The holy Ganges

Delhi
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by your representative and transferred to the hotel for some rest. Later you will visit to the poor neighborhood of Paharganj, in Old Delhi, led by the young people of the NGO, which works with street children, educates them and trains them professionally. The paths of City Walk aim to bring to light the tragic reality of street children and to show the world from their perspective. The walk takes place in the Paharganj district and in the areas around the train station, accompanied by a former street child who was helped by the NGO and today has an occupation. You will have the unique opportunity to visit the city with exceptional guides and for them it will be an excellent opportunity to improve their communication skills. Lunch in a typical paraganj restaurant. After lunch visit some of the most important attraction of Old Delhi such as the Red Fort (visit only from outside), a UNESCO World Heritage since 2007, built in 1639 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal), the the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, where an ancient copy of the holy Quran written on Deer skin is preserved. Visit small lanes of this part of the city such as Chawri Bazar, one of the busiest street of Old Delhi. Later visit Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Ghandi cremation. As evening approaches, experience a memorable visit to the ISKCON Temple, one of the largest Vaishnava temples in India dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Here you can witness the enchanting Usthapana Arati, the traditional ceremony of lights, as chants and hymns fill the air. Conclude your day with a pure vegetarian dinner at Govinda’s, the temple’s restaurant, where the meal is served as prasadam — blessed food, offered to Lord Krishna and shared in a spirit of devotion. After dinner, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Delhi ( D).

Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
After breakfast, transfer to Rishikesh (approximately a 5-hour drive). Known as “the yoga capital of India,” Rishikesh has been a place where sages and gurus have perfected the practices of meditation and yoga for centuries. On the way, stop to visit the sacred city of Haridwar. The sight of the Ganges River descending from the Himalayan foothills is truly spectacular. Here, the Ganges leaves the mountains and begins its journey across the plains, giving the city its unique spiritual significance. The tour includes a visit to Chandi Devi Temple, perched atop Neel Parvat and offering panoramic views of the city. The temple is accessible by a pleasant 3 km walk from Chandi Ghat. You will also visit Maya Devi Temple, located east of Har-Ki-Pauri, as well as Bhimgoda Dam and Pawan Dham, famous for its glass-decorated Hanuman Mandir. Arrive in Rishikesh and check in the home stay.
Overnight in Rishikesh (B)

Rishikesh
In the morning attend a Yoga class. After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Rishikesh, beginning with a visit to the iconic Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge crossing the Ganges. Beyond this bridge lies the Swargashram area, a peaceful enclave filled with ashrams. The narrow path that runs alongside the river is lined with shops and restaurants on one side and ashrams on the other — an area renowned for its quiet atmosphere and closeness to the Ganges. Visit Kutirs and Ashram along the Ganges like Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Geeta Bhavan Ashram and so on. After lunch, visit the famous Beatles Ashram. A trip to Rishikesh would not be complete without exploring the fascinating remains of the mystical Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, more popularly known as the “Beatles Ashram” after the band’s legendary stay here in the late 1960s. You will stroll through the beautifully preserved ashram grounds and discover the peaceful spaces where The Beatles meditated and composed some of their most iconic songs. Walk among the meditation cells, visit the Beatles Cathedral Gallery, and immerse yourself in the vibrant murals and artwork that adorn the walls of the ashram In the evening, you will attend the enchanting Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Rishikesh, one of the most renowned spots to witness this beautiful ceremony performed at sunset.
Overnight in Rishikesh (B)

Rishikesh – Devprayag- Vashishta Gufa – Rishikesh
In the morning, before breakfast, enjoy a yoga class. After breakfast drive for Devprayag (around 2,5 hours), a magical place where the holy rivers of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet, merge into one and make the name of Ganga. This is an unique pilgrimage location with an ancient temple of Lord Rama. Here you will have a stunning view of Ganges River and if you wish you can take deep in the Ganges. On the way back to Rishikesh we will stop at Vashishta Gufa, a serene and spiritual site on the banks of the Ganges, ideal for meditation and yoga. This ancient cave is said to have been the meditation retreat of the sage Vashishta for many years. Inside the cave, a small diva lamp illuminates a Shiva lingam and the quiet presence of those meditating. Outside, the lush greenery and the vast, winding Ganges create a breathtaking landscape — perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. If you wish, you may also take some time on the quiet sandy beach along the river, enjoying the refreshing and purifying waters of the Ganga. Later, return to Rishikesh.
Overnight in Rishikesh (B)

Rishikesh
In the morning, before breakfast, enjoy a yoga class. Later, drive to Rajaji National Park, hike for 3 km passing through jungle and several water streams visit mountain a top temple in the middle of nowhere. Here you can sit and meditate at a goddess temple. On the way back you will stop at Mouni baba cave, which is home of a Hindu Naga sadhu, who has lived his life in a spiritual seclusion since his childhood. This is a very special place with a fascinating history which is connected to Kriya yoga and followers of Mahavatar Babaji. Here you will have a rare chance to meet the Sadhu and gain rare insights into ascetic life, meditation and Hindu spiritual traditions. If possible, you can meditate with the Babaji in the cave. Later visit Shivananda Ashram for evening aarti and evening chanting.
Overnight in Rishikesh (B)

