Yoga and Culture holiday
Destination
Overview
Delhi - Jama masjid, Rajghat the Gandhi memorial, cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, St James church, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Birla Mandir, Bangla Sahib. Haridwar – Ganga aarti, Har ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Game drive into Raja ji National Park, Yoga session, Rishikesh – yoga classes, white water Rafting, Agra – Taj Mahal, Fort, Mehtab bagh. Jaipur – city palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar (observatory, Amber Fort.
Tour Description
Duration : 13 Nights & 14 Days
Accommodation : Luxury Hotels / Palaces or Heritage Hotels
Best Time to Visit : October to June
Journey Type : Group Journey
Our unique Yoga and Culture holiday will not only introduce you to the rich, vibrant and all inclusive Indian culture but also rejuvenate your mind, body and soul through age-old yoga practices. You will experience India in all its glory in Old Delhi's bustling bazaars and Mughal architectural marvels that gives way to the grandeur of Lutyens Delhi, reminiscent of British era. In Agra, prepare to be mesmerised by one the most beautiful symbols of eternal love - the stunning Taj Mahal. You will uncover a history of royal intrigue and extravagance in the beautiful forts and palaces of Jaipur. Your visit to the holy land of Haridwar, one of the seven most sacred Hindu pilgrimages will cleanse your soul. Align your spiritual and physical self with 5000 year old yoga practices in Haridwar and in Rishikesh which is the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' A place where the Beatles practiced meditation and wrote scores of songs. Our Yoga and Culture tour is designed to offer you the perfect balance of sensory and spiritual experiences.
Itinerary
You will get a warm welcome at the Delhi International Airport by our travel counsellor who will then assist you in your hotel transfer and check-in. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
The flamboyant city of Delhi will assault all your senses with its colourful markets, mouth watering food and architectural marvels steeped in several eras of history. You can explore the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk with its crumbling havelis, timeworn places of worship and swarming bazaars perfect for souvenir shopping.
Take a journey into Delhi's glorious past at the soaring victory tower of Qutub Minar and visit the majestic Red Fort resonating with Mughal history and culture. You will be spell bound by the grandeur of Lutyens Delhi which includes the imposing Rashtrapati Bhawan and the famed archway of India Gate.
You can pay your respects to the man who taught the world the power of non-violence at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. Also, you will visit the magnificent Laxmi Narayan Temple known as the Birla Mandir, one of the few Hindu places of worship which welcomes people of all castes.
You will board a train from Delhi to the ancient city of Haridwar, a revered holy destination on the banks of river Ganga, also known as 'Gateway to the Gods.' Our travel counsellor will meet you at the railway station and will assist in your transfer to the hotel and your check-in.
In the evening, we will take you to Har-ki-pauri on the river ghats to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti which is accompanied by reverberating chimes of temple bells, prayers and religious chants along with thousands of flickering lamps.
At sunrise enjoy your yoga sessions with a proficient instructor followed by breakfast with a special menu designed by our health experts. You will then explore the mystique of Haridwar, a city as old as time. Pay reverence at Daksheswara Temple, one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will visit the unique Mecury Shivlinga made from 151 kgs of pure mercury!
You will also go to the charming Chandi Devi temple atop the Shivalik Hills famous for wish fulfillment. Enjoy a spectacular view of Haridwar on your way to the peak either by trekking or taking the ropeway. Harmonize your mind and body at the evening yoga classes and later explore the local Haridwar markets or unwind on the banks of the holy Ganges.
After an invigorating morning yoga session, you will leave for an excursion in the lap of nature at the Rajaji National Park. On arrival, you can spend the morning interacting with an indigenous tribe of the area, the 'Gujjars' and get a rare insight into their customs and culture.
After lunch, you will take an elephant safari in the biodiversity rich Rajaji National Park with the panoramic Shivalik hills and the gurgling Ganga flowing through it. Behold wild Asian elephants, majestic Indian tigers, panthers, deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat along with a score of migratory birds. Head back to the hotel for dinner.
Enjoy your morning yoga session and then spend some time with experts to know more about yoga, its origin and its benefits. In the evening, you can leisurely explore the mysticism of Haridwar, the sublime incense laden temples, local markets in narrow l anes and the sacred ghats thronged by thousands of devotees.
After your morning yoga session, you will leave for Rishikesh. You will explore this spiritual city's numerous yoga centers, ashrams, temples, and charming cafes. You can even visit the legendary Beatles ashram where the iconic band stayed in the seventies, practiced transcendental meditation and wrote many songs including 'The Happy Rishikesh Song.
You will check-in at the hotel or you can also camp on the banks of the Ganges. Unwind and share your experiences around a cozy bonfire during dinner.
Wake up to birdcalls and a spectacular sunrise and have a memorable yoga session. After breakfast, you can indulge in the adrenaline rush of white water rafting in the waters of Ganga. Have a leisurely afternoon or navigate the structural marvels of Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a scenic 5-6 hour drive through green undulating plains and lovely landscape to reach Delhi from Rishikesh. On arrival, you will be assisted with your check-in. Later in the evening you can unwind and relax. Your overnight stay at the hotel.
You will have an early morning 5 hour drive to the city of Agra on the banks of river Yamuna. It is a place where Mughal art and architecture, royal history and unparalleled romance come together to weave magic. Visit the magnificent Agra Fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1566 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At sunset, behold one of the finest edifices of Mughal architecture, the breathtaking Taj Mahal. Referred by Rudyard Kipling as "the embodiment of all things pure," this stunning ivory white structure stands tall as an ode to eternal love. In the evening you can explore the buzzing local markets home to the finest artifacts and marble handicrafts.
You will have a 5 hour early morning drive to Jaipur. This city is a cultural treasure trove brimming with resplendent forts and palaces, royal monuments, colourful bazaars and intriguing stories of courage and valour. Bathed in pink hues, this city walled area is a photographers dream with delightful little nooks and corners and beautiful archways.
After breakfast you will visit the magnificent Amber Fort. Enter this fort resonating with Rajputana history and culture on elephant back. In the afternoon, tour the City Palace, Jantar Mantar and the popular landmark, the Hawa Mahal. Spend your evening in a unique Rajasthani village resort, Chokhi Dhani. You will get to experience the idyllic village life with traditional Rajasthani cuisine, incredible local dances and amusing puppet shows amongst many other activities.
Spend a leisurely morning soaking in the traditional Jaipur vibes. You will then driveon the busy Delhi-Jaipur highway for 5 hours to reach the Delhi International Airport to board a flight to your onward destination.
