Meeting and assistance on arrival and you will be transferred to your hotel.

Delhi, the capital of India, has a long and storied history that goes back 3,000 years. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and has been the beating heart of many empires, from the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals to the British. Each one has left its imprint on Delhi’s architecture, creating a varied and multicultural cityscape. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites span the centuries and are arguably the highlights of our tour today. The 12th-century Qutub Minar is an early example of Delhi’s Islamic heritage. Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century, features a garden mausoleum with a striking octagonal design. Finally, there is the iconic sandstone Red Fort, or Lal Quila, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Today, Delhi is split between ‘Old Delhi’, with its narrow streets, bazaars, and historical monuments, and ‘New Delhi’, with its wide boulevards and grand government buildings. One thing they both have in common is delicious street food ranging from chaat and kebabs to flaky parathas, making Delhi a food lover’s paradise.

The adventure begins! We travel to picturesque Rishikesh where you’ll settle into life in an ashram. Here you’ll experience Shiva Puja (the ancient Hindu tradition of worship to Lord Siva through the use of mantra, tantra, kriyas, mudras, and abhishekam) followed by Bhajan chanting. We stay in the ashram temple overnight for the first time.

The morning begins with scenic walk along the holy river Ganges, the third largest river in the world by discharge, and one of the most sacred to Hindus. After lunch we take a short drive to Laxman Jhoola to commence a walking tour through Rishikesh, which is sure to inspire you with its radiant beauty. At sunset witness a special prayer ceremony called ‘aarti’ on the banks on the Ganges at Parmath Ghat.

The ashram program is yours to explore. Immerse yourself in the world of yogis with a range of ancient healing and spiritual practices including yoga, pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, meditative walks, mantra and chanting.
We open discussion on Vedic philosophy with practical gems on how to apply this to daily life. Here’s your opportunity to ask all your questions and participate in an intimate sharing of personal insights and experiences among the group. During this stay we also visit Muni-ki-Reti or the “sands of the sages” and experience the aarti at Triveni Ghat.

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Today we take flight to Varanasi, which is one of the world’s oldest cities to be continually-inhabited. The afternoon is yours to wander and play in the narrow alleyways of the old city and get lost in the high energy of this amazing place. At sunset, enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges and experience the beautiful aarti ceremony, honouring ‘Mother Ganga.’
Late afternoon travel out to the banks of the Ganges to witness the aarti ceremony. This is an optional activity, as the journey can only reasonably be made by motorised rickshaw or ‘tuk-tuk’ during the busiest part of the day. This is an exciting way to travel (it takes 20 minutes in each direction) and may not be to everyone’s taste. However, the aarti ceremony is unmissable and highly recommended.

We rise at 5am to witness the early morning Hindu Prayer rituals during a boat ride on the Ganges, and then return to the hotel to replenish with a nourishing breakfast and downtime. Next, we take you on a walking tour of the winding alleyways of Varanasi’s fascinating old city and interesting sites. At sunset, attend the aarti ceremony at the Ghats. Also called ‘Fire Puja’, the ceremony is a dedication to the River Ganges, the Sun, Lord Shiva, Fire and the whole universe.
Afternoon, we drive to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his very first sermon. Marvel at the ancient stupas, the Buddhist temple and archaeological museum.

Early morning pre-dawn darkness we make our way to the ghats where our boat is waiting. All aboard we float out onto the river for one of India’s most magical experiences, watching the sun rise over the Ganges and the ghats. After the spectacle of the sunrise itself, we rowed slowly along the river, watching the activity of the ghats as the devotees came down to the waters. All aspects of life can be seen on the ghats as people make their offerings and prayers, wash themselves and their clothes and even cremate their loved ones on the banks of the most important river in Hinduism. From our vantage in the boat and with the soft pink dawn light, the higgledy-piggledy arrangement of temples and houses rising from the shore have a magical quality. In the afternoon we explore the busy bazaars of Varanasi. As well as having the distinction of being one of the oldest cities on earth, Varanasi is also famous for its silk and there are bargains to be had here if you are looking for souvenirs. The Buddhist site of Sarnath is a short distance outside the city.

Morning flight to Amritsar.
Late afternoon trip to Wagah Border, Amritsar located at a distance of 28 km from Amritsar in India, the Wagah Border marks the boundaries between Indian and Pakistani borders, running along the Grand Trunk Road. The Wagah Border Ceremony or the Beating Retreat Ceremony, held every day, is the prime attraction. Every evening, just before sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship.

Sri Darbar Sahib (The Golden Temple) Amritsar India is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of caste, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

Morning at leisure. Afternoon yuou will be transferred to the train station for your travel back to Delhi.