Hola Mohalla- The Warrior Festival

Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs.

Upon arrival at Delhi International airport, you will be met by our welcome ambassador and escorted to your hotel where you will be assisted with Check-in formalities.

Post breakfast start your day with a visit to Old Delhi. Begin at Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Revel in an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk (Silver Street). Walk through the old dusty alleyways and other interesting sights! Drive past the mighty and sprawling Red Fort, which was built in 1648 and stands along the river Yamuna. Continue to New Delhi to see the colonial architecture that defined the British era in India.

Later visit Humayun’s Tomb, Sublimely well proportioned, seeming to float above its symmetrical gardens. It's thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which it predates by 60 years. Constructed for the Mughal emperor in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, Humayun's Persian-born wife, the tomb marries Persian and Mughal elements, with restrained decoration enhancing the architecture.

Proceed towards Qutab Minar complex - the tallest tower in the world for centuries, erected by first Islamic rulers of India and still the most imposing, artistically carved and engraved sandstone pillar anywhere.

Overnight Stay

Today early transfer in the morning with packed breakfast.

Train Detail:

Delhi - Jaipur     Kalka Shatabdi (12011)        0740 / 1105

Arrive at Chandigarh railway station, you will be assisted by our welcome ambassador and escorted to your hotel. Arrive and check-in.

Later proceed to visit the Rock Garden. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a sculpture garden founded by Nek Chand Saini. The Rock Garden is built across 40 acres of land and all of the sculptures within the garden are created from industrial and home waste, as well as discarded items.

In the evening witness Holika Dahan, the story of Holika Dahan (Holika's death) signifies the triumph of good over evil. Holika is associated with the annual bonfire on the night before Holi, the Hindu festival of colors.

Overnight Stay

Overnight Stay

Breakfast at hotel

Participate in Holi festival with a local family. A traditional Indian dress Kurta Pajama  will be provided a day prior which you wear on the next day while celebrating the festival of colours and  refreshments will be provided at the venue.

The Holi festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. This was enabled through unwavering devotion to the Hindu god of preservation, Lord Vishnu. Holi got its name as the "Festival of Colors" from Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colors. The festival marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season.

Return back to the hotel and rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Stay

Breakfast at hotel

Drive to Anandpur Sahib ( appx. 1 & ½ hrs. ) arrive and in the afternoon visit the Gurudwara.

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.

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.

Lunch, dinner & overnight at 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.

Lunch, dinner & overnight at tent

Breakfast

Drive to Amritsar ( appx. 3 & ½ hrs. ). Arrive and check-in at hotel. Later in the evening visit the Wagah border.

The Wagah Border links the towns of Amritsar in India and Punjab in Pakistan. The border serves as a transit point for goods and commuters between India and Pakistan and plays host to the daily lowering of the flag ceremony performed by the Border Security Force of India and the Pakistan Rangers in Pakistan. This ceremony commemorates the unity and cooperation between the two nations who were once rivals.

Return back to hotel

Overnight Stay

Breakfast at hotel Visit the Golden Temple, the spiritual nerve-centre of the Sikh faith. Also called Harmandir, the temple is made of white marble and copper gilt with its dome covered with gold leaf. Within is the Guru Granth Sahib, holy book of the Sikhs. See the community kitchen (langar) where volunteers’ feed 30,000 people free daily. The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of women and children in a task of service for mankind. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and the children help in serving food to the pangat. Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of sameness of all human beings; providing a welcome, secure and protected sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to share the Langar; no one is turned away. Later visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh, which commemorates the hundreds of innocent Indians killed or wounded by British bullets in the most notorious massacre under their rule. Return to your hotel and relax. Visit the Golden temple again in the evening. See the glimmering Golden Temple by night and witness the evening Palki Sahib ceremony in which the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) is put away for the night with this tour. Every evening the Guru Granth Sahib is transported from the main shrine to the inner sanctum on a gilded palanquin. Overnight Stay  

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to airport to board the flight for Delhi. Arrive and check-in at hotel.

Flight Detail:     Amritsar – Chandigarh         6E 2025           8020 / 0940

Afternoon is at leisure

Overnight Stay

Today in time transfer to Delhi international airport to connect with your flight for your onward journey.Today in time transfer to Delhi international airport to connect with your flight for your onward journey.