North India Discovery

Upon your arrival at the Delhi Airport, our representative will pick you up and escort you to the hotel in our private car with chauffeur. After settling in, you can have a god rest in the hotel to recover from the jet lag and get fully prepared for the following India family holiday package.

► Preparation before Travel
1. Visa. People from most countries require visas to India, please consult your local Indian Embassy to check this and leave enough for visa application.
2. Local Currency. Exchange some Indian Rupees before travel if possible. If you run out of cash, our guide can help you find a proper place to do the exchange, or, you can withdraw cash from local ATM.
3. Commonly used medicines for diarrhea, cold or some other daily medication. Mask is critical for visitors who have suffered from rhinitis and bronchitis.
4. Comfortable shoes and clothing. As it will take you a long time for transfers during the tour, and the temperature of the destinations you will be visiting ranges from 4 degrees Celsius/ 39 degrees Fahrenheit to 17 degrees Celsius/62 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Contact your mobile operator to see whether your phone can work in India. If it doesn’t work there or if it is too expensive, you can download the APP My Airtel firstly and then apply for a sim card at Delhi International Airport.
6. WhatsApp can be used in Indian and please register an account in advance.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini

Today we will begin with the iconic Raj Ghat, the resting place of Gandhi - the Father of India. Then we will move to the Jama Masjid which is the biggest mosque in India, built by King Shah Jahan (1592 - 1666). Afterwards, we will drive by the Red Fort for you to take some great photos, and get a glimpse of Chandni Chowk, the busiest shopping center in Delhi, by a special rickshaw ride through the crisscrossing lanes.

In the afternoon, have a look at Agrsen Ki Baoli, the great creations made by the ancient Indian people to store water for try seasons. Different from other square stepwells, it is a rectangular one with rugged looking but actually very spectacular. Next, we will marvel at the grandeur of the Humayun’s Tomb and stand in awe of India’s highest brick tower, the Qutub Minar. Finally, we will visit the India Gate to capture memorable pictures, and then drive by the splendid Parliament House, President’s House and other government secretarial buildings on the way back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini

In the early morning, take a train to Amritsar. The train Swarna Shatabdi Express leaves New Delhi Railway at 7:20 and arrives at Amritsar at 13:30. Please prepare your own toilet paper if you need to use the wash room on the train. Check into the hotel after arrival and our guide will take you out for sightseeing after a break.

★ Special Experience: Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony
Late in the afternoon, our guide will take you to the Attari-Wagah Border to watch the interesting flag-lowering ceremony, a lively daily military practice jointly conducted by the border security forces of India and Pakistan since 1959. Soldiers from both countries keep their eyes wide open, kick their legs to the highest, and do their best to gain the upper hand in their momentum. There will also be people like cheerleaders waving the national flag, winning applause and cheers from the audience. The dance-like military drill makes this ceremony very ornamental and definitely worth the trip.

Things Need to Know:
1. The parking lot is about one kilometer away from the boundary, it takes another 20 minutes walking to get there.
2. International tourists are required to present their passports, they can enter through the VIP channel and have seats on the stands.
3. Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony begins at 4:30 pm in winter and 5:30 pm in summer. Early entry is required with strict security checks, and no luggage of any size, including camera bag, is allowed to enter.
4. Mobile phone’s signal can be very weak, please remember where your car is parked in order that you can find the driver after the ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn, Amritsar

After breakfast, we will start the discovery of Amritsar from the renowned Golden Temple, characterized by a huge golden dome. It is a sacred pilgrimage site that every Sikh is expected to visit at least once in his or her life. Before entry, visitors are required to remove their shoes and cover their heads with turbans. Our guide will lead you to see the Community Kitchen inside, where free food is offered to over 100,000 devotees every day.

Afterwards, we will move to another historical site, the Jallianwala Bagh, which witnessed one of the most remarkable freedom movements of India in 1919. Next, we will visit the beautiful Ram Bagh Garden and end the day with a view of the nearby Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama. Finally, our guide and the driver will escort you back to the hotel.

Incredible India - The Largest Canteen in the World
The Golden Temple has been rated as one of the 50 must visit places in one's lifetime by National Geography. Sikhism has built gold temples in many parts of India, with Amritsar being the largest and most famous.

The construction of the Golden Temple costed a total of 750 kilograms of gold, which makes the building very magnificent and dazzling. But what touches us the most is the great maturity and humanity they show to the world. Anyone who is in need can enjoy free food and accommodation in Golden Temple, regardless of people’s sect, race, caste, social status and nationality, and everyone is treated fairly here. The staff working in the canteen work for 24 hours a day to provide meals for almost 100,000 people per day. They are mostly volunteers of Sikh believers and work in shift to do this religious and heartwarming job, and the money used comes from donations from all over the world and many rich Sikhs.

