Activities

India is a multiple land having different faiths and has been a great example of religious reforms throughout the centuries. In this spiritual India tour, we have combined most of the major religions, their divine aspects, and their holy sacred places. The most important part of any liberal religion is its spiritualism and we have given the main focus on the spiritual features of Indian faiths.
The major religions we are covering in this journey are Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Sufism of Islam, Tibetan and Indian Buddhism. You will also discover some of the famous spiritual activities associated with these faiths, which are essential for peace of mind. You will learn more about Yoga & rituals of Hinduism, devotional singing to connect with God in Sufism, Meditation of Buddhism, sacrifice in Jainism, service to mankind from Sikhism and Tantras from Tibetan Buddhism.

While taking this trip to these religious and spiritual destinations of India, you will notice the huge diversities in the country, the difference in the methods to connect with invincible in these faiths and most important the devoted followers doing the rituals and services with great respect. The messages given to the world by its spiritual founders such as Lord Buddha, Guru Nanak and Lord Mahavira are actually very simple and relevant in the current era for peace on the earth. The original messages from these religions and its founders are spiritualism, to attend the peace in the mind and not the superstitions. The meditation, Yoga & service to mankind are for all to practice across the globe and faiths.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi

Jama Masjid & Jain Temple

As you step-in Incredible India, the traditional welcome awaits in the arrival lounge of Delhi IGI International airport with beautiful marigold flowers garlands, you are meet & greet by our company representative. Afterwards drive to your pre-booked hotel. Complete the check-in formulaties at the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Delhi (Full day City Tour)

Lotus Temple

Begin the spiritual experience with Lotus Temple – a Bahai House of worship built as a flowerlike shape in 1986. Bahai faith teaches important aspects of all religions. Later, visit Jama Masjid of Old Delhi- one of the largest Friday mosques in India.

To understand Jain religion, visit the oldest Jain Temple in Delhi best known as Shri Digambar Jain Temple. Jainism is one of the ancient Indian religions. Next, visit Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah – an essential place to understand Sufism – a mystical form of Islam. In the end, visit Akshardham Temple – the largest Hindu temple on the earth associated with Swami Narayan Faith of Hinduism.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi –Dharamshala (By Flight)

After breakfast you are transfer to the Delhi IGI airport to board the flight to Dharamshala. Receive from Dharamshala airport and transfer by surface to Mcleodganj located on the Dhauladhar range of Himalayas and has an altitude of 2082 meters. Relax at the hotel after finishing the check-in process. Mcleodganj is the seat of the Tibetan Government in exile and also the seat of Dalai Lama thus known as Little Lhasa.

A large population of Tibetan Buddhists resides in Mcleodganj around Dalai Lama Temple and monastery. This is the best place to understand Tibetan Buddhism and to interact with Tibetans who crossed the border along with His Holiness Dalai Lama.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04: Dharamshala

Start the tour of Mcleodganj with Namgyal Monastery popularly called as Dalai Lama Temple, this is a personal monastery of His Holiness 14thDalai Lama, and his residence is also adjacent to the monastery. In Dalai Lama Temple, visit the statue of Padmasambhava, Avalokitesvara, and Shakyamuni. Visit the museum inside the complex which has a photo journey of Tibetans arriving in India after an uprising in Tibet.
Afterwards, walk through the markets of Mcleodganj to see various arts, crafts, and textiles made by Tibetans and try the Tibetan delicacies. Also, you can visit Anglican Church St. John in the Wilderness located in the forest.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05: Drive to Amritsar (205 Kms/ 05 HRS)

Drive towards Mecca of Sikhism Amritsar – the holiest place for Sikh faith – another major religion of India founded by Guru Nanak at the end of the fifteenth century. The followers of Sikhism are known as Sikhs meaning disciple, they are a worrier race. Check-in to the hotel and enjoy the vibrant Punjabi hospitality.

Later, visit Golden Temple to witness the important night ceremony called Palki Sahib Ceremony when the sacred book Guru Granth Sahib is taken from the main shrine of Golden Temple to the sleeping chamber. The atmosphere in the night is spectacular in the Golden Temple Complex. Walk back to the hotel to relax for the night.

Day 06: Amritsar Tour

Enjoy delicious Punjabi breakfast at the hotel and then start the day tour of Golden Temple Complex also referred to as Harmandir Sahib and Darbar Sahib. Sikh Temples are known as Gurudwara’s. First, visit the community kitchen in the temple complex which is one of the biggest in India.

Walk through the compound where the devotees are taking the bath in the holy pond and enter the inner sanctum. Later in the afternoon, drive to the Attari-Wagha border to see the pulsating flag retreat ceremony between Indian and Pakistani forces. Return back to the hotel in Amritsar.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Amritsar – Varanasi (By Flight)

After breakfast you are transferred to Amritsar airport to board flight for Varanasi, the utmost spiritual center of India. Varanasi or Banaras, mentioned in the scriptures as Kashi, is less of a city and more of a dreamy experience. It is a paragon of Indian culture, philosophy, traditions and spiritual ethos since times immemorial. It is among the Sapta Puries, meaning seven sacred cities of Ancient India. The city is located on the bank of River Ganga which has two tributaries in the city: Varuna and Assi; hence the name Varanasi. The combination of Kashi – the holy city, Ganga- the sacred river and Shiva- the supreme God, makes Varanasi an immortal destination. Today, Varanasi remains the hub of cultural and holy activities. In the field of learning, especially of Religion, Philosophy, Yoga, Ayurveda, Astrology, Dance and Music, the city is certainly unparalleled. The Banarasi Silk Sarees and Brocades are known worldwide for its elegance. Varanasi is full of surprises abounding every corner; the more one explores it, the more one falls in love with it.
Upon arrival at Varanasi airport you are meet & greet later transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Check In to hotel.

