Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. Rajasthan which is famous for its royal Heritage Havelis having with the different culture on the crossroads.
| PLACES COVERED | DELHI-SHIMLA-DELHI-AGRA-JAIPUR-PUSHKAR-UDAIPUR-DELHI DEPARTURE | |||||||
| DURATION OF TRIP | 14 NIGHTS/15 DAYS | |||||||
| MINIMUM REQUIRED | 2 PAX | |||||||
| ACCOMMODATION | BUDGET ACCOMMODATION/PREMIUM ALSO AVAILABLE | |||||||
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | PICKUP Delhi/DROP Delhi | |||||||
| RETURN TIME | Approximately 6:30 PM/Depends on onward Journey | |||||||
| WEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, sunscreen. | |||||||
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DAY - 01 : Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport, our representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi..
DAY - 02 : Delhi local on our own
Today after breakfast at hotel day is free for you to local city tour in Delhi by your own. Later return to the hotel overnight stay in Delhi.
DAY - 03 : Delhi – Shimla (By Car)
Morning after breakfast drive to shimla on arrival check in Hotel. Evening free to walking tour to the Mall Road in Shimla, visit:
Christ Church at Mall Road:-Christ Church is the second oldest Roman Catholic Shrine in North India and the oldest in Shimla. Col. J. T. Boileau initiated the construction of the shrine in 1844, which was completed in 1846. The cathedral was consecrated on 10th January 1857 by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta.
Return to the hotel for stay overnight at Hotel in shimla.
DAY - 04 : Shimla Tour
Full Day Sightseeing of Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its :-
Kufri- Excursion Trip:-Kufri, nestling 8000 ft above sea level, is a small hill station in Shimla district. It is located at a distance of 16 km from central Shimla, on NH-22. The scenic environs and snow-capped landscapes attract tourists from all parts of the country and abroad. Nature does its best in Kufri to amaze onlookers at every turn.This picturesque destination has various places of interest, each of which is worth visiting. During winters, hills in Kufri serve as popular spots for skiing. The highest peak in Kufri – Mahasu Peak is covered with thick forests and is another tourist hot spot.
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:-A residential centre for higher education, the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), is located on Observatory hill – one of the seven hills of Shimla. Formed in 1964, this institute was formally inaugurated by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan – the former President of India on 20th October 1965. The history of this learning centre is more than 100 years old. IIAS was originally built as home for Lord Duffein, who was the Viceroy of India during the years 1884 and 1888.
Jakhu Temple:-Nestling atop Jhakhu Hill, the Jhakhu Temple is one of Shimla’s popular places of religious importance. It is situated 2.5 km away from the ridge, at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level. Tourists either can walk up to the temple from the ridge or can hire a pony or taxi. This ancient shrine was built by a sage named Yaaku and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman.
Summer Hill:-One of the seven hills of Shimla, the Summer Hill is located at a distance of 5 km from the main city. It lies on Kalka-Shimla Railway line, at an elevation of 2123 m above sea level. The rich foliage of this forest-covered hill attracts a number of tourists every year. Its lush green forests feature assorted flora, mainly deodar, oats, pines and rhododendrons. Some of Shimla’s popular attractions are located on this hill.
DAY - 05 : Shimla - Delhi (By Car)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi check-in to the hotel, overnight stay in Delhi:-
DAY - 06 : Delhi – AGRA
After breakfast proceed to Agra, On arrival check in Hotel Later start a sightseeing tour of Agra Visit:
TajMahal:-You cannot think of Agra without thinking of TajMahal. Or, you might not have thought of Agra were it not for the monument of love. TajMahal, the white marble beauty was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, MumtazMahal. The monument stands proof for the brilliance of Mughal architecture. Named as one of the wonders of the world, TajMahal stands the test of time.It has been declared as World Heritage Site in the year 1983.
Agra Fort :-You would regret if you miss Agra Fort during your visit to Agra. The 16th century monument is yet another proof of the architectural brilliance of Mughals. This is situated near the gardens of the world famous TajMahal. Called the Red Fort of Agra, you will be awe inspired by the powerful fortress. The fortress comprises many palaces namely, Jahangir Palace, KhasMahal and so on. There are audience halls and two mosques.
Itmad-ud-Daulah:-India’s first tomb to be made completely out of marble, Itmad-Ud-Daulah signals the beginning of new era in Mughal architecture. Until then, it was buildings of red sandstone. It was constructed during Jahangir’s period. The 21-meter high tomb was constructed in memory of MirzaGhiyas, who was the father-in-law of Jahangir. He was bestowed with the title Itmad-Ud-Daula, which means pillar of the state.
Evening visit Market, Stay overnight at Hotel in Agra.
