The Grand North India Tour - 17 Nights / 18 Days

After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Delhi, a city rich in history and culture.

Visit the Red Fort, a grand Mughal monument built of red sandstone. It once served as the main residence of Mughal emperors and reflects the power and beauty of that era.

Continue to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, known for its vast courtyard and impressive architecture. Next, visit Raj Ghat, the peaceful memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple yet powerful place for reflection.

Proceed to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an early example of Mughal garden tomb architecture. It inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.

Later, explore the Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, surrounded by ancient ruins. Nearby stands the famous Iron Pillar, dating back to the Gupta period.

It is renowned for its rust-resistant metal, showcasing the advanced metallurgical knowledge of ancient Indian scientists and craftsmen.

Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan (outside view), the official residence of the President of India, showcasing grand colonial-era architecture.

End the tour at India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers, set amidst wide lawns and busy city life.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

After breakfast, drive from Delhi to Agra. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. Later, begin exploring the historic city of Agra. Visit Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone fort that once served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors.

Inside, you will see beautiful palaces, courtyards, and halls that reflect royal life of the past. Continue to the Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb), a charming marble monument known for its fine carvings and delicate inlay work. It is considered an early masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

In the evening, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. As the sun sets, the white marble monument changes colour, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. The Taj Mahal is a timeless symbol of love and one of the most admired landmarks in the world.

Return to the hotel with lasting memories of Agra’s timeless heritage.

Overnight stay in Agra.

After breakfast drive to back to Delhi, check in at your hotel and relax. Later you can visit Akshardham temple (closed on Mondays), a modern architectural marvel that celebrates Indian culture, devotion, and heritage.

The temple is intricately carved with stone sculptures, depicting stories from Indian history and spirituality. Explore the temple halls, gardens, and exhibitions that showcase India’s traditions and values.

In the evening, enjoy the temple’s musical fountain and lighting show, which brings the stories of Indian culture to life in a beautiful and immersive way.

Overnight stay in Delhi

This morning you will be transferred to Delhi airport to take your flight to Amritsar. On arrival in Amritsar, you will be met and transferred to your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, you will visit the “Attari Border”.

This is the India–Pakistan border near Amritsar. Every evening, the Beating Retreat Ceremony is held here. Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform a disciplined march with high energy. The ceremony ends with the lowering of the national flags. It is a patriotic and memorable experience for visitors.

Overnight stay in Amritsar.

This morning you will visit the Golden Temple. It is the most sacred shrine of the Sikh religion. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful golden structure surrounded by a holy water tank.

Next, visit the Akal Takht. It is located inside the Golden Temple complex. This place is an important center of Sikh authority and represents justice and strength.

Later, visit the Durgiana Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple looks similar to the Golden Temple and is an important place of worship for local devotees.

After that, visit Jallianwala Bagh. This is a public garden and memorial. It reminds visitors of the tragic massacre of 1919 and the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle.

The afternoon is free for your own activities. You may explore local markets or visit a nearby village.

This morning you will be transferred by road to Dharamsala. The drive takes you through scenic countryside, hills, and small towns. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.

Dharamsala is a peaceful hill town in Himachal Pradesh. It is set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The town is known for its cool climate and natural beauty. It is also the home of the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Dharamsala has a calm atmosphere with monasteries, prayer flags, forests, and pleasant walking paths. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy mountain views.

Afternoon free is free for your own activities or visit Bhagsunag Falls and Bhagsunag Temple. The temple is ancient and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The waterfall is scenic, especially after monsoon. The walk to the falls is short and manageable.

Overnight stay in Dharamsala.

Today you will visit McLeod Ganj. This is the residence area of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It is the cultural heart of Tibetan life in India. The area has monasteries, cafes, shops, and a peaceful atmosphere. Most places here are easy to walk.

Next, visit Nechung Monastery. It is one of the important Tibetan monasteries. Later, visit the Norbulingka Institute. This place is dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and culture. You can see traditional crafts, gardens, and workshops. The paths are flat and easy to walk.

Then visit Kunal Pathri Temple. It is a small Hindu temple set amidst green surroundings. The temple is peaceful and connected by a short and easy walk from the parking area.

Naddi Viewpoint is a scenic viewpoint near Dharamsala. It offers a wide and clear view of the Dhauladhar mountain range. On clear days, the snow-covered peaks look very beautiful.

Overnight stay in Dharamsala.

The journey takes you through beautiful mountain roads, rivers, and small villages. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you travel deeper into Himachal Pradesh. On arrival in Manali, check in to your hotel and relax after the long but scenic drive.

Overnight stay in Manali.

Today you will visit the Hadimba Devi Temple. This ancient temple is surrounded by tall cedar trees. It is dedicated to Hadimba, a character from the Mahabharata. The area is peaceful and the walk from the parking area is short.

