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We can customize private tours starting from 2 persons up to larger groups of up to 30 people.
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- Begin in Delhi: (optional) include additional sightseeing in Delhi based on your arrival there. Discover a city where Mughal grandeur, British colonial elegance, and modern India meet.
- The Lord Krishna Connection: Drive to Vrindavan to experience devotional life at Vrindavan’s temples. Visit the world's upcoming tallest temple (Chandrodaya Mandir) and darshan at Banke Bihari Mandir
- The Monument of Love: Admire the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
- The Birthplace of Lord Ram: Experience an exclusive VVIP Darshan at Ayodhya’s sacred Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
- The City of Nawabs: Explore Lucknow’s royal Nawabi heritage and cuisine
- Varanasi on the Ganges - Awakening in Kashi: Witness the soul of India with sunrise ceremonies, evening aartis, and private rituals along the river.
- Sarnath’s Buddhist Heritage: Step into one of Buddhism’s most revered sites, exploring ancient stupas and museums.
- Arrival & Check-in: Check-in to your luxury accommodation at the Taj Mahal or Taj Palace hotel.
- Optional Sightseeing: Should you arrive early, consider exploring Delhi's history—a city where Mughal grandeur meets British colonial elegance. It is where centuries-old Mughal forts and temples stand proudly alongside the gracious architecture of the British Raj and the sleek skyline of modern India. The city’s tree-lined avenues, bustling markets, and fragrant gardens all contribute to its unique charm. Recommended optional visits include the majestic Humayun's Tomb or the serene Lodi Gardens.
- Evening: Curated Group Dinner at the hotel to introduce you to your co-travelers
- Arrival & Check-in: Check-in to your luxury accommodation at the Taj Mahal or Taj Palace hotel.
- Optional Sightseeing: Should you arrive early, consider exploring Delhi's history—a city where Mughal grandeur meets British colonial elegance. It is where centuries-old Mughal forts and temples stand proudly alongside the gracious architecture of the British Raj and the sleek skyline of modern India. The city’s tree-lined avenues, bustling markets, and fragrant gardens all contribute to its unique charm. Recommended optional visits include the majestic Humayun's Tomb or the serene Lodi Gardens.
- Evening: Curated Group Dinner at the hotel to introduce you to your co-travelers
- Morning Departure: After an early breakfast, we depart around 8:00 AM for Vrindavan (180 km | approximately a 3-hour drive).
- Vrindavan Immersion: the Lord Krishna connection
- Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir: We will take a break to stretch our legs and will experience a specially arranged Darshan and Aarti. The mandir will become the world’s tallest temple upon completion. The temple is being constructed and managed by the Hare Krishna Movement.
- Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir: One of Vrindavan's most revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Tribhanga (bent in three places) posture. This temple is famed for its unique ritual: the curtain is pulled...
- Morning Departure: After an early breakfast, we depart around 8:00 AM for Vrindavan (180 km | approximately a 3-hour drive).
- Vrindavan Immersion: the Lord Krishna connection
- Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir: We will take a break to stretch our legs and will experience a specially arranged Darshan and Aarti. The mandir will become the world’s tallest temple upon completion. The temple is being constructed and managed by the Hare Krishna Movement.
- Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir: One of Vrindavan's most revered shrines, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Tribhanga (bent in three places) posture. This temple is famed for its unique ritual: the curtain is pulled shut and opened every few minutes. This tradition is believed to prevent an intense, uninterrupted gaze from binding the devotee and the deity, emphasizing the intense spiritual power of darshan. The architecture features a distinctive Rajasthani style, devoid of bells to avoid disturbing the deity, who is revered as a child. This temple is among the 7 temples of the Thakurs of Vrindavan including Shri Radha Vallabh Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji and four others.
- Note: In the sanctity of this temple, there is no VIP Darshan – all stand equal before the deity, sharing the same blessed experience, and you will go through the process together with all the devotees present there on the day. Besides being always crowded, it is also a walk of about 500 meters although our escorts will do their best to make the visit as comfortable and easy as possible. Electric golf carts will be arranged and available to take you from the temple parking to the temple entrance. To check with Dhanush and update
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional local lunch featuring authentic Braj flavours at the Ankut Restaurant, located on the Chandrodaya Mandir premises.
- Afternoon Drive: Proceed to Agra (70 km | approximately a 2-hour drive).
- Overnight at Hotel Taj View, Agra or the Oberoi Amar Vilas
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal: Gather at the hotel lobby at 7:30 AM for an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. Our expert guide will lead the tour, timed for the best light and viewing conditions.
- The Taj Mahal is a classic example of Mughal architecture, built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died shortly after giving birth to their fourteenth child. It combines elements from Persian, Islamic, Indian, and Ottoman Turkish styles. The entire complex is structured around the Islamic concept of 'paradise' (Charbagh), with...
