Devotional Holidays Mcleodganj Dharamshala Tour with Kurukshetra & 7 Devi Darshan of Himalaya ranges

Devotional Holidays Mcleodganj Dharamshala Tour with Kurukshetra & 7 Devi Darshan of Himalaya ranges: Overview

Himachal Pradesh in India is well known for its majestic Himalayan ranges, adventure tour and Buddhist pilgrimage tour. Not only that, Himachal Pradesh has some of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites and Hindu temples. The holiday travel India Pvt. Ltd designed this most religious tour package of 7 Devi Darshan in Himalaya will take you to the divine journey of Himachal Pradesh covering all the 7 Shatipeeths and Devi temples in and around Dharamshala & Mcleodganj with Geeta Pilgrimage - Kurushetra.

So, enjoy & feel the spiritual peace and calm with the most pleasant and pure surroundings of top snow capped Himalayan Devotional Holidays having all possible comfortable accommodations.

What is unique in “Devotional Holidays Mcleodganj Dharamshala Tour with Kurukshetra & 7 Devi Darshan of Himalaya ranges” package?

In this 9 N /10 D tour package you will cover India’s most sacred Himalayan pilgrimage centers. Below reasons are made this package is designating in uniqueness:

• Dharamshala is a Buddhist Capital of the world and the Tibetan Holy Dalai Lama - 14th lives here and it is also an excellent shopping destination, it also offers a plethora of adventure activities and sports such as fishing, trekking, rock climbing & Paragliding

• Mcleodganj is the administrative headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile in India and a real cross section of Tibet & well known learning centre of Tibetan culture and Buddhist Dharma

• The Mighty snow clad and picture perfect backdrop of Dhauladhar range Includes several streams, Treks, cool and pleasant breeze, attractive surroundings

• Proximity to Famous Shaktipeeth and Devi Temples around Dharamshala are Chintpurni Mata, Naina Devi, Jwala mukhi, Kangra Devi, Chamunda devi, Baglamukhi Devi, Kunalpathri Devi, also famous temple of Baijnath and Mahakaleshwar

• Kurukshetra is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations, Mahabharat battle was fought here

Devotional Holidays Mcleodganj Dharamshala Tour with Kurukshetra & 7 Devi Darshan of Himalaya ranges: Highlights

• Visit Kurushetra - Geeta Pilgrimage tour

• Explore famous local sightseeing’s of Chandigarh, Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

• Maa Mansa Devi, Naina Devi, Chintpurni Devi & Jwalaji Devi darshan  

• Pious visit of Kangra Devi, Chamunda Devi & Baglamukhi Devi temple

• Religious trip of Katra and Vaishno Devi darshan 

• Visit peaceful Namgyal Monastery & Dalai Lama temple

• Enjoy Bir - Billing Top & Palampur Tour with Baijnath temple

• Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple - Near Palampur 

Recommended Hotels

Hotel Pearl marc Kurukshetra - Haryana - TA Rank -  3.5 - Certificate in Excellence

Hotel Palm dale - Chandigarh - TA Rank -  4.0 - Certificate in Excellence

Hotel Chintpurni Jai maa - Chintpurni - TA Rank -  3.0 - Certificate in Excellence

Hotel center points - Bir Billing - TA Rank - 3.5 - Certificate in Excellence

Hotel Meghavan resort - Dharamshala - TA Rank - 3.5 - Certificate in Excellence

Hotel Jagdish Residency - Katra - TA Rank - 4.0 - Certificate in Excellence

Package Inclusion

• Daily Breakfast & Dinner

• 1 night accommodation in kurukshetra

• 1 night accommodation in chandigarh

• 1 accommodation in chintpurni hotel

• 1 accommodation Palampur Hotel

• 2 nights stay at Bir Village

• 1 night stay at Mcleodganj

• 1 night stay at Dharamshala

• 1 night stay at Katra

• Pick up from Delhi & drop to Jammu Airport/Railway Station /Bus Stand

• All Transfers & sightseeing by dedicated AC Cab

• All hotel & transportation taxes

• Inclusive of all taxes

• All Toll taxes, Parking, Driver night hault

• All Taxes

Package Exclusion

• Lunch is not including in this package

• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities etc

• Entrance Fees and Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest

• Travel insurance

Best Season / Best time to visit Dharamshala Mcleodganj

Dharmashala has a cool climate all through the year but the best season to visit Dharmashala is from mid-September to June.

