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Spiritual India

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  • Spiritual India

Duration: 13 days | 12 nights

Location: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Varanasi - Allahabad - Chitrakoot - Khajurâho - Orchha - Datia - Gwalior - Mathura - Agra

Highlights of the programme :
  • Different views of the legendary Ganges
  • Evening puja on the ghats of Rishikesh and night in an ashram
  • Night train to connect Varanasi
  • Allahabad, one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in India rarely visited by tourists

Arrive in Delhi. Reception at the airport. Transfer and overnight at the hotel.

Early departure by train to Haridwar. Arrival in the late morning. City tour, one of the seven holy cities of Indian mythology. Haridwar or Gate of the Gods is said to be the place where they would have left their mark. This is probably the most sacred city of India but also very old, as quoted by Chinese travelers in the 7th century. Evening on the ghats of Har-ki-Pauri. Overnight at hotel.

Day dedicated to visiting Rishikesh, about thirty kilometers from Haridwar. In landscapes full of calm and serenity, this little town, just as holy as her big sister, seems calm. Here is a more intimate atmosphere on ghats, the offerings are nonetheless as many floating on the river. In the evening religious ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, where many pilgrims come to perform their devotions. Overnight at hotel.

Back to Haridwar and continue the visit of the city. In the evening, transfer to the station to catch the night train to Varanasi. Overnight on the train.

Arrive Varanasi in the early afternoon. Direction Sarnath site to discover its stupa, the Buddhist temple and museum. This is where Buddha gave his first sermon after receiving enlightenment. Today is a very active place. Back to Varanasi and evening puja celebration to ghats. Overnight at hotel.

Early morning boat ride along the ghats of the Ganges. Then visit the city. Varanasi can not be described but lived. That’s a mouthful city of temples scattered in a maze of streets that attracts many pilgrims from all over India. It is the oldest city in India and one of the oldest capitals of Hinduism. Then, drive to Allahabad, one of the oldest cities of India located at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and Sarawathi. This confluence is called Tribeni and is a sacred place for Hindus. The city is known as the city of the Prime Ministers since no less than seven of them were born and have made their studies. Allahabad is composed of three parts: the Hindu city made up of narrow streets, the Citadel and its enclosure and Cantonment, the old English town. Overnight at hotel.

Departure for Chitrakoot located on the banks of the river Mandakini known as the mini Varanasi. Chitrakoot, which means “the hill Wonderland” is a cultural, historical and archaeological and place of pilgrimage. In town, dozens of temples and on its banks, tens of ghats where a multitude of faithful come to purify themselves of their sins in the sacred water. Overnight at hotel.

Drive to Khajuraho, the former capital of the Chandela dynasty, who built a large temple complex made up of three groups. Abandoned and then rediscovered 150 years ago by the British, they are covered with elegant sculptures, and reputation of the site is keen to beautiful statues detailing Indian life of the era with its gods, its animals, its artists, but also erotic poses. Overnight at hotel.

Depart for Orchha and explore this ancient capital known for its temples and royal palaces that preserve beautiful murals. The grandeur of this beautiful medieval city captured in stone has survived the centuries without a hitch. All its royal palaces and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries still carry the prestige of the dynasty. Overnight at hotel.

Morning drive to Gwalior, the kingdom of the Scindia dynasty. Stop at Datia, a charming village in the 17th century which was the capital of a Rajput principality. In an elegant setting of greenery and lakes in the middle of nowhere, stands the palace of Datia forgotten, the Govind Palace, built in 1620 by the King of Orchha. Majestic red sandstone building, five stories always admired his mix of Mughal and Rajput styles. Continue to Gwalior fortress that evokes the magnificent Rajput chivalry of the Middle Ages. The city has one of the most beautiful fortresses in India built in the 15th century and its history is closely linked to the British Raj. Located on a plateau, this huge set of yellow stones decorated with friezes glazed houses several palaces. Overnight at hotel.

Visit of Gwalior and departure for Mathura, one of the seven most sacred Hindu cities. It was here that, according to legend, Lord Krishna was born there 3500 years, the most revered of the gods. The city has become a great place of pilgrimage and it goes deep into the heart of traditional India. After Mathura, Vrindavan continuation to the next town. Krishna had spent his childhood in the company of the gopis, the milkmaids. The city has many temples and Mathura as it attracts a large crowd of pilgrims. Continue to Agra. Overnight at hotel.

At sunrise visit Taj Mahal, unforgettable white marble mausoleum. It is inside the Taj Mahal, in an underground crypt, rests Mumtaz, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan. Grief crazy, he built her this tomb whose work lasted 22 years. Entirely of white marble, its decoration made of semi-precious stones overlay it a true masterpiece. In the afternoon, visit the Red Fort, the largest fort in India. Simple fort in the 11th century, Emperor Akbar decided five centuries later, to Agra his capital and rebuilt in order to make a residential palace in addition to a strategic military point. All this harmonious buildings and extreme refinement in the decoration of private apartments. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast and depart for Delhi. New Delhi, the capital of the Indian Empire with wide tree-lined avenues designed as a garden city. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the country, surrounded by narrow alleys and bazaars, the popular area of Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, the center of the Mughal splendor, Raj Ghat, Qutub Minar and the minaret. The boulevards of New Delhi and the inevitable Connaught Place Humayun’s Tomb. Panoramic tour of Old Delhi. Then, transfer to Delhi international airport for the return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Maidens – Delhi

The oldest hotel in Old Delhi built in the 1900 Colonial architecture, spacious gardens, magnificent chandeliers, long corridors, everything is done to revive the scent of old India. Very friendly and attentive staff.

Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel – Haridwar

Located beside the Ganges, in a former palace of the Maharaja turned into a small boutique hotel. Step peaceful and relaxing in the heart of the vibrant Haridwar. Decoration of refined old. Beautiful terraces overlooking the Ganges. Excellent cuisine. A good place.

Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Rishikesh

Nice location for this property. Rooms small but clean. Very attentive staff. The ashram has beautiful gardens and the atmosphere is very pleasant.

Rivatas by Ideal – Varanasi

Located near a mall, this new hotel with modern decor and furniture has a swimming pool. Very helpful and very friendly staff. Spacious rooms. It feels good at the hotel away from the noise.

Milan Palace – Allahabad

The hotel is located in Civil Lines. Pretty decent rooms. Friendly and welcoming staff.

Ram Kripa Inn – Chitrakoot

Excellent location for city tours. Establishes very friendly environment  and provieds with the correct rooms as per your comfort.

Ramada Hotel – Khajurâho

A good place for American Ramada brand. No surprises.

Bundelkhand Riverside – Orchha

Old palace in an enchanting setting, near a river, where it is good to rest. The rooms are spacious and tastefully furnished. The staff is attentive and friendly. A little distance away from Orchha which is however still accessible on foot.

Deo Bagh – Gwalior

A gem of the Neemrana chain opened there two years ago in a unique setting. Get away with these cenotaphs into the park surrounded by several temples and trees. Pleasant and comfortable rooms furnished in Indian style and rooms with practical and functional bathroom. Very good food. Beautiful setting at night with lighting that makes the site worth.

Siris 18 Hotel – Agra

Located in a quiet street. Small building with spacious and well-appointed rooms. Courteous and friendly staff.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

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