- Sunrise at the Taj Mahal: Gather at the hotel lobby at 7:30 AM for an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal. Our expert guide will lead the tour, timed for the best light and viewing conditions.
- The Taj Mahal is a classic example of Mughal architecture, built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died shortly after giving birth to their fourteenth child. It combines elements from Persian, Islamic, Indian, and Ottoman Turkish styles. The entire complex is structured around the Islamic concept of 'paradise' (Charbagh), with the marble mausoleum acting as the ultimate centerpiece overlooking the Yamuna River.
- Please remember to carry your Indian ID if available, as your entrance tickets will have been purchased for you accordingly. The entrance fees for foreigners are substantially higher than for Indians.
- Breakfast and Departure: Return for breakfast and check-out. We depart for Lucknow around 11:00 AM (approximately 3.5 hours on the new Expressway).
- Check-in at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Lucknow.
- Take an evening drive and walk through the Old Lucknow Heritage Zone with a trained guide, exploring the city's rich Nawabi history.
- Lucknow is known as the 'City of Nawabs' and the 'City of Etiquette' (Tehzeeb). The heritage zone is a showcase of unique Awadhi-European hybrid architecture. Key structures like the magnificent Bara Imambara (famous for its central vaulted chamber, one of the largest in the world without supporting beams) and the towering Rumi Darwaza (a Persian-style gateway) narrate the opulence and refined culture of the Nawabi era
- Dinner: Dinner is on your own at the hotel.
- Optional Gourmet Experience: We can arrange an excursion to sample authentic Lakhnawi cuisine, including the world-famous Kebabs and Biryani, at a nominal additional cost. Please inform us prior to your trip if you would like for us to arrange this.
- Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel
- Depart around 8:30 AM after an early breakfast for a full-day excursion to Ayodhya
- Spiritual Preparation: Quick break to freshen up and for brunch upon arrival.
- Saryu River & Sunset Aarti: Arrive at the Saryu River ghat just before sunset (around 6:00 PM)
- Head back to Lucknow (approx. 7:00 PM). A light packed dinner will be provided during the drive back,
- Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Lucknow
- Depart around 8:30 AM after an early breakfast for a full-day excursion to Ayodhya (Distance 115 km | approximately a 3-hour drive). The journey takes you through the scenic plains of Uttar Pradesh, leading to the sacred...
- Depart around 8:30 AM after an early breakfast for a full-day excursion to Ayodhya
- Spiritual Preparation: Quick break to freshen up and for brunch upon arrival.
- Saryu River & Sunset Aarti: Arrive at the Saryu River ghat just before sunset (around 6:00 PM)
- Head back to Lucknow (approx. 7:00 PM). A light packed dinner will be provided during the drive back,
- Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Lucknow
- Depart around 8:30 AM after an early breakfast for a full-day excursion to Ayodhya (Distance 115 km | approximately a 3-hour drive). The journey takes you through the scenic plains of Uttar Pradesh, leading to the sacred city long celebrated as the birthplace of Lord Rama.
- Spiritual Preparation: Quick break to freshen up and for brunch upon arrival. There will be no opportunity to eat until later in the evening, so please do take advantage of this break.
- We first visit Hanuman Garhi, a revered hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is traditionally considered the guardian and protector of Ayodhya. Pilgrims traditionally seek his permission before proceeding to the main Ram Temple.
- Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: The sacred site traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. We are privileged to offer our clients a specially arranged VVIP Darshan at the newly constructed grand temple, a major landmark and a focal point of Hindu faith.
- Kanak Bhawan (The Golden Palace): This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. Mythology holds that this beautiful palace was gifted to Sita by Lord Rama's stepmother, Queen Kaikeyi, immediately following their marriage, making it their personal retreat. The current structure, built in the 19th century, is renowned for its stunning gilt-decorated interiors and three pairs of gold-adorned Rama and Sita idols.
- Exclusive Ceremony at Ram Amawa Temple grounds: Following the darshan we will proceed to the adjoining Ram Amawa Temple grounds which share a common boundary with the main Ram Temple as a backdrop. Here you will take part in a very special hawan and puja at a Yagyashala This is a very special experience specially curated for us and not available to the rest of the public visiting the temple for darshan. Hawan’s are not permitted in the Temple grounds within the Ram Janam Bhumi Mandir compound
- Royal Interaction: Meet with Yuvraj Yatendra Mishra from the Royal House of Ayodhya at Raj Sadan for a short personal interaction with captivating tales of the city.
- Saryu River & Sunset Aarti: Arrive at the Saryu River ghat just before sunset (around 6:00 PM) for the mesmerizing evening aarti. We will have VVIP reserved front-row seating. You will witness priests perform rituals with lamps, chants, and devotional music, creating a mesmerizing ambiance. It’s a soulful moment that beautifully blends the sacred essence of Ayodhya with the natural calm of the Saryu.
- Head back to Lucknow (approx. 7:00 PM). A light packed dinner will be provided during the drive back, as we will reach the hotel late.
