The Spiritual India - North India-Delhi

DAY 01 : Europe – Delhi

Flight to Delhi. Reception on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

 

DAY 02 : Amritsar - Dharamshala (by plane) - Norbulingka (15km/30min) - Dharamshala-McLeod Ganj (12Km / 45min)

Departure for Delhi airport, flight and arrival at Dharmasala. Discovery of the Norbulingka Institute of Buddhist culture: tangka paintings, wood carvings. Prayer wheels, colored pennants, presence of many monks make you penetrate in a universe of Tibetan culture.

 

DAY 03 : McLeod Ganj

Visit of the Tsuglakhang temple where the Dalai Lama lives, it is also a beautiful example of Tibetan architecture with its frescos and precious manuscripts. Discovery of the Tibetan medical institute and the library. For the walkers, there are possibility of very pretty walks on the paths in the surroundings. In the evening, stroll in the bazaar of McLeod Ganj with its numerous shops then visit the temple of Bhagsu.

 

DAY 04 : Dharamashala/ Amritsar (210 Km/ 4h30 )

Departure for Amritsar, lunch en route. Visit the golden temple at night.

 

DAY 05 : Amritsar

Visit of the Golden Temple (16th century), a magical place made of white marble and gold leaves. At noon, we will attend the service of the community kitchen: several thousand meals served to pilgrims by volunteers. Visit of the Shri Durgiana temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, and going to see of the Jallianwala Bagh park and its museum. In the evening, drive to the border village of Wagah and the theatrical border closing ceremony. On the way, visit the beautiful Khalsa College built in an Indo-Mogul style.

 

DAY 06 : Amritsar - Chandigarh (by train)

Chandigarh, a city known worldwide for its architecture, marked by Le Corbusier.

 

DAY 07 : Chandigarh

Tour through the architectural curiosities: Government Museum & Art Gallery dedicated to Le Corbusier, the Legislative Assembly Palace, the Secretariat and the High Court of Justice. Visit of the famous "garden of stones" extending over 12 hectares with its 1,400 sculpted figures: one of the most visited sites in India.

 

DAY 08 : Chandigarh - Ambala - Haridwar (by train : 20 km / 40 min)

Transfer to Ambala station for the train to Haridwar, one of the nine holy cities of Hinduism and a major pilgrimage site on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Climb to the Mansa Devi temple overlooking the city. Visit the ashram of Shantikunj and that of Gita Kutir. Stroll through the colorful bazaar with its multitude of shops. In the evening, fascinating Ārtī ceremony with its offerings of thousands of candles and flowers to the Ganges.

 

DAY 09 : Rishikesh

The city of sages teeming with renowned meditation centers and yoga schools. In the evening, in these same places: Ārtī ceremony, Hindu ritual of light.

 

DAY 10 : Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi (by train)

Drive to Haridwar to visit a Jain temple. Train to Delhi.

 

DAY 11 : Delhi

Visit of the old city (Old Delhi); passage in front of the walls of the Red Fort. Visit of the Jama Masjid mosque with the discovery of the Raj Ghat, the place of incineration of Mahatma Gandhi. Passing in front of the Gate of India and the Presidential Palace. Afternoon: visit of the new city with the tomb of Humayun, built at the request of his widow in superb gardens in the 16th century. Visit of the Qutub Minar, of white marble surrounded by red sandstone. In the evening, some hotel rooms are available for refreshment. After dinner, departure on the regular flight.

 

DAY 12 : Delhi /Europe (international flight)

Includes: Full board, superior hotels, tour guide, air-conditioned bus transport and site visits

Not included: international airfare, visa to enter India, insurance, drinks and tips for driver and guide

Includes: Full board, superior hotels, tour guide, air-conditioned bus transport and site visits

Not included: international airfare, visa to enter India, insurance, drinks and tips for driver and guide