September 25 th 2018 15D/14N
DAY 1 Catch flight to Leh, Jammu and Kashmir Sightseeing in Leh, reach leh at the start of Ladakh festival Leh, a high-desert city in the Himalayas, is the capital of the Leh region in northern India s Jammu and Kashmir state. Originally a stop for trading caravans, Leh is now known for its Buddhist sites and nearby trekking areas. Massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modeled on the Dalai Lama s former home (Tibet s Potala Palace), overlooks the old town s bazaar and mazelike lanes. Nubra is a tri-armed valley located to the north east of Ladakh valley. Diskit the capital of Nubra is about 150 km north from Leh town, the capital of Ladakh Large hilltop monastery from the mid 1400s, with temples, a nunnery & a variety of Buddhist art. Former royal palace situated on top of a mountain, accessible by hike with picturesque city views. Namgyal Tsemo Monastery or Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. Founded in 1430 by King Tashi Namgyal Tibetan Buddhist monastery, founded in 1515, with intricate, brightly colored frescoes & a museum. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 2 Catch flight to Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Sightseeing in Srinagar Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. Boating in Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel". Kheer Bhawani is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Kheer Bhavani constructed over a sacred spring. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir. Dargah Sharif This large Muslim shrine with a dome & minarets houses a relic believed to be a hair of Muhammad. Gulmarg Gondola in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir is the world's second highest operating cable car since the closure in 2008 of the Mérida cable car in Venezuela and the opening in 2008 of the Dagu Glacier. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 3 Catch flight to Amritsar Sightseeing in Amritsar Amritsar is a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, 28 kilometers from the border with Pakistan. At the center of its walled old town, the gilded Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is the holiest gurdwara (religious complex) of the Sikh religion. It s at the end of a causeway, surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar tank (lake), where pilgrims bathe. Golden Temple Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Darbar Sahib, informally referred to as the Golden Temple, is a Gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism. Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar in the Punjab state of India, and houses a memorial of national importance, established in 1951 by the Government of India, to commemorate the massacre Wagah-Attari border ceremony The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah border is a daily military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have jointly followed since 1959. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 4 flight from Amritsar to Delhi and Delhi to Varanasi Varanasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating to the 11th century B.C. Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River s sacred waters. Boating in the Ganges, which is a trans-boundary river of Asia,flows through the nations of India and Bangladesh. The Varanasi Ganga Aarti takes place every sunset at holy Dasaswamedh Ghat, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Seven priests conduct a simultaneous Harathi while relevant Slokas are recited in the background. It lasts about 40 minutes in total. It is a treat to watch. Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Chaukhandi Stupa is an important Buddhist stupa in Sarnath, located 8 kilometres from Cantt Railway Station Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Stupas have evolved from burial mounds and serve as a shrine for a relic of the Buddha. Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir, Durga Temple and also monkey temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 5 Catch flight to Kolkata Sightseeing in Kolkata Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773 1911. Today it s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921, housing displays on the history of Kolkata. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata. Striking 19th-century spiritual complex. 1800s temple, with shrines to Krishna and Vishnu. Situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River,. Vidyasagar Setu, is a toll bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, linking the cities of Kolkata and Howrah. India's longest, with a span of 823 m. Built in 1599,The Basilica of the Holy Rosary commonly known as Bandel Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in West Bengal, India. Situated in Bandel, Hooghly district of West Bengal, it stands as a memorial to the Portuguese settlement in Bengal. Mother House is a convent located in Kolkata. You get to see mother Teresa's room which is very unique. Must visit in Kolkata. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 6 Catch flight to Bhubaneswar Sightseeing in Bhubaneswar Bhubaneswar is an ancient city in India s eastern state of Odisha, formerly Orissa. Many temples built from sandstone are dotted around Bindu Sagar Lake in the old city, including the 11th-century Hindu Lingaraja Temple. The twin hills of Khandagiri & Udayagiri, served as the site of an ancient Jain monastery which was carved into cave-like chambers in the face of the hill. These caves, with artistic carvings, date back to the 2nd century BCE. Chausathi Jogini Mandir (64 Joginis Temple)( is situated in a hamlet called Hirapur, 20 km outside Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during the 9th century. 60 km from Bhubaneswar, The Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of lord Vishnu. Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India. The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE. Dedicated to the Hindu god Surya. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 7 Catch flight to Chennai Sightseeing in Chennai & Tirupati Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. Kapaleeshwarar Temple - Colorful Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Shiva, established in the 7th century. Fort St. George, India A testament to the earliest English rule in the country, this was the first fortress in India built in 1644. The fort houses St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in the country, a museum and Wellesley House. Tirupati is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Its Sri Venkateswara Temple sits atop one of the the 7 peaks of Tirumala Hills, attracting scores of Hindu pilgrims.nearby, next to it is a waterfall and cave believed to be sacred. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing. Overnight at Tirupati
DAY 8 Drive from Tirupati to Pondicherry and Rameswaram Sightseeing in Pondicherry and Rameswaram Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954. Its French legacy is preserved with tree-lined streets, mustard-colored colonial villas. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, situated on the south boulevard of Pondicherry in Puducherry, India, is an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture. The Matrimandir is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of Integral yoga, situated at the centre of Auroville initiated by The Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Rameswaram is a town on Pamban Island, in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It s known for Ramanathaswamy Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site with ornate corridors, huge sculpted pillars and sacred water tanks. Devotees bathe in the waters of Agni Theertham, off the beach east of the temple. Gandamadana Parvatham is a hill with island views. A chakra (wheel) here is said to bear an imprint of Lord Rama s feet. Ramanathaswamy Temple is a tamil temple dedicated to the god Shiva located on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of limestone shoals, between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island.