Everyone entering the Golden Temple must have their shoes taken off and their head covered with a headscarf. There is a place for shoes storage and the free reused headscarves are available at the entrance. If you mind this, we’d like to suggest you take your own scarf or hat.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn, Amritsar

After breakfast, we will start a road trip to Shimla by private car. During the long ride deep into the mountains, you can enjoy the stunning scenery on the way.

► Tip: Shimla is known as a British Himalayan town located on a ridge at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is an amazing hill station endowed with lush plants, cozy climate, and snow-capped mountains, and famous for snow sports, trekking, and bazaars.

★ Bonus of Our Guests:
Along the transfer from Amritsar to Shimla, our driver will take good care of you and there are several stops to answer nature calls, to stretch your body, and to take coffee breaks. It is possible that you ask for stops if there are interesting places where you can take pictures.

To ensure a good rest and revival, we arrange a heritage hotel with a history of over 100 years. The semi wooden exterior wall is a style from the Tudor Revival period in England, providing cozy rooms, hearty breakfast and excellent service. Both Western and Indian food is offered for dinner, we believe that the delicious food can definitely comfort you from the hardships of long-distance travel. What's more, the hotel is located at the Mall Road, the convenient location allows leisurely walking to the nearby shops and restaurants. We hope you can enjoy your stay here.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clarke, Shimla

We will spend a full day to explore Shimla, with the first stop to the Jakhoo Temple, home to the world’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, the Hindu god of monkey, with a height of 33 meters (108 feet). Next, we will head to the Himachal State Museum & Library, a Victorian building with a large collection of paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, and jewellery. Afterwards, the guide will take you to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) where you will learn about the colonial history of India. In the afternoon, we will proceed to a landmark - the Christ Church, a neo-Gothic style church built in 1857, and then take a walk at the nearby Scandal Corner, a popular meeting place. Finally, we will return to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clarke, Shimla

Today, we will travel by private car to Manali, another hill station further north. We will arrive before dark and check into a local hotel.

► Tip: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests, Manali is a wonderful destination for family holiday in India. Popular among thrill seekers, Manali offers many adventurous activities including paragliding, trekking, climbing, skiing and rafting.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Manu Allaya, Manali

Manali is blessed with an array of time-honored temples and relaxing hot springs. After breakfast, our guide will accompany you to visit the Hidimba Devi Temple, a 16th-century cave temple located beneath the Himalayas. Next, we will head to Old Manali to see the ruined forts and Pahari-style local residences. 

★ Special Arrangement: Hot Spring Time
In the afternoon, you will be taken to the Hot Sulphur Springs to enjoy your relaxing moment. About 6 kilometers away from Manali, on the way to Solang, and on the banks of the Beas River are the hot springs known as the Vashisht baths in Manali. This hot spring got its name Vashisht because seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu - Lord Rama, once was counselled and instructed by the great sage Vashisht. Here has stunning sandstone structures and it is said that the sulphur water is good to skins. This place itself has magical powers to rejuvenate both body and spirit. Before driving back to hotel, you will visit Vashisht Temple.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Manu Allaya, Manali

Today we will enjoy a full day tour of the Hampta Village, a tranquil village characterized by breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. Walking on the boundless green land and embraced by the azure sky dotted with puffy clouds, you will be immersed in the enchanting beauty of the unspoiled nature and gain inner peace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Manu Allaya, Manali

Today, we will extend our journey to Chandigarh, a beautiful well-planned city. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and have a short break. In the evening, our driver will bring you to the Sukhna Lake, a large artificial reservoir offering a tranquil view. Walking by the lake, you will feel the freshness of the breeze and be attracted by the golden sunset over the mirror-like water.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lemon Tree, Chandigarh

After breakfast, our guide will take you to visit the Rock Garden, a famous sculpture garden full of creative works. Next, we will visit the largest rose garden in Asia, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, which has thousands of rose varieties and countless trees distributed in an artistic layout. After enjoying a leisurely walk and taking some photos, we will set off to the next city Rishikesh by private car.

★ Bonus of Our Guests - Experience Yoga and Meditation
In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Modi proposed a draft resolution to establish International Yoga Day at the 69th United Nations General Assembly, which was supported by 175 member states, which made yoga more famous.

Rishikesh is located at the foot of the Himalayas, with the Ganges winding through the mountains and it is surely embraced by rich natural scenery. It is recognized as the capital of yoga and people believe that doing meditation in Rishikesh can lead to a spiritual relaxation and release. According to statistics, over 60% of qualified yoga instructors have studied or practiced here, some celebrities, including the Beatles and Madonna, also practiced yoga here.

