The Cultural Tour Of India
Program Preview
Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Chandigarh-Dharamshala-Amritsar-Vadodra-Kevadia-
Bhavnagar-Palitana-Gondal-Rajkot-Dasada-Ahmedabad-Leh-Khardungla
Nubra-Pangong Tso-Tso Moriri-Delhi
DAY 1, Arrival in Delhi (Hotel booked from the previous day) Cultural Tour Of India
Arrival at New Delhi international airport. Following the habits, the immigration formalities and the baggage collection, ours will surely come out of the arrival terminal building after which it will be transferred to your hotel.
Capital of India and an important entrance to the country, contemporary Delhi is a vibrant metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Among the fast-spiraling skyscrapers the remains of a time gone by in the form of silent historical reminders of the ancient influence of the region. First impressions for each visitor are a species, city of the garden, lined with numerous beautiful parks.
Upon arrival at the hotel, proceed to check-in at the hotel. Standard Check in Time at the hotel 1400 hours / Check out 1200 hours. In time proceed to the tour of old delhi and new delhi, the Red Fort (external photo stop), Jama Mosque, Chandni Chowk and Raj Ghat ..
Brief information on the monuments
In the 17th century, the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, made his capital at Shahjahanabad, the area that covers present-day Delhi, also called the walled city.
Jama Masjid is the largest and best known mosque in India. It is flanked by a red fort on one side and the old town Chandni Chowk on the other side. Built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, Jama Masjid is one of the busiest in Delhi for pilgrims and tourists.
Red Fort (Photo stop) was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the seventeenth century, which took about 9 years to complete this magnificent structure and about 10 million rupees to build the fort.
Candani Chowk The Delhi bazaar novel can best be experienced at Chandni Chowk and around the streets. According to legend, the Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Raj Ghat, resting place of Mahatma Gandhi. Raj Ghat remembers the man who is known as the Father of the Nation for his tireless and pacifist work to recover the independence of India.
Overnight at hotel in Delhi
DAY 2, A Delhi – Cultural Tour Of India
fter breakfast the day starts at 8:30
Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus temple, Bangla Sahib
Humayun’s era is the second Mughal Emperor of India who died in 1556 and his widow Hamida Banu Begam, who also called Haji Begam, began the construction of his tomb in 1569, fourteen years after his death. Humayun’s tomb is the first example of a true mogul style, inspired by Persian architecture.
Qutab Minar is among the highest and most famous monuments in the world. This beautiful minaret is 234 feet high and is considered to be the tallest tower in the world. The Qutab Minar is one of many masterpieces depicting the sheer brilliance of Mughal architects.
Parliament house and President’s House (Photo stop)The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India. It is a bicameral legislature of the President of India and the two houses: the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India located at the Western end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India.
The Lotus Temple, The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá’í House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá’í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, India and known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan Sarovar
Overnight at hotel in Delhi
DAY 3, From Delhi to Haridwar (by train) then car to Rishikesh – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast, the day starts at 6:00
Departure to Haridwar (by train in the morning)
Early morning train to Haridwar, then departure for Rishikesh by car
we will proceed to check-in at the hotel.
Thanks to the Himalayan foothills, next to the Ganges river, this city is renowned for being a center for the study of yoga and meditation.
Overnight at the hotel in Rishikesh
DAY 4, Rishikesh – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast the day begins at 8:30
Rishikesh is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, at the foot of the Himalayas, near the river Ganges. The river is considered sacred and the city is renowned as a center for the study of yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) flank the eastern shore around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream of the city of Rishikesh.
Early in the morning, an hour of Yoga with the teacher. Later, after breakfast, we also visit Haridwar, a visit to Temples, Laxman Jhula and Ashrams. In the evening the magical Aarti ceremony on the Ganges. Overnight in the hotel of the Ashram.
