Hindu Pilgrimages

Hindu Pilgrimages

In Search of God

Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days

This itinerary covers the following destinations : Delhi - Varanasi - Allahabad - Agra - Mathura - Jaipur - Delhi

Day 01 : Arrival Delhi

Delhi

The colour & romance of India welcomes you with arms wide open as you reach Delhi. The aroma of Indian traditions gets hold of you in a fascinating way. The capital of India, Delhi, is one of the liveliest places in the whole world with something exciting & unexpected always happening at every corner every moment. For a first time visitor, it serves as a perfect start to a journey towards cultural wealth, different religious beliefs and the dynamisms of India. Delhi can often be both, a melting pot as well as a mosaic of cultures & a keen traveller can take back with him a multitude of experiences.

Welcome meeting with our representative and assistance upon arrival, thereafter transfer to the hotel.

Later proceed for a city tour of New & Old Delhi. Visit the buildings of the British era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayun's tomb of the Mughal era (UNESCO World Heritage Site) & a prototype of the world famous Taj Mahal. Later explore the towering Qutab Minar(a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Return to the Hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi

The next morning visit the Birla Mandir , Laxmi Narayan & the ancient Hunuman Temple.

Afternoon proceed for proceed for a city tour of Old Delhi of the Mughals comprising of the Red Fort & the Jama Masjid. Also visit Raj Ghat-The final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi.

Day 03 : Delhi - Varanasi

After breakfast, transfer to airport to board a flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath Temple - 5 miles out of Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 BC. Sarnath has a fine Museum filled with sculptures found at the site.

Later return to Varanasi.

Day 04 : Varanasi - Allahabad (By road - 125 Kms)

Allahabad

Early morning, boat ride on the river Ganges, when it is full of pilgrims paying their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples. It is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming.

Thereafter, walk through the narrow lanes and colourful bazaars in the heart of the old city and also visit the temples. The visit includes the famous Kashi Vishwa Nath Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Durga Temple.

Proceed for the city of confluence of the great rivers of Ganga, Yamun and the mythical Saraswati. The confluence known as sangam is believed to have great soul cleansing powers. Visit the Patalpuri Temple, Mankameshwar Temple among the famous Shiv temples in Allahabad.

Later return to the hotel.

Day 05 : Allahabad - Agra (overnight train journey)

Visit Sangam - The place where the three great rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet. Legends say that a few drops of nectar fell in it. People come here to take a holy dip which is said to cleanse the soul. The chief attractions of this place are the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh kumbh.

Allahabad Fort - This magnificent fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1583 A.D. is known for its unparalleled design and craftsmanship. The fort stands on the banks of the holy sangam. The majestic fort has massive walls and three galleries. Its three gateways are flanked by high towers. Ashoka Pillar standing 10.6 m tall, dates back to 232 B.C. The majestic Ashoka pillar is made of polished sandstone. The pillar displays several edicts including the Persian inscription of Emperor Jahangir, commemorating his accession to the throne.

The Hanuman Temple, is one of its kind housing an idol of Hanuman in a reclining posture. It is situated near sangam. Later in the evening, transfer to the railway station to board a train for Agra.

Day 06 : Allahabad - Mathura

Mathura

After breakfast, proceed to Mathura (or Brajbhoomi) which is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place for the Hindus and one of the seven sacred cities in India. The main pilgrim center in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Mathura is also an important craft center. Continue your visit to Mathura and visit Vrindavan which is 10 kms from Mathura and it is associated with the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna. There are about 4,000 temples in Vrindavan but you will visit only a few of them. Gokul is 16 km South of Mathura. It is said that Lord Krishna was secretly raised here. Mahaban is 18 km South East of Mathura. Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his youth here.

Return to the hotel

Day 07 : Mathura - Agra

After breakfast proceed for Agra. Start with a city tour of Agra and visit the World famous Taj Mahal, whose eternal beauty will astonishes and mesmerizes the visitors. It is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" built by the Emperor Shah Jahan to immortalize the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in the year 1631.

Afternoon, discover the strong & magnificent Red Fort - built by the three generations of Mughal Emperors between the year 1565 and 1573, whose military power cannot be questioned. It was the residence of the Mughal Emperors.

Evening visit the Mankameshwar Temple - dedicated to Lord Shiv, legends say that any wish made here will come true. This Temple has great reverence and strict dress code for all who wish to visit this Temple.

Day 08 : Agra - Jaipur

Proceed to Jaipur - the Capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the city that was painted pink in honor of prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, who came to visit in the year1883.

En route visit Fatehpur Sikri - the extraordinary city built by Akbar the Great, and deserted 14 years later.

On arrival check into the hotel.

Day 09 : Jaipur

Jaipur

After breakfast proceed for a visit to the Amber Fort, built during the time of the Mughals. The area used to be always ready for war. Amber was the residence of the Maharajas. One is able to imagine the power of the Fort just by a look of the majestic ramparts of the Fort, which surround the palace. You will ascend this 11th Century Bastion on a gaily decorated Elephant.

Visit the Palace with its crimped rooms of mirrors and the old harem, in true labyrinth style. The magnificent public and private rooms show evidence of the splendour of the rulers of the 16th & the 17th Century.

There is a possibility of also attending a Puja ceremony of a number of priest's chanting at the Kali Temple. Puja (chanting in the name of Lord is the time of prayers according to the 'Hindu rites'. One can enter the temple only bare feet and any kind of leather is not permitted. Later return to the hotel.

Day 10 : Jaipur - Delhi

Depart for Delhi. Once you reach Delhi, leave for Delhi international airport to board a homebound flight.

Contact us today and let us know your requirement. We will be more than happy to assist and serve you.