Eternal Varanasi, via Agra & Lucknow
€1200
per person
Journey to the heart of mystical and cultural India, which start in Agra and its legendary Taj Mahal, then Lucknow, the city of Nawab emirs, extravagant rulers and art lovers and end in Varanasi, the spiritual capitale of India.
Located on the left bank of the Ganges, Varanasi (Benares) is one of the seven oldest and most sacred cities of India. It is also considered as the spiritual capital of India.
How to describe Varanasi? Mythical, mystical, serene and frenzied at the same time, there is no other city like this. The city of Lord Shiva is not a city that we visit, it is a city that we feel.
This trip takes you to discover this extraordinary city through Agra and its famous Taj Mahal and Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. A truly fascinating journey combining culture and mysticism.
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Journey to the heart of mystical and cultural India, which start in Agra and its legendary Taj Mahal, then Lucknow, the city of Nawab emirs, extravagant rulers and art lovers and end in the spiritual capitale of India: Varanasi
10 days
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PHOTO / FESTIVAL
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SACRED INDIA
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10 days
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Namaste! We welcome you warmly at New Delhi airport and head to your hotel. In the evening, we invite you to attend dhikr (chanting) and Qawwali Sufi songs at the Dargah of Nizamuddin, a shrine that houses the tomb of Hazrat Khawaja Nizamuddin Auliya (1238-1325), considered a great Indian Sufi saint.T his place of intense faith attracts not only the Muslim faithful, but also those of other faiths. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2
Visit of Delhi, capital of India
After breakfast, we will explore the capital of India: The Red Fort, a symbol of the Mughal era in India declared a World Heritage Site / The Qutub Minar, a brick minaret of 73 meters tall, beautiful example of Persian architecture / The Humayun Tomb, undoubtedly one of the most astonishing works of Mughal architecture to which the Taj Mahal owes its design / Akshardham, one of the largest Hindu temples in world, a breathtaking architectural work made of pink grey stone and white marble / The Lotus temple dedicated to the Bahai faith symbol of the unity of the four religions, namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam / The 'Jama Masjid', the largest mosque in India that can hold up to 25,000 worshipers at a time. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 3
Delhi - Agra
Before leaving for Agra, we visit the 'Chandni Chowk', a huge bazar in Old Delhi built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This bustling place is one of the largest wholesale markets in India. We will stroll in the 'galis', the narrow streets of the bazar and take our lunch in the famous 'Paratha Wali Gali', the street of parathas (Indian fried bread). After lunch, departure for Agra, city of the famous Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra.
Day 4
Agra & the legendary Taj Mahal
Day dedicated to the visit of the Taj Mahal, but also of several historical monuments of Agra: Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Timad-ud-Daulah, Chini-Ka-Rauza and Mausoleum of Akbar. Overnight in Agra.
Day 5
Agra - Lucknow
Departure for Lucknow, the city of nawabs. Arrival in the late afternoon. The term 'nawab' comes from the Persian 'nuwwab', which means emir or deputy. This title was given to the Indian rulers of the Moslem religion. In the evening, we will visit the 'old Chowk', the old market of Lucknow, famous for its street food. The specialties there are kebabs and mutton biryani rice, but also 'malai makhan' (a sweet snack with cream) and 'thandai', a drink with almonds and spices. Overnight in Lucknow
Day 6
Lucknow, the city of nawabs
Day dedicated to the visit of Lucknow. We will first go to the 'Bara Imambara' known for its huge hall and labyrinth which includes nearly 500 interconnected passages. We will pass through the gate of Rumi whose architecture has be inspired by an old door located in Istanbul. A few steps after the gate of Rumi, another splendid building awaits: the Chhota Imambara, famous for its room richly decorated with beautiful chandeliers imported from Belgium. We will also visit a historic site: the British Residency, which served as a refuge for 147 days to nearly 3,000 British during what will be called the first revolt for the independence of India in 1857. Overnight in Lucknow.
Day 7
Lucknow - Varanasi via Allahabad
We leave for the spiritual capital of India via Allahabad, where we will visit the 'Triveni Sangam', the confluence point of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Arrival in Varanasi in the late afternoon. Walk on the ghats in evening time. Overnight in Varanasi
Day 8
The eternal Varanasi
We will begin the visit of Varanasi with a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, a pure delight. Then, we will visit the old city and its Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the most revered temple in the city, as it houses one of the 12 'jyotir lingams' or 'lingams of light'. Next door is the Annapurna Temple dedicated to the goddess of abundance; She is the supreme female deity of Varanasi. We then walk down the 'Lalita Ghat' and come across a Nepali-style temple, a curiosity in Varanasi. It was built 170 years ago by the king of Nepal Rana Bahadur Shah. In the evening, we will make another boat ride on the Ganges to observe the cremations held at the Manikarnika Ghat and to attend the ceremony of the arati at the ghat Dashashwamedh. .Overnight in Varanasi
Day 9
Visit of Varanasi & Sarnath
Continuation of the visit of the important temples of Varanasi: Kalbhairav, Durga Monkey, Sankat Mochan Hanuman and the Baratha temple which houses a relief map of India carved in marble representing the goddess 'Bharat Mata', personifying India. In the afternoon, we will leave for Sarnath, one of the highest places of Buddhism: It is said the Buddha pronounced his first sermon there after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Return to Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 10
Flight Varanasi - Delhi
We drop you off at the Varanasi airport. End of the trip. Looking forward to meeting you again. Namaste.
