Spiritual North India and Varanasi

15 Days from $5,590 USD / person

Let your India vacation take you on a spiritual journey to holy cities and sublime works of art. From pristine Rishikesh to the Aarti light ceremony of Haridwar, holy Varanasi to the love temples of Khajuraho and the Taj Mahal, fascinating encounters await.

Customize this North India and Varanasi trip to match your exact interests and preferences. Contact our experts for a tailor-made private tour itinerary today!

Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Ideal For

Ayurveda

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 3

Delhi
Highlights: Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate

Colonels Retreat
The Connaught, New Delhi – Taj Hotel

3 – 6

Dharamsala
Highlights: Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama's Residence, Tibetan Culture, Shiva Cave Temple

Udechee Huts
Udechee Huts

6 – 8

Amritsar
Highlights: Golden Temple, Jallianwalla Bagh, Wagah Border, Durgiana Temple, Cycle Rickshaw Ride

Ranjit’s Svaasa
Hyatt Amritsar

8 – 9

Haridwar
Highlights: Ganges, Aarti Ceremony, Spirituality, Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Temples

Ganga Lahari
Ganga Lahari

9 – 12

Rishikesh
Highlights: River Ganges, Aarti Ceremony, Ashram Visits, Yoga

Regenta Inn On The Ganges
Hotel Ganga Kinare

12 – 14

Varanasi
Highlights: Boat Rides on The Ganges, Ganga Aarti, Spirituality, Sarnath

Radisson Hotel Varanasi
Amritara SuryaUday Haveli

14 – 15

Delhi
Highlights: Red Fort, Humayuns Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, India Gate

Colonels Retreat
The Connaught, New Delhi – Taj Hotel

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 3

2 Nights

Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, has a long and storied history that goes back 3,000 years. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and has been the beating heart of many empires, from the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals to the British. Each one has left its imprint on Delhi’s architecture, creating a varied and multicultural cityscape. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites span the centuries and are arguably the highlights. The 12th-century Qutub Minar is an early example of Delhi’s Islamic heritage. Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century, features a garden mausoleum with a striking octagonal design. Finally, there is the iconic sandstone Red Fort, or Lal Quila, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Today, Delhi is split between ‘Old Delhi’, with its narrow streets, bazaars, and historical monuments, and ‘New Delhi’, with its wide boulevards and grand government buildings. One thing they both have in common is delicious street food ranging from chaat and kebabs to flaky parathas, making Delhi a food lover’s paradise.

Included activities

Personalized Highlights of Delhi

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)

Hotel options

Colonels Retreat – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Guest house

The Connaught, New Delhi – Taj Hotel – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style Heritage

Day 3 – 6

3 Nights

Dharamsala

Dharamsala offers a delicious taste of Tibet! In fact, the town has been given the illustrious title of the Little Lhasa in India. Housing several generations of exiled Tibetans and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, there is a peaceful energy to the small but flourishing and determined Buddhist community. Set within the foothills of the Himalayas in the Dhauladhar Range, the location is an ideal backdrop for this spiritual haven, with its magnificent snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, and rolling tea gardens. Dharamsala is an ideal retreat if you wish to soothe your soul in the grandeur of natural beauty.

Included activities

Highlights of Dharamsala

Escape daily routines and enjoy a blissful Himalayan sojourn amidst the superb vistas of Dhauladhar Hills, high above the rugged Kangra Valley of North India. The area offers a mystical blend of natural wonders and cultural delights. Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and traditions as you venture to the Norbulingka Institute and various museums in Mcleodganj, and enjoy performances at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Unearth Tibetan Buddhism with a visit to the Dalai Lama’s residence at Namgyal Monastery. Visit the Tibetan Children’s Village School, which is an NGO supporting refugee and destitute children and where monetary donations are welcome. The Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute) offers an insight into traditional alternative healing. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel options

Udechee Huts – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style Boutique

Udechee Huts – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style Boutique

Day 6 – 8

2 Nights

Amritsar

Amritsar, the capital of Punjab, is a city of contrasts. Its streets burst with frenetic energy and are thick with sights, sounds and smells. Yet at its center lies the serene and magnificent Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine. The city has found itself in the crosshairs of history multiple times, and continues to be shaped by it. It is home to Jallianwala Bagh, the site of the 1919 massacre that was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. The Partition Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century town hall, is the only museum in the world dedicated to Britain’s division of India. Its exhibits tell the haunting and tragic tale of the largest migration in human history. That division is reflected today in the daily Beating Retreat Ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border. Both the Indian and Pakistani sides hold synchronised marches in front of their respective cheering crowds. Food is another Amrisar passion. Highlights include tandoori chicken, black daal, and the famous Amritsari kulcha, a leavened bread stuffed with seasoned potatoes and cauliflower.

Included activities

Evening Ceremony at Golden Temple

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.

