Classical India with Rishikesh

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi Welcome to Delhi! Be greeted with a traditional Mauli ceremony, a sacred thread tied to your wrist, symbolizing blessings and protection. Check into your hotel and relax after your journey.

 

Day 2: Explore Old Delhi Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi's vibrant Chandni Chowk and visit Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli. Reflect at Raj Ghat and experience the community spirit at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Visit Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enjoy a serene evening at your hotel.

 

Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur, the "Pink City," and check into your heritage hotel. In the evening, witness an uplifting prayer ceremony (aarti) at the Birla Temple, a spiritual experience featuring music, chanting, and lamps.  

Day 4: Jaipur Highlights

Visit the Amber Fort, marvel at the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), and capture the iconic Hawa Mahal. Explore the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory before diving into Jaipur’s bustling Bapu Bazaar and enjoying a guided evening walking tour.

 

Day 5: Jaipur to Agra (via Fatehpur Sikri) Journey to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital. Continue to Agra and explore the majestic Agra Fort, walking through its grand courtyards and marble palaces.

 

Day 6: Agra to Rishikesh Begin the day with a magical sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, basking in its ethereal beauty. After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh, check into your riverside retreat, and witness the spiritual Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, a mesmerizing evening ritual.

 

Day 7: Rishikesh Serenity Start with sunrise yoga by the Ganges River, followed by visits to Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges. Engage in a private meditation session with a yogi or indulge in Ayurvedic treatments. Conclude the day with a tranquil hike to a nearby waterfall.

 

Day 8: Rishikesh to Varanasi Fly to Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart. Check into your hotel and witness the iconic Ganga Aarti at Dasashwamedh Ghat, an ancient ceremony blending fire, flowers, and hymns.

 

Day 9: Varanasi Immersion Take a serene sunrise boat ride along the Ganges, watching devotees perform their morning rituals. Explore the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, to experience the peaceful Buddhist legacy.

 

Day 10: Varanasi to Delhi Spend your final morning at leisure in Varanasi before flying to Delhi for your onward journey, carrying with you the spiritual and cultural essence of India. This thoughtfully curated itinerary offers a perfect balance of exploration, reflection, and connection, guiding you through India's spiritual and cultural treasures.

 

This curated itinerary combines cultural immersion, spiritual exploration, and moments of mindfulness, leaving travelers inspired and rejuvenated.