DAY - 07 : AGRA – Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to Jaipur en route visit:
FatehpurSikri:-Built by Akbar, the Mughal emperor in 1570, the city was a tribute to Sufi Saint. FatehpurSikri is a perfect blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian architecture and it was built using red sandstone. For around 10 years, the city remained the capital of Mughal Empire. The city has a 6-kilometer long wall on three sides and there are towers and gates.
Later proceed to Jaipur. On arrival check in Hotel. Later start a sightseeing tour of Jaipur Visit,
JantarMantar:-built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonary instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. Enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time, which is subject to daily corrections.
City Palace:-situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, it houses a Seven storeyed Chandra Mahal in the centre, which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Diwan-E-Am (Hall of public audience) has intricate decorations and collection of manuscripts, Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of private audience) has a marble pawed gallery Mubarak Mahal has a rich collection of costumes and textiles.
Later check-in to the hotel, overnight stay.
DAY - 08: JAIPUR explore
Early morning after breakfast proceed to sightseeing tour of Jaipur Visit:
Amer Fort:-The old capital of the Kachhwahas stands atop a range of craggy hills. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces. It is a fine blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The solemn dignity of it red sandstone and white marble pavilions, when reflected in the lake at the foot hill, is a sight to behold.
JalMahal:-On the way to Amer, this small palace is set in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Renovation around the lake is in progress.
HawaMahal:-built in 1799, by Maharaja SawaiPratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur. The 5 storied stunning semi-octagonal monument having 152 windows with over hanging latticed balconies is a fine piece of Rajput architecture. Originally designed for the royal ladies to watch and enjoy the processions and other activities, on the street below. Now it houses a well laid out museum. The display “Jaipur past and present” is the special feature of this newly setup museum.
Albert Hall Museum:- situated in the Ram Niwas Garden. This graceful building was founded in 1876 by Prince Albert (also known as Albert Hall). It has a rare collection of archaeological and handicraft pieces.
DAY - 09: JAIPUR- PUSHKAR
Today morning after breakfast proceed to Pushkar. {Pushkar is a town bordering the Thar Desert, in the northeastern Indian state of Rajasthan. It’s set on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu site with 52 ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims bathe. The town has hundreds of temples, including 14th-century Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, dedicated to the god of creation, which has a distinctive red spire and walls inlaid with pilgrims’ silver coins}. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel later start sightseeing tour in Pushkar visits:
Bramha Temple:-Brahma temples are rare. It must have been some really important reason for which the Hindus have an uncountable number of temples dedicated to each of their gods/goddesses. In case of Brahma – the very god believed to have created the Universe, the Brahma Temple in Pushkar is beautifully painted in shades of blue and red and was constructed using marble and stone slabs. It is believed to be almost 2,000 years old.
Pushkar Lake:-Surrounded by a whopping 500 big and small temples, a parikrama of Pushkar Lake is believed to redeem your sins. The lake has 52 ghats, each of which were once the personal ghats for the 52 maharajas of Rajasthan who performed sacred rituals here.
Ghats of Pushkar:-Pushkar has 52 ghats around the lake, each one constructed for a Rajput Maharaja, who used to worship and pay respect to their local deities and other Hindu gods. However, two of them are the most notable. The Gau Ghat is famous because the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Lal Bahadur Shastri were scattered into the lake here.
Later back to the hotel, evening free for the local bazaar for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY - 10 : PUSHKAR - UDAIPUR
Today after breakfast proceed to Udaipur. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel and overnight stay.
DAY - UDAIPUR
Today after breakfast proceed to sightseeing in Udaipur.
The beautiful Lake Pichola was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh after he founded the city. The city palace extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. From the boat you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. You can also visit the Jag Mandir Palace – which is a lovely island palace in the middle of the lake.
Afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. The city is built in 1559 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh and has been described as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Col. James Todd. Visit the City Palace museum, the Jagdish Temple, Sahelion Ki Bari (Queen’s resort for their friends), Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (folk art museum) and the Pratap Memorial. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Udaipur.
DAY - 12 UDAIPUR - DELHI ( FLY)
Today after breakfast day free and later transfer to the airport in Pushkar. Upon arrival in Delhi airport meet and assist our representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
DAY - 13 : DELHI
After breakfast, day at leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.
DAY - 14 : DELHI
After breakfast, day at leisure. Overnight stay in Delhi.
DAY - 15 : DELHI DEPARTURE
After breakfast day free, In the afternoon check out from hotel transfer to the airport/railway station for your onward journey.
PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE PLEASE EMAIL
Services are included in the price:-
- A safe and comfortable air-conditioned Car with driver, all inclusive. (Fuel for Bus, road and state taxes, toll fees, parking fees, & Driver and driver’s food and lodging).
- The Car will be with you from your arrival to departure with as many stops to sight see as you want.
- A Driver with excellent skills and record, a good knowledge of the area you are visiting and sufficient English to communicate.
