Vedantaa Leisure Holidays

NORTH INDIA SHAKTIPEETH TOUR, FOOTSTEP OF BUDDHA & CULTURE & WILDLIFE

NORTH INDIA SHAKTIPEETH TOUR, FOOTSTEP OF BUDDHA & CULTURE & WILDLIFE

Overview

Experience the cultural, spiritual, and scenic diversity of North India on this immersive 17-day journey. Begin in Delhi with its timeless monuments, before heading to the spiritual town of Rishikesh and Haridwar for sacred aartis and ashram visits. Continue through the lush hill stations of Shimla and Manali, marveling at Himalayan vistas and colonial heritage. From there, delve into the Tibetan ambiance of Dharamshala and the peaceful pine landscapes of Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Visit the iconic Golden Temple in Amritsar and witness the Wagah Border ceremony, then relax in the modern planned city of Chandigarh before wrapping up in Delhi with a heritage sightseeing tour.

The tour spans 14 days

Highlights

itinerary

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and you will be transferred to our booked hotel in Delhi (the standard check in time would be 1400 Hrs) on this day. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning leave Delhi for Rishikesh and on arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon you will proceed for the half day sightseeing tour of Rishikesh which stands for the Plaits of the Sage" is a place of Ashrams where solace seekers come to spend their time in the serenity of God. The visit will include Shivananda Ashram where discourses in English on Hindu religious texts can be heard. Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge spanning the Ganga. Ram Jhula is a famous landmark place in Rishikesh city. It is an iron suspension bridge over holy river Ganga. Ram Jhula has the length of 450 feet connecting Shivananda Ashram with Swargashram. Ram Jhula also offers a panoramic view of river Ganga and Rishikesh city. Geeta Bhawan is a large complex located at the banks of holy river Ganga in Swargashram, Rishikesh. Huge complex of Geeta Bhawan has several discourse halls and over 1000 rooms for the comfortable stay of devotees. Several religious and spiritual books, such as Ramayana, Ramcharit Manas, Bhagwat Geeta are available at Geeta Bhawan book shop. Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the top yoga centres in India and the biggest ashram which is situated on the bank of holy river Ganges. It is founded by Swami Shukdevanand Saraswati and this ashram is open for all with no discrimination on the basis of race, gender, nationality, religion, caste or creed. Evening witness aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning proceed for the sightseeing Haridwar which is essentially a Hindu pilgrim town with temples and Dharamshalas along the banks of the river Ganga. Also visit Har ki Pauri the most popular bathing ghat which has a footprint of Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God of preservation on stone. (if you wish you may visit MANSA DEVI & CHANDI DEVI TEMPLE) by ropeway on direct payment basis. In the evening attend the Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Overnight at the hotel

Morning leave Rishikesh for Shimla and on arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

Morning excursion to Kufri and later proceed fort the sightseeing tour of Shimla which includes the visit of The Mall: All visitors to Shimla inevitable walk down the mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge – a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town – a favorite rendezvous for visitors and local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The Labyrinths of Shimla’s bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall. Viceregal Lodge: Housed in the Gothic splendor of the Vice regal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advance Studies (India’s premier academy for higher research). Himachal State Museum: Very close to the institute, in a colonial building set in a spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collection of Pahari miniatures, stone sculpture, local handicraft, textile, an embroidery. Jakhoo Hills: The steep climb to Jakhoo hills, Shimla’s highest point, is rewarding for super views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple. Overnight at the hotel. 

Morning excursion to Solang Valley. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Manali which includes the visit of Hadimba Temple, Tibetan Monastry, Vashist Kund – hot sulphur spring water. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning leave Manali for Dharamshala and on arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

On this day enjoy the sightseeing tour of Dharamshala with English speaking local guide see the serene Dal Lake, Namgyal Buddhist Monastery and the famous Mall Road of McLeodganj. Also visit the Bhagsunag Temple and the beautiful waterfall. Dharamshala Cricket stadium, tea gardens, Karmapa monastery, norbulinka. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning leave Dharamshala for Dalhousie and on arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Dalhousie was founded by Lord Dalhousie in the second half of the 1800's and so the place has been named after him. It is dotted with a number of attractions such as Satdhara Falls, Chamunda Devi Temple, Kalatop Sanctuary etc. Overnight at the hotel

On this day excursion to Chamba and Khajjiar, both these towns near Dalhousie are known for their lush landscape, floral meadows and tranquillity. The list of attractions of the day includes Central Park- it offers a magnificent view of the entire hill town, Rang Mahal-one of the largest monuments of the region that is built in Mughal-British architecture, Khajjiar Lake and Bhuri Singh Museum-named after Chamba's former king, it houses collection of miniature paintings, wooden carvings etclater drive back to Dalhousie. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning leave Dalhousie for Amritsar and on arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Late evening you may visit Golden Temple by Night. Overnight at the hotel

Morning proceed for the sightseeing tour of Amritsar which includes the visit of GOLDEN TEMPLE - The most visited tourist place in Amritsar, is located in the heart of the city. Characterized by its entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and elegance in terms of art and architecture, the Golden Temple is open to everyone. The stunning sanctum with its intricate warks in gold sparkling in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotless marble walkways and pavements makes breathtakingly beautiful sight. JALIANWALA BAGH- A historical monument telling the sad story of mass killing during India’s freedom struggle, another must visit in Amritsar. The site is famous for the memorial of the martyrs of the 1919 carnage carried out by British General Dyer. The place also has a park. The Martyr’s Gallery is open to all from 10 am to 4 pm during winters and from9 am to 5 pm in summers. DURGIANA MANDIR - Amritsar also has a enchanting temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. Easily reachable from the Golden Temple, the Durgiana Mandir was supposedly built in the 16th century. Being located in the middle of a lake gives the temple a wonderful overall view. The temple has a massive structure and is architecturally is styled along the lines of the nearby Golden Temple. Late afternoon excursion to WAGAH BORDER - Wagah, on the Indo-Pakistan border, is 28 kms from Amritsar. Numerous visitors come to see the ceremonious change of guards and the flag hoisting and lowering activities done skillfully and with precision by the border security forces of both the countries. Overnight at the hotel

Morning leave Amritsar for Chandigarh and on arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel

Morning leave Chandigarh for Delhi and on arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

Morning proceed for the full day tour of NEW DELHI & OLD DELHI which includes the visit of Humayun's Tomb - built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid-16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best examples of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb. Qutab Minar - In 1199, Qutbuddin raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32 mtrs.it tapers to 2.75 mtrs. at a height of 72.5 mtrs. It is still the highest stone tower in India, one of the finest stone towers in India, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognized landmark. It was completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The tomb of Iltutmish, which he himself built in 1235, is nearby; Its interiors are profusely decorated with calligraphy, though the dome has collapsed. The Parliament House - Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament house is the supreme law making body in the country. It is the center of power and politicians decide the fate of the Indian Democracy here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when the house is in session, visitors may take permission to go inside and watch the proceedings of the house. The parliament consists of three halls- Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the central hall. Rajpath & India Gate - Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath .India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees. Raj Ghat - The Ghats along the banks of Jamuna are located the places were the leaders and freedom fighters of India were cremated. The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited ghats. A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948.Jama Masjid - One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi. Chandni Chowk - one of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. But today the place is very crowded and congested. - Drive past Red Fort. Overnight at the hotel

In time transfer from hotel to the airport to connect your onward destination flight back home