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Mindful and Mystical India

Soul satisfying explorations from temples to mountains

13
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Luxury & Romance
Luxury & Romance
Active & Wellness
Active & Wellness
Family Adventures
Family Adventures
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A sense of spiritual energy pervades India’s daily life and colourful festivals. Many of the world’s major religions were born here including Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. There are temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and churches everywhere, from the most opulently decorated sanctuaries to the simplest roadside shrines. Time-honoured pujas are performed by sacred rivers and in ancient holy places. Explore the soul of India as you travel from cosmopolitan Delhi to the Dalai Lama’s temples in the shadow of the Himalayas. Participate in the practices of the Golden Temple and meditate by the banks of Ganges. Get in touch with India’s iconic spiritual sites and gain a deeper perspective on the internal journey of your life.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-03
Delhi
Listen to Sufi music and meditate at the Lotus Temple
04-06
Dharamsala
Visit the temples of the Dalai Lama
07-08
Palampur
Yoga and active pursuits in the shadow of the Himalayas
09-10
Amritsar
Practices of the Golden Temple
11-13
Varanasi
Aarti ceremonies and sunrise on the Ganges
14
Departure
Depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-03
Temples, mosques, and ashrams
Delhi
,
India
You are welcomed at the airport on arrival and escorted to your hotel. Spend two days delving into the rich and vibrant prayerful practices of the city. In Old Delhi, visit Masjid Jamal, Asia’s largest mosque. Admire the tall minarets of the Qutub Minar. Attend evening devotional music session at the Hazrat Nizammuding Dargah dedicated to the 13th C Sufi mystic. Visit the lavishly decorated Akshardham Temple, displaying millennia of traditional Hindu culture. Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple and witness the vast dining hall feeding thousands. Meditate at the spectacular Baha’i Lotus Temple.
Mindful and Mystical India - 1
DAY
04-06
Experience the home of the Dalai Lama
Dharamsala
,
India
Fly to Dharamsala. Explore the sanctuary of the Tibetan people, dedicated to the “culture of the heart” and based on Buddhist principals of non-violence, tolerance, interdependence, compassion, and respect for all living things and the environment. Hear evening hymns at the Prayer Wheel Monastery. Visit the Tsuglagkhang Temple to see the gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. At the Norbulingka Institute meet with Tibetan artisans. Take the scenic walk to the Gyuto Monastery to hear the monks chanting. Walk to Dal Lake, a  scenic site surrounded by a pine forest and visit the Kali Temple.
Mindful and Mystical India - 2
DAY
07-08
Himalayan Retreat
Palampur
,
India
Drive to the hill station known for its tea gardens and paddy fields, with magnificent views of the Dhauladhar Mountain range. Enjoy spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayas and the sleepy villages in the valleys below. Take in yoga and meditation sessions in the most scenic locations, go mountain biking, or hiking to isolated monasteries. Return to traditional Himachali cuisine.
Mindful and Mystical India - 3
DAY
09-10
The glow of the Golden Temple
Amritsar
,
India
Drive down through the foothills of the Himalayas to the fertile plains of the Punjab. Observe the Palki Sahib night ceremony as the Sikh Holy Book is carried from the main shrine to the sanctum. Delve into the traditions of the Golden Temple. Enjoy a meal in the enormous dining room catering to thousands every day. Explore the city of Amritsar, visiting the Ram Bagh Gardens and the 16th C Durgiana Temple.
Mindful and Mystical India - 4
DAY
11-13
Sacred and soulful
Varanasi
,
India
Fly from Amritsar via Delhi to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world and one of Hinduism’s holiest sites. Experience a special Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges where young Brahmin priests perform age-old prayer rituals with conch shells and burning braziers accompanied by drummers. Take an early morning boat cruise to the bathing ghats where pilgrims take a dip in the holy river. Explore the winding alleys of the town of Varanasi and walk the grounds of Benares University. Visit the buried city of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon preaching his message of the middle way to nirvana.
Mindful and Mystical India - 5
DAY
14
International departure
Departure
,
India
Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home.
Mindful and Mystical India - 6

What's Included:

•       All airport and hotel transfers

•       Accommodation based on double occupancy for 13 nights

·      Flight from Delhi to Dharamsala

·      Flight from Amritsar to Varanasi

•       Breakfastdaily

•       Lunch or dinner daily

•       Services of your driver/host

•       Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

•       All activities with your private guide as listed:

o  Delhi: Two full day tours

o  Dharamsala: Full day tour with visit to monasteries and Norbulingka Institute

o  Dharamsala: Half day exurstion to Gyuto Monastery

o  Palampur: Resort activities

o  Amritsar: Night ceremony

o  Amritsar: Visit to the Golden Temple and city tour

o  Varanasi: Aarti ceremony

o  Varanasi: Morning boat cruise and tour of the old city

o  Varanasi: Excursion to Sarnat

•       Entrance fees where applicable

•       24/7Support Service

•       Trip kit with travel documents and itinerary information

•       All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

•     International flights

•     Items of apersonal nature, including telephone, laundry, taxis etc.

•     Video/Photography fees at monuments

•     Travel insurance

•     India Visa

•     Domestic flights within the USA

•     Gratuities

•     Beverages(other than water) at meals

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

Rakk Resort Palampur

Rakk Resort Palampur

A barefoot luxury experience perched on top of a hill in a rural setting with the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. 15 cottages and two large family rooms are dotted around the 4.5 acres of verdant foliage. A great place for hikes, walks, and rejuvenation.

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala

Hyatt Regency Dharamshala

This luxury resort property is spread over 6.5 acres in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, near the Tsuglagkhang Temple, about 10km from the city centre. All 80 modern and well-appointed guest rooms have signature views of the lush garden or the magnificent snow-capped mountains.

Ranjit's Svaasa Amritsar

Ranjit's Svaasa Amritsar

This restored heritage colonial haveli is a peaceful family operated haven tucked away in a central location. Each of the 15 rooms is individually decorated, many with family pieces, and opens onto a courtyard, balcony, or terrace. The hotel has a strong wellness focus with an excellent spa and ‘Farm to fork’ cuisine highlighting healthy and seasonal ingredients.

On The Ground

Amit Rana

Amit Rana

Performance driven leader that exudes passion for the history and culture of South East Asia and is motivated in sharing that love for travel with our guests. Reliable and invaluable team member that is dedicated in ensuring our guests receive a seamless experience. Personally, Amit is energetic and engaging and continually delivers high level tours.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.