overnight in Varanasi.

In the morning you will enjoy boat ride in Ganges; later back to hotel and enjoy breakfast.

Thereafter proceed for the city tour of the Varanasi from the Heritage temples and the city. Starts from the visit of Durga temple called as the Sankat Mochan temple and the Bharat Mata temple. The Benaras Hindu University, one of the most presumed educational institutions in India. Later enjoy the pleasure trip to Sarnath few kilometres from Varanasi. This destination holds great religious importance of Buddhists. Here Lord Buddha delivers his first sermon to his disciples, after he attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. A tombstone is built in the deer park where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Emperor Ashoka, a dedicated Buddhist and Preacher of Dhamma had built a number of stupas and Chaityas here which exists even today. Most prominent amongst these are the Damekh stupa built in the year 249 BCE and the Chaukhandi stupa built in 5th century AD. The Sarnath museum is home of many Buddhist ruins and artifacts. It is also the proud keeper of the Ashok Stambha, the national emblem of India. Post sightseeing, get transferred to Varanasi Railway Station to board the train to Delhi. Overnight in Air – Conditioned Train.

Arrive Delhi early in the morning and transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check in at a hotel an relax. Rest of the days is at leisure for your independent activities. Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast you will be given drop at airport to board flight for onward destination; henceforth our services terminate and we wish you safe, happy, memorable journey back to your home.