7-Day Spiritual Journey: Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi with Taj Mahal Visit and Ganges Boat Ride

Embark on a 7-day personal journey through Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi, immersing yourself in the spiritual and mystical aspects of Indian culture. Admire the stunning beauty of the Taj Mahal, participate in a puja ritual along the Ganges River, and discover the delightful street food scene in Delhi.

Duration: 7 days
Cancellation: 6 days learn more
Highlights

Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport - Arrival in Delhi

On the first day, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

New Delhi Sightseeing

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - After a hotel or airport pick-up, your first stop will be the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the prominent Sikh pilgrimage centers in Delhi. Originally the palace bungalow of Raja Jai Singh of Amber (Jaipur), it is now the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The 8th Guru, Sri Harkishan, stayed here as a guest of Raja Jai Singh.

India Gate - Next, visit India Gate. Originally known as the All India War Memorial, this major landmark commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Afghan Wars.

Gandhi Smriti - Continue to Gandhi Smriti Museum, located in the Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948. The museum houses a large collection of photographs from his life and a few of his personal belongings.

Red Fort - Following a hotel pick-up, your first stop will be the stunning 17th-century Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila. Explore the fortress complex, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the walled city of Old Delhi.

Chandni Chowk - Later, take a cycle rickshaw to visit Chandni Chowk, also known as the silver market street. The shops crowd over each other, and people jostle with cycle rickshaws and scooters on the streets. Despite the central canal being long shut, wandering into the alleys and by-lanes off the main Chandni Chowk, you will find shops and markets selling jewelry, bridal wear, books, spices, sweetmeats, dry fruits, electronic goods, and more.

The Kinari Bazaar sells wedding gear for all communities, from garlands of rupee notes to the groom’s turban and silk robes for the bride. At Dariba Kalan, be dazzled by rows of shops displaying finely crafted gold jewelry, while at the Naya Bazaar in Khari Baoli, smell the strong oriental fragrances of spices, dried fruits, and medicinal herbs. At the base of the Jama Masjid is the crowded Meena Bazaar, which caters mainly to the Muslim population in the area. Nai Sarak is lined with 19th and 20th-century houses, whose lower portions have shops selling books and stationery.

Swaminarayan Akshardham - Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom, and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions, and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values, and contributions to the progress, happiness, and harmony of mankind.

Delhi to Varanasi

Banaras Ghats - In the afternoon, board a flight to the Hindu/Buddhist city of Varanasi. Your driver will drop you at the Delhi airport. Upon arrival at Varanasi airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, against the sublime backdrop of the setting sun, attend the aarti at the Ghat. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Varanasi Full Day Sightseeing

Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was constructed in 1780. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings that impart a divine quality to the facade. There is also a well within the temple complex called Jnana Vapi or wisdom well. The temple also houses several other small temples such as Kaalbhairav, Vishnu, Virupaksh Gauri, Vinayaka, and Avimukteshwara.

Bharat Sevashram Sangha - Varanasi - Bharat Mata Mandir is located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus in Varanasi, India. Instead of traditional statues of gods and goddesses, this temple has a huge map of undivided India carved in marble. This temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata and claims to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Banaras Hindu University - Banaras Hindu University has been a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years and is the largest university.

Sarnath - The city is famous for being the first place where Lord Buddha preached after gaining enlightenment. Later, kings who followed Buddhism, like King Ashoka, built many stupas and structures here focused on Buddhism. Buddhist pilgrims from various parts of the world visit Sarnath every year. Sarnath is also famous for the Ashoka pillar, which is now the country’s national emblem.

Varanasi to Agra

Dasaswamedh Ghat - Very early in the morning, drive to Daswamedh Ghat at the Ganges and take a boat ride with your guide on the sacred river Ganges to see the sunrise, the cremation Ghats, and the sacred rituals. Watch hundreds of faithful take a bath and pray on the banks. The entire scene comes alive as a reassurance of Hindu faith and spiritualism. Return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of the “Ganga” and see the buzz around the shops opening and selling holy beads, handicrafts, etc. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the station to catch the overnight train to Agra.

Overnight in the train at your air-conditioned sleeper berth.

Train tickets will be issued after booking.

Agra

Agra Fort - Arrive in the morning at Agra Fort station, where you will be picked up and driven to the hotel. After some rest, your private guide will start the sightseeing tour of Agra.

Taj Mahal - Experience one of the world’s most romantic buildings with a skip-the-line ticket to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Discover the temple deemed the “Token of Love, Devotion & Romance,” and recognized as the ultimate jewel of Muslim art in India. Explore the marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan following the death of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra Fort - Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

Agra to Onward Destination (Delhi or Jaipur)

Agra Fort - After breakfast in the morning, you will be transferred to the train station to catch the train for Delhi, Mumbai, or Jaipur.

You will receive a train ticket for the air-conditioned sleeper class for your onward journey after booking. Let us know where you wish to head.

What's Included
  • Boat ride on the River Ganges
  • Private tour for a personalized experience
  • Knowledgeable professional guide
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Comfortable interstate transportation by air-conditioned car or flight
  • Inclusive of breakfast
  • All entrance fees covered, including the Taj Mahal
  • Optional accommodation included
  • All sightseeing and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Additional Information
  • Please note that rooms are available on a triple sharing basis if there are 3 people. Double rooms are provided for 2 participants, and single rooms are available for solo travelers
  • Please provide the full name, passport number, gender and age of all participant to book the train tickets
  • Please provide a copy of a valid ID (driving licence/passport/voter ID number) to book tickets
  • The itinerary described can be customised, and you have option to start the tour from Varanasi, / Agra /Jaipur / Mumbai or Delhi
  • Please select dates carefully, as most monuments in Delhi are closed on Mondays. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and all monuments remain closed on national holidays, such as Holi, Diwali, Christmas, Gandhi’s Birthday (2 October), Independence Day (15 August) and Republic Day (26 January). Dates differ every year for Hindu holidays like Holi and Diwali, so please check yourself before booking)
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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