THE ITINERARY BASICS

1. Delhi 2. Delhi 3. Amritsar 4. Amritsar 5. Dharamsala 6. Dharamsala 7. Mandi 8. Shimla 9. Shimla 10. Paonta Sahib 11. Rishikesh 12. Rishikesh 13. Rishikesh 14. Delhi (by flight) 15. Agra 16. Orccha 17. Orccha 18. Khajuraho 19. Varanasi 20. Varanasi 21. Varanasi (and visit to Sarnath) 22. Varanasi / Overnight train to Delhi 23. Delhi —/End of the tour

1. Arrival in Delhi
Most flights from the West arrive in Delhi late evening or early morning. A representative of Indian Rose Tours will welcome you at the airport. He will hand over all the documents you will need during your tour. One of our cars will take you to your hotel.

Accommodation:

Standard: Hotel Almondz

Superior: Royal Plaza

2. Day in Delhi
A knowledgeable guide will show you the highlights of Old and New Delhi. You could visit the Jama Masjid and see the Red Fort. You could continue to explore the Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb and drive by Parliament House, India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace). Other very interesting places include the Sikh Gurdwara Bangla Sahib (recommended) , Gandhi Smriti and the Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple) where people from all religions are welcome to pray or meditate.

This may be too much to visit in one day, especially considering this is your first day in India. As goes for the entire trip, this is your adventure so you can decide which places to visit but you can also opt to allow your experienced guide to make those choices. At the end of your stay in India you will again have time in Delhi to visit more sights.

Accommodation:

Standard: Hotel Almondz

Superior: Royal Plaza

3. Train to Amritsar
A representative of Indian Rose Tours will assist you in finding the right seat on the train. The Swarna Shatabdi Express leaves Delhi at 0720 and is scheduled to arrive in Amritsar at 1330. At the Amritsar railway station you will meet the driver who will be accompanying you all the way to the airport of Dehra Dun on day 14 of your tour. Today he will only take you to your hotel, but the car and driver are at your disposal for the duration of your stay in India.

This afternoon you can spend at your own leisure. Maybe you would like to make a first visit to the majestic Golden Temple, or just rest and relax for the afternoon.

Accommodation:

Standard: MK Hotel

Superior: Ista Amritsar

4. Amritsar
Today you will visit Jallianwala Bagh where Brigadier-General Dyer ordered the killing of more than 400 unarmed peaceful protesters. This park commemorates those killed.
Your day continues with a walk around the bazaar and a drive to Wagah, the site of the border with arch-enemy Pakistan. Your guide will explain the rituals involved in the change of guard: "Hindustan zindabad!" (Long Live India).
Your car will take you back to Amritsar, where you reach the Golden Temple in time to see the holy book - the Granth Sahib - be ceremonially carried back to its resting place for the night.

Accommodation:

Standard: MK Hotel

Superior: Ista Amritsar

5. Dharamsala
A scenic 7 hour drive will take you up into the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and to the place where the Dalai Lama has taken up residence: Dharamsala. The Tibetan government in exile and the many colourful Tibetan temples and monasteries are actually located in the small town of McLeod Ganj about 4 kilometers uphill from Dharamsala.

Accommodation:

Standard: Surya McCleod

Superior: Chonor House - Recommended.

6. Dharamsala
A half day excursion to the Bagsu Temple, the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the Tibetan bazaar is recommended.

The rest of the day you could spend by walking around the easy-going town and snacking on momos or by visiting the Gu Chu Sum Movement Gallery with an interesting exhibition on the oppression in Chinese-occupied Tibet. McLeod Ganj has many beautiful temples built by Tibetan refugees.

Accommodation:

Standard: Surya McCleod

Superior: Chonor House - Recommended.

7. Mandi
A 6 hour drive will take you to Mandi, a typically bustling town which used to be an important stop on the Salt Route to Tibet. Nowadays it is worth a visit because of the many temples dedicated to Shiva and the proximity to Rewalsar Lake which is revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs alike. There are several beautiful temples set around this picturesque lake. Rewalsar is about one and a half hour drive from Mandi.

Accommodation:

Standard: Raj Mahal Palace

Superior: Chonor House

8. Shimla
A scenic trip takes you to the former summer capital of the Raj, Shimla, in about 6 hours. When it got hot on the plains, the British used to flee to the cooler climate of Shimla for the summer months. You can still see many quaint houses reminiscent of 19th century England. On bright days you can marvel at a line of snow covered peaks glistening in the distance. Shimla has become a very popular tourist destination due to it's cool climate and the vast views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys.

