| Places | Best Available Hotels |
|---|---|
| Delhi | The Oberoi |
| Haridwar | Pilibhit House |
| Varanasi | Taj Nadesar Palace |
| Prayagraj | Kanha Shyam |
| Ayodhya | Hotel Krinoscco |
| Lucknow | Taj Mahal Lucknow |
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...
Overnight Hotel – Delhi
Post breakfast start your day with a private guided city of Old Delhi
Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation20on 31 January 1948.
Experience the rickshaw ride ‘a friendly local guides takes you through the bustling streets for an authentic glimpse of the ‘walled city’ in the heart of Delhi. As you travel by foot and rickshaw, explore Khari Baoli, Spice Market, Visit a Sikh temple & admire historical land mark and more…
Post lunch Continue private guided tour of New Delhi:
'AkshardhamTemple ' means the divine abode of God. It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi is a Mandir – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture all are echoed in its art and architecture.The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), the avatars, devas and great sages of Hinduism. The traditionally-styled complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.
Drive past India Gate, and memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the 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, 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.
Also visit the Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá'í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification enjoy rest of the free time enjoy light sightseeing of Delhi & shopping at some High end Fashion stores of Delhi – One of the most happening places of Delhi. Visit Craft Emporiums etc with our shopping expert.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)
Post breakfast proceed for a day excursion of Mathura; the birth place of Lord Krishna. It is scattered with numerous temples having its own significance, the main temple in the town is the Dwarkadheesh temple where the devotees assemble in every festival. Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi is another site to visit, it is the place where Lord Krishna was born; similarly Lord Krishna’s rest place after his triumph over the tyrant Kansa is the Vishram Ghat.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel- Delhi (B)
Post breakfast drive to Haridwar; is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage places. River Ganges enters the North Indian plains at Haridwar. Haridwar or 'Gateway to Gods' is also known by the names of Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar. Hindu pilgrims and devotees gather at Haridwar to offer prayers on auspicious occasions. The water of River Ganga is considered so sacred at Haridwar that pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges.on arrival check into your Hotel.
Later a visit of Mansa Devi temple, temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars takes devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.
In evening observe witness spectacular view of evening (Aarti) at Har Ki Pauri, sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund.
Rest of the time for relax. Overnight Hotel – Haridwar (B)
Optional - Start your day with yoga & Meditation with a yoga master.
Post breakfast proceed for a day excursion of Rishikesh, on arrival check into your hotel.
Rishikesh has spectacular view of jungle-clad hills. Rishikesh has also confluence of River Ganges and Chandrabhaga. The glorious attraction of Rishikesh is none other than the great river Ganges herself, running rapidly throughout the city. In the ancient time and still so many yogis, rishis, sages and sannyasis attracted to Rishikesh to practice yoga in this peaceful location. Since then, Rishikesh has known as an abode of sages. Rishikesh is a holy town with so many Ashrams and it is famous for the yoga worldwide. Rishikesh is now world famous as a Yoga Capital of the world. Every year during the March month one week long International yoga festival is hosted by Rishikesh.
Later proceed for city tour of Rishikesh visiting
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple; is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth. The temple is situated at a height of 1330 meters and is located about 32 km from Rishikesh in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India.
Laxman Jhula; suspension Iron Bridge Lakshman Jhula was built in 1929. This is where Rama's brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings & the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.
Janki Jhula; this bridge is named after the wife of Lord Rama. Janki Setu (bridge) has been constructed keeping in mind the safety of the travellers on foot as well as vehicles. It is 274 mt long and It is the first three-lane suspension bridge of Rishikesh, which is wide enough to have separate lanes for pedestrians and vehicles. Its proximity with the prominent Ram Jhula makes it a must-visit for travellers.
Ram Jhula; another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Jhula is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently built between Shivanand & Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. It is also known as Shivanand Jhula.
Geeta Bhavan; famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.
In the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is organized and performed by ashram residents, particularly the children who are studying the Vedas there. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans, prayers, and a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to Agni, the fire god. The lamps are lit and the aarti takes place as the final part of the ceremony. The children sing along with the spiritual head of the ashram, in sweet, haunting voices. A huge statue of Lord Shiva overlooks the proceedings.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Haridwar (B)
Post transfer to Dehradun airport to board the flight to Varanasi, on arrival Exceptional Escapes would assist you at airport and transfer to Hotel for check in.
Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of 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.
Evening is FREE.
Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)
Start your DAY with a private 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 to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells add 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 by foot to get the feel of this oldest living city of the world.
Also visit Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest among the sacred riverfronts, alongside the river Ganga. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation, when cremated here. The holy city of Varanasi in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state is the gateway to salvation, so goes a Hindu belief. Fuelled by such faith, thousands over the last many centuries have travelled to Varanasi, also called Kashi, with a desire to die there. Dying in Varanasi is supposed to break the cycle of death and rebirth. Once one dies in Varanasi, he or she is never reborn, and thus attains salvation.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi is aimed at transforming pilgrims' experience of the temple town. Followed by Kashi Vishwanath (Darshan), the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith.
