Spiritual North India and Varanasi

Whether you want a whirlwind tour or wish to enjoy an in-depth experience of Delhi’s numerous sights, the choice is yours on this full day tour! Discover the Old Town with its bustling markets, including Chandni Chowk, once the grandest Indian market. Head to the imposing Red Fort and onto India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. Feast at the colorful, open-air food and craft bazaar of Dilli Haat. Visit Laxminarayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, and its beautiful gardens. Discover the UNESCO World heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, a monumental landmark in Indo-Islamic architecture with its perfect synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Red Fort closed on Mondays)

Explore Dharamsala, nestled in the scenic Kangra Valley in the foothills of the Himalayas. The city is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, making it a major hub of Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Your local guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you through the stunning vistas of the Dhauladhar Hills. Your first stop is the Norbulingka Institute. Here, observe skilled artisans practicing traditional crafts that have been passed down generations. Also visit the colorful Deden Tsuglagkhang Temple that is located in the premises. Next, head to vibrant Mcleodganj. Explore the area’s numerous museums to learn about Tibetan culture and history. While here, you could treat yourself to authentic snacks influenced by Tibetan and Himachali cuisine at a local eatery. Then, continue your journey to the Dalai Lama’s residence within the Namgyal Monastery. Experience the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps even observe monks in prayer. Following this, your guide will take you to the Tibetan Children’s Village School, an NGO that supports refugee and destitute children. You may offer a donation here if you wish. Conclude your tour at the Tibet Museum, which powerfully narrates the story of Tibet and its struggle. You will then be driven back to your hotel. (Duration: 6 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included; Fitness Level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, commonly called the Golden Temple, is Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Observe the life, vigor and vitality of this temple’s religious fervor and sacredness, where thousands of pilgrims converge from India and abroad. It is best visited early morning or at night..when it is beautifully lit up. Witness the nightly ceremony – ‘Palki Sahib’, when the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ is carried in procession from the main shrine to its night abode..the Akal Takht, where it rests for a few hours until the opening ceremony next morning. Male pilgrims shoulder the heavy palanquin for a few seconds each before passing it along, forming a human ‘conveyer belt’ allowing everyone to participate and rest.

Discover the shimmering spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism at the Golden Temple. This spell-binding, gold-plated gurdwara, crowned with an inverted lotus-shaped golden dome, is a fascinating sight at all times of day. Venture into the langar (free kitchen) to watch thousands of people from all walks of life being fed a free meal. Head onto Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden housing a memorial that commemorates victims of the 1919 massacre at the hands of the British. Delve into the old city and explore fabulous sweet markets and Durgiana Temple, devoted to the principal Hindu Goddess Durga. At the Wagah Border, between Pakistan and India, enjoy the ceremonial changing of the guards, and the closing of the gates each evening. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Discover spirituality at the Himalayas! Begin your tour of Haridwar with an exciting ropeway ride to the top of the majestic mountain, Neel Parvat, to visit the revered Chandi Devi Temple perched atop. Experience the hustle and bustle of a local market. Catch your breath at a viewpoint that overlooks the city before moving onto the revered Mansa Devi Temple on the neighboring mountain, Bilwa Parvat. Explore the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the river, which reputedly houses a large footprint made by the Hindu God Vishnu. Experience the mystical evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) performed by priests at the ghat, and watch thousands of lamps float downriver, accompanied by rhythmic chanting. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Discover the highlights of the temple town of Rishikesh during this private tour. Start with a visit to the iconic Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge over the fast-flowing Ganges River. Accompanied by your guide, stroll on the bridge for a little over a mile to reach the other side, where you’ll visit Parmarth Ashram, a renowned center for yoga and religious learning. Next up is Chaurasi Kutia, better known as the Beatles Ashram. See the spiritual center, where the Beatles learned transcendental meditation and composed some of their hit songs. Afterwards, take a break to buy yourself lunch at a local eatery. Then, you will drive out to Vashishta Cave, located on the sandy shores of the river where the Hindu sage Vashishta is believed to have meditated thousands of years ago. Nearby, you also have Arundhati Cave, named after the sage’s wife. As the sun goes down, make your way to Triveni Ghat for the famous Ganga aarti or river worship. Watch as hundreds of lamps light up the night sky while priests conduct the ceremony to the accompaniment of chants and devotional songs. (Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please note that ashram visit may not be possible on some special occasions or during ceremonies; Best time to travel: Oct-Apr)

Begin your evening tour of Varanasi with a delightful visit to a bustling local market, brimming with vibrant colors where it seems that everything is for sale! Venture into modern spirituality with a local temple visit. Take a thrilling auto rickshaw ride towards the ghats (steps) of India’s holiest river. Cruise around the River Ganges on an evening boat ride as the sun begins to set. Participate in the enthralling Ganga Aarti, a heartwarming and fascinating prayer ceremony, where you can watch Hindu pilgrims giving offerings to their holy river. (Half Day, Private Evening Activity & Transfer; Time: 1500 hrs – 2000 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy)

Head out on a sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges before you explore the colorful, bustling maze of ghats and temples lining the this holy river. As a meeting place between the physical and spiritual worlds, this can be an intense experience as you witness life and death come together. After a short breakfast, discover architectural relics and artwork at Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum. Venture to a nearby hamlet and observe daily village life, and experience Ramnagar Fort, an 18th century Mughal Fort. On every day except Fridays, you can visit the ancient seat of wisdom Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first lecture after attaining enlightenment.(Half Day, Private Morning Activity & Transfer; Time: 0530 hrs – 1300 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy; Sarnath Museum closed on Fridays)