SoulSista Spiritual Journey

NAMASTE

The following itinerary includes the cities we will be visiting on our Spiritual Journey. Each day will also include yoga/meditation to relax your mind, body and soul, while finding the inner beauty and peace within.

  DAY 1 - ARRIVE  DELHI

Arrive in Delhi early morning. Check in to the hotel and unwind.

After brunch, proceed for city sightseeing with an English speaking guide.

DELHI: It consists of Old Delhi & New Delhi. It is the capital of the country and third largest city of India. Serves as the travel hub for exploring Northern India.

Old Delhi: Old Delhi, once known as Shahjahanabad, was established by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who made it his capital. This fortified city has a glorious past and history leading through labyrinthine streets past mosques, monuments and forts.

RED FORT (Drive Past): Emperor Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad and laid the foundation of Red Fort (Lal Quila) on 16th April 1639. It took nine years to build this mighty citadel. Built of red sandstone, it is octagonal in shape, with two longer sides on the east and west.

CHANDINI CHOWK: One of the main markets of Delhi, congested Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. It is located opposite the Red Fort. Important landmarks here are the Digamber Jain Temple which houses the Birds & Hospital, Fatehpuri Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan and Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir Shah ordered his troops to plunder and massacre Delhi.

Cycle-rickshaw ride will be provided in the bazaar.

Overnight in the hotel.

 

DAY 2 - DELHI

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of New Delhi.

New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India and displays the finely carved architecture of British Raj with its wide avenues, regal buildings, grass lawns and spaciousness.

HUMAYUN’S TOMB: Built by Haji Begum, wife of Emperor Humayun in mid – 16th century, this red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red &white sandstone and black &yellow marble tomb.

GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB: Most prominent Sikh Gurudwara, or Sikh ‘house of worship’ in Delhi. It is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru Harkrishan. There is a pond inside its complex, known as "Sarovar" whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and known as "Amrit".

INDIA GATE: It is a 42m high stone ‘Arch of Triumph’. It bears the names of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of World War I, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the Eternal Flame to honour the“ Memorial to the Unknown Soldier”.

RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN (Drive Past): Official home of the President of India. It may refer to only the mansion which has 340 rooms in the main building. Located within 320 acres of huge presidential gardens known as Mughal Gardens, it has large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls.

LOTUS TEMPLE: An edifice dedicated to the Baha'i faith, the magnificent structure of this building unfolds in the form of a stupendous white petal lotus and is one of the most visited establishments in the world. The design of this shrine was conceptualised by Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and was completed in the year 1986. This temple seeks to propagate the oneness of the Almighty and is open to all regardless of their nationality, religion, race or gender.

QUTAB MINAR: Iltutmish, the son-in-law and successor of Qutubuddin Aibak, completed its construction. Built in red sandstone, this tower sports the inscriptions of verses of Holy Quran and intricate carvings. The famous Ashoka Iron Pillar, belonging to the 4th century, has a Sanskrit inscription in Gupta script confirming the date.

 

 DAY 3 -   DELHI – DHARAMSHALA

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Dharamshala:

On arrival, we will check in to the Hotel.

DHARAMSHALA: It is a city in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley and is surrounded by dense coniferous forest consisting mainly of stately Deodars. It is the centre of the Tibetan exile world in India. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising there was an influx of Tibetan refugees who followed the 14th Dalai Lama. His presence and the Tibetan population has made Dharamshala a popular destination for Indian and foreign tourists, including students studying Tibet.

 

DAY 4 - DHARAMSHALA

After breakfast, proceed for city sightseeing with an English speaking Guide:

MONASTERIES: There are several Tibetan monasteries in and around Dharamshala, particularly around McLeod Ganj such as Dip-Tse-Chokling monastery, Nechung monastery and Gadong monastery, which not only clears the picture of Tibetan culture, but also presents close insight of the Tibetan Buddhism.

