India! - Isram World of Travel

Day 6: Shimla / PalampurDepart Shimla to Palampur, known as the ‘Tea Capital of NorthIndia,’ a popular hill station of snow clad mountains, sprawling teagardens, quaint temples and colonial buildings. Time to relax afterarriving at your hotel. (B)Day 7: PalampurVisit a tea factory this morning for insight into the processingmethods of India’s most popular drink. Then, on to St. John'sChurch, a local landmark, and Bundla Chasm with its beautifulwaterfall. Afternoon drive to nearby Tashijong to visit a Tibetanmonastery; ample time to browse for Tibetan art and handicraftsbefore returning to Palampur. (B)Day 8: Palampur / PragpurMorning drive to Pragpur, India’s first certified Heritage Village.Originally built in memory of Princess Prag Dei, the village has awealth of charming temples, buildings and local crafts. Upon arrival,check in to Judge’s Court, a lovely country mansion converted into aHeritage Hotel. Afternoon tour of the fort and some of the localtemples. (B)Day 9: Pragpur / DharamshalaMorning transfer to Dharamshala amid fragrant pine forests. Thisquaint mountain village, known as the Scotland of India, hosts theTibetan Government in exile and is the headquarters of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama. Several thousands of refugees have settled here andbuilt monasteries, temples and schools. (B)Day 10: DharamshalaA full day city tour includes the Kangra Art Museum showcasingminiatures and artifacts; the landscaped War Memorial; St. John’sChurch and its monument to Lord Elgin, former Viceroy of India.Visit the Norbulinka Institute dedicated to traditional Tibetancrafts: Watch wood carving, ‘tangka’ painting and embroiderydemonstrations. Conclude at Mcleodganj, residence of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama and seat of the Tibetan Government in exile. (B)Day 11: Dharamshala / AmritsarMorning drive to Amritsar, spiritual and cultural center of the Sikhpeople. Afternoon at leisure. Then, visit the Golden Temple, madeentirely of gold leaf and marble, in time for evening devotional prayers(kirtans). Thousands of lights flicker and reflect in the huge sacredpool contributing to the temple’s aura of devout piety. (B)Day 12: AmritsarTour the Golden Temple, which introduces you to the doctrine ofthis fascinating religion. The temple is set around a huge pool, joinedby a marble causeway to the Sanctum where Guru Granth Sahib (theholy book) is worshipped. Then, visit the fascinating communitykitchens providing free daily meals for 10,000 pilgrims. Enjoy timeto stroll the city bazaars, visit historic Jallianwalah Bagh andDurgiana Hindu Temple. An afternoon excursion to Wagah ishighlighted by witnessing the exuberant `flag down’ ceremony on theIndo-Pakistan border. (B)Day 13: Amritsar / DelhiEarly morning transfer to the train station for the Shatabdi ExpressLakshmi Narayan Temple, New DelhiTrain to Delhi. Upon arrival, meeting and continue to your hotel.Rest of the day is at leisure. (B)Day 14: Delhi / Agra / DelhiToday, a train ride on the Shatabdi Express to Agra. On to FatehpurSikri which preserves red sandstone courtyards and atmosphericpalaces. Return to Agra for lunch of authentic Indian fare at`Peshwari.’ Continue to the spellbinding Taj Mahal, built by ShahJahan in memory of his favorite queen. Visit this masterpiece of whitemarble and semiprecious stone followed by the Agra Fort with itssprawling halls of private and public audiences and palaces. Alsoenjoy a `tonga’ (traditional horse carriage) ride. Evening transfer tothe train station for the return train ride on the Shatabadi Expressto Delhi. (B.L)Day 15: Depart DelhiDepart Delhi and transfer to the airport for your return flight to theU.S., or extend your stay in India, Nepal or Bhutan. (B)LAND PRICES PER PERSON* | IHMValid: Apr 16’11-Sep’12Silver Plan Gold PlanTwin Single Twin SingleApr 16-Sep’11 $2705 $5155 $3725 $7195Oct-Dec 19’11, Jan 11-Apr 15’12 3295 5925 4685 8715Apr 16-Sep’12 2935 5665 4045 7785* INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE ASK ABOUT OUR INTERNATIONALECONOMY OR BUSINESS CLASS AIRFARE SPECIALS FROM THE U.S.Rates for Dec 20’11-Jan 10’12 upon request.Surcharge applies for Christmas/New Year period; please inquireThis program is not recommended during snowing season in Shimla from lateDecember till early February.VISA REQUIRED FOR INDIA (Please see details on page 54)DISCOVERY TOURS23