SPIRITUAL & ROYAL TOUR OF INDIA

Day -1

Arrive Delhi

You will arrive at the Capital city of India "Delhi". After clearing formalities at the airport you will be met by our representative at the arrival hall terminal where you will find many people paging for their guests. Out of them you will find our representative holding a placard with your name written on it. He will assist and escort you to your vehicle and further transfer to your pre-booked hotel. The standard check-in time at the hotel is 1400 hrs and early check-in is subject to availability of rooms and additional charges. Incase if your flight is scheduled to arrive in Delhi at mid-night or early morning, we suggest blocking your room from previous night for immediate occupancy of room.

A symbol of the country's rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a city where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It is a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. Home to millions of dreams, the city takes on unprecedented responsibilities of realizing dreams, bringing people closer and inspiring their thoughts.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day -2

Delhi sightseeing tour

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour visiting old and New Delhi.

The first half of the day will be to explore the old part of Delhi. Visit the Jama Masjid (Mosque), This great mosque is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. After mosque visit, hop on to your cycle rickshaw ride to experience one of the busiest markets of Delhi 'Chandni chowk'. Walk/ride through the alleys of Old Delhi including Kinari Bazaar, Ballimaran, Paranthe wali Gali, Jain quarters and Khari Baoli (One of the biggest spice markets in Asia).

In the afternoon proceed on a New Delhi sightseeing tour. Begin with visit of Qutab Minar boasts of being one of the tallest minarets in the world as the height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters. Built in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, it is considered to be first building, marking the arrival of Muslim rulers in the country. Although there are also a few contradicting theories on the same. Surrounded by an appealing garden, Qutub Minar creates a sight worth remembering. The Next of this exciting tour is Humayun's tomb, first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.

There are several graves of Mughal rulers located inside the walled enclosure and from here in 1857 A.D; Lieutenant Hudson had captured the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II. Also visit Gandhi Smriti, the museum dedicated to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. While sightseeing tours, enjoy the drive to India gate, President's palace and other important and interesting government buildings.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day -3

Delhi to Mathura by road (approx. 185 kms / 3 ½ hours)

Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast you will be driven from Delhi to Mathura, On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, exudes an ancient charm with its sacred ghats along the Yamuna River and ornate temples like the Dwarkadhish Temple. The air is filled with religious fervor as pilgrims immerse themselves in devotional rituals.

Later proceed for visit of Mathura & Vrindavan temples. Vrindavan enchants with its idyllic landscapes and numerous temples, each narrating tales of Krishna's playful exploits. The Banke Bihari Temple and the ISKCON Temple are must-visit landmarks, resonating with divine energy. Together, Mathura and Vrindavan create a spiritual haven, inviting introspection and cultural exploration.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 4

Mathura to Agra by road (approx. 60 kms / 1 ½ hours)

Breakfast at the hotel
After breakfast you will be driven to Agra.

On arrival proceed for visit of Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). No image of The Taj, neither on canvass nor on celluloid, can adequately express its conceptual imaginary. The Taj Mahal, a spectacle in white marble, unparalleled in grandeur that depicts the sheer opulence of an era. The awesome structure, the monument of love that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan gave to the world, stands as a testimony of his intense love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a romance celebrated in marble and glorified with precious and semi-precious stones and that's the way to appreciate it.

After visit proceed to check-in at your hotel.

Later explore massive Agra Fort with your guide. A powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day - 5

Agra to Lucknow by road (approx. 335 kms / 5 hours)

Early breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will be driven from Agra to Lucknow, On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Lucknow, the golden city of the east' retains an old-world charm that fascinates one and all. Regarded as one of the finest cities of India, Lucknow emanates a culture that combines emotional warmth, a high degree of sophistication, courtesy and a love for gracious living. This sublime cultural richness famous as 'Lucknowi Tehzeeb' blends the cultures of two communities living side by side for centuries, sharing similar interests, speaking a common language -Urdu. Many of the cultural traits and customs peculiar to Lucknow have become living legends today. The credit for this goes to the Nawabs of Awadh, who took keen interest in every walk of life and encouraged them to attain a rare degree of perfection

