TOWERING TEMPLES TOUR

8 Nights / 9 Days

Experience the changes of life on the River Ganges from the hills of Rishikesh to the flats of Varanasi. On the Towering Temples Tour you can enjoy the exhilaration of whitewater rafting or the calmness of a peaceful boatride. Witness the ritualistic life represented on the banks of the Ganges from The Yoga Capital of the World to ancient and sacred burial ceremonies on the burning ghats. You'll discover there's a lot more than temples to this tour.

Itinerary Route:  Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Varanasi - Delhi

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

You will be greeted at the airport by a Tour Packages India Representative and escorted to your hotel by private AC car where you'll spend the night.

Day 2: Delhi

After breakfast, embark on a day of sightseeing around Delhi. Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Damascus and Varanasi. Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old - it is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times throughout its history. In spite of its rich historical heritage represented by it's innumerable monuments, Delhi's population is reputed for having little awareness of or pride in the city's history due to the simple reason that few Delhi residents actually belong to Delhi. The population of Delhi is a heterogeneous mix of people originating from every corner of India. Undoubtedly, this will become obvious during your tour through the city. Delhi is by far the most cosmopolitan city in India and a true traveler's delight.

Day 3: Delhi to Haridwar (via Train) to Rishikesh (via Car)

Spend the morning traveling to Haridwar aboard the super fast AC Shatabdi Express. Tour Haridwar upon arrival (see "Local Attractions" for a list of acitivites). Later, enjoy the short drive to Rishikesh and check in to your hotel.

Day 4: Rishikesh (The Yoga Capital of the World)

Take the opportunity to participate in an early morning yoga class. Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the day as you like.

Day 5: Rishikesh

Take the opportunity to participate in an early morning yoga class. Afterwards, spend the day sightseeing (see "Local Attractions" for a detailed list of things to do).

Day 6: Rishikesh to Varanasi (via Train)

Again, participate in an early morning yoga class. Afterwards, return to the hotel and spend the day as you like. In the evening, board an overnight train to Varanasi.

Day 7: Varanasi (Arrive 1550 hours)

Transfer from the railway station to your hotel for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day as you like.

Day 8: Varanasi

Board an early morning boat at the riverbanks for a cruise on the Ganges River. The western banks have a string of ghats which the pilgrims occupy during their stay. At dawn, the ghats are abuzz with activity as devotees offer prayers to the rising sun and perform religious rituals. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later visit the Bharat Mata Temple which has on display a giant bas relief map of India in marble. Take a drive through the largest residential university of Asia - Banaras Hindu University. Founded by Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya, the university houses an Art Gallery as well as the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. Stop over at the Bharat Kala Bhavan where you can see some of the finest miniatures on display in India. In the afternoon, tour the Sarnath, the buried Buddhist city where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century B.C. to 12th century A.D.

Day 9: Varanasi to Delhi (via Air)

After breakfast and a morning of sightseeing, you'll be transferred to the Varanasi Airport for your flight back to Delhi

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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