INDIA
FOR DIWALI IN PUNJAB
OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 05, 2024
☽ 10 NIGHTS
♡ 12 TRAVELERS
✈︎ AIRPORT PICK UP
ᯅ PRIVATE ROOMS ONLY
$4200 PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE
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“I had an amazing time with the group. Truly a transformative trip, each location we went blew my mind and challenged my perception and assumptions... I felt safe and taken care of every step of the trip.”
- KARLY L.
10 Night Itinerary
Day 1
ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁਆਗਤ ਹੈ!
Welcome to India! Kicking it off in the capital city, Delhi.
Once you land, we’ve got your ride to the hotel all sorted out. Let the good times begin!
Delhi is this massive, super-rich-in-history kind of place. Many empires ruled the scene here for centuries, making it a history buff’s dream. Now, our adventure starts with a relaxing welcome dinner where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and your fearless guide, face to face.
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Day 2
OLD DELHI & high tea
Get ready for a day packed with adventure and all things local because today, we're hopping on the Delhi metro for a wild ride.
We’ll wander through the charming narrow alleys of Old Delhi's market, Chandni Chowk. Sipping on chai, taking in the vibrant sights, sounds, smells, and flavors. Treating our taste buds to the most famous street food. All starting at the outstanding historical Sikh Temple, Sis Ganj, built back in the 18th century and ending at Haveli Dharampura.
B, L, Tea
Day 3
Gems
We’ll check out some of the most famous markets and shops, and be introduced to the world of Gemstones in India.
The afternoon is free until we meet in the evening to, visit a home for a nice family dinner where you will understand real Indian culture.
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Day 4
AMRITSAR
Starting bright and early morning we’ll take one of the fastest trains in India to Amritsar, Punjab.
After the journey, we’ll settle into our accommodations then have a free evening to head out on the town.
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Day 5
GOLDEN TEMPLE
Welcome to the divine city of Amritsar.
Today we start out late morning at Jallianwala Bagh. This is a is a memorial garden of national importance to those wounded and killed in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre that took place on the site on the festival of Baisakhi, 13 April 1919.
After exploring the 7-acre complex we will head to the Golden temple. It’s not just a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed, or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory, and heritage of the Sikhs.
B, Tastings, D
Day 6
WAGAH BORDER
After a morning of visiting shops and markets, and tasting great food, we’ll head to the Wagah border. Located 22 km from Lahore (Pakistan) and 28 km from Amritsar,(India), this place marks the boundaries between Indian and Pakistani., Thisthe boundary that was created by the British and destroyed about 7 million lives.
The Wagah Border Ceremony, or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, is held every evening, just before sunset. This ceremony includes the closing of the international gates and lowering the flags of both countries. The flag ceremony has been conducted every evening since 1959. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause and Bollywood-style dancing to Hindi songs
B, L, D
Day 7
DIWALI
Today we celebrate the festival of lights, Diwali, like locals do. In Amritsar, Diwali is celebrated on a grand level. Sikhs celebrate Diwali because in 1619 the 6th Guruji, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji was released from prison. For Diwali the golden temple is decorated with colorful lights, many diyas (oil lamps) and candles lit on the complex of Golden temple.
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Day 8
GURDASPUR
Let’s head into the countryside! Visiting a very small city with beautiful farms where life is completely different from the cities you’ve been experiencing so far.
Get ready for a special walk in the farms and an extra special Punjabi Pind lunch prepared by locals.
You will connect with nature and see a different side of Punjab today.
B, L
Day 9
CHANDIGARH
Say goodbye to the beautiful Amritsar and drive to the capital city of Punjab which is also the first planned city of North India, Chandigarh, just 1 hour from the Himalayas (we can see them on a clear day).
Chandigarh is a scenic city with enchanting gardens, impressive architecture, a serene lake, and many attractions that help the city live up to its nickname ‘The City of Beauty’, a great way to breakup our long drive to Delhi.
We’ll visit the beautiful Sukhna Lake and explore the famous rock gardens here.
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Day 10
Our last night
After breakfast we’ll depart for Delhi.
Once we arrive in Delhi, enjoy a restful free day. The team can suggest some great experiences for the day
Later we will meet for a farewell dinner.
B, L, D
Day 11
Farewell
It’s been said you’ll need multiple lifetimes to visit all the parts of India, come find us every time you want to go to India, in this life and the next one.
You’ll have a transfer to the airport or if you decide to book the extension we’ll take you to Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal.
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Day 11 - Day 12
extention
A very warm Namaste! Ready to go to Agra? Extension is an additional cost.
Inclusions:
- 4 star hotel in Agra
- Guide in the evening where you visit Taj Mahal during sunset, with entry.
- 1 Dinner
- 1 Breakfast
- Agra Fort with guide
- Agra city back alley tour
- Sheroes Cafe visit
- Evening transfer back to Delhi on day 12
- Round trip, private transportation.
Excluded:
- Extra hotel night(s) in Delhi
- Gratuities
Who is this trip for?
For everyone, but encouraging those
3rd culture kids.
This trip is for adventurous souls ready to embrace the vibrant chaos and rich diversity of India, specifically the captivating state of Punjab. If you're someone who understands that India isn't always about neatly organized spaces and pristine cleanliness but rather a dynamic tapestry of cultures, colors, and contrasts, then you're in the right place.
We welcome those who are open to experiencing the beauty of India in its raw authenticity, leaving preconceived notions behind. This journey is for those seeking genuine connections, immersive experiences, and unforgettable memories, without the need for luxury or high maintenance expectations.
Come join us on this exploration of Punjab, where every moment promises to be an enriching adventure!
If you identify as 3rd Culture Indian kid, I understand and I get you (read about your host).
Your Host
Baby Rani and her dad, Gurijt, in Agra 1984
Rani Cheema
Founder of Cheema’s Travel
Rani’s Punjabi father left his small village to explore the world, never expecting to fall in love with a Puerto Rican woman from Brooklyn. She is her father’s daughter.
But she grew up with a dad who lived in Greece and loved the culture so much he learned Greek and cooked Greek food for his family. Rani didn’t eat Indian food until she was 17, Saag Paneer.
She grew up immersed in the hotbed of international eats that is New York City, bouncing around Queens & Brooklyn as a kid.
She began her career as an art director at the Food Network. After an entire life living in NYC, she picked up and moved to Bangladesh, Spain, & South Korea.
Not So Fine Print
This adventure is programmed as a group departure 10 travelers. Programs and events may change slightly according weather, the impact of Covid-19, or the fact that we are meeting with real people who have real lives. Payment Plans available.
Deposit: $600 non-refundable, non-transferable
Price: $4200 Price
Early Bird: $3977 (Ends March 1, 2024)
EXTENSION: $600 paid at time of booking
Inclusions: All meals mentioned, tastings, private accommodation (no single supplements, ever), domestic land transfers, classes, entry fees, and gratuities.
Exclusions: International air, mandatory travel insurance, experiences not mentioned in itinerary, & personal purchases. EXCLUDES EXTENSION TO AGRA.
Please read Terms & Conditions.