Winter (December to February) is chilly and freezing. During January the mercury dips below -1 °C. Snowfalls in winters (especially January) are ideal for enjoying honeymoon but extra care needs to be taken. It is advisable to carry woollen clothes.

Summer (March to June) is warm with temperatures between 22 °C to 38 °C. Trekking enthusiasts prefer this season.

Monsoons (July to mid September) with heavy rainfalls can be messy. The months of July and August witness heavy and are avoided by tourists. From the mid of September, rainfall stops.

Autumn (mid-September to November) is beautiful and is ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.

While winters are ideal for spotting snow capped hilly areas, summer is best for all kinds of tourist activities including trekking in the hilly terrains. The months from September to November are ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, and outings and trekking. July to August is not the best time as heavy rainfall can causes road blocks.

Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery is also Namgyal Tantric College is the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monastery is ensuring the survival of the unique Tibetan Traditional Buddhist studies and practices. The monastery was founded by His Holiness the second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso.

At present, the monastery has nearly two hundred monks and of these the younger monks are engaged in the study of the major texts of Buddhist Sutra and Tantra while at the same time pursuing modern studies. The monastery has become second home for these young monks where they receive free accommodation and food as well as traditional and modern education.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is a small mid Altitude Lake (1,775 m above sea level) near of a very beautiful village "Tota Rani". The Lake is surrounded by deodar trees and is considered as a sacred spot as there is small Shiva mandir (shrine) on its bank. There are different kinds of fish that live in this lake. This lake has greenish water.

McLeod Ganj

With an average elevation of 2,082 meters above sea level, McLeod Ganj is named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod who was the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab under whom the area was developed. The place is known for its various attractions including the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama. The place is one of the most frequented spots in Dharamshala and is famous for its Tibetan culture, handicrafts and temples. The Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak at the height of 5,639 meters above sea level and can be viewed from McLeod Ganj.

Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort was the seat and residence of the one of the oldest existing dynasties in the World. The Katoch rulers of Kangra belong to the lineage of the rulers of Trigata mentioned in the Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha and also in Alexander the Great’s war records. The fort complex contains several well detailed halls and watchtowers along with a couple of temples that date back to the 9th century AD.

Jwalamukhi Temple

Located at 30 km. from Kangra and 56 km. from Dharamshala. This place is famous for Jwalamukhi, the 'Flaming Goddess'. It is one of the most popular Hindu temple in Northern India. There is no idol and the flame is considered a manifestation of the Goddess. The eternal flame issues from the rock sanctum and is constantly fed by the priests. Two important fairs are held during the Navratras, in early April and in mid October.

Bir & billing

Bir, surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheater of low hills, is an ideal landing around for Para-gliders. Bir has Buddhist Monasteries that are worth visiting. Fine Tibetan handicraft is also produced here. Billing is up in the hills 14 km. from Bir with an arena of 200 km. For high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aero sports sites in the country.

Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi temple is 17 km. from Dharamshala, dedicated to Goddess Durga or Chamunda, the surroundings of the temple provide an excellent venue for meditation prayers and spiritual attainments. It is an enchanting and charming spot with fascinating view of the Dhauladhar Mountains, rivers and forests.

 The location of temple was used as a cremation ground by the people of 22 villages and supposed to be a place of solace, spiritual attainments. The temple has artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. A large number of devotees travel to this place for worship and to attain spiritual peace for their ancestors. The 700 years old temple, Chamunda Devi comprises of big complex with a ‘Kund’ (pond) in it.  There is a cave-like scoop located at the back of the temple, representing the stone lingam (embodiment of Shiva).

Festivals and Events in Dharamshala

There are various festivals and events in Dharamshala that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare.

The festival season begins with the two-day Haldi Festival that involves dancing, family gathering and sitting around the bonfire, made of cedar twigs. Lohri or Maghi, an agricultural festival is held in mid-January. Traditional folk dances and songs mark the celebrations of Lohri festival.

