Punjab’s
heritage is too robust to be either forgotten or lost. It is a land of martial
traditions where the nation of India rose as one to combat all aggressions from
the North – West and all others who dared to challenge the integrity
and sovereignty of this golden land. A land of tough , god – fearing
peasants living in its rich traditions of hard – work and toil , song
& dance and patriotism , is today one of the most vibrant states of India.
This land of the brave Sikhs echoes with the melodies Gurbani of the sacred Guru
Granth Sahib from the beautiful gurudwaras spread all over Punjab. This
tour is specially prepared to present the best of the great Sikhs shrines in the
region. It will be relevant to quote Mahatama Gandhi as follows , when he wrote
about this land: “Historically Punjab may be
considered the most important province of India. It was here that the Aryans of
the Vedic times first made their homes. It was here that the hymns of the Rig
Veda were chanted. It was to this province at the University of Takshila that
seekers after knowledge flocked from various parts of the world. The Scythians
, the Tartars and the Persians had to measure sword with the sons of Punjab in
their attempt to penetrate India.”
| Day | Plan |
| 01 | »
Arrive Delhi :
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Afternoon half
day visit to Gurudwara Sisganj. Gurudwara Bangla sahib and Gurudwara Rakabganj.
Overnite at hotel. | | 02 | »
Delhi - Chandigarh - Parivar Vichhora - Anandpur Sahib - Chandigarh :
Drive to Chandigarh ( 238 kms/05 hours). Check in at hotel. Afternoon visit Parivar
Vichorra ( 52 kms/02 hrs ) and drive to Anandpur Sahib ( 30 kms/01 hr ) - fortress
temple situated on the left bank of the river Satluj founded by the ninth Sikh
guru , Guru Tegh Bahadur. It was here that the Sikh religion acquired its final
military character. Drive back to Chandigarh. Overnite at hotel. |
| 03 | »
Chandigarh - Amritsar :
Morning sightseeing tour of Chandigarh ,
visiting the Museum , High Court , Assembly Chamber and Rock Garden. Afternoon
drive to Amritsar ( 250 kms/06.50 hrs ) , situated on the north – western
border of the country. The 400 years old city , founded by the fourth guru of
the Sikhs , Guru Ramdas , has been the seat of the Sikh religion and culture from
its very inception. It is renowned for the famous Golden Temple. Amritsar , literally
– ‘Pool of Nectar’ , derives its name from the holy
pond around the temple. The land for the pool was gifted by the Moghul Emperor
Akbar. Check in at hotel on arrival. Overnite at hotel.
|
| 04 | »
Amritsar - Tarn Taran - Gobindwal - Hazoor Sahib - Amritsar :
Morning
excursion of Tarn taran ( 22 kms/45 minutes ) , famous for a gurudwara standing
on the side of a large tank and built in honour of Guru Arjun Dev. Lepers come
from far – off places to have a dip in the tank , for it is believed
that its water can help cure leprosy. Proceed to Gobindwal ( 23 kms /30 minutes
) , a short run from tarn taran , connected to the memory of Guru Amardas who
lived there. A gurudwara built by the Guruji still stands there. Since no place
was available for a tank , an underground ‘Baoli’ was constructed
near the gurudwara with a flight of 84 steps leading to it. Continue onto Hazoor
Sahib ( 10 kms/15 minutes ) , where the Samadhi ( memorial ) of the second Sikh
guru , Guru Angad Dev ji , was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815. Return
to Amritsar. Afternoon visit the Golden Temple – built in the midst
of the holy pool by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1803 , it is also known as Darbar
Sahib or Har Mandir Sahib. The dome of the temple is covered with an estimated
400 kgs of gold leaf , hence its popular name the ‘Golden Temple’.
The interiors of the temple , like – wise , decorated by inlay work
with delicate floral patterns are done with semi precious stones. Adjoining the
pool is Akal Takht , established by the sixth Sikh guru , Guru Hargobind Singh.
It is seat of the supreme head of the Sikh religious authority. Overnite at hotel. |
| 05 | »
Amritsar - Jalianwala Bagh - Baba Bakala - Amritsar :
Morning visit
Jailianwala Bagh ( 24 kms/45 minutes ) , the historic site where hundreds of innocent
Indian men, women and children were massacred by British General Michael Dyer
on April 13 , 1919. A memorial and garden have been created here as a national
monument. Proceed to Baba Bakala ( 21 kms/45 minutes ) , a place associated with
the ninth Sikh guru , Shri Tegh Bahadur, having a magnificent gurudwara where
people gather in thousands on every Amavas. An annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan
with about hundred thousand people visiting the place , commemorating the day
when the ninth guru was located by his followers. Return to Amritsar. Overnite
at hotel. | | 06 | »
Amritsar - Delhi :
Transfer to railway station to connect fast train
Shatabdi Express for Delhi. On arrival , assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnite
at hotel. | | 07 | »
Delhi / Back Home :
Morning half day sightseeing tour, visiting Red
Fort – the symbol of Moghul power and elegance built in red sand stone
by the fifth Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan when he shifted his capital to Shahjahanabad
from Agra in 1638 ; India Gate – the country’s memorial to
the Unknown Soldier ; and Quatab Minar – built in red sand stone in
Islamic style , the tower is 71 mts tall with its walls consisting of intricately
carved quotations from the Holy Quran.
Check out at 1200 hours. Transfer to
airport to connect flight for onward journey.
End of our services.
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Budget
India Tour