Overnight at the hotel in Rishikesh
DAY 5, From Rishikesh to Chandigarh (Car then train and then car) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast the day starts at 8:30
Departure to Haridwar by car (Train to Ambala)
Getting to Haridwar and transfer to the train station
Departure for Ambala
Ambala ad and transfer to Chandigarh (by car)
How to get to Chandigarh and transfer to the hotel
Searata Libera
Overnight in a hotel in Chandigarh
DAY 6, Chandigarh – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast,
visit the city of Chandigarh which includes Rock Garden (it is a unique garden composed of various objects of art, but the best part of the rock garden is that each of its works was made using industrial and urban waste), Leisure Valley (the Chandigarh Leisure Valley is like a garland of gardens that beautifies the entire city), Sukhna Lake (Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake located at the foot of the Shivalik chain. this is an artificial lake), the hand-held monument to Chandigarh is one of the most significant monuments of the city and of the Capitol complex (the capitol complex houses the headquarters of the government), initially it served only as the seat of the Govt of Punjab, but now it has the headquarters of both, the Punjab Govt and Haryana).
Overnight in a hotel in Chandigarh
DAY 7, Chandigarh – Dharamshala (By car) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast the day starts at 8:30
Departure for Dharamshala
Arrival in Dharamshala and visit of Dharamshala
Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, this collective city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. The Thekchen Chöling temple complex is a spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism, while the Library of Tibetan works and archives holds thousands of precious manuscripts. The rest of the day is dedicated to leisure time or for optional activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Dharamshala
DAY 8, Dharamshala – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast, the day starts at 9:00
We visit Dharamsala surrounded by cedar forests, on the side of the Himalayas, this city is the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Visit to McLeod Ganj, St. Johns in the Wood, the English cemetery, the place of the Dalai Lama and the Norbulingka-Institute.
Overnight at the hotel in Dharamsala
DAY 9, Da Dharamshala ad Amritsar (206 KM, 4:30 Hrs.) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast The day starts at 8:30
Departure for Amritsar
Amritsar advertisement and hotel transfer
In the afternoon Late Touristic visits In the late afternoon, traveled to a Wagah, the border of India-Pakistan, to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Soldiers from both countries participate in an interesting ceremony and eventually shake hands. The crowds singing patriotic songs on both sides of the border and the disciplined aggression of soldiers made a fascinating scene.
Overnight at the hotel in Amritsar
DAY 10, Amritsar – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast the day starts at 9:00
Visit of the city of Amritsar. Visit the beautiful Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. It is the center
spiritual and cultural of the Sikh religion. The main sanctuary is in marble and is a center of a picturesque body of water. The sacred book of the Sikhs – the Guru Granth Sahib is housed in this holy and peaceful shrine. The roof of the building is gold leaf, giving the temple its name. The community kitchen – the langar – offers free meals to anyone who wants or needs to eat there (on average, 10,000 pilgrims and visitors eat here every day).
Then visit the Jallianwalah Bagh – a memorial to the ruins of innocent natives who were massacred by General Dyer in 1919. On 13 April thousands of people gathered in a peaceful assembly on the occasion of Baisakhi – a harvest festival – at Jallianwala Bagh in heart of Amritsar. When the crowds do not disperse after the warnings, the general
Brigadier Reginald Dyer, an officer in the Indian army, ordered his gang of riflemen to open fire on
meeting, killing many. Later he visits the Hindu temple of Durgiana which looks like a replica of the golden temple.
Overnight in Amritsar
DAY 11, Amritsar – Vadodara By Flight – Cultural Tour Of India
Arrival at Vadodra airport and transfer to the hotel
The rest of the day is free for relaxation and walking alone
Suggested places to visit
Shopping at the Khanderao market is certainly one of the fun things to do in Vadodara. This market is named after Khande Rao Gaekwad and the construction of this building is a fine example of Maratha and Jain architecture, combined with European and Islamic craftsmanship. The building consists of a clock tower in the center along with two domed structures. The building also houses the offices of the municipal corporation of Vadodara, while behind the building there is also a market of vegetables, flowers and fruit.
Kirti Mandir – Built to remember and honor Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi, visiting Kirti Mandir is one of the best things to do in Vadodara, India. The inhabitants of the city of Porbandar decided to build this temple when Mahatma Gandhi was freed from the Aga Khan Palace in 1944. This temple was founded by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in 1930, who speaks of architectural grandeur.