Late afternoon take rickshaw ride to the Old City where you can have a bit of time to stroll the wonderful stimulating area in the Old City around the Ganges. You can walk the narrow cobbled alleyways browsing bazaars and people watch as locals prepare for the evening Aarti. Just before sunset, we will board a country boat to witness Aarti (fire) ceremony performed by a Hindu priest on the banks of River Ganges.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08: Excursion to Sarnath (45 minutes drive)

Early morning pick up for a very moving sunrise boat ride on the River Ganges to witness the religious ceremonies of Hindus. Afterwards, a walking tour of temples and ghats. Return to the hotel for breakfast and some time to rest from the early wake-up call, if you desire.
In the late morning (depart at approx 11 am), to visit Benaras Hindu University, regarded as the largest residential universities in Asia.

Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus, is an art and architecture museum and houses a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archaeological importance. The Bharat Kala Bhavan was established in the year 1920 A.D. Bharat Kala Bhavan also has a great collection of miniature paintings from the courts of Mughals and other Kingdoms and principalities. Some of the important sections in the Bharat Kala Bhavan are Mahamana Malaviya gallery, Nicholas Roerich gallery, Chhavi (Painting Gallery), sculpture gallery, Nidhi (Treasures) gallery, sculpture gallery, archaeological gallery, decorative art gallery and Banaras through ages gallery.

Return to your hotel for lunch and refresh.

This afternoon, visit Sarnath where, in 500 BC, Lord Buddha preached his first sermon 'Maha- Dharma-Chakra Pravartan Sutta' (in Buddhist terminology, ‘turn the wheel of the law’) after his enlightenment. The very spot is marked by the Dhamekh Stupa, adorned with delicate floral carvings. You can walk the path, located in the midst of the archaeological park, to see the ruins of the small brick monastery where Buddha lived during his visits. About 600 meters before the Archaeological Museum, you will see the Chaukhandi Stupa. The excellent Archaeological Museum contains an extremely rich collection of Buddhist sculptures of numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images.

After visiting the museum, continue to Mahabodhi Society’s Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. A major place of worship for the Buddhist community of the world, it was constructed by Bodhisatva Anagarika Dharmapala (1864-1933) from Sri Lanka at the very site where Shakyamuni Buddha preached his first sermon. The temple contains excellent frescoes painted by Japanese artist Kosetsu Notsu. He single handily completed these paintings in a four year span (1932-36). It also houses a life size statue of Buddha in its sanctum and Gautam Buddha's holy relics are kept on display in the shrine. The monarchy of Japan has gifted a large bronze bell that dominates the entrance of the Vihar. The temple was opened to public on Nov. 11th, 1931 and the Mahabodhi Society of India oversees its affairs.

A Bodhi tree stands on the left (east) side of the temple that is believed to have grown out of a sapling of the one under which Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Under this tree statues of Buddha and his disciples have been displayed. The casket of the sacred relics is taken out in a great procession from Mulgandha Kuti Vihar and goes around this tiny city of Sarnath annually on the anniversary day of Mulgandha Kuti Vihar, which falls on Kartik Purnima (Full moon day) in the month of Nov.

At approx 6pm, local Buddhists chant the words to Buddha's first sermon. Return to hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 09: Drive to Bodhgaya (255 kms / 05 hrs)

After early breakfast drive to Bodhgaya, Upon arrival check In to your pre-booked hotel.

Bodhgaya Stationed on the banks of the river Neranjana (also referred to as Falgu) in the Indian state of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is the most venerated place for Buddhists throughout the world. A trip to this place offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into Buddhist culture and their way of living.

Evening city tour of Bodhgaya visiting Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Great Budhha Status and other monasteries.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10: Bodhgaya

After breakfast excursion to Gaya - Nomenclature of Gaya is based on the myth of demon Gayasur who Lord Vishnu had killed in a dual. The place is so sacred for Hindus that even Lord Ram had performed Pindadanam here for his ancestors. Legend says that Lord Ram had come to Gaya to pay homage to his ancestors and Sita had accompanied him on his way. Visit Vishnupad Temple & Mangla Gauri Temple.
Afterwards drive to Rajgir, Rajgir literally means "House of the King". Rajgir pilgrimage is a very important Buddhist site since Lord Buddha spent 12 years over here and also preached two sermons. Here we visit- Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Pandu Pokhar, Griddhakuta Peak & Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall. After wards we drive back to Bodhgaya.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 11: Fly to Delhi
Today late morning you are transferred to Gaya airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival you are transferred to Hotel near airport for wash & change. Late evening you are transferred to IGI Delhi airport to board flight for home/onward journey.