Hola Mahalla is an important Indian Sikh festival held in Anandpur Sahib in Punjab which follows Hindu festival of Holi. Unlike festival of Holi, when people playfully throw colored powders on each other, Hola Mahalla is an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills. Sikhs gather here in large numbers to witness a very impressive and colourful procession of Nihangs, in their traditional attire displaying their skill in the use of arms, horse riding, and other war-like sports.
The fair is also known for community service as langars (voluntary community kitchens) are held by the locals for serving traditional cuisine to visitors to this festival. You will have all this unique experience and also get a chance to visit Amritsar, city of “Golden Temple” and spiritual Capital of India “Rishikesh” as well as historical city of Delhi.
Day 01 Arrive Delhi (By Flight)
Arrival at Delhi airport. You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to hotel. Later start tour of New Delhi with wide tree lined avenues, parks and fountains surrounding the imposing government and state buildings. Drive past the imposing India Gate, The Parliament Buildings and President House. Then visit Qutabminar, built in 1193 a.d. it is a striking medieval tower of victory of persian architecture style. Next stop is Humayun’s Tomb.
Afternoon, drive to Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Then visit old Delhi that includes visit to Red Fort, enjoy a rickshaw ride along the alleys of ancient bazaar of Chandni Chowk with stop at Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in Asia.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02 Delhi – Amritsar (By Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to Delhi airport for flight to Amritsar.
On arrival at Amritsar, transfer to hotel.
Later, we will visit the Wagah Border. Located on the India/Pakistan Border, Wagah is 28 kilometers from the Amritsar main town. A good number of visitors come to this place to witness the “changing of the guard” ceremony and the flag hoisting and lowering activities which are done with great skill and precision by the border security forces of both the countries. A sight you cannot afford to miss.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Amritsar – Anandpur Sahib (By Road) (194 Kms. / 4H 30M appx.)
Early this morning we go to Golden Temple for early morning procession known as prabhatpheri. There is a continuous singing of gurbani kiran, hymns from the opening of its portals (doors) to their closing. After the departure of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) carrying the sacred book – Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the Akal Takhat Sahib Temple, the devotees, accompanied by the Gurdwara’s Temple staff, clean the Sri Harimandir Sahib for one hour. At the completion of the ardas (sikh prayer), karah prasad (holy offering) is distributed among the devotees.
We will spend most of our morning at the Golden Temple, which offers great photo opportunities. the Golden Temple is located in the heart of the city and characterized by its four entrance doors (called deoris) in all four directions and the tastefully decorated shrines, in terms of art and architecture. Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows.
The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful. Afternoon drive to Anandpur Sahib and check in at camp. Overnight stay.
Day 04 Anandpur Sahib (Hola Mollah)
The Hola Mohalla is an impressive traditional display of Bravery and Valor that is a must see. The ultimate display of machismo – Hola Mohalla, an annual Sikh Festival held a day after holi, has the drama, the sweat and the incredible colours that indian festivals are known for with impressive displays of weaponry, archery and wrestling, there’s also music, poetry and prayers, singing and chanting. an important part of the festival is the langar (community food) that is served to pilgrims irrespective of their religion or caste.
One of the main attractions at the festival are the Nihangs — a prestigious armed sect of the sikha who wear a striking blend of blue and orange, with thick twisted moustaches and overwhelmingly large and embellished turbans.They also demonstrate thrilling horse riding shows where the riders gallop bareback, performing tricks like riding astride two horses. Hola Mohalla is held at Anandpur Sahib in the state of Punjab, and it is estimated that over 100,000 sikh devotees attend the festival.
This is an amazing festival with great photo opportunities!
Overnight at camp.
Day 05 Anandpur Sahib – Chandigarh (By Road) (82 Kms. / 1H 40M appx.)
We will start early in the morning to witness and capture the various activities that take place during the festival. We will spend the day here photographing this colorful and amazing festival.
Later driver to Chandigarh which is undoubtedly best-planned Indian City designed by world famous architect Le Corbusier who realized dream of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehra, the first Prime Minister of India.
Then visit the capitol complex which is most spectuacularrokd of le corbusier. The splendid builidings, set against the shivalik peaks, stand “as massive sculptures, representing the monumental character authority that the complex represents. The complex consists of three master-pieces: The secretariat, the high court and the legislative assembly. Besides the master work of Le Corbusier, the city is also known for unique world acclaimed rock garden which houses art objects made of industrial and urban waste.
Rock Garden’s entrance leads to a magnificent display of boulders, broken chinaware, discarded fluorescent tubes, broken and cast away glass bangles, building waste, to create a dream folk world of palaces, soldiers, monkeys, village life, women and temples. The open air sculptures and concealed gateways separating them are at places enhanced by a waterfall, pools and an open air theatre with proper stage setting. Overnight stay.
Day 06 Chandigarh – Haridwar (By Road) (224 Kms. / 5H appx.)
Morning leave for Rishikesh and stop en-route at Haridwar. It is one of most important holiest places for hindus and one of four cities where Kumbhmela is held after 12 years which is known for one of biggest human gathering in the world. Visit Har-Ki-Pauri (the footstep of god) and the proceed to chandigarh which is undoubtedly best-planned indian city designed by world famous architect le corbusier who realized dream of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehra, The First Prime Minister of India.
Later drive to Rishikesh which is located in foothills of the himalayas. It is also called as the “gateway to the garhawl himalayas” and considered as one of most important pilgrim places for hindus. The sacred river ganges flows through Rishikesh before entering plane areas of North India. Rishkesh is also famous for many Ashrams and also called Yoga Capital of the world.
Arrival at Rishikesh and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07 Rishikesh
Morning tour of Rishikesh – also known as the ‘place of sages’, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga Rivers. It is the starting point for the Char Dham pilgrims but also for the people who are interested in meditation, yoga and other aspects of hinduism. In Rishikesh visit Laxmanjhula- a hanging bridge on the river ganga is one of the most famous spot in Rishikesh. The bridge offers a scenic view of the river ganga as it tumbles down to Haridwar.
Overnight stay.
Day 08 Rishikesh – Delhi (By Road) (240 Kms. / 5H 10M appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Delhi.
On arrival, city tour of Delhi.
Visit Akshardham Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Bangla Sahib and Agrasen ki Baoli.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 09 Depart Delhi (By Flight)
Departure transfer to Delhi airport for flight to onward destination.
| City | Night (s) | Standard Hotels |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu Dwarka |
| Amritsar | 01 | Taj Swarna |
| Anandpur Sahib | 02 | Camps |
| Chandigarh | 01 | Vivanta by Taj |
| Rishikesh | 02 | Dewa Retreat |
| Delhi | 01 | Radisson Blu Dwarka |
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at the airport and hotels.
– 08 nights accommodation as per the program.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Entrance fees.
– Air Ticket Delhi – Amritsar in economy class.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian Speaking Guide.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions by private AC vehicle.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.