India
India is our newest destination in 2016, somewhere we’ve always wanted to explore.
For the first time we’re using a travel agent, Travel Spirit International, based in Delhi and highly recommended by a friend. Our contact at TSI is Manoj, who has been very helpful, providing us a personalised itinerary that takes in all the places we asked to visit. The month’s itinerary is fast-paced:
Day 01|| 06 Apr|| Wed||Arrival
Upon arrival transfer to hotels. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02|| 07 Apr|| Thu|| Delhi
After breakfast start your day with Rickshaw ride at Old Delhi the transport of Old Era It is totally a different & unique experience to visit the Old Crowded Market where you can witness the lifestyle of the locals stays in this area & also visit Chandni Chowk, one of the country’s best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. After rickshaw ride proceed to visit the highlights of Delhi sightseeing tour including Red Fort (from outside), Jama Masjid, Rajghat, India Gate, President House (From Outside) Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutab Minar. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03|| 08 Apr|| Fri|| Delhi – Mandawa (265 kms/4 hrs.)
After breakfast drive to Mandawa, upon arrival check into hotel. In the afternoon visiting Chowkhani Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli, & Mohahanlal Saraf Haveli. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04|| 09 Apr|| Sat||Mandawa – Bikaner (200 kms/4 hrs.)
After breakfast drive to Bikaner lies in the center of the hot Thar Desert, 240 km northeast of Jodhpur. The old city is encircled by a seven-km-long city wall with fine entrance gates, constructed in the 18th century. The city is mainly interesting for the superb large fort and palace, built of the same reddish-pink sandstone as Jaipur’s famous buildings. Upon arrival check into hotel, rest of the time free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05|| 10 Apr|| Sun||Bikaner – Jaisalmer (330 kms/6 hrs.)
Morning after breakfast half-day city tour of Bikaner visit to Junagarh Fort, Museum & Lallgarh Palace. Later drive to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival at Jaisalmer check-in to htl. Jaisalmer Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06|| 11 Apr|| Mon||Jaisalmer
Morning after breakfast half-day city tour to visit Jaisalmer Fort, Havelis (Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli), Gadi Sagar & Museum. Afternoon return back to hotel & around 1600 Hrs again start Excursion to Sam Sand Dunes where you will enjoy an hours Camel Ride to see the sun set, return back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07|| 12 Apr|| Tue||Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (290 kms/5hrs.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Jodhpur, Jodhpur city at the edge of the Thar desert was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput. In Jodhpur; the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and Havelis, which stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. Upon arrival check in to htl. Evening free & Overnight at hotel.
Day 08|| 13 Apr|| Wed||Jodhpur – Ranakpur Udaipur (290 kms/ 5 hrs.)
Morning after Breakfast half-day city tour of Jodhpur to visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Later drive to Udaipur, enroute visiting Ranakpur temples. Later continue on to Udaipur, situated in the state of Rajasthan, means the ‘City of Sunrise’ has manifold attractions like imposing marble palaces, enchanting cool lakes, luxurious green gardens, and old temples. It has so many lakes and palaces that it is often called as the ‘City of Lakes and Palaces’. Upon arrival check into hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09|| 14 Apr|| Thu||Udaipur
Morning after Breakfast half-day city tour to visit Jagdish Temple, Maharana Jagat Singh built the Jagdish temple, which is in the centre of the old town and to the north of city palace, in 1651. This temple is dedicated to God Vishnu and has a shrine with a black stone image of lord Vishnu as Jagannath (Lord of the universe)., City palace & Museums and Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, is in the north of the city. This small ornamental garden has fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. Rest of the time free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10|| 15 Apr|| Fri||Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur (260 kms/5 hrs.)