Highlights of Amritsar

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)

Hotel options

Ranjit’s Svaasa – Opt 1

Room Luxury Room

Meals Room only

Style Heritage

Hyatt Amritsar – Opt 2

Room Hyatt Pool View

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 8 – 9

1 Night

Haridwar

Haridwar is a significant pilgrimage destination and is considered by Hindu worshippers as the Gateway of the Gods. The spiritual city is located on the banks of India’s famous holy River Ganges, after the waters have just exited the Himalayas. An ancient city that is centuries old, Haridwar was first mentioned in the ancient scriptures and Indian epics under its former names, Mayapuri, Gangadwar and Mokshadwar. Every twelve years, the city invites in thousands of Hindu pilgrims for its famous Haridwar Kumbh Mela.

Included activities

Highlights of Haridwar

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)

Hotel options

Ganga Lahari – Opt 1

Room Ganga View Room

Meals Room Only

Style Boutique

Ganga Lahari – Opt 2

Room Ganga View Room

Meals Room Only

Style Boutique

Day 9 – 12

3 Nights

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the ultimate destination for harmony of your mind, body and soul. Located in northern Uttarakhad at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is surrounded by hills on three sides and provides a sense of being on top of the world. The area is a spiritual pilgrimage destination given that the great River Ganges, considered sacred to the Hindu religion, flows through the town’s hamlets and settlements. Venture to Rishikesh for a healthy and mystical experience, as it is considered the yoga capital of the world.

Included activities

Personalized Tour of Rishikesh

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)

Hotel options

Regenta Inn On The Ganges – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Room Only

Style Boutique

Hotel Ganga Kinare – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room Partial River View

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 12 – 14

2 Nights

Varanasi

Varanasi, the holy city, is older than history and legend! Located along the banks of the holy River Ganges, it is the oldest living city in the world. Thousands of scholars and sadhus (holy men) visit Varanasi every year to gain ancient wisdom and debate the nature of Godhead, whilst Hindu pilgrims flock to the riverside to wash away their sins and conduct significant life and death rituals. An awe-inspiring melting pot, the spiritual capital of India is also known for its beautiful silks, perfumes and sculptures. Colorful, chaotic, inspiring and moving, Varanasi is not for the faint-hearted.

Included activities

Personalised Evening Highlights of Varanasi

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)

Personalized morning Highlights of Varanasi

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)

Hotel options

Radisson Hotel Varanasi – Opt 1

Room Superior Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Amritara SuryaUday Haveli – Opt 2

Room Ganges View Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 14 – 15

1 Night

Delhi

Hotel options

Colonels Retreat – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Guest house

The Connaught, New Delhi – Taj Hotel – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $5,590 USD / person

Option 2

From $6,690 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

What Our Guests Say

Seamless organisation and communication resulting in an unforgettable experience in India. I would highly recommend this company and our itinerary. We particularly enjoyed staying in Indian Heritage Hotels and the local guides made each location interesting and informative. Our driver, Mukesh, was incredibly reliable and safe. Thanks to Rose Kennedy and Shruti Jain for making it happen

Yasmine Layher

Australia

This trip was my gift to my wife for her birthday. I had traveled to India numerous times for business and wanted her to see this interesting and beautiful land. This was our 7th trip with Enchanting and I knew they would put together a journey that would explore the most important sights in the time which we allowed. We spent 2 weeks in the North of India and 2 weeks in the South. I was hesitant to do some much traveling by car but India has really improved their highways and the car trips where enjoyable. Our drivers were excellent. They knew the lay of the land and how to navigate the hectic Indian traffic. I am a retired international airline pilot and I will tell you that the hotels we stayed in are some of the finest in the world.

Everett Beasley

USA

Our week-long visit to Delhi and Rajasthan planned in a short period of time was exceptional. Everything except our dinners was arranged for and included in the itinerary. Our personal guides in each city were engaging and enhanced our experience tremendously. Our chauffeur (far more than a driver) was brilliant. He was also our trip coordinator and provided local guidance as we travelled. The whole visit was executed perfectly and Enchanting staff made it so from planning through to the final wave goodbye. We are so pleased to have found this company and will definitely select them again for future visits elsewhere in the world.

Michael Patrick Proctor

USA

I have been using Enchanting Travels from their very beginning and I will continue to use them in the future. Although I use them mainly for India, they did arrange a very nice trip to Vienna when I went there to attend a wedding. They are reliable, efficient, trustworthy and knowledgeable and just plain excellent.

Marianne Oort-Lissy

Netherlands

Enchanting Travels were very proactive in helping us put together our trip and their support during our trip was amazing. We travelled from Delhi to the Amritsar by train to see the Golden Temple and the Pakistan border flag ceremony. We flew to Udaipur and travelled by car via Deogarh, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra back to Delhi with an onwards flight to Jabalpur, followed by a car ride to the Bandhavgarh National Tiger Park. The holiday included a train trip and three internal flights, and everything went according to plan and without a hitch. There were too many highlights, but a special mention goes to the Diwali celebration with a local family, the Taj Mahal and the visit to the Bandhavgarh National Park where we saw tigers in the wild. We can say, hand on heart, that our holiday in India exceeded our expectations.

Harry Warries

Australia

Enchanting Travels is a very professional, knowledgeable group with an excellent team. They are with you making sure everything goes smoothly from the day you start to put together your itinerary until you are checked in to your flight home. This is more than first class service. This service is piece of mind and the perfect way to have a safe, memorable, and peaceful trip full of

Maria Isabel Salgar

USA

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