Journey to the roots of religions: Haridwar and Rishikesh that take us to the heart of Hinduism towards the sources of the Ganges, Dharamshala where the Dalai Lama is located, Amritsar sacred place of the Sikh religion with the magnificent Golden Temple. Together with Chandigarh, the ideal city designed by the architect - le corbusier.
Rishikesh, this beautiful place in Uttarakhand is the land of yoga, meditation and a variety of adventure sports. While for some tourist, it is a place where they can find their spiritual self and peace of mind, for several others this is the place where they can do adventure activities like water rafting, trekking, biking, climbing, bungee jumping etc.
Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site situated in the foothills of the shivalik range in Garhwal Himalayas. Haridwar welcomes the river ganga to the plain areas. Haridwar means gurgling of river Ganges, innumerable temples, groups of monks in saffron clothes, enchanting sounds of vedic hymns and the divine holiness.
Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. The face of modern India, Chandigarh, is the manifestation of a dream that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru envisaged and Le Corbusier executed. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. “ THE CITY BEAUTIFUL ”
The picturesque surroundings of Dharamshala and the presence of great Buddhism culture make this hill stations one of the best in India. It’s divided into two parts, upper Dharamshala and lower Dharamshala and both these regions have scenic landscapes , bungalows, churches, monasteries, and cantonment that are surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar mountains. While holidaying in Dharamshala don't miss the glory of Tibetan culture, which can be seen and experienced through its monasteries situated here.
Amritsar is amongst the most revered sites of the world. It was founded as recently as the 16th century. Its name is a derivative of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) amidst which stands the Golden Temple, the most sacred of Sikh shrines. Amritsar has a rich history encompassing various mythical and historical narratives including the epic Ramayana. Amritsar has gained tremendous popularity for its gourmet traditions; especially the dhabas (roadside eatery) that churn out, amongst an inexhaustible list of delicacies.
Today you depart from home country to the planned destination. Meals on board in the aircraft.
Upon you arrival at Delhi international airport, you will be met by our representative at the arrival lounge, change of aircraft and flight to Dehradun. Continue to Rishikesh. In the afternoon we will witness the ancient prayer of the Aarti on banks of the river Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Full day dedicated to the visit of the town with its famous Ashrams and schools of yoga, temples, picturesque hanging bridges and a stroll in the colorful bazaar. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning transfer to Haridwar. Full day of visits to the holy city, one of the oldest in the country, where thousands of pilgrims every day they flock to celebrate their rituals. Rickshaw ride in the Old Street / Bazaar of Haridwar. At sunset we will witness at the spectacular fire offering ceremony to the Mother Ganges. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning transfer to Chandigarh. Afternoon visit of the “ideal” city created by famous architect Le Corbusier, of its historic center of design, of some of its buildings and of the curious Rock Garden. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning transfer to Dharamshala. In the late afternoon, free time for relaxation or walks in the village. Overnight.
Full day visit of the center Tibetan Buddhist, monastery and buildings they house the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Walk in the local surroundings. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning transfer to Amritsar. Afternoon time available for relaxation. In the evening, visit the Golden Temple for the suggestive closing prayer of the temple. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Morning visit of the holy city, pilgrimage center for Sikhs from all over the world: the Golden Temple, center of religious and social activities of the Sikh community, the Jallian wala Bagh, a symbolic place of the struggle for independence. Afternoon excursion at the Wagah border to attend the solemn ceremony of changing of the guard on the border with Pakistan. Later, return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Rooms booked at the hotel (1200 hours) until you board your flight for onward journey. Later, in time transfer to the airport. Our services ends here.
Ganga Kinare translates to ‘On the banks of the river Ganges’. It is no misnomer. Nestled snugly on the banks of a tranquil River Ganges, GANGA KINARE by Holywater Hotels is a charming 4 star boutique hotel in the sanctutm of Rishikesh, a land where spirituality and Mother Nature blend into a heady concoction. The only hotel resort in Rishikesh built right on the banks of the Ganges, Ganga Kinare overlooks the Rajaji National Park, one of North India’s expansive sanctuaries and a melting pot of diverse flora and fauna. Ganga Kinare - hotel and resort boasts a waterside esplanade, where guests can stroll alongside the sinuous river, soak in the sight of the mountains and revel in the sheer verdancy of the surroundings.
Set bang on the banks of the holy River Ganges, The Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel is a royal residence with exquisite courtyards, interiors and marble flooring. Built in 1913 for the personal guests of the royal family, this Haridwar hotel was the personal residence of Maharaja of Pilibhit which now serves as the perfect hideaway for devotees visiting Haridwar. The tranquil river and hill views on one side, and the mesmerising maelstrom of central Haridwar on the other will certainly complement your stay in Haridwar. Ranked amongst the best hotels in Haridwar, The Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel is a traditional and ornately decorated residence with rooms adorned with antique arabesque, regal beds made of stone and matching upholstery. Some rooms come with airy balconies overlooking the sluggish river. The state-of-the-art amenities that this Haridwar hotel is outfitted with and the regal rooms makes Hotel Haveli Hari Ganga a good place to stay while in Haridwar. This heritage hotel in Haridwar also boasts of a well that has sweet water with highly digestive powers - similar to the waters of Chashm-e-Shahi in Srinagar.
Taj Chandigarh has 149 luxurious guest rooms, including the Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms and a suite that is equipped with the finest features and facilities. All the luxury hotel rooms in Chandigarh are elegantly furnished and offer contemporary amenities for your comfort. We focus on tending to your needs, giving you an experience like no other. All the rooms have full-length glass windows and some rooms offer a view of the rose garden and the Shivalik mountain range – truly a treat for the eyes! Indulge in small surprises and seamless luxury, every step of the way. Work hard, but unwind in style.
RS Sarovar Portico has 42 spacious and well-furnished rooms and suites, offering magnificent views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Each room is equipped with modern amenities like a widescreen TV, a writing desk, and a minibar. We offer amazing dining options - from a multi-cuisine restaurant and an extensive bar to a revolving restaurant, which is worth the stay. A well-equipped fitness centre, 24-hour in-room dining, and free high-speed Wi-Fi access ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel also houses one of the largest banqueting and conferencing facilities in Palampur, in terms of both size and capacity to host weddings, off-sites, and other social events. During your stay with us, you can also indulge in trekking and paragliding activities.
Surrounded by lush, manicured grounds, yet across from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), the Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar provides guests with a convenient oasis outside the city bustle. With tranquil views of the hotel’s beautiful grounds, each of our 186 rooms and suites makes it easy to unwind on your Amritsar vacation. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, individual climate control, and fully stocked minibars invite you to relax. For club lounge access and airport transportation (fee applies), upgrade to a spacious suite.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
