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Sacred India Tour - April, 2011

Himalayan Tour April 2011

The Himalayan Tour takes us to the top of the world as we travel across the Himalayan landscape visiting sacred places dear to many spiritual traditions.

Sunday, April 10 – We Leave from the USA for New Delhi, India. After arriving in Delhi we will drive to Vrndavana, the village of Bhakti (devotion) 90 miles SE of New Delhi. We will stay at a peaceful ashram guesthouse. The spiritual atmosphere of Vrndavana offers us a wonderful entrance to our sacred India tour.

Our guest house courtyard in Vrndavana, India

April 14 – Drive to Agra, see the Taj Mahal

April 16 Fly from New Delhi to Amrtsar

Amrtsar is in the Northeastern state of Punjab. Here will visit the Golden Temple of the Sikh Tradition.

Shining in the morning light, the gilded splendor of its big dome and small minarets, this temple is a Godly palace to the devotees of the Sikh faith. There are legends of miraculous cures by the touch of the water in the pool of nectar, in which the shrine stands. Valmiki wrote his celebrated epic, the Ramayana near this hallowed site of the "Pool of Nectar". It was here that Sita the consort of Lord Rama stayed during the period of her vanavasa (banishment). This vision has been received by millions of pilgrims who have come here for centuries from near and far.

April 18 Morning drive to Dharamsala (home of Tibet exile leader the Dalai Lama.)

The Tibetan settlement of Dharamshala began in 1959, when His Holiness the Dalai Lama had to flee Tibet. The Dalai Lama’s Monastery is 9 miles north of Dharamsala in the village of McLeod Ganj. McLeod Ganj is the real heart of Tibet’s exiled community offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant Tibetan culture firsthand without the persecution and difficulties of the Chinese presence.

Sacred Buddhist Temple of the Dalai Lama in Mcleod Ganj.

Strolling the streets of this village is an experience itself. Industrious Tibetan vendors set up their stalls along the narrow roads each morning, selling everything from antiques to prayer beads and original clothing.

Nearby, at 7000 feet is the spectacular Himalayan Dhauladhar Mountain Range. Trekking in the area is popular and travelers have easy access to temples and small mountain villages.

My favorite German Bakery in Mcleod Ganj that serves delicious vegan Chocolate Cake and Apple Pie.

Our hotel, Udechee Huts is at 5000 feet above sea level. You will have beautiful mountain views from your bungalow. It is 2 miles from McLeod Ganj, located in a wonderful secluded place on the side of a mountain. The staff and kitchen help are very accommodating. Fresh mountain air and great food!

April 22 Drive to Manali – Sacred town of Svayambhuva Manu

Manali - Situated at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and wooded slopes. Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.

Hidimba Devi Temple erected in 1553, is dedicated to the local deity Hadimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhima. The temple is noted for its four-story pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings. It is surrounded by an ancient Pine forest at the foot of the great Himalaya Mountains.

Buddhist Temple in Manali

Temole of Manu in Manali

April 27 Drive to Kullu and fly back to Delhi

My favorite vegetarian restaurant in Delhi at the Hotel Alka

April 29 –early morning New Delhi – USA

Our driver and van for our Himalayan Tour