Tour Description

The is a customised itinerary for those looking to explore and learn about different faiths in India
The itinerary has you going to 3 of the holiest places in the world, Amritsar for the Sikhs and Bodhgaya for Buddhists, Varanasi for the Hindus

PRICE: USD2999 Based on twin-share

USD3948 Single Room

Tour Highlights

Wonders of Delhi
Magnificent Golden Temple
McLeod Ganj - The home of Dalai Lama
Bodhgaya -The most important Buddhist site
Varanasi - Spiritual gateway of India
Magnificent Taj Mahal

Day 1: Arrival Day Delhi

On your arrival you will be met by your guide (or his representative) who will take you to your hotel in Delhi.
Guided sightseeing tour of New Delhi including Rajpat Gate (the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi) and Indira Gandhi Museum as well as India Gate and Central Secretariat.
Visit Old Delhi in the afternoon and wander through the streets of Chandni Chowk.
Evening experience a light show at the Red Fort.
The Red Fort is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1856. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums
Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 2: Delhi to Amritsar

Take the early morning Shatabi Express from New Delhi Station to Amritsar.
Arrive approximately 1pm and transfer to hotel then take a stroll around the temple area at the Golden Temple and visit the inside of the temple to listen to the priests chanting from the Holy Book. We will have a short talk Visit the Jallianwala Bagh, the place of the British massacre in 1919. It is a peaceful garden today that you can stroll around and enjoy. This is followed by a visit to the Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, famous for its textiles and saris.
At 4pm we leave for the Wagah border to witness the 'Closing of the Border'. This ceremony takes place every evening and involves a display of pomp and ceremony by the India and Pakistan authorities.
Overnight: Hotel, Amritsar

Day 3: Amritsar to Dharamsala

After breakfast take drive through the Punjab plains into the foothills of the Himalayas as you make your way towards Dharamsala – the home of the Dalai Lama. Arrive early afternoon, lunch and short walk around McLeod Ganj (upper Dharamsala).
Overnight: Hotel, McLeod Ganj

Day 4: Tibetan Childrens Village

After breakfast we take a short morning visit to the picturesque Village of Naddi. This will be followed by a visit the Tibetan Children’s village. The Village is a thriving, educational community for Tibetan Children in Exile. We return to McLeod Ganj for lunch and spend time at the temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Museum and absorbing Tibetan culture.
Overnight: Hotel, McLeod Ganj

Day 5: Tibetan Experience

After breakfast we visit Norbulingka Institute with a guided tour of the workshops to see traditional Tibetan art and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
Afternoon visit to DGL Nunnery for Q&A time with Jetsumna Tenzin Palmo http://tenzinpalmo.com/ (her schedule permitting).
Evening dinner with special guest.
Overnight: Hotel, McLeod Ganj

Day 6: Return to Delhi

Leave at morning for your flight to Delhi. Arrive early afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
Late afternoon meet your guide for your 3 hours Sultanate tour.
Shopping at Delhi Haat, an exuberant artisan market where you will find many great gifts (if time permits).
Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 7: Bodhgaya and Root Institute

Morning flight departing to Bodhgaya, arrive approximately 9am. Check into Root Institute.
Afternoon visit to the Mahabodhi Temple – the most important Buddhist place in the world.
The history of this site goes back over 2500 years and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy spending a relaxing morning here, watching other pilgrims and quietly contemplating life.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the town.
Overnight: Root Institute, Bodhgaya

Day 8: Mahakala Caves and Buddhist Temples

After breakfast we visit to Mahakala Caves spend some quiet time. To get there you will need to walk a short distance up the mountain to the entrance of the small cave. This is where Buddha fasted, prayed, for more than 6 years was an influential and sacred moment. It was this place where Siddhartha, prior to his enlightenment, let himself be influenced by local ascetics to forego all of life's joys and to choose a path of suffering. On the way back visit Sujata Grove
Afternoon walking tour of all the various Buddhist temples in Bodh Gaya (Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and Tibetan).
Spend evening at the Mahabodhi Temple.
Overnight: Root Institute, Bodhgaya

Day 9: Varanasi on the Ganges

Leave after breakfast by car for Varanasi (approximately 5-6 hours drive).
Varanasi is regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites.
Along the city's winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple,” dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
After arriving check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon sightseeing trip in Main Ghat area and Vishwanath Temple.
Evening puja on the Ganges. Incense, flowers and lamps holding candles are all used to pay gratitude to Shiva, a Hindu deity, and the Ganges River. Hundreds of Shiva worshippers and tourists gather at the Dasaswamedh Ghat every evening for the puja
Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 10: Varanasi on the Ganges

Early morning sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and later visit to Hindu Hanuman Temple.
After breakfast leave for a visit Sarnath – Dhamekh Stupa and Buddhist ruins, Chaukhandi Stupa, Mulganda Kuti Vihar, Deer Park.
Special (private) viewing of a relic from the wrist bone of the Buddha. Teaching on the 4 Noble Truths, the Buddha’s First Teaching after he became Enlightened.
Return late afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 11: Varanasi Free Day to Explore

Spend the day wandering along the Ghat area and visiting the old city with its’ meandering streets filled with sights, sounds and smells of daily life. The day is yours!
There is so much history, religion, and devotion throughout the streets, temples, ghats and so many things to do in Varanasi
Overnight: Hotel, Varanasi

Day 12: Agra Red Fort

Morning flight to Agra,arriving by early afternoon (flights are limited, an alternative is flying to Delhi and driving to Agra).
Spend the afternoon relaxing in the hotel or visit Agra’s Red Fort, one of the most beautiful forts in Northern India.
Agra’s Red Fort was the main residence for the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the Mughal capital was shifted from Agra to the Red Fort in Delhi. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a walled city located 2 kms from the Taj Mahal.
Overnight: Hotel, Agra

Day 13: Agra and Taj Mahal

Rise and shine early to witness a once in a lifetime event, a spectacular sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal. You will be picked up from your hotel by your local guide. The Taj Mahal is India’s most-photographed monument, and today you’ll see why.
Built between 1632 and 1653 in memory of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s third wife, the Taj Mahal is world-renowned and widely admired as a wonderful photo opportunity.
After visiting the Taj, return to the hotel for breakfast and after a short rest return to Delhi early afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 14: Departure Day Delhi

Flights depart from Delhi.
Our representative will transfer you to International Airport for your flight home or on-ward journey.
Post tour accommodation can be booked if you would like to further explore Delhi at your leisure
Breakfast is included.

Package Includes

Meet and greet by Representative at Delhi airport
13 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinners (or lunch)
Internal flights
Dharamsala to Delhi
Delhi to Bodhgaya
Varanasi to Agra/ Delhi
Train – Delhi to Amritsar – Executive Class
Following transportation in AC Toyota Innova or Tempo Traveller or similar:
Pickup and drop off at Delhi airport
Pickup at Amritsar railway station and sightseeing in Amritsar
Transfer from Amritsar to Dharamsala
Sightseeing in and around Dharamsala as per itinerary
Pickup and drop off at Delhi airport
Sightseeing in Delhi
Pickup at Bodhgaya airport
Sightseeing in Bodhgaya and Varanasi
Drop off at Varanasi airport
Agra tour and drop off at Delhi airport
Entrance fees
Sufi tour in Delhi
Boat ride in Ganges
Lamp light ceremony at Dolmaling nunnery
Local English speaking guide throughout tour

Package Excludes

International Air fare
Indian visas
Lunch (or Dinner)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Occasional optional items not identified in itinerary description
Tipping and personal expenses
Donations
Bottled water and other beverages not included with meals
Single Supplement USD950