Sacred India: Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi & Ayodhya – 10 Nights

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and assisted transfer to your hotel for check-in. Delhi, India's vibrant capital, offers a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern development. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your international flight. 

Overnight in Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast, meet your professional English-speaking guide for a comprehensive tour of Delhi, a city that beautifully combines centuries of history with contemporary life.

Start your day with OLD DELHI sightseeing visit to Chandni Chowk enjoy Rickshaw ride followed by local food tasting. Drive past to view the magnificent Red Fort (outside only), a UNESCO-listed monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later visit the grand Jama Masjid, one of India's largest and most beautiful mosques.

Drive pass the impressive Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) and the majestic Parliament House, before stopping at the iconic India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. 

Begin your sightseeing at the magnificent Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Humayun's Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, which later inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, depart by road for Rishikesh, a scenic journey of approximately 245 kms / 05 hours through the northern plains of India. Enroute, stop at the sacred city of Haridwar, one of Hinduism's seven holiest pilgrimage destinations.

With your guide, visit the famous Har Ki Pauri Ghat, believed to be the place where drops of the nectar of immortality fell during the legendary Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims from across India gather here to take a holy dip in the River Ganges. As evening approaches, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spectacular spiritual ceremony where priests perform synchronized rituals with large brass lamps accompanied by devotional chanting, ringing temple bells and floating oil lamps on the river. 

Continue your drive to Rishikesh, known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. 

Overnight in Rishikesh

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the peaceful spiritual town of Rishikesh, beautifully nestled along the banks of the River Ganges and surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas.

Visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a famous suspension bridge believed to stand near the place where Lord Lakshman crossed the Ganges. Continue to Ram Jhula, another picturesque suspension bridge connecting temples and ashrams on both sides of the river. Visit the renowned Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of India's largest spiritual institutions, known for its tranquil atmosphere, yoga programs and beautiful riverside setting. Later visit Triveni Ghat, one of the most sacred bathing ghats in Rishikesh.

In the evening, experience the enchanting Ganga Aarti, where devotees gather to offer prayers as priests perform traditional rituals with beautifully illuminated lamps, accompanied by devotional music and chanting. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Rishikesh

After breakfast, drive to Dehradun Airport to board your flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and India's most sacred pilgrimage destination.

Upon arrival in Varanasi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. 

In the evening, proceed to the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, one of the most spiritually uplifting experiences in India. Priests dressed in traditional attire perform synchronized rituals using multi-tiered brass lamps, incense, conch shells and sacred chants while hundreds of devotees gather along the riverbanks and boats to witness this unforgettable ceremony. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Varanasi

Early this morning, enjoy a memorable sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges, one of the highlights of any visit to Varanasi. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient ghats, observe pilgrims performing sacred rituals, priests offering prayers, devotees taking holy dips and locals beginning their daily activities along the river.

Following the boat ride, visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, with VIP Darshan arranged for your convenience. Continue to the famous Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, a highly revered shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Visit the prestigious Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of Asia's largest residential universities.

Later, enjoy an excursion to Sarnath, the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the impressive Dhamek Stupa, ancient monastery ruins and the archaeological remains that reflect the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Return to Varanasi for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Varanasi

After breakfast, drive to Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), a journey of approximately 125 kms / 03 hours. Prayagraj is one of India's most sacred cities and is world-famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering on Earth.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax after the journey or explore the local surroundings at your own pace.

Overnight in Prayagraj

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Prayagraj. Visit the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy Rivers Ganges and Yamuna along with the mythical Saraswati River. This sacred confluence is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

Continue to the famous Hanuman Temple, known for its unique reclining idol of Lord Hanuman, before visiting Anand Bhavan, the beautifully preserved ancestral home of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, which offers fascinating insights into India's freedom movement.

Later, drive approximately 165 kms / 04 hours to the sacred city of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama according to Hindu tradition. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. 

Overnight in Ayodhya

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day exploration of one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations.

Begin your visit at the magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, where VIP Entry has been arranged to ensure a smooth and comfortable visit. Continue to Hanuman Garhi, one of Ayodhya's most important temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Visit the beautiful Kanak Bhawan, believed to have been gifted to Goddess Sita after her marriage to Lord Rama, followed by Dashrath Mahal, the royal residence associated with King Dashrath, father of Lord Rama.

In the evening, proceed to the serene Saryu River to witness the beautiful Saryu Ghat Aarti, where devotional hymns, illuminated lamps and the peaceful river create an unforgettable spiritual experience. 

Overnight in Ayodhya

After breakfast, transfer to Ayodhya Airport to board your scheduled flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. 

The remainder of the day is free for relaxation. 

Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward journey. 

Depart India with wonderful memories of its ancient spiritual traditions, magnificent heritage, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, taking home unforgettable experiences from this remarkable journey through North India.

Meals: Breakfast