The Losar Festival or the Tibetan New Year is one of the main festivals Dharamshala, celebrated in the months of February and March. Tourists can visit this place during this time, when people in McLeodganj are in a festive mood.

kurukshetra tourist places

Sri Krishna Museum: It is very old museum in Kurukshetra. It is based on the historical facts and believes of Battle and story of Mahabharata. In this museum original gita written on Leaves are preserved and lot of ancient things which got at the times digging etc are preserved. This includes ancient stones, ornaments, jewellery etc. So if you are History Lovers must go to this place.

Bramha sarovar : Situated in picturesque Theresa, the Brahma Sarovar is a water tank that has withstood time’s harsh transition and is still preserved to be a holy site for Hindu Pilgrims. Even the world renowned 12th Century scholar, Al Beruni saw fit to mention this enormous man made pond in one of his memoirs about India.

Bhim kund: place that bears a connection with the great epic Mahabharata, this is the place where it is believed that Pitamaha Bhishma lay watching the famous battle after Arjun, created a bed of arrows for him. The place now has a temple next to a water tank called the Banganga or the Bhishma Kund.

Raja ka Tila: The site spread over an area of 1kmx750 m. This site was excavated by Shri B.M.Pandey of Archaeological Survey of India. A few potsherds of Painted Grey Ware found from the lowest level of the site indicate the existence of a settlement before starting a continuous habitation at the site since Christian era. The excavated material ranging from Circa 1st century AD to 19th century was divided in six cultural periods.

Pathar Masjid: The Pathar Masjid is built of red sandstone and is known for its fluted minarets, which are attached to its back wall. The ceiling of the mosque rests on pillars that are decorated with floral designs carved in low relief. The 'qibla' in the centre of the western wall is flanked on either side by two arched niches inscribed with verses from the Quran. The masonry terrace forming the front court was certainly added at a later stage. On the basis of the style of architecture, the Masjid appears to have been built in the 17th century AD.

 Jyotisar: Situated about 12 km from Kurukshetra on Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, Jyotisar is an important place of religious tourism. The holy land of Jyotisar is believed to be the cradle of Hindu civilisation and culture. It is believed that Lord Krishna delivered the eternal message of Bhagwad Gita to Arjuna before commencement of Mahabharata battle here.

Places in Chandigarh for fun

The Government Museum and Art Gallery: This wonderful Government Museum and Art Gallery located in a building designed by Le Corbusier and this museum is divided into four wings dedicated to natural history, art, architecture and portraits.

Sukhna Lake: This artificial water body is a popular tourist spot, where you can go paddle boating or simply take in the view with a stroll along its promenade.

Rose garden of Chandigarh: This beautiful garden spread over 30 acres and also known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. It is the largest botanical garden in Asia that is dedicated to so many different kinds of beautiful roses. The garden is named after Zakir Hussain the former President of India. Apart from roses the garden also features several verities of medicinal herbs.

International Dolls Museum: This popular museum was established in 1985 and is managed by the Indian council of Child welfare. The prime attraction of the museum is the Indian section and the toy train. The Dolls museum of Chandigarh contains dolls and puppets from over 25 different countries.

Capitol Complex: Chandigarh Capitol Complex, located in the sector-1 of Chandigarh city in India. it is a government compound designed by the architect Le Corbusier and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is spread over an area of around 100 acres and is a prime manifestation of Chandigarh's architecture. Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex was in July 2016 declared by UNESCO as World Heritage at the 40th session of World Heritage.

How to go to Dharamshala

By air: Dharamshala airport is well connected with daily flights from different parts of India. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, about 13 kilometres away from Dharamshala. Flights to Dharamshala operate with cheap rates during the off season.

 By Train: The Pathankot railway station is the important railway station is located 85 kilometres from Dharamshala. The nearest station is Kangra, at a distance of 14 kilometres from Dharamshala, (Doesn’t have major train stops). One of the popular Dharamshala trains is Kangra Valley Rail Passenger which has stops in Kangra railway station.

By road: Most buses stop at the main bus terminal in Lower Dharamshala. State government and private buses offer daily services from various parts of India Dharamshala is well-connected to other parts of India by a road network.

By Cab: Dharamshala by road is the best option for travel. The advantage of travelling to Dharamshala by car is that the vehicle can be stopped anytime and anywhere as desired.

Tourist places in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh 

Bhagsu Waterfall: Bhagsu Falls is a beautiful waterfall, situated in the small village of Bhagsu, behind the Bhagsunath Temple. During monsoon, this waterfalls turns into a 30 ft cascade, alongside a mountain that features slate graffiti.

