Spiritual Journeys Tour     

Day 01: Arrive Delhi – Haridwar (220 kms).  
Arrive Delhi by flight, meet & greet by our office representative. Assistance and direct drive to Haridwar. On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening visit to Har-ki-Pauri to attend evening Ganga Arti.
Har ki Pauri: King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari’s footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Haridwar -Rishikesh
Early morning Yoga and meditation:
Yoga: one of the traditional systems of healing the mind and body is Yoga. Literally meaning union, yoga seeks to unite the individual soul with the universal Soul or God, not through any religious rites but through a sustained effort to control one's mental and physical faculties. For most people yoga is a form of exercise that benefits much more in the longer run as compared to aerobics while many view yoga as a spiritual experience also. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel city tour of Haridwar and Rishikesh. Visit Bharat Mandir: The Bharat Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh, near the Triveni Ghat. This temple is dedicated to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram.

Kailash Niketan Temple: the main temple at Laxman Jhool and one can see the sculptures of all Gods and Goddesses in this thirteen storey mansion.Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar: According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.Mansa Devi Temple: The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi. Maya Devi Temple: This is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, known as one of the Siddhapethas. Said to be the places where the hearts and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Haridwar / Rishikesh – Delhi (220 kms)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Delhi, check in at hotel.
Afternoon city drive past Red Fort and Chandi Chowk Bazar, Khari Baoli spice market.
Qutab Minar: The building complex dated back on the onset of Muslim rule in India and are fine examples of Afghan architecture. Himayun’s Tomb: Build by wife of Humayun, the second mughal king. It is an early example of Mughal architecture. Raj Gath: The memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination. India Gate: The 42m high stone "Arch of Triumph", erected in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War; Drive through Rajpath "Kingsway" a VVIP area of Delhi including Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 04: Delhi - Jaipur (265 kms)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Jaipur, check-in at hotel.
Jaipur: the origins of the beautiful city of Jaipur can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the reign of Jai Singh II who ascended the Amber throne in 1699. Jaipur today, epitomizes the spirit of Rajputana. In-spite of growing into a bustling metropolis, it still retains it's character and history - Beautiful fusion of the yesteryears and modernity. Popularly known as the Pink City because of the extensive use of the locally abundant pink plastered stone, painted so in honor of the visit of the royal consort of Queen Victoria Jaipur thrills the soul with its massive forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite temples and lush gardens.

Afternoon visit City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armory and the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. Maharaja Jai Singh was a great astronomer of his time. He built here extraordinary (and very accurate) stargazing Observatory here named as “Jantar Mantar”. Overnight stay at hotel.

Evening free for personal activities, leisure, explore the market etc. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur
Breakfast at hotel, check out from hotel, visit Amber Fort and enjoy Elephant Ride (upto the hills). Raja Man Singh the Rajput commander of Akbar’s army constructed the fortress palace in the end of 16th century. Amber is superb example of Rajput architecture, situated on a hilltop, overlooking a lake. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. The fort borders the Maota Lake.  Later proceed for sightseeing of City Palace, located at the most central part of the city is Palace It was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. The Chandra Mahal palace now houses a museum but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence. The palace complex, which is located northeast of the centre of the grid patterned Jaipur city, incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732, initially by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. Continue your sightseeing and visit to Jantar Manatar & Hawa Mahal all lies close to the palace. We will take you to Chokhdhini –An Ethnic Resort for Chokhi Dhani is a beautifully recreated traditional village, complete with shops, puppeteers, and other local specialties. Initially developed as a theme restaurant, the Village has grown to become an attraction it self. Its mud huts, camel rides, traditional barbers, fair games, and food stalls are reminiscent of an older and simpler Rajasthan. A family adventure, Chokhi Dhani is still most popular for its multi course, sit down, traditional Rajasthani meal.

The entertainment at the village includes magic and puppet shows, acrobatics, and many Rajasthani folk dances. Other attractions include a giant board to play snakes-and-ladders, maze, and an artificial forest which includes the local predators.

 

 

Day 06: Jaipur– Agra (235kms).

After breakfast drive to Agra. Enroute visit to Fatehpur Sikri; built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim styles. See the graceful buildings including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch mahal & other places. Salim Chishti Dargah; built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 yrs. Due to scarcity of water. Predominately, a red sandstone construction sprawling over a huge area, the architectural style is very much in tune with emperor’s dream & partakes of both Hindu & Muslim  styles. Salim Chishti (1478-1572) was one of the famous Sufi saints of the Chishti Order.

Before check in at hotel also visit Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonder of the World was build by Shah Jahan in 1631 AD and was completed in 1651. This symbol of love was build in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Described as the most extravagant monument ever build for love. It was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete. Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Parsian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planer of this magnificent memorial. On full moon night, the glory of the Taj is at its best.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07: Agra – Orchha (235kms)
Early breakfast checkout from hotel visit Agra Fort: build by the famed Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565AD, the fort is predominantly of red sandstone. Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan region it has partially become Palace. The Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) the beautiful Diwan- I-Khas (private audience hall) were also added by Shah Jahan.

