Spiritual Journeys - Sacred India

Spirituality plays an increasingly important role in the way we make sense of our world and ourselves. Today’s modern fast changing lifestyle has burdened many of us with tension, depression, end emptiness . . . . Spirituality is the one single source to bring solace, and help us to find peace within ourselves through inner soul-searching.

India has been the home of spirituality for over 4000 years. This particular tour takes us through the sacred passages of great saints, sages, holy men, and philosophers, who practice the art of living that simply teaches “LIVE AND LET LIVE.” The tour will provide an opportunity to interact with these spiritual leaders.

Thus we seek to nurture the spirituality within you by exploring the rich mystic history of India. Optional extensions at the end of the tour for learning / practicing the Art of Living (Sudarshan Kriya), Yoga / Meditation, and Spiritual teachings will be available according to individual requirement.

Season : October to March

Indian Holyman

Day 1. ARRIVE DELHI

Traditional welcome on arrival and meeting assistance at the airport. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2. DELHI

Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi, including the 17^th century Jama Mosque, Red Fort, and Raj Ghat, Qutab Minar, India Gate, drive past the grand governmental buildings. Visit Hazrat Nizammudin and listen to the devotional songs and music (Quwwalis).

Day 3. DELHI / AMRITSAR

Early morning train ride to Amritser—home of the holy Sikh shrine of Golden Temple. Afternoon observe religious ceremonies at the Golden Temple. Late evening visit to the Sukh Asan Ceremony at Golden Temple.

Day 4. AMRITSAR / DHARAMSALA

Drive to Dharamsala—the Little Lhasa in India—the temporary headquarters of His Holiness The Dalai Lama since 1960. An audience is possible if H.H. The Dalai Lama is in residence.

Day 5. DHARAMSALA

Early morning walk to the monastery to see monks offering prayers and meditating. Later walking tour of Dharamsala’s monasteries. Evening talk and meditation at Tushita Meditation Center.

Day 6. DHARAMSALA / DELHI

Morning at leisure. Late transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. (The Dharamsala / Delhi flight operates only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In case flight does not operate, drive to Amritsar or Chandigarth to connect a flight for Delhi.)

Day 7. DELHI / HARIDWAR / RISHIKESH

Early morning train to Kindu holy city of Haridwar on the banks of River Ganges, which literally means “Gateway to Heaven.” Cable car ride to a hill temple. Visit Har-ki-Pauri at dusk to witness hundreds of people participating in ARTI—spectacular ceremony of lights and prayers. Later drive to Rishikesh.

Day 8. RISHIKESH

Morning yoga and meditation can be organized in one of the ashrams. Later walk across Lakshman Jhula bridge to reach Swargashram—the Heavenly Place. Evening a discourse or interview with a spiritual leader or Guru.

Day 9. RISHIKESH / DELHI

Early morning visit to an ashram or Yoga center. Afternoon drive to Haridwar for train to Delhi.

Day 10. DELHI / VARANASI

Transfer to airport for flight to the holy city of Varanasi—one of the oldest living cities in the world. This city has been the center of the Hindu faith for time immemorial. In the evening a lecture on Hinduism.

Pilgrims taking holy dip
at the ghats of Varanasi

Day 11. VARANASI

Early morning boat ride on river Ganges, to see hundreds of devout Hindus taking a holy dip in the waters of the Ganges for purification. Silently observe pilgrims performing yoga and wonder at the burning Ghats. Later day excursion to Sarnath, the holy town where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon over 2000 years ago.

Day 12. VARANASI / AGRA

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon fly to Agra—the City of the Taj Mahal. Evening a lecture on Islam / Mughal history.

Day 13. AGRA / FATEHPUR / SIKRI / JAIPUR

In the morning visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal and the magnificent Agra Fort. Later drive to Jaipur, the fabled “Pink City,” en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri—erstwhile capital of the mighty Mughal empire.

Day 14. JAIPUR

Morning excursion to 17^th century Amber Fort. Enjoy elephant ride up the hill to the old palace. Afternoon sightseeing of Jaipur, visiting the Astronomical observatory (Jantar Mantar), City Palace, and the lovely Hawa Mahal—the Palace of the Winds.

Day 15. JAIPUR / PUSHKAR

Drive to Pushkar. Enjoy contemplative time in this peaceful holy village.

Day 16. PUSHKAR

Early morning walk to Brahma Temple and walk around the lake that crosses through several Ghats with pleasant views. Evening see sunset drumming by the lake.

Day 17. PUSHKAR / AJMER / MT. ABU

Drive to Ajmer, one of the holiest pilgrimages for Muslims and other faiths. Visit the famous Mosque. Later depart for Mt. Abu—one of the prettiest hill resorts in India. Optional evening meditation.

Day 18. MT. ABU

Morning visit to Brahma Kumaris Ashram—World Spiritual University with its interesting spiritual art gallery and multi-media presentation. Visit famous Dilwara temples with some of the finest sculptures and carvings in India.

Day 19. MT. ABU / UDAIPUR

Drive to Udaipur—Venice of the East, en route stopping at Maharaja Bagh Orchard.

Day 20. UDAIPUR

Morning sightseeing of Udaipur city including the City Palace and the Garden of the Maids of Honor.

Day 21. UDAIPUR / MAMBAI / DEPART MAMBAI

Today fly to Mumbai—the financial hub of India. Afternoon sightseeing of Mumbai—see colonial buildings, drive past marine drive and Tower of Silence. In the evening farewell dinner and transfer to airport for flight back home.