Himachal Tour with a pinch of Punjab

Himachal Pradesh Tour  with a pinch of Punjab

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It’s still a memory that refreshes me everytime I think about it… The beautiful Family Trip that we thoroughly enjoyed. And trust me, if you start travelling early with kids as small as mine were (2 kids -  aged 2 yrs and 5 yrs old) 5 years back, they will surely get the streaks of an avid traveller early in their lives. We as a family, still continue to explore destinations every few months, but today I will be sharing my memory of the said trip of Himachal and Punjab. Hope it helps you in someway to plan or just to feel it virtually with me. J

I have tried to put the main travel details in the most concise manner in this table.

The Main Destination	Himachal Pradesh & Punjab	Remarks
Tentative date / Month / Duration of Trip	Actual Travel Date : 20th Dec 2016 to 02nd Jan 2017	Total 13N/14Days including travel from Patna & Return
Cities Visited (Nightstay)	Amritsar(2N) -Dalhousie(2N) - Dharamshala(1 N) –Kullu &Manali (3N) –Mandi (1N) -Shimla(2N) -Chandigarh(2N)	We took a flight from Patna to Amritsar. Then took a road tour for all Cities by Innova, and took a flight from Chandigarh back to hometown Patna.
Number of Travellers	2 Adults & 2 Kids = Total 4	01 Couple & 2 kids (2 &5 Years Old)

 Let me now give you a day-wise itinerary, along with any inputs of the memories and experience that I recall. Some pics of the tour are shared too. The List of Hotels where we stayed along with the type of rooms is also given for reference, in a tabular form. We had made our hotel bookings inclusive of (pre-paid) complimentary breakfast and dinner.

Overall, we found the arrangements for road travel and stay in hotel, good for our taste and preferences (Premier Package), only with minor upgradations or changes at some occasions for the comfort of small kids.

Day 01: Flight from Hometown Patna TO Amritsar / Arrival 20^th Dec 2016

On arrival at Amritsar Airport, we were assisted by the tour representatives of “Colors of India Tours Pvt Ltd, based in H.P.”  that we found on internet and had made the car & hotel bookings through them. We found the white Innova waiting for us and it transferred us to our pre-booked hotel for overnight stay. 

Day 02: Amritsar –Local 21^st Dec 2016

After breakfast at the hotel, we went for a sightseeing tour of Amritsar. It included a visit to Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh & Wagah Border. All these three places are a must-visit, none can be left-out if at all you visit Amritsar for the first time. At Golden Temple, the kids loved to see the beautiful gold fishes seen in calm and clear water of the pond. The story of Jalianwala Bagh was like live when the guide spoke about it, and the tragic history speaks of itself in that arena. Though the walk till Wagah Border was too much for the kids, and you hardly find any food or water on way once you start walking (better be prepared if travelling with kids), but the show, the glimpse of Pakistan on the other side and India on one side, and the commentary and flag-hoisting and the overall experience there was extraordinary. The Patriotic feelings you experience there will give you goose bumps. And after being fully exhausted but exhilarated at the same time with such a wonderful show at the Wagah Border, we were back for the comfort of the overnight stay at the hotel.

Jalianwala Bagh, Amritsar

Wagah Border, Attari

 

Golden Temple, Amritsar

   

Christmas 2016 in Himachal

Day 03: Amritsar – Dalhousie 22^nd Dec 2016

After breakfast at the hotel, we took the road for Dalhousie. On the way, we saw the mesmerizing views of snow covered Dhauladhar Range – the amazing view of hills. Overnight stay was in the hotel at Dalhousie.

  

Day 4: Dalhousie- Khajjiar –Dalhousie 23^rd Dec 2016

Today, we visited Khajjiar. Khajjiar is part of the notified Kalatop – Khajjiar sanctuary. We enjoyed horse-riding there. Other adventure and fun activities are also available for kids and adults. The Monal Pheasant, a bird which was fairly common till recent times has become relatively difficult to spot nowadays but this species can be spotted here. Finally, we were back at the hotel in Dalhousie for overnight stay.

Day 05: Dalhousie- Dharamshala 24^th Dec 2016

After breakfast, we drove to Dharamshala. Mcleodganj is a famous little town of Dharamshala also known as "Little Tibet". The Dalai Lama resides here.  At the start of Mcleodganj is a small bazaar filled with variety of Tibetan handicrafts and artifacts. At the end of the spur lies the Namgyal Monastery. Overnight stay was at Dharamshala.

