After breakfast in the morning, we proceed for a full day experience of Delhi.

The day has been designed to provide an insight of the growing pulse of contemporary India alongside the historic monuments & sites that have defined the capital city of Delhi.

We will begin the tour from Raj Ghat – the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and then proceed to explore Humayun’s Tomb. This heritage site has been site built in the Indo Persian style and is often regarded as a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra. As our storyteller guides us through this marvel, we will the proceed to visit one of the spiritual highlights and prominent holy Sikh temples of Sikh religion – The Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. The complex of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has a main prayer hall, a holy Sarovar or lake, a hospital, Baba Baghel Singh Museum and a library within its premises. People visiting here get ‘Kada Prasad’ and free langar or ‘community meals’ are served at a particular time.

As we continue the drive through central Delhi, we briefly visit Agrasen ki baoli, which is a stepwell and otherwise known as “baoli”. Thousands of these sophisticated water-harvesting structures proliferated throughout India beginning around 600 CE, but they fell into disuse with the advent of water pumps and plumbing. Flights of steps were excavated adjacent to deep well shafts, ensuring that dramatically-fluctuating ground water could be reached all year long.

For lunch, we will proceed to one of the heritage hotels, Imperial, in Delhi whereby we will also have a brief site overview of this luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city.

After a sumptuous meal, we proceed towards Old Delhi. Our first visit here would include the majestic Red Fort, the grand residence of Mughal emperors, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. As we exit the fort, we move into the heart of old Delhi, Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India and also enjoy a walking tour in Chandni Chowk – the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity.

To end our day, we will visit a beautiful heritage haveli (Dharampura) in Old Delhi to enjoy kite flying followed by dinner.

After breakfast, we will check-out from the hotel & drive to Agra, an estimated 3-3.5 hour drive.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Agra, a city located on the banks of the river Yamuna, is known as being the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal!.

Early Afternoon visit the Itimad-Ud-Daulah, is a mere shadow to the great Taj Mahal. One of the most impressive architectural wonders of Agra, this monument is the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal and therefore called “Baby Taj Mahal”.

Following this, we then proceed for a Mughal Women Walk. Reading about princesses, begums and empresses of the Mughal empire, it is always fascinating to learn about their contributions and accomplishments. Beit Khanzada Begum, Mumtaz Mahal, Noor Jahanor Jahanara Begum, the women were all, right from the beginning, some of the most cultured and educated of their age. As for the physical evidence of Mughal ambition and glory, Agra is fairly studded with examples of their vision, in sandstone and marble.

As we complete these walking tour, we then proceed for a traditional Indian meal, at one of the highly lauded restaurants within Agra.

Early morning, visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. Considered one of the greatest monument of love and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Return back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and visit the Agra Fort. The fort originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace.

After the visit, we will continue our drive to Jaipur, enroute visit the Fatehpur Sikri. A city situated at a distance of 37 kms from Agra, was built by the Mughal Emperor. Its magnificence and uniqueness offers a fine example of the emperor’s architectural finesse. Later continue our drive to Jaipur, an estimated 5-hour drive. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Jaipur, popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, is the capital of one of the most culturally rich states of India, Rajasthan. Built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh, the city gets its nickname from the distinct pink shade of many of its old city buildings and palace complexes. The city has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 6th July 2019.

Let’s explore the local markets. Jaipur is known as a shopper’s paradise famous for jewellery, handicraft, carpet, blue pottery and textiles.

In the evening, we will visit a renowned artists home to enjoy home hosted dinner and an interaction with him about the art, history and culture. This is followed by a visit to his beautiful guest house, whose entire interior decoration is done by the artist himself.

After breakfast, Our day began with an excursion of the unique Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). We then proceed to the Amer Fort, which is known for its magnificent blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The visit is led by an expert, to guide the guests through the magnificent stories and intricacies of the architecture of the fort.

As we complete the morning visit we then proceeded towards the in skirts of the city, towards the City Palace, a beautiful palace complex full of treasures now housed in the museum area. Close to this is the Royal Astronomical Observatory or as known locally, the Jantar Mantar!

Our day is then spent in learning and immersing ourselves in the stories and techniques of a rich soft culture of Rajasthan – its textiles and handicrafts!

We begin by proceeding to visit the Block Printing Studio in Sanganer. Through this experience we will learn about the art of hand block printing using traditional techniques. One will be taken through the studio, learning about the basic principles, equipment, and dyes involved in this craft. You will be taught how to block-print using wooden blocks with the help of our master craftsmen. We will also have a walk through the antique block collection, which have been curated from various block printing centers of India like Kashmir, Gujarat and Kutch. Get a hands on experience and print a scarf with the guidance from experienced block printers!

We then complete the experience with a unique interaction with textile experts and artists.

Drive back to city for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will celebrate the festival of colour.

Holi is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It also signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter.

There are different colours associated with our feelings and emotions. For instance:

• Red – anger
• Green – jealousy
• Yellow – vibrancy and happiness
• Pink – love
• Blue – vastness
• White – peace
• Saffron – sacrifice
• Violet – knowledge

Your Holi celebration begin by applying various rainbow colored powder and throwing of colored water on each other amidst loud music and drums. In the middle of the celebrations, you will also be served traditional Rajasthani snacks. Towards the evening enjoy the cultural folk dances as well as the festival’s famous puppet show.

