Agra with Himachal Tour

Early morning visit Taj Mahal - Seventh wonder of the world for sunrise view. Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". Beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. Thoughts that come into the mind while watching Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Return back to hotel for breakfast and check-out from hotel and drive to visit Emperor Akbar the Great commissioned Agra Fort that is also sometimes called Red Fort of Agra. During the reign of emperor Jahangir, the capital was briefly shifted to Lahore but Agra became the seat of Mughal capital one again in the reign of Akbar. Akbar became emperor in 1556 and when he consolidated himself sufficiently, he started the construction of Agra Fort in the year 1665. The fort was completed in the year 1671.Agra Fort is among the finest examples of the fusion architecture that has dominated the Mogul period. The assimilation of these different styles has given the buildings within the fort a distinctive look. To name a few, for example, the Jahangir Palace built by Akbar is the most magnificent blend of Persian and local style whereas Divan-e-Aam mixes subtleness of Turkish exteriors with the complex pattern of Persian architecture. Later drive to Delhi. Upon arrival visit Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Later visit The House of Parliament, the diplomatic enclave and the President's House - The Royale Residency of the former viceroys and now the President of India. Visit the India Gate. Evening Check-in to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Morning after breakfast, drive to Amritsar and check in to the hotel. Evening visit Wagah Border - Located at a distance of 28 kilometers from Amritsar. It is the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. It is an army outpost to protect check intrusion from Pakistan and prevents any Indian from going to Pakistan. Special buses and taxes from Amritsar take tourists to Wagah Border. At border outpost there is a complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. At entrance of this outpost, there is a sightseeing gate with an inscription "Swarna Jayanti". From this a panoramic view of landscape is seen. There are electrified fences with 66,000 volts of electric current. Later come back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after finishing your breakfast, check-out later visit:-Golden Temple - Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in 14th century. The Golden Temple, situated in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites of the Sikhs. It has four doorways and gorgeously decorated arches. Reflecting influences of both Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, the temple standing in the middle of a tank, exudes tremendous architectural brilliance which draws the attention of numerous tourists around the globe. Although principally a pilgrimage spot for the Sikhs, it is visited by people of all religions and proves to be one of the greatest tourist attractions in Amritsar on your tour to India. Later proceed to visit Jallianwala Bagh - Is a peaceful park with picnicking families and college kids, but move to a section of the wall which still has visible bullet marks, and you will be reminded of one of the most horrific events in colonial Indian history. When the Rowlatt Act (1919), which gave the British the power to arrest and imprison Indians without a trial if suspected of sedition, was imposed on Indians it was severely criticised and regular hartals (strikes) were organised to protest the law. Then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael O' Dwyer, arrested an Indian leader causing great unrest among the people. On April 13,1919 (also the festival of Baisakhi) around 10,000 people gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh to peacefully protest the new law. General Dyer had been called to Amritsar to return the city to order. He arrived at the Bagh with 150-armed soldiers, ordered the crowd to disperse and two minutes later inhumanly commanded his troops to open fire. The square was surrounded by high walls and the soldiers had blocked the only entrance (and exit) to the compound. The firing (1650 rounds) continued for about 15 minutes and people were shot as they tried to jump the wall while others drowned after they jumped into the well to escape the relentless onslaught of bullets, most of which found their mark. About 400 people (including children) died while 1500 were left wounded. Though there was an international outcry over this horrific uncalled-for massacre neither Dyer nor O'Dwyer was ever charged with any crime. In response to this massacre, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood and Gandhi began his program of civil disobedience announcing that 'co-operation in any shape or form with this satanic government is sinful'. In 1997 Queen Elizabeth II visited Jallianwala Bagh and though she laid a wreath on the memorial to the victims no official apology was made. Jallianwala Bagh is a five-minute walk from the Golden Temple. The stone well has been preserved as a monument to the victims (120 bodies were recovered from the well) and the "flame of liberty," a 45 foot flame-shaped red sandstone pillar set in a pool, was built in 1961 as a memorial. The park is open from 6 am to 7 pm in summer and 7 am to 6 pm in winter. The Martyr's Gallery which features portraits of heroes involved in the incident, is open from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and 10 am to 4 pm in winter. Later drive to Manali. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, visit Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass (Snow Point- On Direct Payment) - Situated about 51 km from Manali town at an altitude of 4,111 meters (13,400 ft.) on the highway to Keylong, is Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Doshohar Lake left to the pass, where pilgrims go every year on the auspicious day of 20th Bhadon. The pass is open from June to September each year although trekkers can across the pass a little earlier. Rohtang pass is the gateway to Lahaul valley just as Zojila pass in between Kashmir valley and Ladakh. Return back to the hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

After breakfast, visit:-:-Hadimba Temple - Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. Jagatsuhk - About 6 kms. from Manali is famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri. Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple (3 kms) - Across Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram. Evening roam around the Mall Road. Return back to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check-out from hotel and drive to Shimla. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Kufri-a tiny hill station. It is famous for its beautiful environs and the cool refreshing atmosphere that pervades it. In summers, travelers can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks . Himalayan Aviary,Jhaku Temple Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets. Sankat Mochan: On Shimla-Kalka road is the famous "Lord Hanuman" temple. Situated at an altitude of 1,975m, it commands an excellent view of Shimla town. Later drive back to hotel for overnight stay.