After taking in these rituals, disembark for a short walk through the buzzing lanes of Varanasi’s old city. Along narrow passageways, pass bazaars that cater to the millions of pilgrims who come here to worship Kashi Vishwanath, the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith.
Durga Temple; is also known as the Monkey temple (because of the presence of huge number of monkeys), situated in the Durga Kund, Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. It was built in the 18th century. Durga temple was constructed by a Bengali Maharani in the north Indian Style with multi-tiered shikhara. An attractive pond known as the Durga Kund is made on the right side of the temple which really increases the beauty of the temple. The pond has stone stairs at all sides as well as there is watch pillars at each corner of the pond.
Sankat Mochan Temple; is one of the important and sacred temples of Varanasi located in the southern part of teh city. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The word "Sankat Mochan" means one who helps alleviate suffering. Tulsidas
Tulsi Manas Temple; is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi. It is also an important tourist attraction of the holy city. The Tulsi Manas temple is located near the famous Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it. The Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram.
Later visit the the Bharat Kala Museum the Kashi Hindu University has a museum that has an excellent collection of precious and extraordinary historical objects, statues, pictures, paintings and documents. Museum is small but very well maintained and gives an over view of the very old city of Varanasi.
New Vishwanath temple of Varanasi is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It is also called the Birla temple as the famous industrialist family of India, the Birlas, constructed it. The New Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is a replica of the original Vishwanath temple. The temple is built in white marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University.
Followed by a private guided 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 centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.
Evening Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat. (Not to Miss activities, highly recommended) witness the aarti ceremony – one of the most popular and important rituals of the Hindu faith. Hear temple bells ring out as pilgrims chant and pray before a row of young Brahman priests who wave flaming oil lamps in worship of the Ganges. Watching this scene from the river is unforgettable!
Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)
Post breakfast drive to Prayagraj; sanctity is manifest by references to it in Purans, the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth(iePrayag) to perform ‘PrakristaYag’, at the beginning of the creation and he also referred to it as Tirth raj or the King of all pilgrimage centers’ As per writing of ‘PadamPuran’ – “As the sun is amongst the moon and the moon amongst the stars, likewise ‘Prayag is best amongst all places of pilgrimage”The bathing at Prayag is mentioned in Brahma Puran s “ in the month of Magha at the bank of Ganga Yamuna in Prayag bestows results of millions and millions of AshvmedhaYajna”). On arrival check into your Hotel.
Later proceed to visit Triveni Sangam is a point where three rivers of religious importance- Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati meet. People can easily differentiate between the rivers as they maintain their original colours and this convergence point is considered as an auspicious junction as according to the Hindus, a bath here will help them wash away their sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth. This place is also super crowded during the religious festival- Kumbh Mela.
Also visit the Anand Bhawan: The historical home of the Nehru Family Allahabad has always had that political touch dating back to independence struggle era. In the centre of the city, the home of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru is situated. The beautiful two-storied house is preserved and kept as it is. The house is also the same place where leaders like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi as well as Mahatma Gandhi once stayed.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel- Prayagraj (B)
Post breakfast drive to Ayodhya,also called Oudh or Awadh, town, south-central Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It lies on the Ghaghara River just east of Faizabad.An ancient town, Ayodhya is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, revered because of its association in the great Indian epic poem Ramayana with the birth of Rama and with the rule of his father, Dasharatha. According to this source, the town was prosperous and well fortified and had a large population. on arrival check into your Hotel.
Later proceed to Visit temple in Ayodhya - Sri Ram Janmabhoomi-the birthplace of Lord Ram-Valmiki Bhawan and Kanak Bhawan-one of the finest temple supposedly gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi immediately after her marriage, Also visit the Hanuman GarhiT emple, Ram kI paidi.
Evening experience the Aarti at Saryu Ghat.
Overnight Hotel – Ayodhya (B)
Post breakfast drive to Lucknowis called the 'City of Adab'was the epicentre of the 1857 War of Independence, and much before that, it was the seat of a line of nawabs who gave the city its unique identity. Literature, cuisine, performing arts and tehzeeb put Lucknow a cut above the rest – and the world acknowledges it. Among the magnificent monuments are Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone, Residency and Dilkusha. Chikan embroidery and zardozi have made Lucknow a brand in global fashion. Kebabs and biryani are the two lip-smacking delicacies that beckon visitors again and again.
Later proceed for the city tour of Lucknow visiting;
Bara Imambara; the Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784.
British Residency Lucknow; The British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Lucknow (B)
Transfer you to airport to board the flight to Delhi, and taking back an Exceptional Travel Experience of INDIA.
Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.