Next, visit the Manu Temple. It is believed to be dedicated to Sage Manu. The temple is located in Old Manali and offers a calm atmosphere. The approach involves a gentle walk through the village.

Later, visit the Tibetan Monastery. This place reflects Tibetan culture and Buddhist traditions. You can see colourful prayer flags and murals. It is easily accessible and good for a short visit. After that, proceed to Vashisht Village. This traditional village is known for its temples and old houses. The area gives a glimpse of local life and culture.

At Vashisht, visit the Hot Springs. These natural hot water springs are believed to have healing properties. Separate bathing areas are available for men and women. The walk to the springs is short and easy.

After breakfast, you will begin your drive to Shimla. The journey passes through scenic hills, forests, and small towns of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy the pleasant mountain views along the way. On arrival in Shimla, check in to your hotel and relax after the long drive.

Overnight stay in Shimla.

Today you will visit Jakhoo Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

At the top of Jakhoo Hill, visit Jakhoo Temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a peaceful place and well known for its large Hanuman statue. Later, visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

This historic building was once the Viceregal Lodge. It is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and reflects colonial architecture. The area is easy to explore.

Next, visit Christ Church. It is one of the oldest churches in North India. The church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and calm atmosphere. Later, explore Mall Road. This is the main shopping and walking street of Shimla. It is ideal for shopping, cafés, and leisurely strolls.

Walk towards The Ridge. This open space offers great views of the mountains. It is a popular spot for photographs and evening walks.

Nearby is Scandal Point. This is a famous meeting point on the Ridge.

Overnight stay in Shimla.

This morning you will be transferred by road to Chandigarh. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for a while.

Later, visit the Rock Garden. This unique garden is created from recycled materials like stones, broken tiles, and waste items. It has sculptures, pathways, and small waterfalls. The place is interesting and enjoyable for all age groups.

Then visit Capitol Complex (Outside View) – it is an important landmark of Chandigarh. It was designed by architect Le Corbusier. The complex includes major government buildings and reflects the city’s modern planning. Even from the outside, visitors can understand the unique design and layout of Chandigarh.

If time permits explore – ‘Sector 17 Plaza’ – it is the main shopping and commercial center of the city. It is well planned and pedestrian friendly. The area has shops, cafés, and open spaces. It is a good place for shopping, evening walks, and experiencing city life.

Overnight stay in Chandigarh.

After a relaxed breakfast, you will start your drive to Haridwar. The journey takes you from the planned city of Chandigarh to the sacred town on the banks of the River Ganga. On arrival in Haridwar, check in to your hotel and relax.

Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India. It is known for its spiritual atmosphere and ancient temples.. The evening is ideal for a calm walk near the river or local markets. You can visit Har Ki Pauri to see the evening Aarathi Ceremony.

Overnight stay in Haridwar.

Today you will explore the holy city of Haridwar.

Start with Daksha Mahadev Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next, visit Mansa Devi Temple. This hilltop temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. You can reach it easily by ropeway. The temple offers panoramic views of Haridwar and the Ganga.

After that, visit Chandi Devi Temple. Another important temple on a hill, it is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. A ropeway makes the climb easy, and the views from the top are beautiful. End the day at Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat in Haridwar.

Here you can witness the evening Ganga Aarti, a vibrant and devotional ceremony. The sight of lamps floating on the river is mesmerizing and leaves a lasting impression.

Overnight stay in Haridwar.

After breakfast, you will drive to Rishikesh, which is about an hour from Haridwar. On arrival, start your sightseeing tour of this spiritual city. Begin with Ram Jhula, a famous suspension bridge over the Ganga. It connects the two banks of the river and is surrounded by temples, shops, and cafés.

Walking across offers a scenic view of the river and surrounding hills. Next, visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia). This ashram became famous when the Beatles stayed here in the 1960s. Today, it is open for visitors to see meditation halls, murals, and peaceful gardens.

Then, visit Tera Manzil Temple, a multi-storey temple located near Laxman Jhula. Each floor has small shrines dedicated to different deities. The temple offers good views of the river and surroundings.

After that, visit Geeta Bhawan, a well-known ashram and educational center. It focuses on spiritual teachings and Hindu scriptures. Visitors can explore the calm surroundings and attend prayers.

In the evening, visit Parmarth Niketan to witness the Ganga Aarti. The ceremony is vibrant and spiritual, with lamps floating on the river, creating a memorable experience.

Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

This morning, you can spend some more time in Rishikesh as per your choice.

Later, you will begin your drive back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will reach your hotel and relax.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Today you will be transferred to Delhi airport to board your flight for your onward journey. Carry beautiful memories of your travels and the scenic, spiritual, and cultural experiences you enjoyed across North India.

Tour Ends