Tibetan monasteries: The Tibet Oral History Project (TOHP) aims to preserve the history and culture of the Tibetan people. As advised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we record the life experiences of Tibetan elders who were forced to flee their homeland following the Chinese invasion

Dalai Lama Temple:  One of the holy place in Dharmshla is Dalai Lama Temple. The temple complex is open from sunrise to sunset for the visitors to explore the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings. During the morning hours visitors can participate in the prayers as the monks chant and meditate. You can join local residents for a meditative walk around the temple/monastery complex.

Cricket Stadium:  The famous tourist location in Dharmshal is Cricket Stadium. Cricket Stadium (DCS), an internationally renowned stadium, is the home ground of Himachal Pradesh State cricket team. Few international and Ranji cricket matches are held here on annual basis.

St. John church: The famous place in Dharmshala is st. John Church. It is an Anglican Church which is dedicated to Saint John. This is one of the ancient church in Dharmshala

Panorama museum in kurukshetra

The panorama museum in kurukshetra is also known as “Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre”. This is a unique Centre that combines science with religion. The main attraction of the Centre is a life-like panorama of the epic battle of Kurukshetra that showcases Mahabharata war with scientific explanations justifying every episode in the war.

 The magnificent two-storied building of the Centre has cylindrical walls. The Centre has an interesting exhibition called 'India: A Heritage in Science, Technology and Culture', consisting of working and interactive exhibits on ancient Indian concept of properties of matter, structure of atom, geometry, arithmetical rules, astronomy, medicine and surgery.

Mansa devi panchkula

Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra constructed the present main temple of Shri Mansa Devi, which is situated on the Shivalik foothills in village Bilaspur, Tehsil and District Panchkula

The Mansa Devi temple, Patiala temple has a typical ‘nagara’ curvelinear spire with miniature shrines decorated on its body from bottom to top of the spire. This architectural a style definitely goes in consonance with the shivalik background.

How many shakti peeth in India

Some people say there are 51 shakti peethas and some say there are 108 shakti peethas. But according to Adi shankaracharya guru there are 18 main sahakti peeths in India:

This list of Shakti peethas (18 Shakti Temples / Temples of Mother Goddess)

    Place        -   Part of the body fallen   -   Name of Shakti peethas

Kanchi (Tamil Nadu) - back part - Kamakshi Devi

Praddyumnam (West Bengal) - Stomach part - Sri Srunkhala devi

Mysore (Karnataka) - Hair - Chamundeshwari devi

Alampur (Andhra Pradesh) - Upper teeth - Jogulamba devi

Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) - Neck part  - Bhramaramba devi

Kolhapur (Maharastra)  - Eyes    - Mahalakshmi devi

Nanded (Maharastra) - Right hand - Eka Veerika devi

Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) - Upper lip - Mahakali devi

Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh) - Left hand - Puruhutika devi

Jajpur (Odisha) - Navel - Biraja devi

Draksharamam (Andhra Pradesh) - Left cheek - Manikyamba devi

Guwahati (Assam) - Vulva - Kamarupa devi

Prayaga (Uttar Pradesh) - Fingers - Madhaveswari devi

Jwala (Himachal Pradesh) - Head part     -Vaishnavi devi

Gaya (Bihar) - Breast part - Sarvamangala devi

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) - Wrist - Vishalakshi devi

Dantewada (Chattisgarh) – Tooth - Danteswari devi

Kashmir - Right hand - Saraswathi devi

Baglamukhi devi

Around 30 km from Kangra District, Baglamukhi Temple is a Siddha Peeth close to both Jwala Ji and Chintpurni Devi Temple. The deity, Baglamukhi is one of the 10 Mahavidyas and believed to be the destroyer of all evils. Yellow colour is the most favourite colour of the Goddess. That is why the temple is painted in yellow colour. The devotees do wear yellow attire and yellow desserts (besan ki laddoo) are offered to the deity. People worship the deity to win the legal confrontations.

Naina devi weather

Naina devi IS located at Bilaspur which is lies at an elevation of around 2208 ft. This town experiences cold winters and warm summers with moderate monsoon. Summer is usually during the months between April and September when the minimum temperature is around 18 deg C and the maximum can reach 37 deg C. Monsoon showers occur in the months between July and August. Winters are the best time to visit this town as the temperatures can hover around the freezing point. If traveling during winter, it is better to carry woolen clothing. There is a thick fog cover that allows little or no sunlight during winter.