If you travel to India, experiencing authentic yoga is an essential. We will specially arrange yoga and meditation experience for you at the hotel with a Yoga teacher, hoping that you can get a thorough stretch and deep breath after the long journey, the pain is followed by ultimate relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Divine Resort, Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a peaceful small town perfect for pilgrimage, meditation and yoga. Today, our guided tour of Rishikesh will begin with a visit to the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, two magnificent suspension bridges spanning the Ganges. Next, we will head to the Sivananda Ashram, a famous yoga center with a history of more than 80 years, and then the Triveni Ghat, a holy ghat considered the largest in Rishikesh. Afterwards, we’ll spend some time in the Beatles Ashram, a serene ashram that used to be the International Academy of Meditation; the Geeta Bhawan, a large complex of buildings where devotees live freely; and finally the Parmarth Niketan, the largest ashram in Rishikesh with more than 1,000 rooms. 

★ Special Experience: Ganga Aarti Ceremony
In the evening, our guide will take you to the riverside ghat to watch the sacred ceremony. The head of the ashram sings bhajans, accompanied by tunes of all devotees. People pray together, like a mystical spiritual connection.

Some Reminders to the Ceremony:
1. There are many vendors selling marigolds and plastic bucket by the Ganges. If you would like to better blend into the atmosphere of the night ceremony, you can buy a bouquet of marigolds.
2. There is a small market nearby the place where the ceremony is held. If you come here early, you can take a stroll along the market, or, find a cafe to have a cup of coffee and watch local children playing in the river from distance.
3. People who will take participate the Ganga Aarti Ceremony will rush in from 18:00. If you want a seat with a good perspective, please do get there earlier.
4. The night ceremony takes about an hour, please take your coat or outer garment.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Divine Resort, Rishikesh

After breakfast, we will drive one hour to Haridwar, one of the seven holiest places in India. Our stops here include the 200-year-old Daksha Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the peaceful Saptrishi Ashram, the Hindu pilgrim site - Pawan Dham, Haridwar’s holiest ghat - Kushavarta Ghat, and two Hindu temples - Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. At last, we will watch the splendid Ganga Aarti at the Hari-Ki-Pauri Ghat. If you want to take nice photos to the Ganges River, Haridwar would be the best choice.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Haveli Hari Ganga

Take an early morning train to Agra. The train Kalinga Utkal Express leaves Haridwar Railway Station at 6:52 and arrives at Agra at 14:45. Upon arrival, our guide will escort you to the hotel for check-in. We will leave the rest of the day free for you and please have a good rest at hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson, Agra

★ Sunrise at Taj Mahal: As an icon of India, the Taj Mahal is a must-see for everyone. Unlike the traditional visits offered by other travel agencies, we will specially arrange an early entry to the Taj Mahal for you to to watch the sunrise, which would be the experience of a lifetime.

After that, our guide and the driver will drive you to visit the Agra Fort, a landmark 16th-century stronghold of the Mughal Dynasty.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson, Agra

After breakfast, our guide and the driver will meet you at the hotel and will drive you to Jaipur. On the way, we will visit the Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century town that was once the capital of the Mughal Dynasty. After visiting, the guide will go back to Agra and you will continue the drive with the driver to Jaipur. Check in at the hotel and walk around the hotel to integrate yourself into this pink city if you are still energetic.

Meals: Breakfast

Today our guide will accompany you to visit the highlights of Jaipur, including the Amber Fort (with Mirror Palace inside), Jantar Mantar and the City Palace. We will also pass by the Jal Mahal and the famous Hawa Mahal, where you will have enough time to admire their appearances and take nice photos.

The Perfect Camera Angle in Jantar Mantar
In Sanskrit, Jantar means installation, and Mantar means calculation. In order to accurately measure time and celestial motion, Jai Singh II, a ruler who was passionate about astronomy and architecture, built five observatories throughout India between 1724 and 1735, and the one located in Jaipur is the largest and most well preserved with 20 sets of stone fixtures, and it is one of India's 40 world cultural heritage sites.

Because it is one of the must-see spots for all tourists to India, and also for many domestic people, here are always crowded. Then how to take good photos? It's actually not difficult, you can just do partial shots to make the entire picture clean. And use a zoom lens and keep moving to find a spot where there is no other people. You will find that geometric patterns look great at any angle, and local is better than overall.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton

After breakfast, our driver will escort you to the Delhi Airport for your departure flight. We will arrive at the airport in the afternoon, so please book an evening flight to allow enough time for transfer. Wish you a happy journey home! Please feel free to let us know if you have further travel plan in India or elsewhere in the world.

Meals: Breakfast