Itinerary Details

Day 01. Arrive Delhi

Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport & transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with the modern. Its strategic location was the prime reason why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tuglaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in the first half of the 20th century, much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in lifestyles.

Overnight at Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 02. Delhi

Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th-century walled city of Shahjahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built-in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best-known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, a memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further, we drive past India Gate, a memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the official residence of the President of India, was built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India.

We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, a memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Qutub Minar was built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight at Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 03. Delhi to Varanasi By Air & By Surface (130 Kms) 4 Hours Drive Approx

Transfer this morning to Airport for a flight to Varanasi from where our driver will pick you up and drive towards Prayagraj upon arrival check into your Luxury/deluxe Tent at Prayagraj also called the "Tirth Raj", the king of all pilgrimage centers. There are many references to Prayagraj in Indian epics, Vedas and Puranas. Prayagraj stands at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna (two of India's holiest rivers) and Saraswati River (a mythical river that is not visible). The place where river Ganga and river Yamuna meet is called Sangam (union). Sangam is the venue of many sacred fairs and rituals and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. The most important event at Prayag is the Kumbh Mela. Millions of people from all over India and the world gather at Prayag to take a holy dip at Sangam.

Overnight at Luxury/Deluxe Tent - Prayagraj (B, L, D)

Day 04. Prayagraj  Kumbh Mela (Participation in Kumbha with Shahi Snan / Holy Bath)

Morning see the Sangam (Meeting point) of the three rivers - Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati. Here the Maha Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years which is a major Hindu festival. Sangam - Around 7 km from Civil Lines, overlooked by the eastern ramparts of the fort, wide flood plains and muddy banks protrude towards the sacred Sangam. At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Beaches and ghats are littered with the shorn hair of pilgrims who come to offer pind for their deceased parents. Allahabad also hosts the world-famous Kumbh Mela once in a twelve-year The observance of Maha Kumbh Mela has achieved international popularity as "The biggest act of faith." Millions of pilgrims come to participate in the holy event of Maha Kumbh with tremendous faith. They have a "persistent trust in something sublime". The pilgrims come from all walks of life, with a belief that their sins will be washed off in the holy waters of the sacred river Ganges if they take a dip during the Kumbh but the actual and more science-based reasons are different. It is actually the position of stars and constellations during the Kumbh that makes it significant to take a dip in the river at that time.

Later visit Allahabad Fort, Anand Bhawan, and various other attractions of the town.

Overnight at Luxury/Deluxe Tent - Prayagraj (B, L, D)

Day 05. Prayagraj – Varanasi (130 km – 2.5 hr)

Today we drive to Varanasi. Varanasi is picturesquely situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City in the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.

Afternoon we take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier center for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.

Overnight at Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 06. Varanasi – Delhi By Air & Departure.

Today we start our day with a boat ride on the river Ganges. Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells adds to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy. Later we explore the city on foot to get the feel of this Oldest living city in the world.

After breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport to take a flight for Delhi. Arrive and meet our representative at the airport and board the next flight for our onward destination with a great memory of Kumbh Mela.

 Tour Ends