  

Day 06: Dharamshala -Manali 25^th Dec 2016

After breakfast, we left for Manali, and overnight stay in Manali. This stretch is too long to travel with kids, and we felt  that we could have taken a night-stay break at Mandi. We reached the hotel in Manali late in the evening and were too tired even to avail the goodies offered to us by the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay was at hotel in Manali. This hotel had a beautiful location, with the river flowing just across the road and we could hear the sound of water giving a serene effect. The Hotel was tastefully decorated for Christmas, and the kids really enjoyed it there.

Day 07: Manali Local 26^th Dec 2016

We took the Half Day local sightseeing of Manali including-  

(1) the famous “HIDIMBA TEMPLE” Built in 1553 with a superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway. One may pose with Yaks here for clicking pictures, but keep safe distance.

  

(2) The Club House with its comprehensive facilities that include a roller skating rink, an auditorium, billiards rooms, a library, a bar and restaurant makes wonderful outing for the day.

(3) Also we visited the Tibetan Monastery, Van Vihar, well known for its hot springs, and there are old temples dedicated to the sage Vashisth and to Lord Rama.

Day 08: Manali-Solang Valley 27^th Dec 2016

We drove to Solang Valley and enjoyed the day there and later covered the snow point, some other photo spots for tourists that the driver suggested, and then back to Hotel in Manali.

  

Day 9: Manali- Kullu- Mandi 28^th Dec 2016

After Breakfast, we checked out from hotel & started our journey to Mandi. On arrival in Mandi, we check into the pre booked hotel. Though it was just a break-journey stay, but we loved the location and built of the hotel there. We parked at the top of hill, and the stairs were down the hill to find our family suite with balcony opening towards a lake. We loved it.

Day 10: Mandi - Shimla 29^th Dec 2016

After Breakfast, we checked out from hotel & started our journey to Shimla. On arrival in Shimla we checked into the pre booked hotel. It was not snowing but the weather was very frosty and I still remember the extreme cold weather that was turning the face and nose so numb. In the evening, we explored markets on our own and strolled in the famous shopping place of Shimla town – “The Mall & THE RIDGE” This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks- the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building - are worth seeing. Personally, I just loved this place Shimla, its views, the ambience… one can straightaway plan a small trip of 2-3 days only to Shimla also, for a short holiday. We ate snacks & barbeque at a small lighted beautifully decorated road-side café, and enjoyed the bon-fire there. Overnight stay was at hotel in Shimla.

  

Day 11: Shimla – Kufri – Shimla local 30^th Dec 2016

This day after breakfast we went for, in and around sightseeing of SHIMLA, the huge idol of Hanuman ji at Jakhu Temple, where you must keep safe of the monkeys, and then we also visited KUFRI. India's one of the best holiday paradise Kufri in Shimla is beautifully tucked on an altitude of 2,622 meter. The place is a tourist hotspot for its awesome scenic and sports activities. Also we tried the traditional dresses available there for rent and got beautiful pics clicked. Overnight stay was at hotel in Shimla.

#The horse ride that takes tourists to Kufri is available as per your bargain skills, but is quite scary specially while returning as the approach is very narrow, and the horses keep pushing each other uncontrolled by the masters. Don’t forget to tie the kids to yoursef safely with dupatta or something if you happen to go there.

Day 12: Shimla – Chandigarh 31^st Dec 2016

After breakfast, we checked-out from hotel & proceeded towards Chandigarh. On arrival in Chandigarh, we checked into the hotel. Later, after freshening up, we visited places like Rock garden and  Rose garden.

Day 13: Chandigarh 1^st Jan 2017

After breakfast, we relaxed till late and later enjoyed our day, also the New Year Day with leisure activities and visit to Sukhna Lake. In the evening, we  returned to hotel that offered the staying guests with several goodies on the occasion of New Year, that we thoroughly enjoyed. 

Day 14: Chandigarh –Departure 2^nd Jan 2017

After breakfast at the hotel we checked out of the hotel & went to Chandigarh Airport for our direct flight back to hometown Patna. We carried back the beautiful memories of the Trip that still remain so precious !!!

Hotel Details:

Hotel	Dated	Destinations/Nights
Golden Tulip(EXECUTIVE ROOM)	20 to 22 December, 2016	Amritsar / 2
Indraprastha (MAHARAJA SUITE)	22 to 24 December, 2016	Dalhousie / 2
Indraprastha (PREMIUM  LUXURY)	24 to 25 December, 2016	Dharamshala / 1
Quality Inn River Country (SUP DLX)	25 to 28 December, 2016	Manali / 3
Visco Resort (FAMILY SUITE)	28 to 29 December, 2016	Mandi / 1
East Bourne Resort (SUP DLX)	29 to 31 December, 2016	Shimla / 2
Regenta Almeida (PREMIUM ROOM)	31 to 2 January, 2017	Chandigarh / 2