1

Upon arrival in Delhi welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Later, commence your exploration of India with a city tour of Old Delhi, including a visit to Jama Masjid, constructed in 1650 A.D. Enjoy a rickshaw ride along the alleys of the ancient bazaar of Chandini Chowk. Visit Humayun’s Tomb and drive past the imposing India Gate, Parliament Buildings, and the President’s House. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

2

In the morning, we drive to Haridwar. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Mansa Devi and other temples. In the evening, explore Har-ki-Pauri, one of the most sacred ghats for Hindus. Witness the Aarti ceremony along the Holy River Ganges, where deeyas (oil lamps) are offered to God. The essence of the Aarti ceremony is to express gratitude by offering the light of thanks, love, and devotion. Overnight stay.

3

We take a morning drive to Rishikesh, known as the ‘place of sages,’ situated at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga rivers. It serves as the starting point for Char Dham pilgrims and is a place of interest for those enthusiasts of meditation, yoga, and Hinduism. In Rishikesh, visit Laxman Jhula, a famous hanging bridge, and Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

4

In the morning, we drive to Agra, the former capital of Mughal India. Visit the world-famous “Taj Mahal,” a marble monument of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Explore the Agra Fort and Sikandara, the Tomb of Emperor Akbar the Great. Overnight stay at the hotel.

5

Drive to Lucknow, a multicultural city known for courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine. Afternoon city tour, visiting ‘Bara Imambara’ and Jami Masjid. Overnight stay.

6

Embark on a morning journey to Allahabad, a city synonymous with Sangam, a Hindi term denoting the confluence of rivers. Named for its location at the meeting point of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, Allahabad is revered as one of India’s holiest cities. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Later, explore Sangam, a sacred site in Hinduism known for hosting the Ardh-Kumbh and Kumbh Mela every 6 and 12 years, respectively. Witness the convergence of the Ganges and Yamuna, where pandas (priests) conduct rituals on small platforms, guiding the devotess in their ablutions in the shallow waters. Additionally, visit Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent freedom fighter and India’s first Prime Minister. The residence also holds significance as the former abode of Indira Gandhi, often referred to as the “Iron Lady of India.” Today, Anand Bhavan has been transformed into a distinguished museum. Enjoy an overnight stay.

7

In the morning, we drive to Varanasi, and check-in at the hotel. Varanasi is a crucial pilgrimage site for Hindus, known for devout prayers, river baths, and worship along the Ganges. In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony at the Holy Ganges. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

8

Embark on an early morning boat cruise on the Ganges to visit Bathing Ghats. Observe Varanasi come alive along the riverbanks with people bathing in the holy water and worshiping the rising sun. We then take a city tour, including various temples and an afternoon excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

9

The entire day is free to explore later in evening transfer to the station to catch a train for Kolkata. Night on board.

10

Upon arriving at the Kolkata station, transfer to the hotel. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta and fondly nicknamed the City of Joy, is a city associated with Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, intellectuals, football enthusiasts, processions, political movements, and a vibrant arts and theatre scene. It rightfully holds the title of the cultural capital of India.

In the afternoon, embark on an exploration of the City of Joy, starting with a visit to the iconic Victoria Memorial. Constructed between 1906 and 1921, this grand marble structure serves as a tribute to Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The architecture seamlessly blends English and Mughal influences, and the imposing statues of King George V and his wife, Mary, along with the soaring central chamber, create a majestic ambiance.

Next, delve into the cultural development of India at the Indian Museum, established in 1814. As the earliest and largest multipurpose museum in the Asia Pacific region, it boasts a rare collection of antiques, fossils, skeletons, armor, ornaments, and Mughal paintings. The visit continues to Mother Teresa’s home, housing her solemn tomb. The museum exhibits items like the sandals she wore and a battered enamel dinner bowl. On the floor above, explore the preserved room where Mother Teresa slept and worked, maintaining its simplicity with her bed. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Kolkata.

11

After breakfast, transfer to Kolkata airport to catch flight for onward destination.