Nazar Baug Palace – One of the popular things to do in Vadodara, India, is to explore the beautiful Nazar Baug palace. Built in 1721, the Nazar Baug palace in Vadodara was the royal home of the Gaekwads. This three-story building is the oldest building in the region and was built under the reign of Malhār Rāo Gaekwad. This depository is said to include the infamous 125-carat Star of the South diamond, the English Dresden, and an embroidered fabric made of precious stones and seed pearls.
Sursagar lake – Located in the middle of the city of Vadodara, walking along the Sursagar lake offers the perfect respite as it is one of the best things to do in Vadodara at night. Boating on moonlit nights while the lake is the ideal place to enjoy evenings with loved ones. Rebuilt with stone and masonry banks in the 18th century, this lake remains full of water throughout the year.
Laxmi Vilas Palace – Built in the year 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Lakshmi Vilas Palace is an extravagant construction of the Indo-Saracen school that explores, which is one of the best things to do in Vadodara. See the extraordinary collection of artifacts, arsenals and sculptures from the past that are hosted here. Spread over 700 acres, explore a range of buildings, museums, a zoo and a golf club on the palace premises.
Overnight at the hotel in Vadodara
DAY 12, Vadodara-Kevadia-Vadodara( by car 3:20) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast, departure to visit the tallest statue in the world
Arrival and visit of the statue of the unit
The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of the Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950) who was the internal prime minister of independent India and the principal adherent of Mahatma Gandhi during the non-violent movement of Indian independence. Located in the Narmada district of Gujarat, the tallest statue in the world (about 600 feet), it is only 3.5 km from the town of Kevadia and about 90 km from Vadodara. For Gujarat tourism, which already has the Great Rann of Kutch and the Gandhi circuit as great attractions, the Statue of Unity is being added to the list. To get the best view of the picturesque surroundings of the Statue of Unity, you will have to go to the observation deck at a height of about 400 feet near the chest of the Sardar Patel statue using high-speed elevators. This offers a panoramic view of the entire Narmada river, the surrounding hills and the dam. In addition to the statue itself, there are many other tourist attractions around including the valley of flowers, the natural beauty of the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges in addition to the Sardar Sarobar dam on the mighty Narmada river.
Overnight at the hotel in Vadodara
DAY 13, Vadodara – Bhavnagar (170 KM, 3:20) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast, the day begins
Departure for Bhavnagar, Arrival in Bhavnagar and transfer to the hotel
In the afternoon, visit the city by visiting Shree takhteshwar temple and the local march.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 14, Bhavnagar-Palitana (54 KM, 1:20 Hrs.) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast proceed to Palitana
The town of Palitana along the way. Climb up 3,500 steps to reach a real religious city built between the 11th and 16th centuries. Visit this prestigious site (the climb and the descent take about 3 hours and 30 minutes).
Overnight at the hotel in Palitana
DAY 15,Palitana- Gondal (140 KM, 2:30 Hrs.), Gondal – Rajkot (45 KM, 1 :5 Hrs.)
After breakfast proceed to Navlakha Palace
The oldest and most beautiful palace in Gondal is the Navlakha palace. Built in the 17th century, this palace is an architectural marvel with stone sculptures and splendid balconies. The place also has a wonderful collection of antiques, gifts and memorabilia from the princely times. The most unique exhibit element is the scales on which it has been measured with respect to gold and silver on its anniversaries.
Real garage
For car lovers, the Royal Garage is a must see with its vast collection of classic and classic cars including a 1930s Daimler, a 1935 Mercedes, a 1935 Packard two-door convertible, the Cadillac of 1941 and 1947, the Cadillac Limousine of 1955, sports cars of the 50s and 60s such as the Mercedes 300 SL, the Jaguar XK 150 and the Chevrolet Camaro, numerous impressive American cars of the 40s and 50s, a fleet of four-wheel-drive vehicles of World War II and the post-war period and some contemporary sports cars.
