BEST of HIMACHAL PRADESH Delhi – Manali – Shimla – Delhi 7 Days / 6 Nights (Blackout Dates: 15Th December to 5Th January)
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P a g e | 1 364 Embassy, Koramangala, Bangalore. Ph: +91 9483958408, 9880388991, [email protected], www.takeabreak.in BEST OF HIMACHAL PRADESH Delhi – Manali – Shimla – Delhi 7 Days / 6 Nights (Blackout Dates: 15th December to 5th January) DELHI MANALI SHIMLA P a g e | 2 Overview Destination Nights Basis RO: Room only I SC: Self Catering I HB: Half Board I B&B: Bed and breakfast I Delhi 1 BB D, B&B: Dinner, bed and breakfast I FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch I Manali 2 BB FB+: Dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch and activities daily I FI: Fully inclusive Shimla 1 BB HB – breakfast & dinner Note: Guests will be spending a total of 2 nights in the coach (1 night from Delhi – Manali & 1 night from Shimla – Delhi) PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Delhi: Akshardham, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate Manali: Hadimba Temple, Manu temple, Vashisth, Naggar castle, Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley Shimla: Mall road, Christ Church, Kurfi, Viceregal Lodge, Shimla State Museum, and Prospect Hill Day 1: Delhi Delhi Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, is the Capital territory of India. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. The city was captured, ransacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. The city is divided into two parts – Old Delhi and New Delhi – which are two different worlds on their own. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Like an eastern Rome, India’s capital is littered with the relics of lost empires. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi. Day Notes Arrive in Delhi International Airport You will be greeted by our chauffeur and drive to your hotel Check-in to the Hotel & rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Delhi Included BB Day 2: DELHI – MANALI (540 Km / 11 Hrs) Day Notes After breakfast, check out from the property and proceed for sightseeing of Delhi Delhi Sightseeing: Akshardham, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate After sightseeing in the night @ 20:00 Hrs take the coach (on sharing basis) from Delhi for your travel to Manali Overnight in luxury coach Included BB Visit the below sightseeing points P a g e | 3 Akshardham Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world and is on the banks of Yamuna River. The temple opened in 2005 was built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual organization; the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The main monument, at the centre of the complex designed in accordance with ancient Vedic text known as the Sthapatya Shastra, features a blend of architectural styles from across India. The monument is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and has no support from steel or concrete. The complex also features a beautiful garden known as Garden of India or Bharat Upavan. The garden spread over acres of well manicured lawns and large trees also has several bronze sculptures of famous Indian personalities and freedom fighters who have contributed to India's history and culture. Akshardham is open between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm on all days except Mondays. Red Fort Delhi's most famous monument, the Red Fort or the Lal Quila, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. The Fort, built in 1638 by Shah Jahan, is a magnificent monument that captivates your attention and exhibits the show of architectural splendour of Mughals. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometres (1.2 miles), and are 33 meters high were built to keep out invaders. On Indian Independence Day (15 August), the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the main gate of the fort and delivers a nationally-broadcast speech from its ramparts. Except on Mondays the World Heritage site is open on other days between 9 am and 6 pm. Humayun's Tomb Humayun’s tomb built in 1570 was comissioned by Queen Haji Begum, widow of second Mughal emperor Humayun. Located on the banks of River Yamuna the tomb houses the Mughal emperor’s body. This was the first of this type of Mughal architecture built in India which was followed by an extensive period of construction all over the country. This structure is also considered as the inspiration for Taj Mahal’s creation. Open on all days the best time to view the tomb is in the golden light of the late afternoon. Qutub Minar Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and the second tallest Minar in India. Made of red sandstone and marble, the 73 meters (240 feet) tall structure was built in 1206. The tower has five distinct stories, and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran. Qutub Minar is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. India Gate Earlier known as ‘All India War Memorial’, India Gate was constructed in 1931 as a war memorial for over 70,000 soldiers who were killed during First World War and Afghan War. The names of the martyrs are etched on the body of this 42 m high India Gate. It's located in Rajpath, the royal way which leads to the President's residence. Amar Jawan Jyoti is a burning shrine underneath the arch of the famous India Gate. The flame honors the immortal warriors of India. The shrine is a monument made out of black marble. A rifle is positioned on the barrel, tufted by a helmet of a soldier. The words "Amar Jawan is inscribed in gold in each of the faces of the monument. The place is illuminated with thousands of lights and that creates a gracious impact. P a g e | 4 Day 3: MANALI Manali Manali, a mystical hill town of Himachal Pradesh is located near the highway leading to Leh. The city is a haven for skiing and paragliding and also offers various natural trails for trekking. The mythological legends, the snow capped mountains and scenic beauty lures tourists to Manali. Snow can be enjoyed year round at Rohtang Pass providing the perfect setting for families and couples to enjoy the natural vista. The small town is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. It is a popular tourist destination and serves as the roadway to other northern hill stations. Day Notes Reach Manali by 08:00 Hours in the morning You will be greeted by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax After lunch at 13:00hrs proceed for sightseeing of Manali Sightseeing of Manali: Hadimba Temple, Manu temple, Vashisth, Naggar, Naggar castle, Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery Return to the hotel by late evening and relax Overnight at Manali Included BB Visit to the below sightseeing points P a g e | 5 Hadimba Temple Hidimbi Devi Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, sister of Hidimba, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabarat. The temple is surrounded by cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground which was worshipped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in 1553. The Hidimba Devi temple is built around a cave where Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimba was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshas family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava's exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha. There is a shrine which is dedicated to Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima-Hadimba) and is located just about 70 metres from the temple. Manu Temple This magnificent temple is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti. The Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at a distance of three kilometres from the main market. Though this area is quite congested, the presence of the River Beas adds to its attraction. The temple is one of the prime attractions in Manali and is believed to be the same place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on earth. This place has a distinct historical background that appeals to most of the people who visit Manali. The popularity of this majestic temple lies in the fact that it is the only temple dedicated to Manu. The travellers are advised to wear dresses covering the knees and shoulders, while inside the temple. Vashisth Vashisht, a small town on the outskirts of Manali, is famous for healing hot spring baths along with Vashisth and Rama temples. Vashisht was named after Rishi Vashisht one of the seven sages of Hindu. Legend has it that the saddened Rishi Vashisht after learning that his children were killed by Vishwamitra tried to commit suicide.