Rishikesh- Delhi-Varanasi
In the morning yoga on the Ganges, followed by Ganga Puja ritual at Ram Jhula Ghat. Later breakfast outside in the restaurant, and return to the hotel for packing. Transfer to Delhi by vehicle (around 5 hours) to the railway station for the overnight train to Varanasi.
Overnight by train. (B)

Varanasi
In the morning, arrive in Varanasi and transfer to your hotel on the banks of the Ganges for some rest. Next enjoy a guided tour of the sacred city, with its many attractions and ancient temples, such as Kashi Vishwanath, Kal Bhairava, Durga Kund, and Annapoorna. The first temple we’ll visit is the one dedicated to Shiva, Kal Bhairav, to ask his permission to visit the city. Varanasi is also an important center of art, crafts, and culture. There are the main ghats of Benares, the steps leading to the Ganges, many of which are used for ritual ablutions, others for cremations. The steps are often associated with a legend or mythological episode; others are private. In the evening, you’ll witness the famous religious ritual of the Ganga Aarti Puja, which takes place every day at sunset at Dasaswamedh Ghat, near the Kashi Vishwanath temple, and is a highly choreographed ceremony. It is performed on a stage by a group of young Pandits, wrapped in saffron robes, who hold ceremonial plates in front of them.
Overnight in Varanasi. (B)

Varanasi
Early in the morning, we will attend the aarti Puja ceremony at Assi Ghat. Afterward, we will have the opportunity to participate in a yoga class together with pilgrims who attended the prayer. Before dawn, take a boat trip on the Ganges (about two hours) to admire the rising sun and the city awakening to rituals, ablutions, prayers, and mantras. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Varanasi is known as Mahashamstana, a large cremation ground; here, death is celebrated as much as life. During this guided tour, you will visit the main sites to experience how death is perceived in Hindu culture. Visit a Mukti Bawan, a “hotel” where people with only a few days left to live stay. People from all over India flock to these hotels because it’s believed that those who die in Varanasi are freed from the cycle of reincarnation and achieve moksha (liberation). We will then visit one of the most important cremation sites, Manikarnika Ghat, where we will be able to witness the funeral rituals. At the end of the tour, we will visit one of the most important temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadev in his form of Maha Mrityunjay, which means “defeating death.” Inside the temple is an ancient well whose water is believed to be able to cure any disease. Here, we will have the opportunity to participate in a Rudrabhishek, a ritual dedicated to Shiva.
Overnight in Varanasi. (B)

Varanasi – Prayagraj (Allahabad)
After breakfast transfer to Allahabad (about 3 hours). Allahabad, the ancient holy city of Prayag, has always been considered a center of culture and religion during the many millennia of Indian history, and for this reason was particularly targeted by Muslim invaders subjects of the emperor Akbar, who even turned the name into Allahabad (the city of Allah). Here we will visit the meeting point or the confluence of three of the most important rivers in the Hindu religion, Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati meet at the Sangam . It is one of the most popular and sacred places to visit in Allahabad, and is often a host to some of the most important fairs and festivals of the religion. Every 12 years, an incredibly auspicious festival called the Kumbh Mela is organized at this location, while every six years, the Ardh Kumbh is hosted here. In the late afternoon return to Varanasi.
Overnight in Varanasi. (B)

Varanasi-Kolkata
In the morning transfer to the airport for an internal flight to Kolkata. Arrival at Kolkata International Airport and check in at the Hotel. Kolkata, is the capital of the state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, it is the main commercial, cultural and educational center of East India, and its port is the oldest in the country and the only river port. Calcutta was the capital during British colonialism, for this reason preserves in many buildings the architectural style of that period, which contrasts sharply with the degradation of some urban areas and with the more recent and dynamic suburbs and with the inevitable air-conditioned shopping centers. After a short rest, you will have the opportunity to visit the fairtrade cooperative Altromercato, Silence. The main objective of the cooperative is to allow people with disabilities (mainly people with deafness) to obtain technical training, in order to support themselves. You will visit the main workshop in Kolkata and the production of candles, incense and postcards. The guide will briefly explain the sign language and in this way if you want you can communicate with the deaf craftsmen. Lunch will be included in the program. At the end of this visit, you will see the production phase of the jewelry.
Overnight in Kolkata (B, L)

Kolkata – Shantiniketan
Early in the morning, fast train to Shantiniketan, whose name means ‘abode of peace’. It is an authentic nerve center of Bengali art and culture. The Nobel Prize-winning poet and artist Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) founded a school here in 1901. Upon arrival, transfer to the host families. in the evening, baul song show (nomadic tribe).
Overnight in Shantiniketan (B, D)

Shantiniketan – Kolkata
In the morning sightseeing tour that includes the Tagore Museum, the art school, the Craft village and a walk in the Santhal tribal village, followed by a cultural program and a traditional lunch. Afternoon return by train to Kolkata. The day ends with a rickshaw ride in the New Market.
Overnight in Kolkata. (B, L)

Kolkata
In the morning after breakfast, 3h walk to discover the cultural heritage of the North of Kolkata, which includes the ancient noble palaces and mansions, the potters village in Kumartuli, the lively local shops and the narrow streets and alleys from which the city has evolved in a few centuries. Return to the hotel to have lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit the Indian Museum, Victoria Memorial hall, St. John’s Church, and Kali Temple.
Overnight in Kolkata (B)

Kolkata- airport
Transfer by car to Kolkata airport and departure by international flight.