DAY 9 Early morning drive from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari onwards to Thiruvananthapuram and flight to Bangalore Sightseeing in Rameswaram and Kanyakumari Kanyakumari is a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu on India's southern tip. Jutting into the Laccadive Sea, the town was known as Cape Comorin during British rule and is popular for watching sunrise and sunset over the ocean. It's also a noted pilgrimage site thanks to its Bagavathi Amman Temple, dedicated to a consort of Shiva, and its Our Lady of Ransom Church, a center of Indian Catholicism. Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the richest temple of the world dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is at the heart of the city. Structurally it's beautiful and ancient looking. The entry time is restricted and you have dress code and electronic items not allowed inside. Time permitting a quick visit to Kovalam Beach. Flight to Bangalore, check in at hotel. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 10 Sightseeing in Bangalore and Flight to Goa Bangalore officially known as Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Hyder Ali commenced its construction within the walls of the Bangalore Fort, and it was completed during the reign of Tipu Sultan in 1791 St. Mary's Basilica is located in the Archdiocese of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is among the oldest churches in Bangalore and the first church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. Dodda Basavana Gudi is 16th-century Hindu temple is dedicated to the sacred bull Nandi, with a huge statue of him. The Dodda Aalada Mara, literally translated to Big Banyan Tree, is a giant 400-year-old banyan tree, located in the village of Kethohalli in the Bangalore. Flight to Goa, check in at hotel. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 11 Sightseeing in Goa and Flight to Mumbai Goa is a state in western India. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and known for its beaches, at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. Fort Tiracol was constructed in the 17th century by Raja Bahadur Khem Sawant Bhonsle. It was later an armed fortress of the Portuguese rulers. Today, the restored fort is home to a heritage hotel, a Baroque-style church, and centuriesold history. Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved seventeenth-century Portuguese fort standing in Goa, India, on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Church of St Cajetan. This stately 17th-century Catholic church features a facade resembling St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A Hot Air Balloon ride at Assolda: Let the winds literally sweep you off your feet as you embark on this 1-hour hot air balloon ride! Flight to Mumbai, check in at hotel. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 12 Sightseeing in Mumbai and Flight to Udaipur Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India s west coast. A financial center, it's India's largest city. The Gateway of India is an arch monument built to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. Pass by Flora Fountain, built in 1864, is a fusion of water, architecture and sculpture, and depicts the Roman goddess Flora. Then across to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus formerly known as Victoria Terminus is a historic railway station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli, Mumbai. An exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. The Bandra Worli Sea Link is a cable-stayed bridge with pre-stressed concretesteel viaducts on either side that links Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. On way quick visit at Siddhivinayak Temple of Lord Ganesha. The God of luck and auspicious beginnings. Flight to Udaipur, check in at hotel. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 13 Sightseeing in Udaipur and Flight to Jaipur 'The City of Lakes'. Udaipur, was the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559. City Palace, Udaipur, is a palace complex built over a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Boat Ride on Lake Pichola, situated in Udaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD. Saheliyon-ki-Bari is a major garden and a popular tourist space in Udaipur. It lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. The Monsoon Palace, also known as the Sajjan Garh Palace, is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan in India, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake. Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the city of Udaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is an artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar, constructed north-west of Udaipur, to the north of Lake Pichola in the 1680s. Flight to Jaipur, check in at hotel. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 14 Sightseeing in Jaipur and Flight to New Delhi Jaipur is the capital of India s Rajasthan state founded what is now called the Old City, or Pink City for its trademark building color in 1727. Amer Fort is a fort located in Amer, Rajasthan,11 kilometres from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Located high on a hill, offering elephant rides. City Palace, Jaipur, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur. Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur, India. It is constructed of red and pink sandstone. The palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the zenana, or women's chambers. Jal Mahal is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. Flight to New Delhi, check in at hotel. Time permitting -rest of the day free for shopping / relaxing.
DAY 15 Sightseeing in New Delhi take happy memories home. The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. The Red Fort is a historic fort in Delhi. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1856. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums. The India Gate is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the "ceremonial axis" of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway. It is a memorial to 70,000 soldiers of the Indian Army. Qutub Minar is a towering 73 meter high tower built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193. The tower was built to celebrate Muslim dominance in Delhi after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu ruler. This tower is the highest tower in India, complete with five storeys and projecting balconies. The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986, costing $10 million. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Tour concludes. Depart with happy memories
Dubai I London I Mumbai I New Delhi Entire 20 city India Circuit Min10 city Hop-in Hop out Bespoke Itinerary enquiry@spiritualcaravan.com Optional Agra; Dharamshala & North East India Tour. Inclusive Hotel & Flights / deluxe bus where applicable.