Punjab

Day 01: Arrival in Chandigarh

Arrive Chandigarh via flight / train. On arrival transfer to hotel for Chandigarh, the capital city of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. After check in at Hotel, visit the famous Rock Garden, a sculpture garden created from recycled materials. Explore the beautiful Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, the largest rose garden in Asia. Spend some time at Sukhna Lake, a popular spot for boating and relaxation. If time permits, you can visit the famous Nek Chand’s Rock Garden or the Government Museum and Art Gallery. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Chandigarh to Anandpur Sahib

Leave early in the morning from Chandigarh to Anandpur Sahib, the venue of the Hola Mohalla festival. The scenic journey through the mustard fields is captivating & takes approximately 2 hours. On Arrival Immerse yourself in the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the Hola Mohalla festival which is held for 7 days in the month of March. Witness various activities like martial arts displays, mock battles, Gatka (Sikh martial arts) competitions, and music performances. Explore the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara, which holds significant religious importance for Sikhs. Interact with the local community, enjoy traditional Punjabi food, and experience the warm hospitality of the Sikh community. Overnight stay at Luxury Tent.

Day 03: Anandpur Sahib

In Anandpur Sahib – Continue to immerse yourself in the festivities of the Hola Mohalla festival. Attend the morning prayers and witness the religious ceremonies. Watch the spectacular displays of horsemanship and equestrian skills by the Nihang Sikh warriors. Take part in cultural activities such as folk dances, music performances, storytelling sessions and in the community service activities organized during the festival, such as langar (communal meal) preparations and distribution. Learn about traditional Punjabi farming practices and try your hand at activities like milking cows or riding a tractor. Enjoy the festive atmosphere by participating in folk dances, music performances, evening celebrations and witness the grandeur of the festival. Night stay at Tent.

Day 04: Anandpur Sahib

In Anandpur Sahib – Wake up early & visit the Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara to offer prayers and seek blessings. Observe the morning processions and the religious rituals performed by the Sikh community. Visit the Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum, a state-of-the-art museum that showcases the history and heritage of Sikhism. Explore the beautiful surroundings of Anandpur Sahib, including the Shri Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib and the Bhakra Nangal Dam. Take a leisurely walk through the town and interact with locals to learn more about their way of life and traditions. Explore the fairgrounds where various stalls offer food, handicrafts, and other goods. Enjoy a serene evening by the banks of the Sutlej River and take in the natural beauty. Overnight, stay in Tent.

Day 05: Anandpur Sahib to Patiala

After breakfast leave for Patiala which is around 135 kilometres. Check in at your hotel & start your tour to Qila Mubarak Complex. The Qila Mubarak complex stands on 10-acre ground in the heart of the city, and contains the main palace or Qila Androon (literally,'inner fort'), the guesthouse or Ran Baas and the Darbar Hall. Sheesh Mahal was built behind the main Moti Bagh Palace to serve as a pleasure complex. The paintings in two of its well maintained, mirror-worked Patiala chambers are of Kangra and Rajasthani qalam, depicting the poetic visions of Keshav, Surdas and Bihari. Dinner & overnight stay in Patiala.

Day 06: Patiala to Amritsar

After Breakfast drive from Patiala Sahib to Amritsar, which is approximately 235 km. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Punjab countryside, observing the rural landscapes and small villages along the way. Arrive in Amritsar historically also known as Ramdaspur, at the center of its walled old town, the gilded Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is the holiest Gurdwara (religious complex) of the Sikh religion. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome. The Temple is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple. The fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, who had initially constructed a pool here, founded Amritsar, which houses the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the local surroundings or relaxing at your accommodation. Night stay at Hotel.

Day 07: Amritsar

In Amritsar – Begin your day with a visit the Golden Temple, the holiest of the holy shrines of Sikhism. Explore the marble-lined path surrounding the shimmering Sarovar (holy tank). It’s Harmandir complex and the Sarovar will leave you spell-bound. Visit the Central Sikh Museum within the Golden Temple complex to learn about Sikh history and culture.

Also visit the infamous Jallianwala Bagh, the memorial to commemorate the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O”Dyer on April13, 1919.

In the evening visit Wagah Border, India / Pakistan Border for change of guard’s ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers (PR) make a fabulous spectacle. People from both the sides gather in large numbers to witness the ceremony that involves parades and cultural shows.

In the evening visit Palki sahib ceremony in the Golden temple which takes place twice in day. Palki sahib ceremony is when the holy book Guru Granth Sahib (Holy book of Sikhs) is carried to a room for night stay.

Return back to hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 08: Departure

After breakfast transfer to Airport / Railway Station to connect flight / train for onward destination.