Throughout the day, you will be told about the significance and the stories behind the festival of Holi.

Flight from Jaipur to Varanasi via Delhi

(depart 07:50 / 12:15 stopover & aircraft change in Delhi)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Jaipur airport to board flight to Varanasi.

On arrival in Varanasi Airport, our office airport representative will assist you and escorted to your pre booked hotel an estimated 1-hour drive. En-route to the hotel, the guests visit the Sarnath bears the testimony to its great past where Lord Buddha delivered one of his first sermons expounding the principles of Buddhism. The guests can also visit the Sarnath Museum (Closed on Friday).

Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

Often referred to as the ‘Spiritual Capital’ of Varanasi offers an array of cultural, spiritual and culinary experiences.

This evening, the guest board the Boat Cruise on the Ganges River and witness the evening Aarti ritual at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Upon completion of this ritual, guests will be escorted back to the hotel..

Early in the morning, a private motor boat will meet our guests at the boarding ghats and visit the Assi Ghat to witness the “Subeh-E-Benras” Through this experience, guests will sail on the river and immerse themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually into the divine Aura of the Ganges. This is followed by a short heritage walk of the old city.

After breakfast, drive to visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple with a special entry for the darshan. The temple, standing on the bank of the Ganges, is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Following this visit the Durga Temple, also known as Durga Kund temple. The temple has a great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga.

Further, the guests are escorted to visit the Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum is an art and archeological museum located within the campus of Banaras Hindu University. It has been instrumental in the dissemination of knowledge on Indian art and culture.

The guests may proceed for a lunch in a local restaurant as per their discretion.

Late afternoon, we recommend a visit to a Banarasi Silk weaver, to learn about this traditional art form. Following this, visit to exclusive Banarasi Silk Shop.

This evening, guests are escorted to witness the famous Ganga Aarti, with the experience of viewing this ritual from a private balcony. This is a very significant evening event in Varanasi, where holy Ganges is worshipped as a daily ritual. Ganga Aarti is performed by the students of the Vedas and Upanishads, led by the head priest of the Gangotri Seva Samiti.

FLY VARANASI / DELHI (fly at 12:35 / 14:20 hrs)

This morning after breakfast, the guests are escorted to visit Kabir Math.

The birth place of Kabir. He grew up in this place and today, it contains various collections related to Kabir. There is a large library filled with his works. There is a small garden, which contains many statues. Inside Kabir Math, you can find Samadhi Mandir, Chabutara Beejak temple and others.

After the visit, the guests check-out from the hotel and driven to Varanasi airport to board flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi airport, we will meet our airport representative and check-in at the hotel.

Evening, we will visit the Qutub Minar, built in 1192 by the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, Qutab-ud-din Aibak, reaches 73m in height. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world and one of the most popular monuments in India. In recognition of its historical importance, the Qutub Minar complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Following this visit, the guests may explore the various designer & boutique stores in the plush Ambawatta Complex.

Dinner would be recommended at a restaurant close to Qutub Minar.

After breakfast check-out from the hotel & drive to Rishikesh, an estimated 270 kms / 6-hour drive.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.

The world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat, Ananda is a tranquil haven amidst the majestic Himalayan foothills of North India. Residing in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, it sprawls across the 100-acre grounds, gardens and surrounding forests, boasting world-class wellness facilities and a chance to return to the peaceful solitude of nature.

Evening, the guests are escorted to witness the evening aarti at Parmath Niketan Ashram.

It involves chanting of mantras, ringing of bells, and lighting of lamps as devotees offer flowers and incense to the river.

Drive back to our hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip tour of Haridwar.

One of the holiest pilgrimages in India, Haridwar, or the ‘gateway to gods’, is located where Ganga, the sacrednest of all Indian rivers, enters the Indo-Gangetic plains. The city of temples and ashrams and its pious ambience envelops everyone. Haridwar is one of the four holy Indian cities that host the Kumbh Mela and the gateway to the Char Dham of Uttarakhand as well.

We will visit Har Ki Pauri, the remarkable ghat on the banks of the Ganges. It is the precise location where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Following this, a guided for a temple tour – Daksh Prajapati temple, dedicated to lord Shiva. Later visit the Mansa Devi Temple & Chandi Devi Temple by ropeway / cable care. (Subject to operation)

Evening witnesses the Ganga Aarti at the Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat.

Ganga Aarti Means Prayer for the River Ganga. The Ganga is holy river in India. It is worshipped as a goddess. Morning and evening time for Aarti is according to Sunset and Sunrise.

After the aarti, we will drive back to our hotel for an overnight stay.

The beautiful morning start with Yoga in the compound of the hotel.

Yoga promotes both mental and physical relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Additionally, it offers mental health benefits such as improved posture, flexibility, strength, balance, and body awareness.

After yoga, we will be having a breakfast in the hotel.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Delhi airport, an estimated 5-5.5 hours to board our flight to onward destination.