Celebrating Hola Mohalla festival

Board a flight to Chandigarh from Delhi airport. On arrival in Chandigarh, check-in at hotel and later proceed for a sightseeing tour. Renowned worldwide for its urban design and architecture, Chandigarh has a variety of tourist attractions including theme gardens. Rock Garden or Nek Chand Rock Garden is an incredible sculpture garden complex which is comprised of interlinked courtyards dotted with sculptures made of residential and industrial waste. Walk around the garden that sprawls over 40 acres of land. Also, explore the Rose Garden, which is considered to be one of the greatest of its kind in Asia. The garden spreads over 30 acres of land and houses around 825 types of roses along with a huge variety of other medicinal plants. Later, visit Sukhna Lake, a beautiful artificial lake that has the Garden of Silence within it. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Today drive to Anandpur Sahib, the main site for celebrating Holla Mohalla Festival, situated around 85 km (approximately one hour) from Chandigarh. The drive takes you through the countryside and the panorama of mustard fields blooming with small yellow flowers and bubbling streams provide many opportunities for photography. Anandpur Sahib, home to over forty Gurudwaras, comes to life at the time of Hola Mohalla Festival. For seven days in the month of March, the holy town of Anandpur Sahib hosts an unusual festival celebrating the martial skills of the Sikh community. The vibrancy of the atmosphere easily draws you in and is hard to resist. This evening, after your arrival in Anandpur Sahib, spend some time at leisure in the luxury tent before exploring the nearby Gurudwara. Overnight, stay in tent.

Witness the morning prayer ceremony at a Gurudwara. The soothing recital of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Durbar followed by kirtans (hymns), and accompanied religious ceremonies, culminate with the Langar food service for breakfast. There is a timelessness to this morning experience that is extraordinary. You are welcome to join the devotees for breakfast, which is a simple wholesome and freshly prepared meal in the kitchen by volunteers who believe that doing “Saver” (service) is part of their duty. Return to your hotel after breakfast and spend the rest of the day exploring the town, the other Gurudwaras and historical sights, each of which has a historical tale to be discovered. At every Gurudwara, there is recitation of beautiful folk poetry from the region, mock demonstrations by the Sikhs showing their martial skills, and Langar stalls everywhere serving food. Overnight, stay in tent.

Today also take part in the revelries. Join crowds of friendly, cheerful faces as they break into spontaneous dance to the beat of drums, enjoy the colours of bright new clothes worn by children, women and men, photograph the Sikhs warriors in their oversized head gear and blue attire, or participate at one of the kitchens cooking food with the other volunteers. The teaching of the Sikhs saints have always emphasized the spirit of participating in and giving back to the community. This tenant is central to their beliefs and manifests itself most prominently in the Langar food service. Today, you can pick from the many activities available and tailor your day to suit your tastes. Regardless of which activity you choose, we guarantee you will create memories for a lifetime. Overnight, stay in tent.

After breakfast, drive to Amritsar, situated around 190 km (approximately three hours) from Anandpur Sahib. The city of Amritsar is built around the famous Golden Temple, i.e., Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib and owes its name to sarovar (holy lake) of the temple called Amritsar, “Pool of the Nectar of Immortality”. On arrival in Amritsar, check-in at hotel and later visit the Golden Temple. Sri Harmandir Sahib, commonly called the “Golden Temple” is considered to be the holiest of all Sikh temples. Founded in 1574 by Guru Arjan Singh (the fourth Sikh Guru), Harmandir Sahib has four entrances representing the four directions that symbolize its openness for all. The Muslim Sufi Saint, Sai Mirwas was invited to lay its foundation stone. Stay at the temple until dark when the complex is illuminated by a thousand fairy lights and the mesmerizing evening ceremony is completed. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Begin today with a visit to Jallianwala Bagh, where the historical event of Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919. Discover the Martyr’s Well into which many people jumped to save themselves from bullets. Later, visit Durgiana Temple – a Hindu temple with an architecture similar to the Golden Temple. In the afternoon, drive to Wagah village at India – Pakistan border. Wagah border, often referred to as the “Berlin Wall” of Asia, is located in vicinity of Amritsar. Beating Retreat ceremony conducted daily by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers (PR) makes a fabulous spectacle. People from both the sides gather in large numbers to witness the ceremony that involves parades and cultural shows. The ceremony symbolizes both the rivalry and the friendship and cooperation between India and Pakistan. Overnight, stay at hotel.

This morning you have the option of a morning visit to the Golden Temple. Later, fly back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, check-in at hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and you can enjoy some last minute shopping in the local markets or just relax in your hotel enjoying its facilities. Another option is to visit Kingdom of Dreams in the evening. It is India’s first live entertainment leisure destination. Sprawling over six acres of land, Kingdom of Dreams is a miniature of India that brings Indian culture and its artistic and culinary heritages under a single roof. Its palatial structure has been stupendously constructed with spectacular designs and architecture. The kingdom encompasses a “Cultural Gully” (a cultural boulevard), and two theatres, Nautanki Mahal and Showshaa Theater as major attractions. Overnight, stay at hotel.

Today your India travel comes to an end. We arrange your drop to Delhi Airport, from where you will board your flight back home. If required, our representative will be at hand to assist you with a smooth check-out from the hotel and escort you to the airport. We advise you to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure and keep your passport and printout of airline ticket handy to avoid last minute hassles. This itinerary is only a slice of the wonderful diversity and beauty that India has to offer and we hope that you will return soon to discover more. Namaste!