Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say 'atithi devo bhava' (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Delhi
Following
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the
Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the
Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of
weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive through Embassy
area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the
heart and main shopping district of the capital.Afternoon we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 03: Delhi / Amritsar (Amritsar Shatabdi - 0720 / 1315 Hrs)
Transfer to the Delhi train station to board your train to Amritsar
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel
After wash & change we visit the Golden Temple, which is the Mecca of Sikh religion .The temple with a shinny pure gold dome, is beautifully situated in the center of a lake (The Holy Tank). And is approached by a causeway .All around the lake are marble walkways and various other temple buildings. The community kitchen, which feeds over a thousand people continuously, is spectacular. The huge utensils to prepare the food and the chapattis (breads) - 20 to 25 at a time - are a mind-boggling sight. However, besides the physical beauty of the place, the strong and tranquil spiritual atmosphere of the place is soul stirring without being overwhelming. The constant recitation of the holy book brings a certain sense of peace to the individual. We walk through the temple complex and try soak in the atmosphere. We would also have an opportunity to meet some Sikh religious leaders who would talk to us about the basic tenets of Sikhism.
We would also be visiting the Golden Temple after dinner. There happens a spectacular ceremony, where the Sikhs put their holy book (Guru Granth Sahib) to sleep. The priests carry the books over their head to place them in a golden palanquin. The book is then carried to an inner chamber in the Palanquin to the accompaniment of bugles and drums and the chanting of the name of the Lord. The palanquin itself is carried by devotees in turns. It is quite a special sight. The book is again placed in the main sanctum similarly in the morning.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 04: Amritsar
Morning
is at leisure for independent activities. We suggest you visit the
Gandhi Gate parts of the old city. It would be fascinating to
witness the traditional homes and bazaars continuing over
generations. We would also suggest that you find your way back to
the Golden Temple to explore and appreciate the spirituality of the
place at your own pace. Of special mention would be the community
kitchen which feeds over 5000 people at a time throughout the day.
The pots and pans would surprise you!! It would be fascinating to
view 5 women make breads on a flat pan. Just outside the Golden Temple are various shops that sell Sikh religious artifacts like swords(decorative), bracelets, combs, small daggers etc.
During the day, we would also visit the Jalianwala Bagh, the martyr's memorial where thousands of innocent Indians were cordoned off by the British and fired. The well where several Indians jumped to escape the bullets as well as bullet marks and a museum of pictures can be still seen here
Evening we will journey 40 Kms to Wagha, the border between India & Pakistan. Each evening a very impressive lowering of guards ceremony is performed along with a march past by soldiers of both countries in synchronization to the accompaniment of bugles. The soldiers of both countries wear ceremonial dresses. It is quite a spectacular sight to see the same thing happening on both sides of the border.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Amritsar / Delhi (Amritsar Shatabdi - 0510 / 1105 Hrs) Delhi / Agra (205 Kms)
Morning transfer to train station to board your train to Delhi.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival and drive to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra check into your hotel
Overnight at Hotel
Day 06: Agra / Delhi (205 Kms) Delhi / Departure
We
are about to witness one of the greatest sights of one's lifetime -
the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Before departure for the monument we shall
be served tea/coffee and cookies so that our eyes open real wide to
behold this breathtaking sight. A dawn visit to the fabled Taj Mahal
to witness the magical effects caused by the reflections of the
changing colours of the rising Sun on this brilliant white marble
building. Following a leisurely breakfast, we ride to the massive Agra Fort. The elegant buildings inside reflect an interesting synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Built by Emperor Akbar, the maze of the courtyards, mosques & private chambers of the fort echo the story of the Mughal Empire. The Moti Masjid & other magnificent buildings reflect the skill of the ancient Indian architects.
Aternoon we will drive to Delhi along one of the India's finest freeways
A Home Visit & a Farewell Dinner with an Indian Family: Upon arrival in Delhi, we would visit an Indian family for an Indian home experience. The evening is designed to give you a 'feel' and insight into Indian family life as well as experience typical Indian hospitality and home made Indian food.
Following the dinner transfer to the International airport to board your flight back home
