India's Spiritual and Colonial Heritage | Tours & Trips with ENCHANTING TRAVELS

Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Delhi	Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate	Maidens Hotel
3 - 6	Shimla	Christ Church, Mall Road Area, Trek to Jakhu Hill, Gaiety Theater	Clarkes Hotel
6 - 7	Chandigarh	Rose Gardens, Government Museum, Art Gallery, Water Sports	Taj Chandigarh
7 - 10	Rishikesh	River Ganges, Aarti Ceremony, Ashram Visits, Yoga	Hotel Ganga Kinare
10 - 12	Haridwar	Ganges, Aarti Ceremony, Spirituality, Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Temples	Haveli Hari Ganga
12 - 13	Delhi	Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate	The Leela Ambience Gurgaon

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

Transfer to your hotel

Delhi

2 Days

Delhi, the City of Djinns (spirits) is yours to discover! Let us take you on a journey of India’s capital that covers 5,000 years, from its imperial history and two World Heritage sites to today’s electric contemporary vibe.

Included Activities

Highlights Of Delhi
Whether you want a whirlwind tour or wish to enjoy an in-depth experience of Delhi’s numerous sights, the choice is yours on this full day tour! Discover the Old Town with its bustling markets, including Chandni Chowk, once the grandest Indian market. Head to the imposing Red Fort and onto India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. Feast at the colorful, open-air food and craft bazaar of Dilli Haat. Visit Laxminarayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, and its beautiful gardens. Discover the UNESCO World heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, a monumental landmark in Indo-Islamic architecture with its perfect synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions. Your tour of Delhi is complete with an authentic cycle rickshaw ride, escorted by your local guide. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Red Fort closed on Mondays)

Hotel Options

Maidens Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Heritage Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 3 - 6

Transfer to the train station

Board Kalka Shatabdi 12011 train departing from New Delhi at 0740 hrs and arriving in Kalka at 1145 hrs

Board Himalayan Queen 52455 departing from Kalka at 1210 hrs and arriving in Shimla at 1720 hrs

Transfer to your hotel

Shimla

3 Days

Shimla is considered the leading queen of all India’s hill stations. There’s much to fall in love with here, as you venture into a world of mountains, terraced hillsides and valleys, and dense forests of oak, pine and rhododendrons.

Included Activities

Highlights Of Shimla
Embrace majestic mountain views within this tranquil city! Begin your city tour with a visit to the famous 19th century Christ Church, which is believed to be the second oldest church in India. The Mall Area offers particularly scenic views of the surrounding pine and deodar forest landscape as you amble around soaking in daily life. You can also indulge in the luxurious woollen garments, local handicrafts and handmade products on offer at various boutique shops. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of several restaurants before embarking on a trek to Jakhu Hills to witness stunning views of the snowcapped Himalayas. Step into the Gaiety Theater afterwards. Don’t miss Summer Hill, a small town on the outskirts of Shimla and one of the great Indian Independence leader Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite residential retreats.

Hotel Options

Clarkes Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 6 - 7

Drive from Shimla to Chandigarh (105 km, 3 hrs)

Chandigarh

1 Day

The Mecca of modern architecture and planning, Chandigarh is the city of ‘today’, sans many historical monuments. It is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature’s preservation.

Included Activities

Highlights Of Chandigarh
Wake up and smell the roses! Discover Chandigarh’s fragrant Zakir Hussain Rose Gardens, ideal for botany enthusiasts. Over 16,000 varieties of roses adorn the gardens, as well as medicinal trees and shrubs! Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, which you visit next, was single-handedly built by Nek Chand in 1957, and is one of India’s popular architectural attractions. The garden contains sculptures, statues and myriad artwork made with industrial and domestic waste. In Le Corbusier Centre or the Government Museum and Art Gallery, you’ll have much to see, from unique artworks and sculptures to miniature paintings from Pahari, Rajasthan, and Gandhara. Head to Pinjore Gardens, which is a fine example of a Mughal Garden and was created by the Patiala Dynasty. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Government Museum is closed on Mondays)

Hotel Options

Taj Chandigarh – Opt 1

Room	Superior Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 7 - 10

Drive from Chandigarh to Rishikesh (214 km, 6.5 hrs)

Rishikesh

3 Days

Rishikesh is the ultimate destination for harmony of your mind, body and soul. Located in northern Uttarakhad at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is surrounded by hills on three sides.

