Sacred Sites of India
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A Spiritual North India Journey
October 3rd – October 15th 2022
2400 USD Twin Share
HOSTED BY:
MICH IMMELMAN
INDIA! This land of faith; where temple bells echo along with the muezzin’s call to prayer, where the tall spires of temples and churches radiate spirituality and where pilgrimages are also major tourist hubs. India beckons travellers from across the world to witness these beautiful places of worship.
Join me as we explore sacred sites of the Northern regions of India
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Meditation session in Rishikesh | Yoga session in Rishikesh | Meditate with a Buddhist monk in Dharamshala | Short introduction to Sikhism in Amritsar | Walking tour of Varanasi | Evening aarti on the ghat of Ganga in Varanasi | Morning boat ride in Varanasi | Excursion on Sarnath | Lecture on spiritualism in Varanasi by Hindu philosopher | Akshardham Temple visit in Delhi
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Delhi
On arrival at Delhi International airport then hotel check-in formalities. (Standard check-in time is 14h00 hours)
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour of Old Delhi.
The tour starts from Chandni Chowk You will encounter big wooden carved antique doors, big Havelis (mansions), narrow lanes, and busy bustling street life. Don't miss out on the lip-smacking street food in Old Delhi market area. Visit India’s largest Mosque “Jama Masjid”.
The evening will be at leisure to relax or to pursue independent activities.
Overnight - The Suryaa Delhi
https://www.thesuryaa.com/Accommodation
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Day 2: Delhi – Haridwar by train
Departure 06:45 hrs/11:30 hrs
Haridwar - Rishikesh (approx.0.5 hours)
With a packed breakfast you will be transferred to the railway station to board the train for Haridwar. From here you will transfer to Rishikesh for hotel check-in.
The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy this the beauty of Rishikesh.
Overnight - Divine Resort & Spa | Aloha The Ganges
Day 3: Rishikesh
Early morning yoga session at the hotel.
Half-day sightseeing of Rishikesh, known as the place of Ashrams where solace-seekers come to spend their time in the serenity of meditation. Visit the Shivananda Ashram where discourses in English on Hindu religious texts can be heard. Also, visit the Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge spanning the Ganges river.
Afternoon there will be sightseeing of Haridwar also known as the "Gateway to God". It is essentially a Hindu pilgrim town with temples, hermitages, and Dharamshalas along the banks of the river Ganga. Also, visit the Vashist Yoga Center and Mansa Devi Temple by cable car.
In the evening, attend the aarti on the banks of the Ganga.
Overnight - Divine Resort & Spa | Aloha The Ganges
Day 4: Rishikesh
Early morning yoga session at the hotel, thereafter enjoy breakfast.
Attend a morning lecture on spirituality. The duration will be 1 to 1.5 hours. The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax.
Overnight - Divine Resort & Spa | Aloha The Ganges
Day 5: Rishikesh - Delhi by train.
06:30 / Arrival 11:10hrs
With packed breakfast you will be transferred to Haridwar railway station. On arrival at Delhi railway station, transfer to the hotel.
Later proceed on a half-day excursion to New Delhi or Lutyens Delhi, beautifully designed by “Sir Edwin Lutyens”.
Get sight of India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Connaught Place. Enjoy a sightseeing visit to Humayun Tomb, this garden-tomb was by built in 1570 by Humayun’s son Akbar. It is a Unesco world heritage site.
Conclude the day by visiting “Qutub Minar", the stunning red stone tower is 72.5 m high and 2.75m in diameter. It is also a UNESCO site.
The evening will be at leisure to relax or to pursue independent activities.
Overnight - The Suryaa Delhi
https://www.thesuryaa.com/Accommodation
Day 6: Delhi – Dharamshala by flight
AI-9713 Departure 10:55/Arrival 12:40 hrs
Breakfast at the hotel and thereafter transfer to the airport to board the flight for Dharamshala. You will be met and assisted on arrival and transferred to the hotel in Dharamshala. The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax. Overnight - Grace Hotel
http://welcomheritagegracehotel.com
Day 7: Dharamshala
Breakfast at hotel.
Proceed on a full day sightseeing of Dharamsala.
The itinerary includes:
• Norbulinka Institute: Just four km from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach ancient Tibetan arts. At this heavenly place of shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams and tiny waterfalls you will get sight of the crafts wooden carvings, tangka paintings, goldsmithing and embroidery work. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.
• McLeodganj: Originally the home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, McLeodganj today is the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid-19th-century place was developed as a British Garrison and an important administrative point for the whole Kangra valley. Today the place has developed as headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government. The impressive monastery has larger than life-size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Avaloketeshwara.
• Dall Lake: Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. Situated 11-km away from the town, this lake is easily approachable by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
• Kangra Art Museum: This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
• War Memorial: Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the post-independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.
After the sightseeing experience, enjoy a meditation session.
Overnight - Grace Hotel
http://welcomheritagegracehotel.com
Day 8: Dharamshala – Amritsar (approx. 4-5 hours)
Breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Amritsar.
On arrival check-in and then relax for some time at the hotel.
Later in the evening visit Golden Temple. At night, the Temple is lit up and makes for a magnificent spectacle.
Overnight - Golden Sarovar Portico
https://www.sarovarhotels.com/golden-sarovar-portico-amritsar/
Day 9: Amritsar
The most sacred of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple, is a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from around the world, as well as, an ever-increasing popular tourist attraction.