After visiting the fort proceed to Orchha Enroute visit Gwalior & Datia Gwalior Fort: Standing on a steep mass of sandstone, Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India.

Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gurjar queen, Mrignayani. Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. Teli ka Mandir: The Teli ka Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir, built in 11th century dedicated to Vishnu. Tomb of Gaus Mohammad and the Mausoleum of Tansen. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhodbuilt in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years.

Datia Peetambra Peeth: the famous "Sakti-Peeth" of the country. Sh. Golokwasi Swamiji Maharaj established "Bagla Mukhi Devi" and "Dhumawati Mai" at this place. Vankhandeshwar Temple at Peetambra-Peeth is one of "Mahabharat- Kaleen temple of Shiva." Sonagiri Temples: a famous pilgrimage of the Jains, who come in large numbers annually to worship at these beautiful temples. There are more than One Hundred temples and atract visitors and tourists from distant places. Continue drive to Orchha, check in at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08: Orchha – Khajuraho (178 kms)
Breakfast at hotel, visit ORCHHA FORT: A wonderful example of a medieval fort palace, within the fort are the first buildings to explore. The tiered Jahangir Mahal was built in 1606 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jahangir in 1606. The Raj Mahal, to the right of the courtyard, was built by Madhukar Shah and has bold colorful murals inside. The third palace, is the Rai Praveen Mahal, which is a two storey brick structure set in the gardens of Anand Mahal. The Ram Raja Mandir was originally a palace and became a temple more by accident than design. An image of Ram was installed while the temple, The Chaturbhuj was being built for it.  Linked to the Ram Raja is the Lakshminarayan temple, the interiors of which have some of the best preserved murals and wall paintings in Orchha.

Afternoon drive to Khajuraho. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09: Khajuraho – Allahabad (298kms)
Breakfast at hotel, visit eastern & western group of temples. Khajuraho, home to most famous of India’s temples on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures, lies in a rich, well watered plain. The temple of Khajuraho are india’s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy ; perfect in execution and sublime in expression. Khajuraho temples were built in hundred years, from 950 to 1050 AD. Only 22 of the 85 original temples have survived the ravages of time. Each temple stands on a high platform. There are three main parts in each temple, the entrance (ardhamandapa), assembly hall (mandapa) and sanctum (garbha griha).

Later drive to Allahabad, check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Allahabad – Varanasi (125kms)
Breakfast at hotel, visit Sangam: literally means confluence. The place has been named so because it is situated on the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and a mythical river named Saraswati. The actual confluence is located around 7 Kilometers from the Civil Lines. The place is considered to be one of the most sacred in Hindu religion and is the site for Ardh-Kumbh and Kumbh Mela that takes every 6 and 12 years respectively.

Allahabad Fort: stands on the northern banks of Yamuna near the confluence is a must visit destination in Allahabad. Emperor Akbar himself commissioned this magnificently designed fort in the year 1583. There was a time when this fort was considered among the best garrisons in the entire Mughal Empire but little is left of that grandeur today. The fort has massive walls and three gateways that are flanked by high towers. Anand Bhawan: is the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru, the freedom fighter and the first Prime-Minister of India. The place is also home to Indira Gandhi, the "Iron Lady of India". The place has today been turned into a fine museum. The importance of this place also increases because of the fact that several momentous decisions and events, related to the freedom struggle took place here. The main building houses a museum that displays the memorabilia of the Nehru family.

Afternoon drive to Varanasi, check in at hotel.
Evening Ghats’s & temples visit, attend Holy Ganga Aarti; Every evening, a magical aarti is performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat. Halt your boat right at the steps for the best view. 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 Ganga accepts the worship.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11: Varanasi – Jabalpur (Overnight train)
Early morning Ghat visit and take a boat ride along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water.
Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Sarnath: one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. There are many temples here, representing the many cultures where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy. You'll find the Tibetans, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Burmese and the Thai have set up centres of learning, monasteries and temples. The Ashokan Pillar here used to be crowned by a capital that had four lions with their backs to each other looking out in the four cardinal directions. the capital, now a national emblem for the Indian Union, is in the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath. The Ashokan Pillar, constructed by the legendary King Ashoka (3rd century BC), still stands. There are many stupas here, as is a bodhi tree that is a sapling from the bodhi tree in Sri Lanka. The Bodhi tree is the peepul tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. A cutting from the original was planted in Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka), and the bodhi in Sarnath has been grown from a sapling from that.

Later city tour, visit World famous Benaras Hindu University: founded by Pandit Madan Malviya at the turn of the century, also has a new Vishwanath temple. The temple, built by the Birlas, a rich industrialist family, is meant for a caste-less, egalitarian society, Tulsi Manas Temple: Its white marble walls have the verses of Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas inscribed on them and Bharat Mata Temple: a modern shrine, inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It has a huge relief map of the Indian sub-continent showing all its rivers, mountains and pilgrimages.

Late evening after dinner transfer to railway station to board overnight train for Jabalpur.