After breakfast drive to Jaipur, via visiting Pushkar including Brahma Temple & Pushkar lake. Continue on to Jaipur – the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as ‘The Pink City’ for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. This Buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and is a feast for the eyes. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Rest of the time free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11|| 16 Apr|| Sat||Jaipur
Morning after Breakfast visit Amer Fort & enjoy ride on a caparisoned elephant up to the Amber Fort established in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh of the Kachwaha dynasty. Within the Amber Fort are ornate palaces, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions & palaces & drive past the stunning artistry of the five-story façade of the Hawa Mahal. Afternoon visit the City Palace, the museum houses textiles, arms, carpets, paintings and manuscripts and other artistic paraphernalia & Astronomical observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur, also visit Observatory & pass through Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Evening free & Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12|| 17 Apr|| Sun||Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri –Agra (235 kms /4hrs.)
Morning after breakfast drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri, constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to non-availability of water but still in a state of perfect preservation. Continue on Agra. Upon arrival check into hotel. Later half day city tour of Agra, visiting world famous Taj Mahal- (closed on Fridays) built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaj. Continue on to Agra Fort – built by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory in war. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13|| 18 Apr|| Mon||Agra – Jhansi – Orchha – Khajuraho (Day Train & 180 kms/4 hrs,)
After early breakfast in time transfer to the railway station to board on train Bhopal Shatabdi (Dep: 0817 Arr: 1048) to Jhansi. Upon arrival drive to Khajuraho enroute visiting Orchha Temples. Continue on to Khajuraho. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14|| 19 Apr|| Tue||Khajuraho – Varanasi (By Flight)
After breakfast half day city tour to visit Western Group of Temples. Later in time transfer to the Airport to board on flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Later in afternoon proceed for excursion to Sarnath. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15|| 20 Apr|| Wed||Varanasi – Delhi (By Flight)
Early morning boat ride on the river Ganges, return back to hotel for wash & change and Breakfast. Later visit Banaras Hindu University, Tulsi Manas temple & Bharat Mata temple. In time transfer to Airport to board flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16|| 21 Apr||Thu|| Delhi – Rishikesh (255 kms/ 6 hrs.)
After breakfast drive to Rishikesh; upon arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17|| 22 Apr|| Fri|| Rishikesh /Rudraprayag / Chopta / Pothibasa (06-07 hrs.)
Morning commence drive till Pothibasa. The entire drive is along the Ganges upto Deoprayag and then along Alaknanda upto Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag you will drive along Mandakini river. Arrive Pothibasa , one can view the magestic peaks of the Himalayas – breathtaking in their beauty against the clear blue sky. The open grassland near Chopta are the best for camping. Sleep out on the roof of the world, it is an experience, the skies are thickly starred – you can almost grab a handful of them. Arrive and transfer to the lodge for meals and overnight stay.
Day 18|| 23 Apr|| Sat|| P.Basa/Deoriatal/P.Basa Trek : 05-06 Hrs
Morning after breakfast we drive to Sari village , arrive and commence trek to Deoriatal, one of the finest high altitude Himalayan lakes. Witness the reflection of greater Himalayan peaks in the lake . Pack lunch enroute. Arrive and explore the beauty of the area. Later trace your steps back to Sari and drive back to Pothibasa for Meals & overnight stay.
Day 19||24 Apr|| Sun|| P.Basa/ Chopta/Tungnath/P.Basa Trek : 06-07 Hrs
Morning after breakfast we drive to Chopta arrive and commence trek to Tungnath, the highest temple in India, dedicated to lord Shiva. It is here that the arms of Lord Shiva remerged after sinking into earth at Kedarnath. The entire trek goes through thick forest of Rhododendron and Oak. Chances of encountering a Himalayan Black Bear, rare musk deer and the most coulourful pheasnt, the Monal are very high here. Arrive Tungnath temple, the entire temple is full of ancient statues and other things of historical and mythological importance. Afterwords we trek to Chandrashilla peak. Enjoy the grand view of Greater Himalayan peaks e.g nanda Devi, Punch Chuli, Dunagiri, Nilkanth, Kedarnath and peaks. Explore the area and trace your steps back to chopta and drive to Pothibasa . Meals and overnight stay.
