India is home to the oldest religion Hinduism and has also seen new philosophies taking birth and taken to different parts of the world. India is the originating country for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Besides, it is also known for a lot Sufi Saints who have spread their teachings across the world. This tour will get you to experience the spiritual tenets of different religions and the role of Yoga in attaining spirituality. This experience is an attempt to understand and experience a slice of India, its legends, stories and a glimpse of Hinduism, Sikhism, Sufism and Buddhism. The focus is on the Northern part of India in this capsule…
Day 1 - New Delhi: Capital City
Upon arrival at New Delhi airport get transferred to the hotel and relax. Evening head to streets of Delhi. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 2 - New Delhi: Cultural Tour
Visit the key sights and monuments of old and New Delhi, Jama Masjid country’s largest mosque, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, India Gate, Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, Gurudwara and the light and sound show at the Akshardham temple. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 3- Amritsar: Sacred Sikh City
Take a train to Amritsar from New Delhi, and travel to the Sikh town. Upon arrival get transferred to the hotel. Drive to the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, and witness the beating retreat ceremony.
Day 4- Amritsar: Sacred Sikh City
Visit the famous Golden temple and jallianwala bagh then head to Amritsar airport and head to Dehradun, Upon arrival drive to Rishikesh and check in to the hotel. Overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 5 - 7 - Rishikesh: Holy Ganges
Visit tourist attractions and religious centers of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Enjoy the vibe of the evening Ganga Aarti. Start the day with a dose of spirituality early in the morning with a Yoga and Meditation session. Visit the local markets and other tourist attractions. Visit the famously significant Prayag. Overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 8 - 10 - Jaipur: City of Palaces
Travel to Jaipur airport from Dehradun and upon arrival get transferred to the hotel. Visit the Maharaja Palace. Visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the world’s largest observatory built in stone and marble. Stop for traditional photography at Hawa Mahal, Palace of the winds. Enjoy the “Hare Krishna” aarti at a Hindu temple. Drive to Ajmer and visit the shrine of the Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti. Visit the Amber Fort and then drive to Agra by road.
Day 11-12 - Agra: City of Love
Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort on a Tonga. Taj Mahal, “the epitome of love”, is “a monument of immeasurable beauty” and the epitome of love and romance. Visit the ashram of Mother Teresa and Itimad-Ud-Daulah, an exquisite tomb built in honor of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Visit the beautifully preserved Fatehpur Sikri for a slice of history and a sense of life during the days of Emperor Akbar.
Day 13 - Mathura: Home of Krishna
Drive to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and explore the town with its unique mix of religion, ritual, and spirituality. Head to the New Delhi Railway Station for a train to Varanasi. Overnight Train Journey.
Day 14-15 - Varanasi: City by the Ganges
Arrive at Varanasi Railway station, oldest living city in the world, situated by the holy Ganges. Visit Sarnath museum, which has a rich collection of sculptures comprising of numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images including the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions. Attend Ganga Aarti at the banks of the river. Take the evening train to New Delhi.
Day 16 - Delhi: Shopping Culinary
Visit the Humayun’s Tomb. Visit other monuments of historic significance like Qutab Minar and take time out for shopping. Try out the different culinary delicacies from Delhi. End the day with a visit to the Lotus temple dedicated Bahai religion. Attend the prayer at the Krishna Iskon Temple.
Day 17 - Departure: Bye!
Get transferred to airport for your flight back home.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation with breakfast in selected category hotels on double occupancy.
- All transfers including Airport transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All guided tours (group or private) and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
Exclusions
- Taxes, as applicable (Currently the GST rate is @ 5%)
- International/Domestic Airfare, Visa Fees, Travel Insurance, vaccination charges etc.
- Payment Gateway charges.
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, tipping etc.
- All other services not specified in the itinerary.
- Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat staff, etc.
- Any add-on sightseeing/activities along with transfers if done other than those mentioned
in the tour program.
- Lunch and Dinner throughout the tour unless otherwise mentioned in the itinerary.
South India