 

Day 12: Jabalpur-Jalgaon (Overnight train-Mahanagri Express Dep/Arr  21:30/06:53 hrs+1)
Morning arrive Jabalpur, transfer to hotel, check in.
Afternoon city tour of Jabalpur visit the hilltop Madan Mahal Fort built by the Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116; Tilwaraghat, where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939; Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum with its fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics. Also worth a visit is the Chausat Jogini or Sixty-Four Goddesses temple; atop a hillock accessible via a steep flight of rock cut steps. The temple offers a singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged Marble Rocks. Dedicated to goddess Durga, this 10th century temple has exquisitely carved stone figures of deities of the Kalchuri era (248-524 AD).

Yogini is the feminine form corresponding to the masculine yogi. Yoginis are known to possess a steadfast mind, which they cultivate through the disciplined pursuit of transcendence, an idea that is central to the practice of yoga. Tantric scholars have described yoginis as independent, outspoken women with graceful spirits, without whom yoga would fail to achieve its full, fruitful purpose. Only the female can awaken the  muladhara chakra (the seat of the Kundalini-shakti) via fertility and sexuality; the male must use kriya Yoga.

In the evening you will be transferred to Railway station to board the overnight train to Jalgaon. Overnight train.

Day 12: Jalgaon -Aurangabad (170 kms)
On arrival at Jalgaon drive to Aurangabad en route covering the sightseeing of Ellora Group of caves. Hold the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ellora Caves represent the major religions, namely Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions. Continue your drive to Aurangabad. On arrival hotel check in. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Aurangabad
Breakfast at hotel visit to Aurangabad Caves: artificial caves, dug out of the rather soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. This caves are found on two separate locations, called Western Group Caves (caves 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (caves 6-10), about 1km from each other. Each group has five caves. The architecture and iconography is influenced by Tantric Hinduism.

Bibi Ka Maqbara: the burial place of Aurangzeb's 1st wife, Rabia-ud-Durrani. It is an imitation of the Taj at Agra, termed as the poor man's Taj Mahal. Located behind the mausoleum is a small archeological museum. This mausoleum is also termed as 'poor man's Taj Mahal' owing to it being a poor replica of the Taj. Behind the mausoleum is located a small archeological museum. Emperor Aurangzeb's son built this monument in 1679 AD in memory of his mother Rabia (Aurangzeb's wife).

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 14: Aurangabad –Ajanta-Aurangabad (104kms/ 2hrs one way)
Breakfast at hotel, full day excursion to Ajanta Caves. The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora , which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. The thirty Caves at Ajanta are set in a steep crescent-shaped hillside in a forested ravine of the Sahayadri hills, which you can explore on tours to Ajanta. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

Evening back to the hotel in Aurangabad.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Aurangabad- Nasisk (218kms)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Nasik, check in at hotel. Later city tour visit Ramkund; Ramkund is a holy tank in Nasik, constructed by Chitrarao Khatarkar in the year 1696. The legend associated with the tank goes that when Lord Rama was sent to exile for fourteen, it was here only that he used to take bath. Muktidham Temple; Built entirely with shining white makrana marble, the temple is extremely famous for its magnificent and unique architecture. The white walls of the temple have been inscribed with the 18 chapters of the Gita. In the hindu religion, it is believed that visiting this temple holds as much significance as visiting the four dhams or holy centers.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Nasisk- Alibaug (231 kms)

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Alibagh, check-in at resort.

Alibag Beach - The main beach of the town Alibag beach is totally pollution free. Trees move through and fro giving fresh air with a fresh feeling. Walking on the sandy beach is quite pheasant, the waves bring the water close to your feet and because of this one can't resist himself from entering the water. Fresh air, Sandy beach, sight of the Colaba fort are the major attractions. In addition to that you may enjoy Bhel-puri, Coconut water, Ice-cream, Sea Food, Alu Bonda etc. Alibagh other beaches are Akshi Beach, Nagaon beach, Kihim Beach, Mandwa Beach & Kashid Beach.

Colaba Fort: It is situated in the sea at a distance of 1-2 km from the Alibag shores. At the time of fall, one can walk to the fort in waist-deep water. However, during the tide, boats need to be used. Colaba fort, major water fort in Konkan, Shivaji Maharaj built this fort in 1680, Nine hundread feet long and three hundread fifty feet wide, Having two 'dwars' (gates), one from the shore, another from the sea side .

Kanakeshwar temple: The old temple of Lord Shiva is about 12 km away from Alibag and falls on the way to Mandawa. The temple of Kanakeshwar is very beautiful, it is a ' Hoysal ' style structure built in 1764. A water tank - popular known as 'Pushkarni' - has water almost through out the year. Kanakeshwar is a place to feel the jungle and silence of the jungle and hills.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17: Alibaug- Mumbai ( 110 kms)
Breakfast at hotel, drive Mumbai, check-in at hotel. Excursion to Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Island is located 10km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC. The rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content. Motorboats take passengers from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India. The rock cut temples were created by carving out rock, and creating the columns, the internal spaces and the images. The entire temple is akin to a huge sculpture, through whose corridors and chambers one can walk. The entire complex was created through a process of rock removal. Some of the rock surfaces are highly finished while some are untreated bare rock.

The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva. The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.

The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 18: Mumbai (Departure)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to international airport to board connecting flight for your home country.