Day 20 ||25 Apr|| Mon|| P. Basa/Joshimath Drive: 7-8 Hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Joshimath. Upon arrival at Joshimath transfer to the Himalayan Abode . Meals and overnight stay at Himalayan abode.
Day 21 || 26 Apr|| Tue||Joshimath
Day at leisure . Today one can visit Narshingh Temple and Bhavishya Badri in and around Joshimath. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
Day 22 ||27 Apr|| Wed|| Joshimath/Auli/Goarson (3658mts) Drive: 13km/Trek
After breakfast and drive up to Auli ,then we will start our trek from Auli to famous Bugyals (meadows) of Gorson and from here we can see 27 high mountain range with Nanda Devi peak, Dinner and overnight stay in tents .
Day 23||28 Apr|| Thu|| Goarson /Khulara (3310mts) Trek :8 km
Morning Breakfast then trek up to Khulara . This walk is through the forest and then a ridge takes us to kuari ,. Setup up tent with camp fire and hot fulfilling meal before we retire for the night in our tents.
Day 24||29 Apr|| Fri|| Khulara /Kuari Pass/Khulara Trek : 8 km/4-5 hrs
Morning after breakfast we will trek to Kuari Pass, highlight of the entire trip. Arrive and explore the area . Later trace your steps back to Khulara. Meals and overnight.
Kuari pass (4268 mts)
Lord Curzon made the trek to Kuari Pass, and since than it has come to known as Curzon’s trail. it is very popular among European and American travelers. In 1905, Lord Corzon reached Kuari pass from Ghat via Ramni. Today many trekkers prefer to undertake the trek in the reverse direction. They climb the ridge above Tapovan, and reach Gailgarh, where the trail coming from Gorson meets. One can also reach Kuari Pass from Auli bugyal through Gorson Top and this is the beast idea. The main attraction of Curzon’s trail is the majestic view of the twin peaks of nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi Parvat. Along the trek we’ll pass through pristine Rhododendron, Oak, and Deodar forests. Rare Himalayan Flora and Fauna are found aplenty on the trail. At Tapovan there is a massive sulphur spring. The waters of the spring are said to have excellent medicinal properties.
Mountain :- , Hati- Ghodi parvat, Kamet , Barmal- Trishuli, Dronagiri, Mana peak, Neelkanta, Bethartoli, Barhmal , Hanuman peak, Changbang, kalanka , nanda ghunti , nanda kot, and much more.
Day 25|| 30 Apr|| Sat|| Khulara /Tapovan/Joshimath (10 km Trek + 15 km drive)
Morning Breakfast we start trek to Tapovan take 5 to 6 hours of walking. Arrive and enjoy the natural hot water spring and then drive back to lodge for stay in Himalayan Abode.
Day 26|| 01 May|| Sun|| Joshimath /Rishikesh Drive 8-9 hrs
Morning after breakfast return journey to Rishikesh . lunch enroute. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 27|| 02 May|| Mon||Shivpuri (Rafting Optional)
Morning free for own activities. One can go for White water Rafting , body message , head message, foot message etc.
Day 28 || 03 May|| Tue|| Rishikesh – Delhi
After breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 29||04 May || Wed|| Delhi – Amritsar || By Flight
After breakfast transfer to Airport to board flight to Amritsar. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. In the evening approx. 1600 hrs excursion to the Attari-Wagah India-Pakistan border crossing point where ‘beating the retreat” ceremony is enacted in a very dramatic way among the cheering crowds on both sides.
Later return back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 30|| 05 May|| Thu|| Amritsar – Delhi || By Flight
After breakfast visit Jaliawala Bagh & the famous Golden temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 31|| 06 May|| Fri||Delhi – Departure
In time transfer to Airport to board flight to onward destination.