Dawn boat rides past the ghats, the nightly Ganga Aarti fire ceremony, and the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath.
Tour Highlights
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Day by Day Itinerary
The adventure begins in Kolkata, once the capital of British India and one of the largest and most vibrant cities in India. Home to one of the largest museums in Asia and a city with a proud tradition in cultural and political thinking, Kolkata is known for its cuisine and colourful markets, is one of India's truly great cities. On arrival you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Enjoy a guided tour of Kolkata and discover one of the most culturally fascinating cities in India. Start early with a visit to the vibrant Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which offers a colourful, scent-filled overload near the banks of the River Howrah. Then make your way to see the clay model-makers' haven of Kumartuli, where dramatic life-size idols are crafted out of river clay and straw, before continuing on to the impressive Parshwanath Temple (Jain temple) for a visual treat. Finally, explore the colonial side of the city, visiting the beautiful St John's Church and the fine architecture of B.B.D.Bagh's old buildings. End the afternoon on the banks of the river, where along with a specialist guide, you will climb aboard your boat to take a gentle cruise down the Hooghly, a tributary of the Ganges River.
Today you will have an early transfer from your hotel to Kolkata railway station for the train journey to the holy Buddhist town of Bodhgaya. On arrival at Bodhgaya you will collected from the railway station and transferred to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Today you will get the chance to explore one of India's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, said to be the site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. Here you can spend some time at the renowned Mahabodhi Temple which houses a 25-metre-tall statue of Buddha, and visit the Bodhi Tree located nearby, thought to be a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
Today you will be transferred to Varanasi, a journey of 7 hours. En route stop at the tomb of Sher Shah Suri at Sasaram to explore one of India's finest Indo-Islamic tombs. The mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri dates from the 16th century and is set on a small island in the lake. This exquisite tomb was built for Sher Shah Suri, a provisional warlord who defeated the great Mughal Emperor Humayun. After visiting Sasaram, continue your journey to Varanasi.
You're up early today for a beautiful dawn boat ride on the river Ganges, the holiest river in India. Head back on to land for an insight into the colourful and lively holy city of Varanasi. Meander through the streets and lanes of the old town which are strewn with temples (there are approximately 2000 in Varanasi alone), while your guide points out places of interest. The main temple in Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Shiva.
A full day exploring Varanasi's extraordinary ghats — Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika (the burning ghat), Assi Ghat. Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at the main ghat.
Morning exploration of Varanasi's old city, then afternoon excursion to Sarnath — where the Buddha gave his first sermon and where the Lion Capital of Ashoka (now India's national emblem) was found.
Drive to Allahabad (Prayagraj) — the city at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, one of the holiest places in Hinduism.
Visit the sacred Triveni Sangam confluence and the remarkable Allahabad Fort. Evening free.
Drive to Lucknow — the city of Nawabs — visiting the extraordinary Imambara complex and the remarkable Nawabi architecture.
Explore Lucknow's remarkable Nawabi heritage — the Residency, the Clock Tower, the Hazratganj bazaar and the city's famous cuisine.
Drive or take the train back to Delhi. Final evening in Delhi.
After breakfast the tour concludes.
About This Journey
A deeply spiritual tailor-made journey through Northeast India’s most sacred sites — from Kolkata to Bodhgaya, the sacred Ganges at Varanasi, and the remarkable Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage circuit of Uttar Pradesh. This 14-day private journey traces India’s spiritual heartland, connecting Buddhism’s most sacred site at Bodhgaya with Hinduism’s eternal city of Varanasi and the extraordinary cultural richness of Kolkata.
Highlights
Kolkata — cultural capital of Bengal with its extraordinary museums, markets and river ghats. Bodhgaya — where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Varanasi — Hinduism’s most sacred city with its extraordinary ghat life. Dawn boat ride on the sacred Ganges at Varanasi. Sarnath — where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Accommodation Used On This Tour
BrijRama Palace
One of the oldest landmarks of Varanasi, the BrijRama Palace was built in 1812 on the Darbhanga Ghat directly above the sacred Ganges. Its rooms overlook the river and ghats, the morning boat ride begins from its own steps, and the palace's stone corridors and courtyard host evening classical music performances.
The Claridges
The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950s. Refurbished, redesigned and revitalized, the hotel offers guests an experience that is new and yet so familiar. In an excellent location just a short auto ride from Khan Market and Connaught Place, this four star hotel has 132 rooms and suites designed with an elegant blend of 19th century character and contemporary style, a refreshing outdoor pool, indoor gym and relaxing spa.
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to the detailed itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
Where You Stay
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
October to March is the most comfortable period, with clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures across North India. December and January mornings can be cold and foggy in Delhi and Agra. April to June is very hot; July to September is the monsoon.
Yes — this route is well-established with excellent hotels and infrastructure, and our experienced guides and drivers handle every practical detail. First-time visitors consistently find it a superb introduction to India.
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers throughout. For longer distances we use India's excellent express trains or domestic flights where they improve the journey.
Absolutely. Duration, hotels, route and experiences can all be tailored to your preferences and budget — this itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed product. Contact us to plan your ideal trip.
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