Tour Description
This essentially spiritual trip introduces you to importance of the different facets of India like the Ganges, Himalayas, Yoga, and Ayurveda. It also covers major iconic land marks constructed in course of its long and turbulent history. The Ganges has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization and trip starts from sacred cities located along the Ganges on the foothills of the Himalayas. This trip also touches few of the major cultural and spiritual destinations of North India. By and large it offers a rare insight into spiritual, cultural, religious ethos of India as an ancient yet evolving civilization.
Duration of Trip
Standard duration is 15 days, but can be customized for special requirements.
Type of Trip
Spiritual, Non luxury, Eco friendly, people oriented, educational with an introduction to Yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and wellness.
Inclusions
Transportation by private A/c car or Bus, Accommodation in neat and clean Ashrams/Hotels, Train fares, Air fares, Sightseeing, all meals, Qualified Guide at destinations, monument entrances, tea/coffee breaks and all the activities (Yoga, meditation ,Elephant ride, Camel Ride, Boat Rides) mentioned in the programme.
Highlights
The trip is organized with help of various NGOs, Ashrams and Travel Agents located at different places. Few changes may be done according to your individual preferences and month of travelling in Himalayan region covered in this programme. The trip can be good opportunity for people interested in Spiritual aspects of Indian culture.Visit to cities located along the Ganges being the ‘life line’ of Indian culture and civilization will provide ample opportunities of understanding spiritual and cultural life of Indians. Covers Highlight of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand (Himalayas), Madhya Pradesh and Utter Pradesh provinces of India.
Cost
| No of persons | Cost | Cost Per person |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 115000 Indian Rupees/ 1575 Euro/1769 USD | |
| 02 | 76500 Indian Rupees/1047 Euro/1176 USD | |
| 3 persons and above | 68500 Indian Rupees/938 Euro/1053 USD | |
| For specialty designed trip | Cost depends on choice of Hotels/duration and will to be calculated accordingly |
Note: This trip can be Availed all over the year
Departure Date
| Date | Year | Special Offer | Register Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 October | 2017 | Diwali,The Festival of Lights in Jaipur | Register Now |
| 02 November | 2017 | Pushkar Fair | Register Now |
| 22 December | 2017 | -- | Register Now |
| 12 January | 2018 | New year | Register Now |
| 02 February | 2018 | -- | Register Now |
| 04 March | 2018 | Holi,The Festival of Colors in Vrindavan | Register Now |
Itinerary
01 Day: Arrival in Rishikesh / Haridwar / Delhi
During stay of first week in Rishikesh, there will be two classes daily about Yoga and Meditation every morning. It will cover essence of Indian Yoga system traditionally refereed as ‘Sankhya-yog’. Sankhya is the theory behind Yoga and an understanding of Sankhya enables yoga practioners to have a speedy and smooth progress in sadhna (Yogic path) as it describes the road map for achieving goals prescribed in Yoga system. You will also get lessons about Ayurveda, different types of meditation techniques and Asannas (Yogic postures). After understanding basics of Ayurveda you can avail suitable treatments, massages, panchkarma etc, while staying in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh: Blessings of the Himalayas and the Ganges
02 Day: Rishikesh
Morning visit to the banks of the Ganges to feel the atmosphere of a holy town located along the Ganges. The town literary means the ‘Gateway to God’. It is perfect place to understand importance of the Ganges and Himalayas in Indian spirituality. In afternoon a brief Introduction to ‘Sankhya-yog’, Ayurveda, Meditation and few Assanas. Later in evening enjoy a classical Indian music consort.
03 Day: Rishikesh
Classes related to ‘Sankhya –Yog’ and Meditation. In free time explore the town to enjoy unparalleled charm of Himalayas and the Ganges at the same time. This town is a place to understand settings offered by Himalayas for a spiritual break in life. Here mightiness of Himalayas and purity of the Ganges can be seen in all aspects of human life. Here we stay in an Ashram for understanding spiritual life of Indians.
04 Day: Rishikesh
In evening board train from Haridwar (20 kms from Rishikesh) to Ajmer/Pushkar (Over Night Train)
Overnight in Train
In morning Arrival in Ajmer and Transfer Pushkar (15 kms). Later visit to the Only Temple of Lord Brahma (the creator god of universe) in the world and the sacred lake (Sarovar). According to Hindu mythology the ceremony to start the creation was done by lord Brahma in Pushkar only. Visit colourful market of Pushkar and experience a camel ride during sunset. Pushkar is desert town of Rajasthan and is known for its world famous Pushkar cattle fair held every November.
Overnight in Hotel in Pushkar
05 Day: Pushkar
Free time to explore the surroundings of thar desert .
Overnight in Hotel in Pushkar
06 Day: Pushkar - Jaipur (140 kms, 3 hrs)
Drive to Jaipur, the pink city of India.
Gate, city wall of pink city and Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
After Check-in into Hotel in Afternoon visit Govindevji Temple,dedicated to GovindDevji (Local name of lord Krishna).Dedication of locals for lord Krishna here can be seen at its best. Devotees from around the world can be seen dancing and singing in ecstasy of devotion. Songs are accompanied here by tradition musical instruments and create a unique atmosphere, inexpressible by words or pictures. Optional visit to City Palace Museum and astronomical Observatory located next to Govind Devji Temple. After lunch explore city by walk and Cycle Rickshaws.In the evening, explore the busy markets of Jaipur. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Most of the temples in India we find Radha as companion of Krishna, but this temple is an exception to this rule. This Temple is also a perfect example of Indo –Aryan style of Temples built in sixteenth century. The Temple is looked after by same priest family living within temple for many generations. Temple also is home to few of the most vivid carvings ever done on marble and other sandstones. At Amber fort enjoy Elephant ride to reach main courtyard of Amber fort.
