North India Spiritual Tour

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at the international airport in Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your pre-booked New Delhi hotel. Already, on the way to your hotel, you get a first impression of the capital of India. The company representative will take care of your check in process of the hotel. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Delhi.

After breakfast you will have an exciting tour of Delhi. It will be a guided tour. Delhi tour guide will be introduced with you in the morning in the lobby of the hotel. First you visit India’s biggest mosque Jama Masjid, the main mosque of Old Delhi which was built in 1656 AD by the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. Here, while Muslims offer Namaz, you can have a glimpse of that and thus get a deeper insight into Islam. Then visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir). This temple, a fine example of Nagar style of temple architecture, was built in honor of Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, and her consort Lord Vishnu. In the temple, the priest will perform a special prayer ceremony for you. Later, you will be visiting a gurudwara (a Sikh temple) and Christian church. You will be taken to golden domed Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which is one of the most famous gurudwaras of the Sikh. Hereinafter, you shall be visiting one of the largest Roman Catholic churches of Delhi, the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It has been built in traditional style by Edwin Lutyens, the most important British architect of the 20th century. In a local restaurant you can enjoy lunch. Have a digestive walk in Indraprastha Park where you can see the Vishwa Shanti Stupa-the World Peace Pagoda. Finally, visit the Akshardham Temple. The Hindu temple complex of Akshardham is a majestic creation incorporating modern technology with ancient traditions of architectural finesse. This temple was inaugurated on 6 November of 2005. After visiting prominent religious shrines and sites of Delhi, return to Delhi hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay therein.

The ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle is of course a lot more comfortable but knowing people, countryside and lifestyle of India, a train ride is the best way to observe and explore. It’s a very special way of coming in contact with the people. That's why your journey to Pushkar via Ajmer will be on a Shatabdi Express train. This train is one of the best trains in India and has only chair cars. Board train at New Delhi railway station and move for Ajmer. Here you will visit Ajmer Sharif, the shrine with the remains of the revered Sufi Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti - founder of the Chishti Sufi sect. Then you will be transferred by your chauffeur to Pushkar. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Pushkar hotel.

Pushkar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The town lies on holy Pushkar Lake. During annual pilgrimage, many devout Hindus take holy dip into the ‘kund’(the Pushkar Lake) to get rid of their sins and get blessings for family’s health and wealth. These rituals are performed by local Brahmins. The Brahmanical cult here has a long tradition. Pushkar is home to the only Brahma Temple in India that was rebuilt in 14th century. The dawn in Pushkar begins not with birdsong but with the drums and bells of the Brahma temple at four O’clock in the morning. Watching the way of life of Hindu religious town Pushkar in the dawn hours is a feast to eyes and soul. Another attraction of Pushkar is Pushkar Fair or Camel Fair, probably the largest market place in the world, though for a limited number of days every year. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here. In the afternoon, your journey takes you in the "pink city" Jaipur. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Jaipur.

Jaipur is a busy town with all characteristics of a modern metropolis, but with old world charm. The old Jaipur, painted in pink, will enchant you! In the morning you will visit the Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a prime attraction of Jaipur and offers great view of the city. Its mammoth structure, majestic palaces inside, pavilions, courtyards temple, tunnels and water storage system etc are captivating. Traditionally & festively decorated elephant ride up to the courtyard of Amber Fort or drive on a Jeep (subject to availability of elephant) is a lifetime experience. Visit the public audience hall (Diwan-i-Aam), the magnificent Ganesh Gate and the mirror palace (Shish Mahal). The building is considered one of the finest of its kind in Rajasthan. Later visit the City Palace, still the residence of the Maharajas and admire the private collections of historical miniatures, carpets, weapons and robes in the museums. Also the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) with its uniquely decorated red sandstone facade is one of the tourist highlights. Lying in the same cluster is Jantar Mantar, world’s largest and still in working condition solar observatory. Explore local bustling market. Later in the evening, attend gracious ‘aarti’ in Govind Dev Ji Temple. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Jaipur.

Having enjoyed breakfast in Jaipur hotel, proceed for Agra, erstwhile Mughal capital. On the way to Agra, visit the deserted & city-in-shambles of Fatehpur Sikri. Buildings of Fatehpur Sikri are built of red sandstone. Mughal ruler Akbar built this capital city in 16th century but had to abandon it soon after its completion due to lack of potable water. Fatehpur Sikri, called as ghostly city as well, has been well-preserved still with the great mosque and all palaces. Even today one can - just like four hundred years ago - wander through an intact, lordly city: multi-storey palaces, gardens, a square, waterworks, countless covered walkways, stairs and terraces. These architectural gems speak a lot about Akbar’s leanings. The sunken metropolis combines two opposites: the figurative architecture of the Hindus and the geometric of Islam. The red, well-preserved sandstone buildings are among the most important examples of Mughal architecture. Having visited Fatehpur Sikri, drive to Agra. You will reach Agra in the late afternoon. Spend the evening in leisure and have overnight stay in Agra hotel.

Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, the city of Agra holds importance of being erstwhile capital of the Mughal rulers from 1526 to 1628. Agra’s tourist highlight is clearly the Taj Mahal. Featuring an unrivalled perfection and beauty, carved and etched out on white marble, world’s most expensive monument dedicated to love, Taj Mahal shines brilliantly even today- especially in the early morning hours. Mughal ruler Shah Jahan built this mausoleum in 1631 for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. 20,000 workers built it in 22 years: a dream of white marble, which rises in perfect proportions amidst an elegant garden with a fountain. Agra is home to yet another UNESCO World Heritage sites: the monumental Agra Fort - a fortress and palace complex from the 16th century. Not only the building itself but also the views of Taj Mahal from here is breathtaking. In the afternoon, visit the St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Missionary of Charity, Mother Teresa's former home, which is now home to an orphanage. Have overnight stay in Agra.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the railway station of Agra for the train journey to Jhansi railway junction. Board Shatabdi Express to Jhansi. Once there, you will be received by our representative. On the way to Khajuraho, you will visit the small town of Orchha with its spectacular palaces and temples. Orchha Fort Palace complex comprises several architectural and sculptural gems like Raja Ram Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Jehangir Palace, Raj Palace and Rani Praveen Palace. After visiting Orchha and having taken delicious lunch in a restaurant in an idyllic location on the banks of River Betwa, depart for Khajuraho. Located in the northernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous for its enchanting temples and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. On arrival at Khajuraho, you will be transferred to the pre-booked hotel. After relaxing for a while, proceed to enjoy cultural show or sound & light show. Later, return to hotel for overnight stay.

Have delicious breakfast in Khajuraho hotel and move for visiting famous temples of Khajuraho along with tour guide. Khajuraho temples have been identified into three clusters- Western Group of Temples, Eastern Group of Temples and Southern Group of Temples. Western Group of Khajuraho temples are most magnanimous and famous. The erotic representations of scenes from the Kamasutra on the walls of the temples of Khajuraho attract many tourists. The temples were created between the 10th and 12th centuries. Its builders took pleasure in spreading the legend that they came from the moon. The erotic sculptures and reliefs not only please the curious voyeur in all of us, but are also impressively and skillfully worked. Besides erotic scenes also everyday situations are presented, about women who write letters, apply make-up, comb her hair, dancing or playing with their children. Having visited Khajuraho temples, return to hotel, check out and depart for Khajuraho airport to board flight for Varanasi.

On arrival at Varanasi, you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Once you have settled into your hotel, take an excursion to Sarnath. The city is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, as Buddha preached his first sermon here. Explore the ruins of the once flourishing Buddhist monasteries and visit a museum, which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures. Here you can visit Tibetan Buddhist monastery as well. Thereafter, return back to Varanasi city to watch the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ganges. Aarti is offered by burning oil lamps. Later, return to hotel for overnight stay.

The city on the Ganges has a long religious tradition and is considered a sacred place of Hinduism. For over 2,500 years, the faithful make pilgrimages here. In fact, Varanasi is called to be the cultural capital of India. Hindus take holy dip the Ganga to get rid of sins. Hindus prefer to die in Varanasi and get burnt on the Ghats of the Ganges to escape from the constant cycle of rebirth. Today, welcome the morning with a boat ride on the Ganges. Thousands of believers come every morning to the banks of the Ganga to bathe and pray. Before the silhouettes of the temples and palaces in the morning light, they light candles, floating on banana leaves over the river. Let the magical atmosphere encompass you. Then return for a leisurely breakfast in your hotel. Later in the day, move on a guided tour of Varanasi which includes Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple (where a large monkey population lives) and the Benares Hindu University campus with its Art Gallery. Return to hotel in the evening for overnight stay.

Today you fly from Varanasi to Delhi, where you will be received at the airport by our representative and taken to railway station. Here you will board the train to Haridwar. The city is considered one of the seven holiest places for the Hindus. According to legend, spilled drops of ‘amrit’ (nectar), the elixir of immortality, accidentally from the pitcher fell here. On arrival at Haridwar, our representative will receive you and give transfer to the pre-booked hotel. Spend the evening in serene environment of Haridwar and feel the ethereal spirituality all over. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Haridwar hotel.

Today you take a day trip to Rishikesh at the foot of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is the starting point for the pilgrimage to the holy places in the Garhwal mountains where the sources of the Ganges lie. The holy river flows through Rishikesh and offers here - unlike in many places downstream - with clear water and scenic beauty. In Rishikesh you take some temple visits. In the evening visit an ashram here. Later, return to Haridwar for overnight stay.

Today you will be taken on temple tour of Haridwar. You will be visiting several famous temples and ‘gurukuls’ during the course. After a tour of the temples of Haridwar, you will be transferred to Haridwar railway station to board train for Amritsar, the capital city of Punjab and cultural pivot of Sikhism. On arrival at Amritsar (Punjab), you will be received by our representative to ensure your transfer to and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay is scheduled in Amritsar hotel.

In the morning visit the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, the most culturally significant shrine of the Sikhs. The Sikh religion goes back to the Guru Nanak Dev who gleaned the best of Hinduism & Islam and amalgamated them to enhance social harmony, meaningful life and progressive elements in 1469. You will then visit the Jallianwala Bagh, a park and monument. This memorial reminds Indians about the atrocities committed by the British. The memorial is reminiscent of the people who were killed during a peaceful protest for India's independence in 1919 by British soldiers. More than 2,000 civilians had lost their lives to the noble cause of freedom from the British. Hereinafter, you will be taken to Durgyana Temple. In the evening, visit the Wagha border, the only border gateway that ensures legal entry of people into each country- India & Pakistan. Beating Retreat ceremony, performed daily, is the prime attraction. only road border crossing between India and Pakistan. Overnight in Amritsar.

Have relaxed breakfast in Amritsar hotel, move for Dharamshala, a famous hill station & cultural centre of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala is a popular holiday destination. After annexation of Tibet by China, a large number of Tibetan Buddhists fled from Tibet to India and settled down along with their religious leader Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Dalai Lama, from Dharamshala itself, runs Tibetan government in exile. As Dharamshala is the spiritual home of Dalai Lama, it has emerged as a great Buddhist centre with excellent mélange of Hinduism and Buddhism. On arrival at Dharamshala, you will be transferred to pre-booked hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After relaxed breakfast in Dharamshala hotel, the day has been kept for leisurely visit of Macleodganj where one visits Dal Lake, Naddi, Bhagsu Nag Temple, the Holiness "Dalai Lama Temple" & Namgyal Monastery and enjoy the stunning beauty & tranquility of this region. Depending upon your interest and availability of time, visit ancient temples like Chamunda, Jwalamukhi and Brijeshwari and St. John Church. During the course of sightseeing, do explore the small Tibetan handicrafts and artifacts bazaar, which is filled with variety. Overnight stay has been scheduled in Dharamshala hotel.

Have delicious breakfast in Dharamshala hotel, spend morning hours in leisure and then drive for Dharamshala airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival at New Delhi, board another flight for your onward destination.