...enriching lives through cultural exchange
Delhi ● Dharamshala ● Dalai Lama Temples ● Amritsar Chandigarh ● Dehradun ● Ananda Spa ● Haridwar
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xperience mystical India off the beaten path with ever popular tour leader Promila Gupta as she explores her homeland and the true essence of the fascinating Punjab and its neighbouring states. Be awed at the temple complex of the Dalai Lama, be inspired by ancient philosophies and deep spiritual life, admire the breathtaking lush landscapes of the Himalayan foothills and learn about and sample local cuisines with Promila, a passionate food expert. Witness the flames of belief as they illuminate the night sky at Aarti as devotees release flower filled leaf boats carrying tiny oil lamps in praise of the Ganges and relish a magnificent stay at one of northern India’s most exclusive and relaxing spa resorts. All travel is in small air conditioned coaches and private cars in the Hills regions. Experience incredible northern India in this most unique way. Tour Leader: Promila Gupta has led numerous tours to her homeland India for WEA Travel. She is passionate about her country, its people, culture and food. She has a most caring and vibrant nature. Tour Includes: All airfares Adelaide to Adelaide with Singapore Airlines; Full escort; All local guides, sightseeing and entrance fees; All accommodation in comfortable hotels; All meals as per itinerary, All transport; Pre and Post tour get togethers; Tour notes
20 Days $7995 Based on Twin Share plus airline taxes $130 and visa $150 (as at Dec 2017) Single Supplement $2200 ● Balance due 29 August 2018
Day 1 Saturday 10 Nov Adelaide to Delhi Depart Adelaide this morning with Singapore Airlines to Singapore with a good connection through to Delhi. Overnight Delhi Meals in Flight
Day 2 Sunday 11 Nov Delhi Haryana State After a relaxing start you embark on a coach tour which includes seeing India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan and 12th century Qutub Minar then visiting Humayun’s tomb in beautiful gardens built to honour the Mughal Emperor’s wife. You then take in Cyber Hub and a drama show at the Kingdom of Dreams, the ultimate entertainment complex said to be one of the best in India for its Bollywood style musicals. Dinner is at Cultural Gully a boulevard showcasing Indian culture, arts and cuisine. Overnight Delhi Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 3 Monday 12 Nov Delhi to Dharmshala Himachal Pradesh Depart by air today to Dharmshala the Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh State established by the British in the 19th century. It was popular as a hill station for the British for its refreshing climate and beautiful natural sur-
roundings; dense pine and Deodhar forests, waterfalls, hills and valleys. Today it is the home of the Dalai Lama. The town is divided in two sections- the lower town and upper town known as Mcleodganj just to the north. In the afternoon you take a Kora Walk which is a holy walk around the temple and residence of the Dalai Lama. During the walk you see Tibetans chanting holy hymns and spinning prayer wheels as they walk this holy trail. The walk is usually followed by a visit into the temple. Overnight Dharamsala Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 4 Tuesday 13 Nov Dharamshala Today you take a beautiful scenic drive through the Kangra Valley visiting Masrur Rock Temple the only temple of its kind in the Himalayas. It is cut out of one single sandstone rock in to a series of stunning temples and is believed to date back to the 8th century. You
also visit Kangra Fort and the Museum. After lunch you visit the colourful streets of Kangra Bazaar. Overnight Dharamsala Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 5 Wednesday 14 Nov Dharamshala This morning you visit the Kangra Art Museum in Kotwali Bazaar which has an excellent collection of Kangra minatures and a school which teaches the art of miniature paintings. The museum has preserved a wealth of treasures from the Kangra Valley’s past including arts and crafts, ancient artefacts, temple carvings, fabrics, embroideries, weapons and palanquins belonging to local royalty. You also visit Norbulingka, a Tibetan centre for learning and preserving traditional Tibetan art and crafts. Here you see the artisans at work. The doll museum and Buddhist temple are both worth visiting. In the afternoon you visit Genden Choeling Nunnery where you can see the nuns at prayer or in learning. Overnight Dharamshala Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Asia. In the evening you visit Pinjore and its 17th century Mughal Gardens which are most magical in the moonlight. This beautiful setting features water channels and fountains, exquisite symmetry and design and arrangements of enduring beauty. Overnight Chandigarh Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 8 Saturday 17 Nov Amritsar Relish a guided sightseeing tour of Amritsar this morning visiting its ancient streets and the Durgaina Temple. Later in the day you visit the Wagah Border between Pakistan and India which is only a short drive from Amritsar. This is the only open border crossing currently between the two countries. The ceremonial display of the Beating Retreat- a daily military ceremonial practice and Changing of Guards here provides an extraordinary spectacle involving parades of soldiers, the lowering of the flags of both nations, handshaking and the closing of the gates. It is attended by visitors from both sides of the border as well as internationals. Overnight Amritsar Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Chandighar to Dehradun Uttrakhand Travel from Chandigarh to Dehradun this morning. The chefs of the Dehradun region are known as Garhwa Cooks and are among the most celebrated in India so you will experience some wonderful dishes here. Uttrakhand state indeed will delight you with the aromas of its delicious cuisine which is as appealing as the countryside and the friendly people. Overnight Dehradun Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 12 Wednesday 21 Nov Dehradun Relish