Entrance of Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amber and Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur
07 Day: Jaipur
Early morning visit ancient capital of Amber and enjoy an Elephant ride to reach Top of the fort. Later visit the Jagatshiromani Temple, which is the oldest temple in old capital of Amber and is e dedicated to Lord Krishna and Meera Bai.
(Meera Bai was a legendry princes born in Rajasthan, who worshiped lord Krishna as her lover or husband and she is believed to have bodily become one with the statue of lord Krishna. This temple contains the original statue of lord Krishna, which was worshipped by mystic Meera).
Amber fort and ancient Town, Jaipur
08 Day: Jaipur - Bharartpur –Vrindavn by road
Keoladev National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan (Heaven for Migratory Birds)
In morning proceed to Bharartpur and visit Keoladev National Park. This park is home to many birds migrating from Siberia, Europe to escape winters. The park is declared as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Here you will explore the park on Cycle Rickshaws with a local Naturalist.
Overnight stay in Hotel in Vrindavan
09 Day: Vrindavn
Explore surroundings of Vrindavan by taking a circular trip of the town by walk , which is a very popular sacred walk in India called ‘Vrindavan Parikrma’ ( 3,4 hrs)
Overnight stay in Hotel in Vrindavan
10 Day: Vrindavan
Entrance of Jagat Shiromani Temple, Amber and Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur
Another day to explore this sacred town, where lord Krishna spent his childhood. It is believed that in current age lord Vishnu himself lives in this small sacred town. An excursion to Mathura (nearby town will be organized to visit Birth place of lord Krishna).
Optional Circular walk around Vrindavan (8 kms, 4-5 hopus) , one of the best walks in most sacred city of North India , which bring an insight into great tradition of Krishna Bhakti (devotion to lord Krishna in different forms).
Overnight stay in Hotel in Vrindavan
11 Day: Vrindavan – (50 kms) Agra – (110 kms) Gwalior
Mughal Heritage: Taj- Mahal and Red Fort, Agra
In Agra visit Taj- Mahal and Agra fort and avail some free time for exploring the city located on the banks of river Yamuna
Overnight stay in Hotel in Gwalior
Gwalior fort: A massive fort an example of Rajput Architecture
12 Day: Gwalior - Orcha
Morning visit to Gwalior fort and Museum, later proceed to Orchha.
Orcha : A tranquil town
Overnight stay in Hotel in Orcha
13 Day: Orcha – Khajaraho
Morning visit to land marks of beautiful town of Orcha located on the banks of River Betwa and attend Morning Prayer at Ram Raja Temple. Later proceed to Khujaraho.
Overnight stay in Hotel in Khajaraho
14 Day: Khajaraho – Varanasi by flight
Morning visit to Temples of Khajaraho, known for their erotic sculpture based on Tantric tradition and in after noon board flight for Varanasi
Overnight stay in Hotel in Varanasi
15 Day: Varanasi
Varanasi by a boat cruise on the Ganges. Evening trip to the Ganges to visit important Ghats (Banks of river) to understand the spiritual, religious, economic as well as environmental importance of the Ganges for different sections of people. Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities of the world and is believed to be the home of lord Shiva. It is one of the holiest city of India and a great seat of learning for last thousands of years.
Overnight in Hotel in Varanasi
End of the trip
16 Day: Varanasi to Destinations of your Choice
From Varanasi you can continue to Nepal also and return back to Delhi by flight from Kathmandu. (Varanasi - Kathmandu - Delhi) Varanasi is well connected to major Indian cities as well to Kathmandu (Nepal). From here you can travel to any destination further to east (Calcutta) and also it an ideal place to explore most of the Buddhist Pilgrimage sites. Some of the Possible Extensions from Varanasi Calcutta (Kolkata) After traveling along India’s most sacred river from her origin to Varanasi, you can we continue trip to Kolkata by overnight train. Next day visit Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Writers Building, the Flower Market and the Howrah Bridge. Nepal: from Varanasi you may proceed to Nepal (Saunoli border is about 8 hrs drive from Varanasi and the birth Place of Buddha (Lumbani) is located very close to Indo-Nepal border. You can stay in this town and start exploring Nepal from here. Foot Steps of Buddha: From Varanasi you can explore most of the places associated with life of Lord Buddha very conveniently. It takes about 8-10 days to cover these spiritual places, which are Major Buddhist pilgrimage centre. From Varanasi you can continue to Nepal also and return back to Delhi by flight from Kathmandu. (Varanasi – Kathmandu – Delhi) Varanasi is well connected to major Indian cities as well to Kathmandu (Nepal). From here you can proceed to any destination further to east (Calcutta) and also it an ideal place to explore most of the Buddhist Pilgrimage sites.
Some of the Possible Trips from Varanasi
Calcutta (Kolkata)After traveling along India’s most sacred river from her origin to Varanasi, you can we continue trip to Kolkata by overnight train. Next day visit Victoria Memorial, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Writers Building, the Flower Market and the Howrah Bridge.
Nepal: from Varanasi you may proceed to Nepal (Saunoli border is about 8 hrs drive from Varanasi and the birth Place of Buddha (Lumbani) is located very close to Indo–Nepal border. You can stay in this town and start exploring Nepal from here.
Foot Steps of Buddha From Varanasi you can explore most of the places associated with life of Lord Buddha very conveniently. It takes about 8-10 days to cover these spiritual places, which are Major Buddhist pilgrimage centre.