Included Activities

Day Visit To Swami Rama Sadhak Gram Ashram
Spend a day at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (Village of Spiritual Seekers), meaning ‘The Meditation Village dedicated to the teachings of Swami Rama. It is a spiritual retreat center built like a beautiful hill village, set on 8 acres of clipped lawns and lush gardens with an eclectic mix of cozy bungalows, yoga spaces and research labs. SRSG was founded in 2002 by Swami Veda Bharati with the aim to teach the knowledge of Yoga meditation within the Tradition of the Himalayan Masters. It is one of the world-leaders in Dhyana-yoga instruction, as well as scientific research into yogic meditation. Start the day at 0500 hrs with prayers followed by yoga, meditation and breathing exercises; breakfast is at 0830 hrs; lunch at 1300 hrs; tea at 1600 hrs; dinners at 1900 hrs…all meals are simple vegetarian and at Ashram dining hall; more classes and programs take place between meals. The day ends post dinner..daily schedules may vary and may be customized upon request.

Highlights Of Rishikesh
Soothe your soul by joining the renowned evening sunset Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. This is a marvellous atmospheric experience to witness, with the many lit candles, singing and wistful worshippers on the banks of the holy River Ganges. Discover Vashishta Gufa, a twin cave temple where the famous Hindu sage and yogi Vasishta conducted sadhana (spiritual practice), once upon a time. Observe two impressive iron suspension bridges that were built over River Ganges – the Lakshman Jhula, built during the British regime in 1939, and its modern 1980s replica, Ram Jhula. Marvel at the open market, with its varied stalls selling religious curiosities, souvenirs, and household goods.(Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Hotel Ganga Kinare – Opt 1

Room	Super Deluxe
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 10 - 12

Drive from Rishikesh to Haridwar (25 km, 1 hr)

Haridwar

2 Days

Haridwar is a significant pilgrimage destination and is considered by Hindu worshippers as the Gateway of the Gods.

Included Activities

Highlights Of Haridwar
Discover spirituality at the Himalayas! Begin your tour of Haridwar with an exciting ropeway ride to the top of the majestic mountain, Neel Parvat, to visit the revered Chandi Devi Temple perched atop. Experience the hustle and bustle of a local market. Catch your breath at a viewpoint that overlooks the city before moving onto the revered Mansa Devi Temple on the neighboring mountain, Bilwa Parvat. Explore the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the river, which reputedly houses a large footprint made by the Hindu God Vishnu. Experience the mystical evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) performed by priests at the ghat, and watch thousands of lamps float downriver, accompanied by rhythmic chanting. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Haveli Hari Ganga – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Heritage

Day 12 - 13

Transfer to the train station

Board the Dehradun Shatabdi 12018 train departing from Haridwar at 1813 hrs and arriving in New Delhi at 2245 hrs

Transfer to your hotel

Delhi

1 Day

Hotel Options

The Leela Ambience Gurgaon – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Transfer to the airport

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 3,455 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation in one double room for 13 days / 12 nights
Meals as indicated
The following train journeys in the highest class available :
- New Delhi – Kalka (Kalka Shatabdi/ 12011 – Dep.07:40 hrs, Arr.11:45 hrs)
- Kalka – Shimla (Himalayan Queen/ 52455 – Dep.12:10 hrs, Arr.17:20 hrs)
- Haridwar – New Delhi (Dehradun Shatabdi – Dep.18:13 hrs, Arr.22:45 hrs)
All activities as listed :
- Delhi: Highlights of Delhi
- Shimla: Highlights of Shimla
- Chandigarh: Highlights of Chandigarh
- Rishikesh: Day Visit to Swami Rama Sadhak Gram Ashram
- Rishikesh: Highlights of Rishikesh
- Haridwar: Highlights of Haridwar
- Delhi: Highlights of Jaipur
- Delhi: Highlights of Jaipur: Heritage Fort Tour
All airport and hotel transfers
A high-quality air conditioned vehicle with unlimited mileage and a trusted chauffeur throughout your trip, apart from during your stay at a beach/backwater resort or houseboat if applicable.
All activities described in the itinerary, including entrance fees wherever applicable, accompanied by our tour guide
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
Welcome kit including all important documents and information regarding your itinerary
Insolvency insurance
Fees and taxes

India’s Spiritual and Colonial Heritage

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Delhi

Shimla

Chandigarh

Rishikesh

Haridwar

Delhi

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes