Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi Devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.
Day 2 : Delhi / Varanasi (Shiv Ganga Express – 1845 / 0730 Hrs)
cycle rickshaws
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
guided tour of New Delhi
New Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. It is also a municipality and district in Delhi and serves as the seat of Government of Delhi. Here, we will be visiting many fascinating sights such as Humayun’s Tomb (1586) - a bright testament to the brilliant craftsmanship of the Mughal architect & their creativity. The Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the perfect tower in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. We will continue our discoveries, with a drive through the Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart, the soul, and main shopping district of the capital. We will also witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.
guided tour of Old Delhi
Old Delhi is one of the best places to observe the great colossal of cultural and social convergence of old and new. In one corner you might witness a group of oldies sharing their past experiences, sometimes laughing (perhaps over a joke on their spouses!!) - all happy within themselves. In the opposite corner, you might see a bunch of youngsters singing new and old Bollywood songs – Time somehow stands still in the streets of Old Delhi. Besides, on the tour, we will visit the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Later, we will visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Varanasi
The city got its name from the two Rivers - Varuna and Assi - which meets here and happens to be the tributaries of the River Ganges. However, mention of Ganga is incomplete without the mention of the Spirituality of Varanasi where we witness the performance of rituals that define the very essence of a devout Hindu's life. These rituals have been performed and retained over centuries. Water is offered to the rising Sun, a dip in the Ganges for self-purification is undertaken, food to the departed souls are offered, head shaving, the sacred thread ceremony happens on the banks of Mother Ganges. The city also reflects the ultimate culmination of man's material existence. When the journey of life is achieved, the final and the most auspicious send-off to the other world happens from the Manikarnika Ghats (banks).
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi
Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old City for a guided tour of Old Delhi.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Later, transfer to the train station to board your overnight train to Varanasi - as we feel the essence of real India.
Day 3 : Varanasi
Varanasi
The city got its name from the two Rivers - Varuna and Assi - which meets here and happens to be the tributaries of the River Ganges. However, mention of Ganga is incomplete without the mention of the Spirituality of Varanasi where we witness the performance of rituals that define the very essence of a devout Hindu's life. These rituals have been performed and retained over centuries. Water is offered to the rising Sun, a dip in the Ganges for self-purification is undertaken, food to the departed souls are offered, head shaving, the sacred thread ceremony happens on the banks of Mother Ganges. The city also reflects the ultimate culmination of man's material existence. When the journey of life is achieved, the final and the most auspicious send-off to the other world happens from the Manikarnika Ghats (banks).
performance of Ganges Aarti
We enjoy a special evening cruise on the Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambiance is spectacular in the backdrop of the beating of cymbals and bells as well as the incessant chantings.
Meeting & assistance upon arrival in Varanasi, and later transfer to your hotel.
After wash & change, we will visit several temples and the Hindu University at Benares.
Evening, we visit the ghats of Varanasi to witness the performance of Ganges Aarti.
Later return to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Radisson (Superior Room)
Day 4 : Varanasi
Varanasi
The city got its name from the two Rivers - Varuna and Assi - which meets here and happens to be the tributaries of the River Ganges. However, mention of Ganga is incomplete without the mention of the Spirituality of Varanasi where we witness the performance of rituals that define the very essence of a devout Hindu's life. These rituals have been performed and retained over centuries. Water is offered to the rising Sun, a dip in the Ganges for self-purification is undertaken, food to the departed souls are offered, head shaving, the sacred thread ceremony happens on the banks of Mother Ganges. The city also reflects the ultimate culmination of man's material existence. When the journey of life is achieved, the final and the most auspicious send-off to the other world happens from the Manikarnika Ghats (banks).
Buddhist city of Sarnath
It is here that the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment.
At dawn, we visit the sacred Ganges for a boat ride.
Following the boat ride, we set off on foot to explore the inner city of Varanasi.
Evening, we take a short trip to the Buddhist city of Sarnath.
Overnight at the Hotel Radisson (Superior Room)
Day 5 : Varanasi / Bodhgaya (245 Kms) (05 Hrs Drive)
Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of Buddhists
Bodhgaya situated near the river Niranjana is one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage centers since it was here that Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
After breakfast, we will drive to Bodhgaya.
Upon arrival check in to your Hotel
Bodhgaya - As the place of the Buddha's Enlightenment, Bodhgaya is the spiritual home of Buddhists.
Overnight at Royal Residency (Delux Room)
