Home > Destinations > Central & Western India > The Soul of India
THE SOUL OF INDIA
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Today depart London on the Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi.
Day 2 Arrive Delhi
Arrive into Delhi where you will be met and transferred to the Taj Mahal
Hotel where you will stay overnight. Later today tour Old and New Delhi
with your local guide. Explore Old Delhi’s dense network of homes, markets,
mosques and alleyways visiting Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, the Jama Masjid,
Red Fort and Rajghat. Later visit Sir Edwin Lutyen’s New Delhi, inaugurated
in 1931 and home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian
President, Rajpath and the imposing India Gate. (N)
Day 3 Delhi to Lucknow – by air
This morning return to Delhi Airport in good time to catch your onward flight
to Lucknow – a city that is rich in Indian culture and British colonial history.
Famous for being the centre of India’s independence struggle, the name of Lucknow
will always be synonymous with events of the 1857 mutiny. Stay at the Vivanta by
Taj – Gomti Nagar for the next three nights. (B)
Day 4 Lucknow
Commence your tour of Lucknow starting at the ruins of the Residency. The site
of the dramatic siege and subsequent battles that took place during the uprising
of 1857, the Residency is today an atmospheric as well as historic monument.
Afterwards make your way to the State Museum and enjoy the fine archaeological
pieces on show as well as the many more recent paintings and sculptures. Later
visit the old city to explore the historical centre where there is a chance to
enjoy the Chowk Market. (B)
Day 5 Lucknow
Today visit Kanpur. The road to Kanpur passes through the small towns and
villages which Havelock and his men had to fight their way, against great
odds in July and August 1857, to relieve the Residency. In Kanpur visit the
All Saints Memorial Church, see the remains of Wheelers Entrenchment site,
the Massacre, or Satichaura, Ghat and Nana Rao Park – the site of the Bibigurh
and the well into which two hundred British women and children were thrown.
Return to Lucknow in the afternoon.
Day 6 Lucknow to Patna – by air
After breakfast you will be met and transferred to Lucknow Airport to
catch your onward flight to Patna. Capital of Bihar, this state was not
only the early home of Buddhism but was also the birthplace of the Emperor
Ashoka. Stay for two nights at the 3–star Maurya Patna Hotel.
Day 7 Patna
Today explore Patna with your guide. Places of interest include Gulzaribagh,
site of the former East India Company’s principle opium warehouse, and the
remarkable Golghar ‘round house’ built of stone slabs in 1786 by Captain John
Garstin as a grain store. Also visit the State Museum and the Chowk area of
old Patna.
Day 8 Patna to Bodh Gaya – 90kms
via Nalanda and Rajgir
This morning leave Patna and drive south to Bodh Gaya stopping en–route in
Nalanda, home of one of the world’s oldest universities founded in the 5th
Century AD and an ancient pilgrimage site visit by both Buddha and Mahavir.
Afterwards travel the short distance to Rajgir, a place held sacred to both
Buddhists and Jains, before continuing onto Bodh Gaya and the Royal Residency
Hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
Day 9 Bodh Gaya
to
Day 10 Bodh Gaya
Over the next two days explore Bodh Gaya – one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage
centres. It was under the Bo tree that Gautama attained enlightenment to become the
Buddha. Rediscovered in 1877, the highlights include the Mahabodhi Temple (location
of Ashoka’s original shrine), the giant 20 metre Buddha statue, modern Japanese Temple,
Tibetan Temple and Monastery, colourful Bhutanese Temple and Thai Temple.
Day 11 Bodh Gaya to Varanasi – 210kms
Today leave Bodh Gaya for the drive west to Varanasi. On your arrival continue to the
Gateway Hotel, or upgrade to the Taj Nadesar Palace, which will be your base for the
next three nights. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a
centre of learning and pilgrimage for over 2,000 years and is one of the oldest surviving
cities in the world.
Day 12 Varanasi
to
Day 13 Varanasi
Over the next two days explore Varanasi with your guide. Take an early
morning boat ride on the River Ganges to view the sunrise and witness the
pilgrims who gather to perform their daily religious rituals on the riverbank.
Experience the bustling heart of the old city and also drive outside to Sarnath
where Buddha first preached his message of enlightenment 2,500 years ago.
Day 14 Varanasi to Delhi – by air
Today fly back to Delhi and stay at the Radisson Hotel which is located close
to the international airport.
Day 15 Depart Depart Delhi
Today transfer back to Delhi Airport in good time to catch the Virgin
Atlantic flight to London Heathrow Terminal Three.
STAYING ON
Sacred Allahabad is drivable distance from Varanasi. A sacred Hindu city at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, Allahabad is a major pilgrimage destination with plenty of Mughal and colonial historical interest.
Extend your time with a visit to the temples of Khajuraho. A short flight from Varanasi, Khajuraho’s temples are among the most famous in India.
Kolkata is now linked with a direct flight from Varanasi. The gateway to north–east India, Kolkata is a fascinating melting pot of culture, religion and history and, for many, a highlight of the country.
Sonepur Cattle Fair, one of the great events of the Indian subcontinent, can easily be incorporated into this itinerary. Close to Patna, this yearly fair usually occurs in November and further details can be found by clicking here.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price –THE SOUL OF INDIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,890.00 All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.