Departure to Rajkot, arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel in Rajkot
DAY 16, Rajkot – Dasada (183 KM, 4 Hrs.) – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast, the day begins
Visit Shri Swami’s Narayan Temple, Mahatma Gandhi House, Rotary Doll Museum
Departure for Dasada, arrival and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel in Dasada
DAY 17, Dasada-Ahemdabad (95 Km, 2:10 Hrs.)
Enjoy the safari early in the morning
After breakfast and then departure for Ahmedabad
Arrival in hotel transfer
More Late Visits The Jain temple and Sarkhej Roza if you have time, take a tour on your own in the local market.
Overnight at Hotel in Ahmedabad
DAY 18, Ahmedabad – Delhi (By Flight )
After breakfast
Visit the city by visiting Gandhi’s ashram, the Jama Mosque
Transfer to Ahemdabad airport according to flight schedule
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 19, Delhi – Leh (By flight, 1:30 Hrs.)
After breakfast
Transfer to Delhi airport for Leh flight according to flight schedule
Arrival in Leh and transfer to the hotel. Free day to relax and discover leh by yourself.
Overnight at Hotel
DAY 20, Leh-Khardungla-Nubra – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast,
Move to the highest street in the world, Khardungla Pass. Have a cup of tea there, have yourself click the Khardungla sign from BRO & proceed towards Nubra valley covering Deskit monastery enroute. Check in at the Hotel / Camp, refresh & later you can have a double Hump Bactarian Camel ride. Don’t forget to click on this unique mammal, found in the cold desert. It was once used to transport commercial material on the Silk Road.
Overnight in Hotel.
DAY 21, Nubra – Leh – Cultural Tour Of India
After breakfast,
Visit Deskit monastery, hot springs, Panamik via confluence of Shyok & Nubra River through Sumoor. Return to Leh in the evening.
Overnight in Leh.
DAY 22, Leh-Pangong-Leh
After breakfast, the day begins
Located at an altitude of 4300 meters, the crystal-clear brackish waters of Lake Pangong change its color in many shades of blue and green with the position changing the sun in the sky. About 1/4 of the lake is found in India and the rest flows into the Tibet region of China. It is a breeding point for various migratory birds, such as the bar-headed goose and brahmino ducks. Spangmik Village: located about 7 kilometers along the southern shores, it is the farthest village in the Pangong area. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Chang-Chenmo Range mountains.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 23, Leh -Tour del monastero
After breakfast, the day begins
Today you can make an exciting visit to Stok, Shey, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Shey – located on the eastern bank of the Indus River, the small village of Shey is located about 15 km from Leh. The place is popular for the ancient palace and the monastery. The Shey Palace was the residence of the royal family built in the seventeenth century. Also you can see the ruins of a fortress above the Palace. Shey Monastery also has a three-story image of Buddha Sakyamuni made of gilded copper. Thiksey Monastery – situated atop a hill, the monastery is an excellent example of Ladakhi architecture. This contains several stupas, statues, thangkas, wall paintings and a large pillar depicting the teachings of the Buddha. Hemis Monastery – built in 1630, this is the largest and most famous monastery in Ladakh. It is located at a distance of 49 km from Leh and 30 km from Thiksey. Stok – it is a small village located at a distance of 14 km from Leh. The Stok Palace and Stok Monastery are the main attractions of this place. The Stok Palace is now the residence of members of the royal family.
Overnight at the hotel
DAY 24, Leh – Lago Tsomoriri – Leh
After breakfast
Proceed to Tsomoriri Lago (14,000 ft Abov sea level) passing Chumathang (Hot Spring) along the Indus river. 1600 hours of Tsomoriri arr. then take a walk around the lake to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Overnight in Leh
DAY 25, Leh-Delhi ( By flight 1:30 Hrs.)
After breakfast
Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule for New Delhi
Arrival in Delhi and transfer to the hotel
overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi
DAY 26, Partenza per l’Italia
Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule
Ciao India Tours wishes you a good trip
