Day 1: Arrive into Delhi. Meet at the hotel. Group welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Flight to Varanasi – India’s spiritual capital. Arrival to heritage guesthouse in Varanasi situated on the banks of the Ganga river. They will welcome us with chanting of the Sanskrit mantras, the traditional way of greeting guests. After the long drive they will pamper us with a cup of herbal tea while our luggage is being taken to your respective rooms and take the time to relax for a bit. As the evening progresses we will have a boat ready to take us on an exotic journey on the holy Ganges river. Watch the mesmerizing scenes from the Aarti while riding along the river. Once this journey is complete, we will regroup at the guesthouse where dinner, all vegetarian, will be prepared.
Day 3: A spectacular sunrise from the guesthouse’s temple compound where the sunrise from across the lawn is a truly magical experience. Next, the morning cruise will be waiting for our arrival. After the ride, join us for breakfast and prepare for the next part of the Varanasi journey. We will go to Sarnath, the place where the Lord Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples. Then free time to explore Varanasi. Later regroup for an authentic Benarasi dinner.
Other important points to see in city include the Durga Temple, Tulasi Manas Temple, Bharat Mata Temple. If you choose not to go for a walk then we offer Indian cooking classes.
Day 4: Flight back to Delhi Rest and shopping in Delhi. Dinner with a local artist.
Day 5: Car journey to Agra (Taj Mahal) Visit the world famous Taj Mahal and stay at a luxurious 5 star hotel. Enjoy the amazing spa at the hotel and shopping.
Day 6: Return to Delhi Revisit the Taj Mahal during sunrise, must see. Then head to Delhi. Along the way visit other historic monuments.
Day 7: Flight to Jodhpur. On route via car to Jaisalmer. Stop at the Jodhpur palace have lunch. Then drive to Jaisalmer.
Day 8-11: Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely desert city. Also known as the “Golden City,” it’s distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, the only living fort in the world. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.
During our stay multiple activities will be setup. Visit tourists sites from the Maharaja’s Palace to intricately carved Jain temples.
Henna artists to apply artistic designs on the palms of your hands.
An authentic Indian yoga experience. Practice yoga and Q&A with the teacher on yoga, meditation and pranayama. Private session if desired to perfect your technique.
During our stay we will have dinner with HH Maharani Sahib Raseshwari Devi.
We will have access to an international music festival. Featuring world collaborations, the festival aims to generate funds for the development of the musical Maganiyar communities. Timed to coincide with the sunrise and sunset, Equals World Music Festival is staged in and around Golden Fort, and ends with a performance in spectacular Thar Desert, making it the most unique and royal festival. www.equals.anahad.ngo
A 2 hour workshop conducted by Vaishali. This workshop will be a group activity where some locals will join. From the beginning to the end of the trip, Vaishali will individually work with each traveler. Setting an intention with them before the trip and working towards it during the trip. For more info read up at www.vaishalichadha.com
Day 12: Journey to Pondicherry via flight to Chennai from Jodhpur.
Day 13: Pondicherry tour and meet locals. Pondicherry a French colonial settlement in India until 1954. Its French legacy is preserved in its French Quarter, with tree-lined
streets, mustard-colored colonial villas and chic boutiques. Also known for antique shopping.
Day 14: Visit Auroville’s 50th anniversary. Many special programs will be held for this event. A cultural evening event in Auroville and a fair.
The aim of Auroville described by the Mother, “Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women from all countries will be able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realize human unity.”
Day 15: Depart for Chennai visit Mahabalipuram on route. Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the 1st century CE.
Arrival at Chennai hotel or airport (depending on departure flight).
Day 16: Departure depending on flight time.
This tour is a great value and a unique opportunity to transform your life!