Accommodation:

Standard: Silverine

Superior: Springfields

9. Shimla
The sightseeing tour of Shimla takes you to the English influenced Christ Church, and then to Scandal Point from where you can have a great view on the town. You will also visit the former official residence of the British viceroys - the Viceregal Lodge - and the Himalayan Bird Park opposite. A visit to the Jakhu Temple is a must. Many monkeys loiter around hoping to get some of the offerings brought by the many devotees who come to worship Hanuman, the monkey-god to whom this temple is dedicated.

Accommodation:

Standard: Silverine

Superior: Springfields

10. Paonta Sahib
Traveling from Shimla to Paonta Sahib there are several lovely options - you could decide to have lunch in the old temple town of Nahan. Including stops this journey should take about 8 hours.
Paonta Sahib is a friendly Sikh pilgrimage town because the 10th guru - Guru Gobind Singh - spent his childhood years here. There is a large Sikh gurdwara.

Accommodation:

Standard: The Yamuna

11. Rishikesh
It is a 4 hour drive to get to one of the holiest cities in India: Rishikesh! This town clinging to the banks of the mighty Ganges river is home to many sadhus, gurus and other spiritual seekers. It is also known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and has many ashrams and yoga-teachers. Rishikesh was the place of the (in)famous ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the guru of The Beatles.

Accommodation:

Standard: Tapovan Resort

Superior: Divine Resort

12. Rishikesh
Today's sightseeing in Rishikesh includes visits to the mighty Lakshman Jhula hanging bridge, the Bharat Mandir temple and the Triveni Ghat. The steps that lead to the Ganga are called ghats, and every set of steps has its own name. You will also visit the impressive 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple. Inside this temple you will find shops selling everything from jewellery to plastic images of the gods which are venerated at the many shrines.

Not to be missed is the nightly sunset ceremony (Ganga Aarthi) which is held on the ghats at the Swarga Ashram area. This is a good time to light a candle for good luck and watch the lights float away on the river while you listen to the devotional songs sung by the devotees.

Accommodation:

Standard: Tapovan Resort

Superior: Divine Resort

13. Rishikesh
A free day. Try and get up early to join the pilgrims for their morning wash in the cold waters of the Ganges. The Ganges is not yet polluted here, and it makes for an unforgettable experience!
Rishikesh is also a great place for just wandering around. At the end of the day you will be surprised how much you have actually experienced. There are many interesting temples and ashrams you could include in your walk. You could also go kayaking or rafting on the Ganges river (not possible during the monsoon).

Accommodation:

Standard: Tapovan Resort

Superior: Divine Resort

14. Fly to Delhi
Your car will take you from Rishikesh to the airport of Dehra Dun, a two hour drive, where you will catch your flight back to the capital Delhi.

Accommodation:

Standard: Hotel Almondz

Superior: Royal Plaza

15. Agra
Early this morning you'll be driven to Agra (4 hours) and check in to your hotel. The afternoon sightseeing in Agra includes visits to the Agra Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the World's Seven Wonders. After his wife Mumtaz Mahal died, Emperor Shah Jahan built this beautiful memorial as a dedication to his love. Few people leave unimpressed by the stunning architecture and detail unique to the Taj.

Accommodation:

Standard: Taj Resorts

Superior: The Retreat

16. Orchha
The Shatabdi Express leaves Agra at 0815 in the morning and arrives at Jhansi railway station before 11 am. From there it is about 45 minutes driving to your lovely retreat in Orchha.
This small village is known for its laid-back vibe and it's old temples and large palace.

Accommodation:

Standard: Betwa Retreat

Superior: Orccha Resorts

17. Orchha
Today you can visit several of the interesting temples of Orchha and see the Jehangir Mahal (Palace). There will be enough time left to laze by the pool or stroll through the easy going village to meet the friendly population of Orchha. You could also rent a bicycle and cycle in the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation:

Standard: Betwa Retreat

Superior: Orccha Resorts

18. Khajuraho
After a little over 4 hours of traveling you will reach the small town Khajuraho. Around 1000 years ago, the powerful Chandela dynasty built many temples in this region. The temple architecture shows different scenes from daily life, hunting and war but also scenes from the famed Kama Sutra. Those erotic sculptures were meant to educate the people and to appease the mighty God of Thunder Indra. The temples of Khajuraho are known as one of the highlights of Indian temple-architecture.
At present the western group of temples is best preserved and it is this group of temples you will get to visit today!

Accommodation:

Standard: Clarks Khajuraho

Superior: Ramada Khajuraho

19. Varanasi
To get from Khajuraho to Varanasi by car will take at least 13 hours. You can also decide to fly instead. If you prefer to fly, do not forget to mention this when booking your adventure with Indian Rose Tours.

