Varanasi Pilgrimage Tour India - 9 Days

Varanasi is one of the most important Hindu Pilgrimage centre in India and a major tourist attraction. The Ganges is the most sacred and venerated river in India. We do a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the ritualistic aspect of Hinduism (Thread ceremony, Head Shaving, Food to departed souls , Cremation of the dead etc. ). We also see the bathing and laundry that take place here on the banks of river. Following the boatride, we walk through the fascinating and winding lanes and bye-lanes on the banks of the river for a greater feel. The lanes are wide enough to permit only a one way traffic of one holy cow at a time! colorful Shops, temple of all orders , pilgrims from different parts of India add colour and character to the area . Besides visit to sarnath where the Buddha preached his first sermons after attaining enlightenment we would explore the bustling city center bazaar. Varanasi is a major silk centre. We would visit some of the silk weaving and brocade centres of the city. We would have an opportunity to buy some of the finest silks in the world at an incredible price. You could also have dresses made to your need.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport or railway station, our representative will meet you to pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
Day 2: City Tour of Delhi
This morning after breakfast first you will visit old Delhi. The Raj Ghat, Red fort & Jama Masjid are important places to visit, you may also visit Chandni Chowk, spice market etc. Later on proceed to visit the New Delhi. The Qutub Minar, tallest stone tower in India, imposing India Gate and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Lotus Temple and, newly built Akshardham temple are of much significance. By evening return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Delhi to Jaipur
This morning after breakfast you will drive to the pink city of Jaipur, On arrival check into your hotel and rest of the day is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 4: Jaipur City Tour
This morning after breakfast visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, enjoy an elephant ride at Amber. Drive past the Hawa Mahal-a Palace of winds. In the afternoon you will visit the city palace and museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur.
Day 5: Jaipur to Agra
This morning after breakfast you will drive to Mughal city Agra and check into your hotel. En route you will visit the Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Agra-Visit to Tajmahal & Overnight train to Vasranasi
This Morning after breakfast visit the Agra fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar, and the famous Taj Mahal-the symbol of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. You may also visit Dayal Bagh. By evening you will be transferred to board the train to Varanasi. Overnight in Train.
Day 7: Varanasi City Tour
On arrival at Varanasi, pick up and transfer to Hotel. This afternoon visit the Bharat Mata Temple, Durga temple, Tulsi Manas mandir, Banaras Hindu University which has an art gallery, Kashi Vishwanath Temple etc. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8: Boat Ride and visit to Sarnath
Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing ghats and cremation site. Watching people bathing and worshipping at the ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India. This afternoon visit Sarnath, the Buddhist city, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple and the museum. Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 9: Varanasi to Kathmandu via Lumbini and Chitwan.
Breakfast and overland drive to Kathmandu via Lumbini and Chitwan National Park.