Spirituality plays an increasingly important role in the way we make sense of our world and ourselves. Today's modern fast changing life-style has burdened many of us with tension, depression and emptiness. Spirituality is the one single source to bring solace, and help us to find peace within ourselves through inner soul searching.
India has been the home of spirituality for over 4,000 years. This particular tour takes us through the sacred passages of great Saints, Sages, Holy Men and Philosophers, who practice the art of living that simply teaches "LIVE AND LET LIVE". The tour will provide an opportunity to interact with these spiritual leaders.
Thus we seek to nurture the spirituality within you by exploring the rich mystic history of India. Optional extensions at the end of the tour for learning / practicing the Art of Living (Sudarshan Kriya), Yoga / Meditation and Spiritual teachings will be available according to individual requirement.
Season : Mid September to April.
Duration : 20 Nights / 21 Days
Destination Covered : Delhi - Amritsar - Dharamsala - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Varanasi - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur - Pushkar - Ajmer - MT. Abu - Udaipur - Mumbai
Day 1. Arrive Delhi
Traditional welcome on arrival and meeting assistance at the airport. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2. Delhi
Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi - Including The 17th Century Jama Mosque, Red Fort, and Raj Ghat, Qutab Minar, India Gate, drive past the grand Government buildings. Visit Hazrat Nizamuddin and listen to the devotional songs and music (Qawwalis).
Day 3. Delhi / Amritsar
Early morning train ride to Amritsar - Home of holy Sikh shrine of Golden Temple. Afternoon observe religious ceremonies at the Golden Temple. Late evening visit to the Sukh Asan Ceremony at Golden Temple.
Day 4. Amritsar / Dharamsala
Drive to Dharamsala - The Little Lhasa in India - the temporary headquarters of His Holiness The Dalai Lama since 1960. An audience is possible if H.H The Dalai Lama is in his residence.
Day 5. Dharamsala
Early morning walk to the monastery to see monk's offering prayers and meditating. Later walking tour of Dharamsala's monasteries. Evening talk and meditation at Tushita Meditation Centre.
Day 6. Dharamsala / Delhi
Morning at Leisure. Late transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi.
Day 7. Delhi / Haridwar / Rishikesh
Early morning train to Hindu holy city of Haridwar on the banks of river Ganges which literally means Gateway to Heaven. Cable car ride to a hill temple. Visit Har-ki-Pauri at dusk to witness hundreds of people participating in ARTI - spectacular ceremony of lights and prayers. Later drive to Rishikesh.
Day 8. Rishikesh
Morning yoga and meditation can be organized in one of the ashrams. Later walk across Lakshman Jhula bridge to reach Swargashram - The Heavenly Place. Evening a discourse or interview with a spiritual leader or Guru.
Day 9. Rishikesh / Delhi
Early morning visit to an ashram or Yoga center. Afternoon drive to Haridwar for train to Delhi.
Day 10. Delhi / Varanasi
Transfer to airport for flight to the holy city of Varanasi - One of the oldest living cities in the world. This city has been the centre of the Hindu faith for time immemorial. In the evening a lecture on Hinduism.
Day 11. Varanasi
Early morning boat ride on river Ganges, to see hundreds of devout Hindus taking a holy dip in the holy waters of Ganges for purification. Silently observe pilgrims performing yoga and wonder at the burning Ghats. Later day excursion to Sarnath, the holy town where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon over 2000 years ago.
Day 12. Varanasi / Agra
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon fly to Agra - The City of the Taj Mahal. Evening a lecture on Islam / Mughal history.
Day 13. Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
In the morning visit to the world's famous Taj Mahal and the magnificent Agra Fort. Later drive for Jaipur, the fabled "Pink City" en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri - erstwhile capital of the mighty Mughal Empire.
Day 14. Jaipur
Morning excursion to 17th Century Amber Fort. Enjoy Elephant Ride up the hill to the old palace. Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur visiting the Astronomical observatory (Jantar Mantar), City Palace and the lovely Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.
Day 15. Jaipur / Pushkar
Drive to Pushkar. Enjoy contemplative time in this peaceful holy village.
Day 16. Pushkar
Early morning walk to Brahma Temple and walk around the lake that crosses through several Ghats with pleasant views. Evening see sunset drumming by the lake.
Day 17. Pushkar / Ajmer / MT. Abu
Drive to Ajmer, one of the holiest pilgrimages for Muslims and other faiths. Visit the famous Mosque. Later depart for Mt. Abu - One of the prettiest hill resorts in India. Optional Evening meditation.
Day 18. MT. Abu
Morning visit Brahma Kumaris Ashram - World Spiritual University with its interesting spiritual art gallery and multi-media presentation. Visit famous Dilwara temples with some of the finest sculptures and carvings in India.
Day 19. MT. Abu / Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur - Venice of the East. En route stopping at Maharaja Bagh Orchard.
Day 20. Udaipur
Drive to Udaipur - Venice of the East. En route stopping at Maharaja Bagh Orchard.
Day 21. Udaipur / Mumbai / Depart Mumbai
Today fly to Mumbai - The Financial hub of India. Afternoon sightseeing of Mumbai - See colonial buildings, Drive past marine drive and Tower of Silence. In the evening farewell dinner and transfer to airport for flight back home.