Chandigarh India hotels  

Standard hotel

Hotel AB's 26

TA rating: 4.0 – Certified in excellence

Location: S.C.O. 6, Madhya Marg, Sector 26, Chandigarh, 160026

Deluxe hotel

Hotel Raajshee

TA rating: 4.5 – Certified in excellence

Location: Plot No 181/45, Industrial & Business Park, Phase-1, Chandigarh, 160002

Luxury hotel

JW Marriott hotel

TA rating: 4.5 – Certified in excellence

Location: Plot no: 6, Sector 35B, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh, 160035

Vaishno mata temple

Vaishno Devi temple is a holy pilgrimage destination for the Hindus, located in the folds of three-peaked mountain Trikuta, 12 km away from Katra in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

 Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. It's the temple dedicated to Shakti, which attract thousands of tourists, especially but not limited to the Hindu pilgrims from every corner of the country. Mata Vaishno Devi, also popularly known as Mata Vaishnavi and Mata Rani in Hinduism, is believed to have spent some time in this cave at an altitude of 5,200 ft while observing various spiritual disciplines.

Currently Vaishno Devi temple is India's second most visited religious site with yearly visitors of around 60,000. The shrine of Vaishno Devi is maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Weather of vaishno devi

Maa Viasho Devi Bhawan is located at the height of 5200 ft. Temperature and weather at Bhawan is so cool.

Average Temperatures of Vaishno Devi Bhawan:

15°C (min) to 30°C (max) in summers

-2°C (min) to 13°C (max) in winters

The temperature figures are merely indicative of weather and actual values may vary from year to year. Nevertheless, these values are meant to give the pilgrims a fair idea of the temperature range and to plan their yatra and clothing requirements accordingly.

Chandigarh to Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi lies at a distance of 393 km. away from Chandigarh. Vaishno Devi is connected to Chandigarh by roadways and railways. Vaishno Devi is best travelled from Chandigarh by car.

By Air: A number of flights fly directly between Chandigarh to Vaishno Devi. Travel by flight takes about 1 hour. Several cab and taxi services are available outside the airport to travel from airport to other parts of Vaishno Devi. Jammu airport is the nearest airport near Vaishno Devi. It is about 35 kms from Jammu airport to Vaishno Devi.

By Bus: The bus route is very nice, You can choose from a wide variety like A/C Sleeper (2+1), Non A/C Sleeper, Volvo A/C Multi-Axle Semi-sleeper, Volvo A/C Multi-Axle Semi-sleeper. Plenty of government and private buses travel between Chandigarh and Vaishno Devi. On an average, Chandigarh to Vaishno Devi travel time is 6 hours.

By Train: You will reach in 6 hours from Chandigarh to Vaishno Devi by train. Udhampur is the nearest railway station. It is about 24 km. from Jammu airport.

By Car: If you're travelling with your family, hiring the car is a better idea. The basic price for hiring a car starts at INR 5 and varies according your choice of the car. The company will not pay the toll tax.

From katra to vaishno devi

The distance between Katra and Vaishno Devi is about 12 km.

There are two ways you can reach the Vaishno Devi: via the paved pathway or via the stairs. The paved pathway is longer but the road is well-maintained. Using this path alone, it can take around 6 to 7 hours to reach the Vaishno Devi.

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of stairs and paths. Some say though that stairs can tire you out more. So only do this if you are of great physical stamina.

Just midway to the ascent, you'll reach the Ardh Kuari. This is about 6 or 7 kms into the route. There's also a cave here you can visit. Pilgrims are given tokens here as well, to control the flow of people. Typical wait time is about 3 hours before you can start your journey again. (If you want to save time, you can skip this stopover). However, if you decide to stop here, then that's an added time to your journey, so about 10 to 12 hours in total.

When to visit vaishno devi

Pilgrims can visit Vaishno Devi throughout the year, but the best time to undertake the journey is between the months of March and October. A lot of pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi between these months as the weather is cool and pleasant, but maximum visitors plan their trip during the Navratras.

kurukshetra to Delhi train

Train name: KALKA SHTBDI (12006) 2.8 hours

Timing: 8.12 (Dep.) - 10.20 (Arr.)