the day in this lovely hill station city. Uttarkhand state is known as the ‘Land of the Gods’, the home of the Himalayas and as a true paradise on earth. This alluring state extends from the foothills of the Himalayas to its northern international borders with China and Nepal. It is an important centre of Hindu religion and culture, its climate is pleasing and its landscapes refreshing and beautiful. Today you visit Dehradun attractions including Sahastra Dhara Waterfall, Hanoi Temple, the Clock Tower, the Forest Research Institute and the Indian Military Academy. Overnight Dehradun Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 6 Thursday 15 Nov Dharamshala to Amritsar Punjab This morning you depart Dharamshala and drive to Amritsar. After checking in to your hotel you have some leisure time. In the evening you visit the Golden temple to experience the Night Palaki Ceremony. Overnight Amritsar Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 7 Friday 16 Nov Amritsar Visit the Golden Temple today, one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Sikhs who come to bathe in its holy water. This is the spiritual centre of their religion and is said also to be a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Built between 1589 and 1601 it is a spectacular sight with its domes of pure gold reflecting in the pool and its marble pathway which leads to the temple. Pilgrims come and place flowers and money around the Holy Book and respected Sikhs perform ‘unbroken reading’ in order to maintain continuity and unity. Singers and musicians perform verses from the Book and sing hymns continuously. The marble walls are decorated with mirrorwork, gold leaf and bird, animal and flower designs in semi- precious stones in the Mughal style. The temple provides free food for all irrespective of faith. You also visit the central Sikh Museum. In the afternoon you have a Punjabi cooking class which includes lunch. Overnight Amritsar Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 11 Tuesday 20 Nov
Day 9 Sunday 18 Nov Amritsar to Chandigarh After breakfast drive to Chandigarh the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana states via Ludhiana. Lunch is taken here at a local restaurant. On arrival in Chandigarh you check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Overnight Chandigarh Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 10 Monday 19 Nov Chandigarh This morning you visit the Rock and Sculpture Gardens of Chandigarh. Spread over 40 acres and completely built of industrial and home waste and throw-away items it has become a huge visitor attraction. You also enjoy a boat ride on Sukhna Lake in the Himalayan foothills and visit the pretty rose garden which is the largest rose collection in
Day 13 Thursday 22 Nov Mussoorie Take a lovely day tour to Mussoorie a charming hill station in the lush Gharwal Hills at an elevation of 2500 metres above sea level. It is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills”. Here you visit beautiful Kempty Water Falls, take a cable car ride to the summit of Gun Hill for wonderful views, visit noted Camel Rock on Camel Back Road and enjoy magnificent views which extend all the way to the Tibetan border at Lal Tibba. You also visit the Soham Heritage Arts Centre in a peaceful forested location, which showcases and preserves the heritage of Mussoorie and the Himalayas. Here you will find paintings on canvasses, sculptures, frescoes, murals and scrap art and an extensive collection of heritage artefacts, musical instruments, clothes and jewellery. Return to Dehradun to overnight. Overnight Dehradun Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 15 Saturday 24 Nov Ananda Spa Enjoy a wonderful relaxing day and make use of the wonderful facilities at Ananda Spa. Overnight Ananda Spa Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 17 Monday 26 Nov Haridwar to Delhi Travel to Delhi this morning stopping en-route at the world renowned Ramdev’s Patanjali Yoga Institute. In the late afternoon you have a Mughlai cooking class from the chefs of Delhi. Overnight Delhi Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 18 Tuesday 27 Nov Day 16 Sunday 25 Nov Ananda Spa to Haridwar Uttarkhand Depart for Haridwar today, an ancient city and significant Hindu pilgrimage site. On arrival you visit the world renowned Ramdev’s Patanjali institute where research and treatment in Yoga and Ayurveda is conducted. At the legendry Ganga Aarti at Hari Ki Pauri you experience a mesmerising spectacle as small flower boats and diyas (tiny oil lamps) reflect in the water as they float down the Ganges. Witness the flames of belief illuminate the night sky, hymns recited in praise of the Ganges and flower filled leaf boats. It is a ceremony of worship, remembrance and hope. Overnight Haridwar Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Delhi Visit Akshardham ‘the Divine Abode of God’ in the morning to get an understanding of the Hindu philosophy. Akshardham is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu place of worship and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotions, harmony and learning. The afternoon is at your leisure. Those interested can learn how to bargain in India for colourful saris, textiles and trinkets with Promila. Overnight Delhi Breakfast ● Lunch ● Farewell Dinner
Day 14 Friday 23 Nov Dehradun to Ananda Spa Drive to Ananda Spa in Rishikesh in Uttrakhand. This resort is a heavenly abode on earth with world class facilities. Enjoy yoga and meditation classes on site, lovely walks and an outdoor pool. Relish the leisure and relaxation after all your intriguing travel. Overnight Ananda Spa Breakfast ● Lunch ● Dinner
Day 19 Wednesday 28 Nov Delhi to Singapore Depart this morning with Singapore Airlines to Singapore. Your flight to Adelaide departs Singapore this evening. Breakfast
Day 20 Thursday 29 Nov Arrive Adelaide this morning. E&OE
EDUCATIONAL and CULTURAL TOURS 223 Angas Street, Adelaide SA 5000 T (08) 8223 1979 ● F (08) 8232 3690 ● E
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ATAS AA11046 183
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