NORBULINGKA INDTITUTE: It is about keeping alive centuries old Tibetan traditions in content, form, and process by providing apprenticeships in traditional Tibetan art forms and making Tibetan experience accessible for contemporary lifestyle.

DALAI LAMA TEMPLE: Dalai Lama temple (Tsuglag Khang complex) The Tsuglag Khang complex is one of the first structures to be built when His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in India in 1959. It houses the famous Namgyal monastery, a museum, a café, a book shop, a library and the private residence of the Dalai Lama.

BHAGSU NAG TEMPLE: This Temple is one of the popular ancient temples. It is surrounded by the famous Bhagsu Falls and is considered to be a popular place of Hindu pilgrimage.

KANGRA STATE MUSEUM: Museum of Kangra Art was opened on 17 January, 1990 to preserve, conserve and revive the rich cultural heritage of Kangra region. Museum is a treasure house of rich heritage of the valleys art and culture, located near Kotwali Bazaar at Dharmshala. Museum has the collection of art object comprising miniature paintings, textiles, sculptures, Jewellery, coins and objects of cultural anthropology.

St. JOHN’S CHURCH: It is an Anglican church dedicated to John the Baptist built in 1852, located near Dharamshala on the way to McLeod Ganj, at Forsyth Gunj. Set amidst deodar forest, and built in neo-Gothic architecture, the church is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows.

NAMGAYAL MONASTERY:  It is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. The primary role is to assist with rituals involving the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Its main tantric practices reportedly include those of Kalachakra, Yamantaka, Chakrasamvara, Guhyasamaja, and Vajrakilaya.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

 DAY 5 - DHARAMSHALA

Enjoy trekking into the valley, absorbing the nature and culture of the area.

Yoga and meditation to relax your mind, body and soul.

Overnight in the hotel.

 

DAY 6 - DHARAMSHALA – AMRITSAR - 202 Kms. / 4.5 Hrs.

After early breakfast, depart for Amritsar by car. Arrive and check-in at the Hotel.

AMRITSAR: One of the most ancient cities of India, it was founded by Guru Ram Das in 1574. It was set up on land bought by him for Rs. 700 from the owners of village Tung. Amritsar is prominently known worldwide as the abode of the Golden Temple.

Evening witness the Night Ceremony at the Golden Temple.

GOLDEN TEMPLE: A world renowned Sikh shrine, the temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, and was believed to be laid by Sri Guru Das in the 14th century – an incredible blend of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The temple has a gigantic dome made of pure gold. The shrine is encircled by a large ‘sarovar’ (pond) named as Amritsar (Lake of Holy Water), which is from where the city has derived its name.

Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 7 - AMRITSAR – JAIPUR
 

After breakfast, proceed to visit the Golden Temple with an English speaking guide.

Later do city sightseeing:

JALLIANWALA BAGH: Established in the year 1951, Jallianwala Bagh is a popular tourist attraction with a strong historical background. The site marks the black day of April 13, 1919, when thousands of innocent Indians were viciously killed in a massacre by British General Dyer. The garden is home to Jallianwala Bagh Martyr's Memorial built in memory of the innocent lives sacrificed without reason.

MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH PANORAMA: Popularly known as ‘the Lion of Punjab’ was not only a great son of Punjab but was also among the few leading figures of the history of that period. The deeds of Maharaja Ranjit Singh will remain as permanent marks in the annals of sikh history. 

Afternoon, proceed to visit the Wagah Border:

WAGAH BORDER: It is the only international “road border crossing” between India and Pakistan on the historic G.T. Road between the cities of Amritsar and Lahore. It is famous for the daily evening Retreat Ceremony also known as “Lowering of the Flags”. The ceremony has been held since 1959.

Later transfer to the airport for flight to the Pink City – Jaipur! 

On arrival, transfer to the Hotel.

JAIPUR: It is the capital of Rajasthan state. It has many architectural marvels and palaces and a history of a bygone era involving the Maharaja and Royal family of Jaipur. Amber Fort is one of the three antique forts providing a spectacular view of the city and in the heart of Jaipur lies stunning City Palace.