- Transfers and land transportation according to itinerary.
- Accommodation Double or Twin rooms with Bed and Breakfast
- Sightseeing Tours in All Cities
- Udaipur to Delhi By Flight
- Camel Ride In Pushkar
PRICES BASED ON BUDGET ACCOMMODATION FOR UPGRADE PLEASE EMAIL
Services are not included in the prices:-
- Tips, laundry, telephone bills, luggage handling and Beverages.
- Meals unless specified
- Entrances tickets to Monuments if apply
VISA INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad.
All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application link , in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa.
The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.
The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for detailed information about Indian visa.
ONLINE VISA APPLICATION
All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through online application link. Or can apply by typing the URL: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ in the address bar of web browser, in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. In either case, no hand written application form will be accepted by any of the Indian Mission/ Post, where-ever online Visa facility has been implemented. The application form completed in all respect and submitted succesfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/ Post in absence of IVAC, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be refered at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions. If you have already applied online for Indian Visa online and want to know the status of your application,
VISA CATEGORIES
Government of India issues the following visas: Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Permit to re-enter within 2 months, Research Visa, Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa. Please follow the link for details on Visa Provision and supporting documents
VISA PROCESSING TIME
Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.
PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
Online India Visa Application allows the Applicant to upload a digital photograph of self to complete the online visa application.
Guidelines/procedure to upload a digital photograph
The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:
Format – JPEG
Size
Minimum 10 KB
Maximum 300 KB
The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
Background should be plain light colored or white background.
No shadows on the face or on the background.
Without borders.
Make sure that photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin. Head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm). Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3.
FEE FOR INDIAN VISA
The visa fee depends upon the type of applied for and duration of visa. Visa fee is divided into various types depending upon the case viz; Basic fee, special fee, processing fee by out-sourcing agency. During the online registration process, at the end of the process the basic fee shall be displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while submitting the application at the respective counters Fee once received are non-refundable even if the visa application is withdrawn, the visa is not granted, or if visa issued is of shorter duration of period than applied for or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that may vary from those sought by the applicant. For further information on this, please check with local embassy office or Indian Visa Application center office or websites for information on applicable fee and payment methods.
VISA PROVISION
| Sl. No. | Type of Visa | Period for which granted | Entry – Single (S), Multiple (M), Double | Documents required with application | Extendable in India |
| 1 | Tourist | 180 days | M | – | No |
| 2 | Transit | 15 days | S/ Double | Return/ onward journey ticket | No |
| 3 | Business | 5 years | M | Documents to prove bonafide purpose (Company’s letter etc.) | Yes |
| 4 | Employment | 1 year/ period of contract | M | Proof of employment (appointment document), terms and conditions | Yes |
| 5 | Student | Period of course/ 5 years | M | Proof of admission in Indian Institution | Yes |
| 6 | Foreigners of Indian Origin | 5 years | M | Proof of being of Indian Origin | Yes |
INSTRUCTIONS
- Online application form:
This application form is meant for those foreigners who are applying for visa from outside India.
Each online application form is meant for one person only. Separate application has to be filed for each applicant.
Furnish information exactly in the manner asked for in the forms, especially the names, address and date of birth.
Applicants are required to verify the application details before submitting the online application. They have an option to save the online application form, in case it is not to be submitted.
Once the online application form is submitted by the applicant, then further modifications are not allowed. Hence applicants are requested to check and validate the details before submitting the online application form.
Applicants are requested to keep the Application Id (generated automatically after the submission of online form) for further communications.
- Appointment Scheduling:
Applicant can schedule the appointment as per his/ her convenience with the concerned Indian Mission.
Each applicant to schedule a separate appointment with the Indian Mission
- Process for filling up online application form:
Applicant shall access the Visa Application system online through the following link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.
Applicant visits the above mentioned web link and selects the Indian Mission from where he intends to apply for the Visa from the tab “Select Mission”.
Applicant fills the application on-line as per the forms standardized by the Ministry.
After filling the form and submitting it, the system shall automatically generate a Application Id. Applicants are requested to keep this Application Id for further communications with the concerned Indian Mission.
System will automatically ask the Applicant for the following confirmation: “Select ‘Yes’ if the applicant want to seek appointment and make payment online or ‘No’ if the applicant just want to print the submitted application form.”
If the applicant response is “No”, then it is requested by the applicant to take the print out of the submitted online application form and approach the concerned Indian Mission for submission of the online form along with supporting documents.
If the response from applicant is “yes” then the system automatically takes the link to perform the following:
Selection of Date and Time of appointment at the concerned Indian Mission
Calculation of Visa fee, service charge, VAT etc. as applicable according to the Visa type
E Payment using service provider’s payment system
In case the facility of Appointment Scheduling and e-Payment is not available for the concerned Indian mission, then applicant has to take the printout of the online application form and visit the concerned Indian Mission to submit the same along with supporting documents and make the payment.
