Punjab’s heritage is too robust to be either forgotten or lost. It is a land of martial traditions where the nation of India rose as one to combat all aggressions from the North – West and all others who dared to challenge the integrity and sovereignty of this golden land. A land of tough , god – fearing peasants living in its rich traditions of hard – work and toil , song & dance and patriotism , is today one of the most vibrant states of India. This land of the brave Sikhs echoes with the melodies Gurbani of the sacred Guru Granth Sahib from the beautiful gurudwaras spread all over Punjab.
This tour is specially prepared to present the best of the great Sikhs shrines in the region. It will be relevant to quote Mahatama Gandhi as follows , when he wrote about this land:
“ Historically Punjab may be considered the most important province of India. It was here that the Aryans of the Vedic times first made their homes. It was here that the hymns of the Rig Veda were chanted. It was to this province at the University of Takshila that seekers after knowledge flocked from various parts of the world. The Scythians , the Tartars and the Persians had to measure sword with the sons of Punjab in their attempt to penetrate India.”
Day 01: Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit to Gurudwara Sisganj. Gurudwara Bangla sahib and Gurudwara Rakabganj. Return to the hotel for overnite stay.
Day 02: Delhi / Chandigarh / Parivar Vichhora / Anandpur Sahib / Chandigarh
After an early breakfast leave for Chandigarh by road which is at a distance of 238 kms and will take about 5 hours. Check into the hotel on arrival. In the afternoon drive for about 50 kms to visit Parivar Vichorra gurudwara. Leave for Anandpur Sahib which is an hours drive. This is a fortress temple situated on the left bank of the river Satluj founded by the ninth Sikh guru , Guru Tegh Bahadur. It was here that the Sikh religion acquired its final military character. Drive back to Chandigarh. Overnite at hotel.
Day 03: Chandigarh / Amritsar
After breakfast leave for Amritsar. The drive would take about 7 hours to cover the distance of 250kms. On arrival check into the hotel.
Afternoon visit the Golden Temple – built in the midst of the holy pool by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1803 , it is also known as Darbar Sahib or Har Mandir Sahib. The dome of the temple is covered with an estimated 400 kgs of gold leaf , hence its popular name the ‘Golden Temple’. The interiors of the temple , like – wise , decorated by inlay work with delicate floral patterns are done with semi precious stones. Adjoining the pool is Akal Takht , established by the sixth Sikh guru , Guru Hargobind Singh. It is seat of the supreme head of the Sikh religious authority. Overnite at hotel.
Day 04: Amritsar / Tarn Taran / Gobindwal / Hazoor Sahib / Amritsar
After an early morning breakfast leave for an excursion of Tarn taran which is a 45 minutes drive. Visit the Gurudwara which is famous for a gurudwara which is standing on the side of a large tank and built in honour of Guru Arjun Dev. Lepers come from far – off places to have a dip in the tank , for it is believed that its water can help cure leprosy. Proceed to Gobindwal a drive of 30 minutes. This place is connected to the memory of Guru Amardas who lived there. A gurudwara built by the Guruji still stands there. Since no place was available for a tank , an underground ‘Baoli’ was constructed near the gurudwara with a flight of 84 steps leading to it. Continue onto Hazoor Sahib, which is 10 kms/15 minutes , where the Samadhi ( memorial ) of the second Sikh guru , Guru Angad Dev ji , was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815.
Return to Amritsar for your overnite stay.
Day 05: Amritsar / Jalianwala Bagh / Baba Bakala / Amritsar
After an early breakfast visit Jailianwala Bagh , the historic site where hundreds of innocent Indian men, women and children were massacred by British General Michael Dyer on April 13 , 1919. A memorial and garden have been created here as a national monument. Proceed to Baba Bakala which is 21 kms and would take about 45 minutes , a place associated with the ninth Sikh guru , Shri Tegh Bahadur, having a magnificent gurudwara where people gather in thousands on every Amavas. An annual fair is held on Raksha Bandhan with about hundred thousand people visiting the place , commemorating the day when the ninth guru was located by his followers. Return to Amritsar. Overnite at hotel.
Day 06: Amritsar / Delhi
Transfer to railway station to connect the train Shatabdi Express for Delhi. On arrival ,transfer to the international airport to board your flight.