Relax, with an overnight stay in the hotel. 

 

 DAY 8 - JAIPUR

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Amber Fort with an English speaking guide:

THE AMBER FORT: The Amber Fort, located 11 km north of Jaipur, was the capital of Kachchwaha Rajputs till Sawai Jai Singh changed the capital to Jaipur. The Fort is one of the most popular attractions in Jaipur where we can enjoy elephant rides to the top of the hilltop - from where one can have excellent views of Maota Lake.

Later proceed for city sightseeing:

HAWA MAHAL: Built in 1799 by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh, it is the most “recognizable” monument of Jaipur – a 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies and a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities passing by on the street below.

THE CITY PALACE: A major part of the City Palace has been converted into a Museum while the remaining portion is still being used by the royal family of Jaipur as residence. The Palace is built in the fortified ‘campus’ style and covers almost a seventh of Jaipur in area!  There are different sections of the Museum dedicated to subjects like arms & ammunition, textile, costumes and art.

JANTAR MANTAR/THE ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY: Translated into “Instruments of Measuring the Harmony of the Heavens”, Jantar Mantar was built by Sawai Jai Singh between 1728 and 1734. It is a grand celebration of astronomical science and each instrument here serves a particular function and gives an accurate reading.     

GOVIND DEV JI TEMPLE: It is a very famous place for all devotees of Lord Krishna. Situated between Badal Mahal and Chandra Mahal, the location is such that the Maharaja could look directly at the figure of Lord Krishna. Aarti ceremony is held here 7 times in a day.

In the evening, visit the local Spice and Vegetable Market – “Choti Chaupar”.

Overnight stay in the hotel.

 

 DAY 9 -JAIPUR – AGRA - 235 Kms / 4.5 Hrs

After breakfast, depart for the Mughal City – Agra, stopping en route to see the Abhaneri Stepwell.

ABHANERI STEPWELL: The Chand Baori Stepwell, located in village Abhaneri between Agra and Jaipur, was built by King Chanda between AD 800 -900. It has over 3500 steps leading down almost 13 storeys. At 30 metres depth, it is the deepest Stepwell in India.

Proceed onto Agra. Arrive and check-in the Hotel.

AGRA: The Mughal love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. The glory of Agra was at its peak during the reign of Emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

After settling in, proceed to visit the Agra Fort with an English speaking guide:

THE AGRA FORT: Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Fort in 1565 AD. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Shish Mahal and MusammanBurj - where Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

 

 DAY 10 - AGRA – DELHI - 231 Kms / 04 Hrs

Early in the morning, proceed to visit the Monument of Love – Taj Mahal by Sunrise with an English-speaking guide:

TAJ MAHAL: Sheer poetry in marble - magnificence unrivalled! The Taj Mahal is a monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shah Jahan's dream and one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. It took 22 years & 20,000 workers in 1631 AD to make this enchanting mausoleum on banks of River Yamuna.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Later, depart for the Capital City – Delhi.

Arrive and check-in at the Hotel.

 

 DAY 11 - DELHI

Enjoy the day to yourselves and in the evening transfer to the International airport for your flight back home.  

 

Dates: 7th - 18th September 2020

The package includes the following:

  • Return flight to Delhi
  • 10 nights hotel accommodation
  • Daily breakfast + 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners in Dharamshala
  • All transfers, excursions and sightseeing by an Air-Conditioned Coach with a driver.
  • Government approved English speaking tour guide
  • All Entrance Fees to the Monuments, Temples, Museums etc.
  • Cycle Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi
  • Sunrise and Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal
  • Elephant / Jeep Ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur
  • Flights / Trains to travel between destinations

All for just $4995

Payment options available!

 

Final date to secure your spot is the 31st March. Please email or call us for more information.

 

All flights, train timings and sightseeing tours are subject to change. The itinerary is intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants' safety, comfort & general well – being.