Itinerary:

Day 01: Departure from Home to New Delhi.

Arrival in Delhi on the morning of Day 02. Transfer to the hotel, breakfast, and rest. In the afternoon, visit Old Delhi: Jama Masjid Mosque and Chandni Chowk. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi-Haridwar-Rishikesh (Train).

Early morning, we take the train from New Delhi Railway Station to Haridwar. From Haridwar, we proceed to Rishikesh, about a 40-minute drive by van or minibus. In the evening, we attend the Ganga Aarti Special Puja. Dinner and overnight stay in Rishikesh.

Day 04: Rishikesh.

Today, we visit various ashrams in Rishikesh – Lakshman Temple, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan & Sivananda Ashram. People from all over the world visit the city. Afternoon free time. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

Day 05: Rishikesh – Haridwar – Varanasi (Train).

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head to Vashish Cave, located 20 km from Tapovan, on the banks of the Ganges. According to Hindu mythology, the great sage Vashishta meditated in this ancient cave. We have the opportunity to meditate there as well. After visiting the cave, we head towards Haridwar. In the evening, we take the night train from Haridwar to Varanasi. We can have dinner in Haridwar and later proceed to the railway station. Overnight stay on the train!

Day 06: Varanasi.

We arrive in Varanasi in the morning, have breakfast at the hotel, and rest. In the afternoon, we explore the city of Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges, one of the oldest inhabited places in India. Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges frees them from their sins and leads to a better reincarnation. In the evening, we participate in the Ganges Arti Puja ceremony, a special Hindu ritual. Dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 07: Varanasi.

After breakfast, we visit Banaras Hindu University Bharat Mata and in the afternoon, we take a heritage walk through the old city, exploring the narrow streets and alleys. Enjoy the special atmosphere. Then, participate in a traditional Arti ceremony. Dinner before or after the Arti and overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 08: Varanasi.

Today, we visit the famous “Ghats” in Varanasi, the stepped embankments. Early morning is particularly beautiful as the sun rises on the eastern bank of the Ganges. During a boat ride on the Ganges, passing by the numerous cremation sites and Ghats, you can observe devout pilgrims from all over the country taking their ritual baths. In the afternoon, excursion to Sarnath, an important Buddhist historical site. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Mahabodhi Buddha Temple, and a wildlife park. Finally, visit the monastery ruins of Dhameka Stupa. Dinner and overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 09: Varanasi – Bodhgaya.

Varanasi – Bodhgaya (Distance approx. 270 km, travel time approx. 5 hrs). After breakfast, we leave Varanasi. The day takes us to Bodhgaya, the holiest place for Buddhists. It is believed that Prince Siddhartha Gautama spent three years, three days, and nights sitting and meditating under a tree until his enlightenment. Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.

Day 10: Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya, the place of enlightenment. Visit the Maha Bodhi Temple, the main temple and one of the oldest Buddhist temples. The 55-meter high, pyramid-shaped temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We can meditate together under the Bodhi tree. After a break, we can go back to the main temple in the evening and participate in a ceremony. Overnight stay in Bodh Gaya.

Day 11: Bodhgaya.

Bodhgaya is one of the most significant spiritual centers of Buddhism. Especially beautiful are the Thai, Bhutanese, Japanese, and Tibetan temples. Buddhists from all over the world practice their meditation at this place. So, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.

Day 12: Bodhgaya – Kolkata (Night Train).

This morning we have time for ourselves. In the afternoon, we must check out of our hotel. In the evening, we take our train from Gaya to Kolkata, an overnight train. We can have dinner in Bodhgaya and then later proceed to Gaya railway station. Overnight on the train!

Day 13: Kolkata. We arrive in Kolkata in the morning, check into the hotel upon arrival and rest. We take a walk around the city and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night at the hotel in Kolkata.

Day 14: Kolkata.

After breakfast, we visit very interesting places such as the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the Victoria Memorial Hall, the Howrah Bridge, the Birla Temple, Kumortuli, and the flower market. Finally, there is a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Kolkata-Back Home.

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Kolkata International/Domestic Airport. Namaste!