- Overnight at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Lucknow
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and morning and depart around 10:00 AM. The drive to Varanasi takes about 5 hours on the new expressway (distance 300 km). The journey takes us across wide stretches of countryside, dotted with small towns and villages that offer a glimpse of everyday life in this part of India.
- Arrive and check-in to the Taj Ganges, Varanasi or the Taj Nadessar Palace
- Sunset Ganga Cruise: In the evening, we proceed for a Sunset Cruise on the holy Ganga. Your cruise along the holy river is an introduction to the spiritual heart of India.
- Your experience will commence from the...
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and morning and depart around 10:00 AM. The drive to Varanasi takes about 5 hours on the new expressway (distance 300 km). The journey takes us across wide stretches of countryside, dotted with small towns and villages that offer a glimpse of everyday life in this part of India.
- Arrive and check-in to the Taj Ganges, Varanasi or the Taj Nadessar Palace
- Sunset Ganga Cruise: In the evening, we proceed for a Sunset Cruise on the holy Ganga. Your cruise along the holy river is an introduction to the spiritual heart of India.
- Your experience will commence from the hotel, where you will be transferred and assisted in boarding your boat for an evening cruise along the Ganges. From the boat, you witness the cycle of life and death, from simple rituals to the solemn proceedings at the main cremation ghats, where earthly remains are consigned to the flames in what is considered the holiest place for the soul’s passage towards salvation.
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: This is the most famous and busiest ghat. The cruise pauses at for a close-up view of the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat, the holiest place on the river. The evening ceremony here is a spectacular, choreographed ritual performed by a group of young priests, offering lamps and prayers to Shiva, the Sun God, the fire, and the entire universe. It is a sensory feast and a profoundly spiritual experience.
- You can float your own lamps from your boat while you watch the ancient prayer and oil lamp ceremony at sunset. Your boat enables you to enjoy a great view of the ceremony and hundreds of lamps as they float down the holy river.
- After disembarkation at an outer bank of the river you have some free time to experience the essence of Varanasi's bustling streets, followed by dinner at your hotel.
- Overnight in Varanasi
- Sunrise Ceremony (Optional): Experience Subah-e-Banaras, a serene dawn ceremony on the ghats featuring aarti, singing, and prayers—a beautiful start to the day. The ceremony is a celebration of the rising sun and the river Ganges and is a beautiful and spiritual ceremony that is a great way to experience the culture and religion of Varanasi. It is also a great way to start your day in this amazing city.
- Following the ceremony, enjoy a traditional Banarasi breakfast of fresh Kachoris, spiced Sabzi, and cooling Lassi. We will return to the hotel for a short break.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple (protector of the city):...
- Sunrise Ceremony (Optional): Experience Subah-e-Banaras, a serene dawn ceremony on the ghats featuring aarti, singing, and prayers—a beautiful start to the day. The ceremony is a celebration of the rising sun and the river Ganges and is a beautiful and spiritual ceremony that is a great way to experience the culture and religion of Varanasi. It is also a great way to start your day in this amazing city.
- Following the ceremony, enjoy a traditional Banarasi breakfast of fresh Kachoris, spiced Sabzi, and cooling Lassi. We will return to the hotel for a short break.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple (protector of the city): Late morning, we will head to the Kal Bhairav Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in his fierce manifestation (Kaal Bhairav), who is considered the 'Kotwal' (Chief Protection Officer) of Varanasi (Kashi). It is believed that no one can stay in the city without his permission, and he protects its residents from all troubles. Worship here is essential for pilgrims visiting the holy city.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Proceed to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for the afternoon Aarti ceremony, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (most sacred shrines of Shiva) in Hinduism. The temple complex is the spiritual epicenter of the city. Our exclusive Rudra Abhishek Puja will be performed here—a special, powerful Vedic ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva to seek purification and fulfillment.
- Sarnath Excursion: After lunch, we leave for Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi. This site is one of the four most sacred places for Buddhists worldwide and is the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon.
- Dhamek Stupa: The most massive structure at Sarnath, this 43-meter-high stupa marks the precise spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon (Dharma Chakra Pravartana or 'Turning the Wheel of Law') to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment. Originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, the current cylindrical structure is predominantly from the Gupta era (5th–6th century CE), adorned with exquisite floral and geometric carvings.
- Overnight in Varanasi
- Enjoy breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have time for shopping, including for the world-famous Banarasi Sarees and local crafts.
- Departure: End of your spiritual journey. Individual transfers will be arranged for everyone to the airport or train station.
- Note: We would be happy to add an optional night here for those who wish to stay on.
- Enjoy breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have time for shopping, including for the world-famous Banarasi Sarees and local crafts.
- Departure: End of your spiritual journey. Individual transfers will be arranged for everyone to the airport or train station.
- Note: We would be happy to add an optional night here for those who wish to stay on.