In the evening proceed for walking tour to taste the local Lucknow food. Lucknow is known for its culinary scene, dominated by rich meat-heavy dishes typical of the local Awadhi culinary traditions. With this food walk, you can try some of the best the city has to offer with an expert guide by your side to help navigate. You'll visit different spots to try kebabs, curried lamb, and marinated skewered meat, as well as rich local desserts.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day - 6

Lucknow to Ayodhya by road (135 kms / 3 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast enjoy sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara. This monument was built as a relief measure for devastating famine, in order to provide employment to the subjects of the state by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula. This is the world's biggest hall, 8500 sq. ft hall, with a 50-foot high ceiling, and does not have a single beam to support it. It is known for its simplicity of style, sheer proportion, symmetry and unique acoustic qualities. Also see the 'Rumi Darwaza' or the Turkish Gate and the Asfi Mosque.

After tour, you will be driven from Lucknow to Ayodhya (approx. 3 hours), On arrival check-in at your hotel.

Ayodhya is the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama and is steeped in religious and historical significance. The city holds immense importance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus, and its history and religious significance have contributed to its cultural identity. Ayodhya, a city with a history that echoes through the corridors of time, is nestled on the banks of the Sarayu River in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

In the evening attend the Aarti ceremony (tentative timing is 07 PM). The evening Aarti at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, is a mesmerizing spiritual experience. Devotees gather as priests chant Vedic hymns, ringing bells and waving oil lamps in devotion to Lord Ram. The temple glows in golden light, creating a divine atmosphere of peace, devotion, and unwavering faith in Hindu traditions.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day - 7

Ayodhya to Varanasi by road (approx. 220 kms / 5 hours)

Optional: Attend Shringaar Aarti early in the morning (06 AM): The Shringaar Aarti at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, is a divine ritual performed in the early morning, adorning Lord Ram with exquisite clothes, jewelry, and fragrant flowers. The deity radiates celestial beauty as priests chant hymns, wave lamps, and offer devotion. The temple resonates with spiritual energy, filling devotees' hearts with bliss.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will be driven from Ayodhya to Varanasi (approx. 5 hours), On arrival proceed to check-in at your hotel.

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, captivates with its ancient charm along the Ganges River. A city of ghats, temples, and vibrant rituals, it offers a profound cultural experience. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at dusk and exploring its narrow alleys reveals the timeless spiritual essence that defines Varanasi, Remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day - 8

Varanasi

Early morning take a boat ride on the river Ganges to view the sunrise. Varanasi's unique culture is associated with the river Ganges, where life and death intermingle. The living flock the ghats to pray with the belief that bathing in the waters of the sacred river would result in the remission of their sins, while the ashes of the dead are scattered in the water to break the cycle of reincarnation and let the soul rise to enlightenment. After boat ride return to hotel via narrow lanes.

Post breakfast visit some of the other important sites in the city with your guide. Dotted with temples, the city's principle shrine is the Vishwanath temple, dedicated to Shiva. The temple was destroyed repeatedly during various invasions but was finally rebuilt in 1776 A.D. by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore, Remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Later in the afternoon/early evening, watch the illuminated aarti ceremony that is performed at Dasahwamedh Ghat. The presiding priests stand on a wooden Chauki in the water. To the chant of Sanskrit mantras, and the clash of cymbals and drums, the river is worshipped with flowers, incense, sandalwood, milk and vermilion. First the blazing camphor lamp and then the many flamed aarti lamps are raised high and then arched back to the water, the dark river reflecting the golden flames as Ganges accepts the worship. It is the Ganges that gives Varanasi its spiritual resonance.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 9

Varanasi to Delhi by Flight

After breakfast visit Sarnath. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath. It was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the 'Wheel of the Dharma'. The museum at Sarnath (Sarnath Museum Closed on Fridays) contains carvings representing a whole range of styles: archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.

Later after visit, in-time assisted departure transfer to airport to catch flight for Delhi, On arrival in Delhi, meet and assist at airport and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 10

Departure from Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel.(Depending on flight departure time)

Later in-time assisted departure transfer to Delhi airport to connect the flight for onward destination.

B=Breakfast Included