Cultural Orientation Tour: Sikh Religion

Sikhism is a religion that began in sixteenth century northern India with the teachings of Nanak and nine successive Gurus. Its history is full of tales of valor and sacrifices by the Gurus and their followers against accesses committed by the then rulers of different provinces in India, the many monuments and Gurudwaras bearing mute testimonies to this rich history. This unique Sikh Pilgrimage/Culture tour takes visitors through major landmarks of Sikh religious history and all five Sikh Takhts (seats of authority).

ITINERARY (9 nights/10 days, round the year)

Day 1 (Delhi):
Full-day sightseeing of the various Sikh shrines in Delhi and also places of tourist interest. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the most prominent Gurudwara in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh. The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 (Amritsar):
Morning transfer to the Railway Station for train to Amritsar. Reception on arrival and transfer to the hotel on arrival. Visit Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple) the most sacred shrine in Sikhism. The shrine has history dating back to 1500's. It was during the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606), that the full fledged Temple was built. Gold and exquisite marble work on the temple was conducted under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab.

Day 3 (Patiala):
Visit Damdama Sahib. Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is situated at village Talwandi Sabo, 28 km Southeast of Bathinda and is the place where Guru Gobind Singh, prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures called Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1705.

Evening at Patiala at leisure.

Day 4 (Paonta Sahib):
Morning proceed towards Poanta Sahib. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh's horse stopped at this place on its own and he decided to stay here. He wrote many Sikh religious books here.

From Paonta Sahib proceed to Anandpur, where the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (the birth place of the Khalsa) is located. The Takht was created by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Keshgarh Sahib is where the first Khalsa where initiated by Guru Gobind Singh on Baisakhi day March 30, 1699. It is one of the five most sacred places in Sikhism.

Day 5 (Aurangabad):
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the Railway Station for train to Aurangabad. Overnight on the train.

Day 6 (Nanded):
Arrive Aurangabad. Reception on arrival and proceed by road to Nanded. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 (Nanded):
Visit the Hazur Sahib Gurdwara. Hazur Sahib is on the banks of Godavari in Maharashtra. This is where Guru Gobind Singh left this world. The inner room of the temple is called Angitha Sahib and is built over the place where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated in 1708.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 (Aurangabad):
Morning transfer to Aurangabad for train to Delhi. Overnight on the train.

Day 9 (Delhi-Patna):
Arrive Delhi and transfer to the airport for flight to Patna. Reception on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Visit the Patna Sahib and surrounding areas. Sri Patna Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who was born on 22nd December in the year 1666. Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his early years here before moving to Anandpur. Patna was also honored by visits from Guru Nanak as well as Guru Tegh Bahadur. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 10 (Delhi):
Morning/afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi.