The Panj Takht Darshan is a unique opportunity to visit the five holy Takhts of the Sikhs, which are in Punjab, Patna and Nanded Sahib, the week-long trip is completed in the lap of luxury.
Golden Temple (Photo by Ian Sewell)
History is testimony to the alluring charms of Punjab. Muhammad of Ghor, Alexander the Great, the British Raj … have all been unable to resist the lure of the land of five rivers. Today, Punjab is undoubtedly one of the most colourful states of India offering visitors a host of options — to get to know the rustic side of village life by indulging in farm tourism, to soak in the spiritual calm at the Golden temple, to relive the majestic memories of yesteryear by visiting the palaces and forts of the Maharajas of Patiala, to savour the tikkas and tandooris… And not to miss the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Sikh Priests
The Punjab state government has embarked on several initiatives to boost tourism in. Panj Takht Darshan is one of the prestigious projects launched recently by Punjab tourism to aid pilgrimage to the five Sikh Takhts.
The week-long journey will cover Sri Akal Takht Sahib/Sri Harmandir Sahibji (Golden Temple), Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahibji, Takht Sri Damdama Sahibji (Talwandi Sabo), Takht Sri Patna Sahibji (Patna), and Takht Sri Hazur Sahibji (Nanded). The itinerary also includes Jallianwala Bagh, Panj Sarovar Walk, Attari Border (Amritsar), Gurdwara Sri Fategarh Sahib, Gurdwara Sri Jyoti Sarup Sahib (Sri Fatehgarh Sahib) and Virasat-e- Khalsa Heritage Complex (Sri Anandpur Sahib). While the three holy Takhts in Punjab will be covered by train, the other two holy Takhts in Patna and Nanded Sahib will be covered by air. While IRCTC will manage the complete operation of Sikh Circuit Special Tourist Train, the air services will be looked after by marketing agency, The Luxury Trains.
Bookings are now open and are already drawing an overwhelming response. The first departure of the Panj Takht Darshan was on December 30 from New Delhi. The package cost for those starting and ending the journey from New Delhi ranges from INR 90,000 to INR 1 lakh. For those starting and terminating the journey at Amritsar can avail packages between INR 88,050 to INR 97,500. The spritual journey of a lifetime just became easy.
Contact
USA/Canada: 1302-684-2988 (toll free)
UK: 0800-032-7748 (toll free)
India: +91-11-42866600
Switzerland: +41-44-500-4135
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.thespiritualjourneys.com; www.theluxurytrains.com
By Supreet Cheema