Breakfast at the hotel, then we visit the Golden Temple again. Later visit Jaliawala Bagh and the local market.
Later in the afternoon proceed for Wagha Border. The Wagah Border Ceremony is a military practice carried out by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers. The soldiers treat it with absolute seriousness. It begins with a parade by the soldiers from both the sides, ending with a coordinated lowering of the flags of both the nation. As the sun sets, the Iron Gate is opened, with an infantryman standing in attendance at both sides of the gate. The flags of India and Pakistan are lowered simultaneously and then folded. The ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers of both sides followed by the closing of the gate. Evening return to the hotel.
Overnight - Golden Sarovar Portico
https://www.sarovarhotels.com/golden-sarovar-portico-amritsar/
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Day 10: Amritsar - Delhi - Varanasi
Amritsar - Delhi AI-454 Dep 06:50 - Arr 07:55
Delhi - Varanasi UK- 631 Dep 10:45 - Arrival 12:10
In the early morning, with packed breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi where a connecting flight for Varanasi awaits. On arrival transfer to the hotel in Varanasi.
Varanasi is one of the oldest Hindu cities also known as Kashi.
People come here from all over India take a holy dip to wash away their sins. The city is also famous for fine Banarasi Silk, beetle leaf and the Banaras Hindu University.
In the evening partake in a meditation session at the ghat. Later enjoy a Ganga aarti boat ride (Hindu ritual).
Overnight - Rivatas by Ideal
www.rivatas.com
Day 11: Varanasi
Early morning pick-up from your hotel for a boat ride and ghat visit.
5:15 am Boat Ride starts from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat and finishes at Dashaswemedh Ghat.
After the boat ride enjoys 45 minutes walking tour through narrow lanes of Old Kashi. Walk-in a five feet wide alley which used to be the widest road in Varanasi in ancient times is.
Walking in the oldest markets and narrow alleys of Varanasi will take you to an entirely different world. Seeing a 400-year-old saree market, the spice and grains market, a magnificent mosque built by the Mughals along the river and the temple of Lord Kaal Bhairao, known as the Kotwal or the Police Chief of Varanasi will give you a real sense of the old city "Kashi".
Later return to the hotel for breakfast, a bit of a rest then roceed to visit Sarnath. It is the place where Budha came after he achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Later he gave his first famous sermon at Deer Park. In the 3rd Century, BC Emperor Ashoka constructed magnificent stupas and monasteries here.
The evening will be at leisure to relax or to pursue independent activities.
Overnight - Rivatas by Ideal
Day 12: Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel
This day will be at leisure to pursue independent activities in this ancient city or to meditate and relax.
Overnight - Rivatas by Ideal
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Day 13: Varanasi – Delhi
6E-2025 Dep 08:10 - Arr 09:40
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Later visit Akshardham Temple.
After visiting the Akshardham temple, you will be transferred to the airport hotel for dinner and wash and change.
Enjoy dinner and then transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination.
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TOUR COSTS:
Per person sharing:
USD 2400
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Supplements:
Single:
USD 769
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Half board (8 dinners):
USD 148
PAYMENT:
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50% of cost upon booking
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50% 45 days prior to arrival in India
CANCELLATION:
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45 days prior to arrival in India: Nil, after deducting charges
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30 days prior to arrival in India: 50% of total billing
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20 days or less prior to arrival in India: No refund
WHATS INCLUDED:
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Accommodation for 12 nights based on the above-mentioned hotels on DOUBLE/TWIN sharing basis.
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Meals: On breakfast basis except at Rishikesh & Dharamshala meal plan would be on half board basis (Breakfast & dinner on a buffet basis at respective hotel’s coffee shop).
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The train journey from Delhi-Haridwar & Haridwar Delhi by Chair Car (class of journey)
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All transportation i.e. airport transfers, sightseeing, and interstate drives will done using the following vehicles: 04-06 pax-using tempo traveller (minivan), 7- 12 pax Mini coach.
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Internal airfares: Delhi-Dharamshala / Amritsar-Delhi / Delhi-Varanasi / Varanasi-Delhi (4 traveling sectors)
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Porter fee is included while boarding of trains.
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An English speaking local guide for sightseeing.
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We have included 01-time entrance fee as per the itinerary.
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Bottled water and wet tissue throughout the vehicle
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All currently applicable taxes. (5% Goods & Service Tax)
WHATS NOT INCLUDED:
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International airfare
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Visa charges
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Any room service, telephone charges, mini bar, gratuities, tips.
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Any expenses of personal nature & Insurance of any kind.
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Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
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Any item not specified under ‘cost includes’
What our guests say:
I would like to thank Michele of Curious Journeys and her team in India for the incredible trip they put together for myself and my Friend. We stayed in great places, had incredible guides in each city and had the most incredible driver throughout our trip. And when things went awry when the Covid19 hit both home and India and we decided to cut out trip short, Mich worked with our Travel Agent who we had booked our flight with to get us home . The India team has also organized a refund from the hotels that we did not get to.
We were able to keep in constant communication with the entire team through our travels if any questions came up, and when we needed to make changes because of the virus we were accommodated without question.
Much loved India, it is her passion and it shows in everything that she does. - Kim Gaynor Wiehe
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