Indian Culture: Traditions and Customs of India
India’s culture is among the world,s oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Many sources describe it as “Sa Prathama Sanskrati Vishvavara” — the first and the supreme culture in the world, according to the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) organization.
Western societies did not always see the culture of India very favorably, according to Christina De Rossi, an anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London. Early anthropologists once considered culture as an evolutionary process, and ”every aspect of human development was seen as driven by evolution,” she told Live Science. “In this view, societies outside of Europe or North America, or societies that did not follow the European or Western way of life, were considered primitive and culturally inferior. Essentially this included all the colonized countries and people, such as African countries, India, and the Far East.”.
However, Indians made significant advances in architecture (Taj Mahal), mathematics (the invention of zero) and medicine (Ayurveda). Today, India is a very diverse country, with more than 1.2 billion people, according to the CIA World Factbook, making it the second most populous nation after China. Different regions have their own distinct cultures. Language, religion, food and the arts are just some of the various aspects of Indian culture. Here is a brief overview of the culture of India.
Language
India has 28 states and seven territories, according to the World Health Organization. There is no official language in India, according to a Gujarat High Court ruling in 2010. Many people living in India also write in Devanagari script. In fact, it is a misconception that the majority of people in India speak Hindi. Though many people speak Hindi in India, 59 percent of India residents speak something other than Hindi, according to The Times of India. Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Urdu are some other languages spoken in the country.
Religion
India is identified as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, the third and fourth largest religions. About 84 percent of the population identifies as Hindu, according to the “Handbook of Research on Development and Religion” Edited by Matthew Clarke (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2013). There are many variations of Hinduism, and four predominant sects — Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Smarta.
About 13 percent of Indians are Muslim, making it one of the largest Islamic nations in the world. Christians and Sikhs make up a small percentage of the population, and there are even fewer Buddhists and Jains, according to the “Handbook.”
Food
When the Moghul Empire invaded during the sixteenth century, they left a significant mark on the Indian cuisine, according to Texas A&M University. Indian cuisine is also influenced by many other countries. It is known for its large assortment of dishes and its liberal use of herbs and spices. Cooking styles vary from region to region.
Wheat, Basmati rice and pulses with chana (Bengal gram) are important staples of the Indian diet. The food is rich with curries and spices, including ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric, dried hot peppers, and cinnamon, among others. Chutneys — thick condiments and spreads made from assorted fruits and vegetables such as tamarind and tomatoes and mint, cilantro and other herbs — are used generously in Indian cooking.
Many Hindus are vegetarians, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. The Guardian reports that between 20 percent and 40 percent of India’s population is vegetarian.
Much of Indian food is eaten with fingers or bread used as utensils. There is a wide array of breads served with meals, including naan, a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, and bhatoora, a fried, fluffy flatbread common in North India and eaten with chickpea curry.
Architecture and art
The most well-known example of Indian architecture is the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. India also has many ancient temples.
India is well known for its film industry, which is often referred to as Bollywood. The country’s movie history began in 1896 when the Lumière brothers demonstrated the art of cinema in Mumbai, according to the Golden Globes. Today, the films are known for their elaborate singing and dancing.
Indian dance, music and theater traditions span back more than 2,000 years, according to Nilima Bhadbhade, author of “Contract Law in India” (Kluwer Law International, 2010). The major classical dance traditions — Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam and Kathakali — draw on themes from mythology and literature and have rigid presentation rules.
Clothing
Indian clothing is closely identified with the colorful silk saris worn by many of the country’s women. The traditional clothing for men is the dhoti, an unstitched piece of cloth that is tied around the waist and legs. Men also wear a kurta, a loose shirt that is worn about knee-length. For special occasions, men wear a sherwani, which is a long coat that is buttoned up to the collar and down to the knees. The Nehru jacket is a shorter version of a sherwani.
Customs and celebrations
The country celebrates Republic Day (Jan. 26), Independence Day (Aug. 15) and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (Oct. 2). Diwali is the largest and most important holiday to India, according to National Geographic. It is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights because of the lights lit during the celebration to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Holi, the festival of colors, also called the festival of love, is popular in the spring.
Weather
India is situated in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan.
The climate in India varies from a tropical monsoon climate in the south to a temperate climate in the north. If you are thinking of Visiting Delhi (the capital of India) then best to visit it in October, November, February and March. That’s when the nights are cool and the days are filled with a little sunshine. May, June and July are very hot with temperatures over 45 degrees (113 Fahrenheit). It is a dry heat and is sometimes accompanied by dusty desert winds. Most of the rain falls between July and September but they are not the tropical rains you’ll experience in India’s coastal cities.
