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Day 1 Arrive Delhi
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's
energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images,
from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately
homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Train Delhi to Amritsar (1630/2215)
A busy day of Delhi sightseeing that includes the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni
Chowk in Old Delhi and Raj Ghat (the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi) The Hindu
temple of Birla Mandir, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President's House),
Qutab Minar and The Bahai Temple in New Delhi. Later, transfer to Delhi Railway
Station for the 4.30pm train to Amritsar - Home to the Harmandir Sahib, known as
the Golden Temple and considered the most important Sikh pilgrimage site. Overnight
in Amritsar
Day 3 In Amritsar
Your sightseeing begins early with a visit to The Golden Temple - founded by the
fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev.
It is here that people from all over the world come to pay their reverence to The
Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund (Pool of Immortality) for
spiritual purification. Also in Amritsar is the Jallian Wala Bagh - notorious for
the massacre that took place here under British rule.
In 1919 General Dyer personally led
the troops to this walled ground and ordered his men open fire on a group of peaceful
protestors. At the east end of the garden there is a large memorial built in memory
of those who died here. Later this afternoon, visit the Wagha Border - the international
border between India and Pakistan where the pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat
& Change of Guard ceremonies make for a most charming spectacle. Overnight in
Amritsar.
Day 4 Drive Amritsar to Dharamshala (200kms/5 hours)
Morning drive to Dharamshala - home of the Tibetan leader The Dalai Lama and set
against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains. Dharamshala is a busy
bazaar town and has established itself as a base camp for those who wish to explore
the nearby mountains. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the surroundings
on your own. Overnight at Chonor house in Dharamshala
Day 5 In Dharamshala
Day at leisure to explore Dharamshala.
Day 6 Drive Dharamshala to Manali (265kms/6 hours)
This morning depart for Manali, with its spectacular views of snow-capped peaks
and wooded slopes, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is
a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as great
countryside for those with a passion for adventure sports. Overnight in Manali
Day 7 In Manali
Depending on the weather and your mood you might like to head out skiing, hang gliding,
river rafting, take a short hike, visit the Mountaineering Institute and the apple
orchards or just relax in scenic surrounds.
Day 8 Drive Manali to Shimla (260kms/8 hours)
Drive to Shimla, the British called Shimla the "Queen of Hill Stations"
and it is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. In spite of
its modernization, it still retains a colonial flavour, and is one of Indian's most
popular and biggest hill stations. Overnight in Shimla
Day 9 In Shimla
A day to stroll the mall, rummage in the bazaars, visit smaller local towns and
enjoy the mountain scenery. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 10 Drive Shimla to Delhi (340kms/8 hours)
Drive to Delhi or alternatively, choose to take the picturesque Toy Train from Shimla
to Kalka, a journey of 100 kilometres that takes just over four hours, and passes
through quaint little towns and villages and over a hundred tunnels. Overnight in
Delhi
Day 11 Depart Delhi
You will be transferred to the International airport in time to board your flight
home.
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