Description
India is covered with holy sites associated with the exploits of the gods, the waters of sacred rivers or the presence of holy men. Millions of people reach these holy pilgrimage centers of worship. Spiritual Tour in India will also take us to some of the best temples of India. Temple Tour in India will commence from the capital city of Delhi renowned for its religious shrines. Further it will take us to Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Varanasi. Varanasi is the oldest living city of India and forms an integral part of the temple tours in India.
Itinerary
Day 01 Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi airport, meet our tour representative who will help you with guided transfer to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities. Later on we will proceed for delhi sightseeing. The sightseeing tour of delhi includes drive pass to India Gate and government buildings i.e. President House and Parliament house. Also visit Qutub Minar (A World Heritage UNESCO Site).
Day 02 Delhi - Jaipur (about 270 km/5-6 hrs)
Today we drive to the Pink City, Jaipur. This city owes its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and famous for its handicrafts and precious and semiprecious stones. In the evening we drive through the new city of Jaipur and visit "Laxmi Narayan Mandir", a Hindu temple made out of white marble. We might have an opportunity here to observe a prayer ceremony.
Day 03 Jaipur
After breakfast we drive to Amber, 11 km. away from Jaipur. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries before it was moved to newly created Jaipur. We will ascend to the Palace Fortress on the back of an Elephant. Enroute to Amber we visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799 AD, it contains 953 small casements with each having its own balcony. The windows enabled cool air to circulate and the ladies to watch processions below without being seen. In the afternoon we visit the City Palace that is still the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the museum of the City Palace we visit the private collection of the Jaipur Maharajas. We continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments reveal us the secrets of medieval Indian astronomy.
Day 04 Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (about 240 km/5hrs)
Today we leave Rajasthan, the biggest state in India and drive through a series of fields, small towns and villages to Agra. Enroute we make a stop and visit Fatehpur Sikri, which was once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. This wonderful city constructed by red sand stones was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. It has been generally stated that it was due to failing in the water supply. In the evening arrive in Agra.
Day 05 Agra
Today we start our sightseeing by a visit to the Taj Mahal, an enduring monument to love, with a continually fulfilling beauty. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace), who died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. After the visit of the Taj Mahal we proceed to visit the
Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. The construction of this massive structure began in 1565 under Akbar's reign and continued till the time of his grandson's reign, Shah Jahan who built the impressive imperial quarters and mosque.
Day 06 Agra- Mathura - New Delhi (About 220 km/4:30hrs)
In the morning, after having our breakfast we drive to New Delhi. Enroute we will stop at Mathura. Mathura derives its glory & sacred character from being the birth place of Lord Krishna. Through centuries, it has attracted pilgrims from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jains. Krishna Janma Bhoomi Temple is built inside an ancient prison believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. After we visit this temple we will drive to New Delhi. Arrive in New Delhi in the evening. Evening free for leisure.
Day 07 New Delhi – Rishikesh (By Train)
In the morning drive to Rishikesh. It is believed that several yogis and sages lived and practiced penance here. It abounds in natural splendour. The spectacle of the River Ganges rushing through the Himalayan foothills is an awesome sight. The freshness of the air, the sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region and the distant sound of bell chimes create an unforgettable experience for those that visit this pilgrimage town. We will arrive in Rishikesh by the afternoon. In the evening we will visit various temples, the Laxman Jhoola - the swinging Bridge and ashrams along the banks of River Ganges.
Day 08 Rishikesh - Haridwar – Rishikesh About 25 km/1hrs)
In the morning, we will drive to Haridwar. Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttaranchal and is located on the foothills of Shivaliks on the banks of River Ganges. The River Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breathtakingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges. We visit Mansa Devi temple and Har Ki Pauri. In the afternoon we will return to Rishikesh to attend a Maha Aarti, which is performed on atriveni Ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Day 09 Rishikesh - Dehradun - Varanasi (By Air)
In the morning we leave for Varanasi. Varanasi is without doubt India's most sacred city and thus visited by over one million people. Varanasi is also called the city of light - Kashi or Benaras. Buddha visited this city in 500 BC. Varanasi is regarded as one of the oldest and the holiest city. According to the Indian chronicles, Varanasi was established as a city around twelve hundred years ago before the Christian era. In the evening we visit the city of Varanasi and attend the aarti ceremony.
Day 10 Varanasi - New Delhi
In the early morning we take boat - ride on the holy river Ganges and enjoy sunrise on the boat. Ghats (flight of steps) and the activities of pilgrims on that are the principal attraction for visitors to Varanasi. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees visit this city to make holy prayers, to meditate and to purify themselves through taking a bath in the holy river Ganges. Then we will drive to Sarnath. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon at deer park. Afterwards we will return to Varanasi.
Day 11 Varanasi - New Delhi (by air)
In the afternoon we drive to the airport for a flight from Varanasi to New Delhi. Tour concludes.