Location of hotels is important to Indian Rose Tours, especially in a city like Varanasi. You will be staying right on the ghats in a hotel where most rooms offer views on the river Ganges. Of course we do not make any concessions when it comes to quality and cleanliness of accommodation. The hotels have all the amenities you have come to expect from us.

Accommodation:

Standard: Rashmi Guest House

Superior:  Palace on Ganges

Best:         The Gateway                   - Not on the ghats.

20. Varanasi
Today you will go for a sunrise boat-ride on the river Ganges. This is not so much to see the rising sun as to watch the hundreds of devotees performing rituals on the banks of their holy Ganga, as the Ganges is called in India. Your guide will then accompany you on a walk through Old Town before bringing you back to your hotel for breakfast.

The many steps leading to the river are called ghats. The most important ghat in Varanasi is the Dasaswamedh Ghat. For as long as people can remember devotees celebrate the Ganga Aarthi here every night around 7pm. This set of rituals for Ganga Mata (Mother Ganges) is accompanied by music, incense and many vibrant colours. To witness this age-old ceremony is an experience you will not easily forget!

During the recommended excursion this afternoon your guide will walk you through the bustling narrow market streets and alleyways of Old Town to reach Manikarnika Ghat (The Cremation Place on the Ganges). You will hop on a boat from where you can observe the cremation-rituals happening on the ghats while your guide will explain the deeper meanings and intricacies of this age old custom.
The boat will continue to Dasaswamedh Ghat where you'll reach in time to witness the evening Ganga Aarthi.

See our blog for more on this excursion and more on Varanasi and India in general:

http://indianrosemicha.wordpress.com/

Accommodation:

Standard: Rashmi Guest House

Superior:  Palace on Ganges

Best:         The Gateway                   - Not on the ghats.

21. Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Benares and Kashi, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. And it shows! On one hand the city seems eternal and the same as it must have looked a thousand years ago, but on the other hand you can see here the changes India as a whole is going through. It is a special place for all Hindus but especially important to followers of the popular god Shiva, to whom many temples in the Old Town are dedicated. Hindus believe Shiva sits on a mountain top in the Himalayas and that the Ganges falls from heaven and flows into India via the matted locks of the meditating Shiva.

On the outskirts of Varanasi is the place where the Buddha held his first sermon after reaching Enlightenment in Bodhgaya, in present-day Bihar. Sarnath is one of the four most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists along with Bodhgaya, Lumbini (in present-day Nepal where Gautama Buddha was born) and Kushinagar (in present-day Uttar Pradesh where Buddha died). Sarnath attracts Buddhists from all over the world.

During this half-day trip to Sarnath you will get the chance to see two classic stupas and a modern Buddhist temple. You will be able to walk around the bodhi tree planted at the same place where Buddha held his first sermon around 2500 years ago! You can also visit the Archeological Museum in Sarnath, which houses many superbly crafted ancient statues.

Accommodation:

Standard: Rashmi Guest House

Superior:  Palace on Ganges

Best:         The Gateway                   - Not on the ghats.

22. Varanasi / Delhi
Varanasi is the preferred place for Hindus to breathe out their last breath. The most auspicious place for a Hindu to be cremated is the Manikarnika Ghat, also known as the main burning ghat. Visiting the cremation grounds is not for the faint-hearted but is also a unique experience you will not be able to witness with the same intensity anywhere else in the world!

Please do show respect for local customs by not taking any pictures, as this is strictly prohibited.

You will then take an evening transfer to the railway station, where you will board your overnight train to Delhi. A representative of Indian Rose Tours will assist you at the railway station. The Shiv Ganga train journey is scheduled to take about 13 hours.

Again, you can also decide to book a flight. If you prefer to fly, do not forget to mention this when booking your trip with Indian Rose Tours.

Accommodation Varanasi (if you fly day 23):

Standard: Rashmi Guest House

Superior:  Palace on Ganges

Best:         The Gateway                   - Not on the ghats.

Accommodation Delhi (if you fly day 22):

Standard: Hotel Almondz

Superior: Royal Plaza

23. Delhi / Departure
You will arrive in Delhi in the morning. During this last day of your tour you can rest at the hotel or go back into the city to enjoy a last look at the many interesting sights and restaurants the capitol of India has to offer.

Accommodation:

Standard: Hotel Almondz

Superior: Royal Plaza

Most flights to the West leave late evening or early morning. This evening your car will bring you to the airport in time to catch your flight. You will arrive back home with a bag full of new experiences and a lot of great memories!