Spirituality and Yoga Tour in India

On arrival at Delhi, you will be met by our TIME representative at airport, later transfer to the Hotel   Check-in at the hotel.   Delhi, the Empress of Indian cities has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. She has often been sacked and left naked and desolate. But she could not be despoiled of the incomparable situation that marks her for the metropolis of a Great Empire. The capital of India, Delhi has been the seat of power of a number of dynasties – the Rajputs, the Afghans, the Turks and the Mughals who continued their imperial line until the British. Scattered over are surviving ruins, remnants of mighty edifices, tombs of warriors and saints, which in an impressive sense of magnificence are memorials not of a single city but of supplanting nations.   Overnight in Delhi.

Morning visit Laxmi Narayan temple. Heard of a Hindu temple where people of all castes are invited? Well, if you haven’t then you must visit Laxminarayan temple in Delhi. Also known as the Birla temple, it is one of the biggest Hindu temples of the city. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Lord Laxminarayan, better known as Lord Vishnu, or the preserver in the Trimurti, comprising of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The Laxminarayan Temple is not just a place of religious importance but also an exquisite piece of architecture. The Birla temple is a three-storeyed building and is built in the Nagara style of temple architecture. Also visit Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. This magnificent white-marble gurdwara (Sikh temple), topped by glinting golden onion domes, was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, stayed before his 1664 death. Despite his tender years, the six-year-old guru tended to victims of Delhi’s cholera and smallpox epidemic, and the waters of the large tank are said to have healing powers. It's full of co lour and life, yet tranquil, and live devotional songs waft over the compound. Later visit old Delhi photo stop at the great Red Fort. Then visit Jama Masjid. A beautiful pocket of calm at the heart of Old Delhi's mayhem, the capital's largest mosque is built on a 10m elevation. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. The marble and red-sandstone structure, known also as the ‘Friday Mosque’, was Shah Jahan’s final architectural triumph, built between 1644 and 1658. The four watchtowers were used for security. There are two minarets standing 40m high, one of which can be climbed for amazing views. Also enjoy rickshaw ride through the street of old Delhi. Also visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Drive through the old city subject to traffic restrictions. New Delhi the new capital designed by Sir Edward Lute’s. Drive past the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the secretariat buildings - the centre of all government activity and down the main avenue, the impressive Rajpath to the World War I memorial arch, the India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort. Visit Humayun’s Tomb built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, the Qutub Minar, 72 meters high and the ruins of Quwat-UL-Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque. See Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back Hundreds of Years. Overnight in Delhi.

Morning after breakfast drive to Agra enroute visiting Mathura and Vrindavan. Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir in Mathura. This place is believed to be where Lord Krishna was born. It often gets crowded and there is a huge queue to enter. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed to be carried inside the temple.Spend a few moments in prayer and browse through the decorative artwork inside the temple and then move ahead to the caves that are located nearby. There are many adorable paintings on the temple walls and the place had excellent tourist facilities such as a cloak room and clean toilets. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Agra.

Early morning practice yoga with the local yoga expert. Later proceed for the sightseeing of Taj Mahal & Agra Fort and Itimad-ul-Daulah. Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) with its incredible lacy white grandeur the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. To the poet Tagore it was a tear on the face of eternity'. In memory of his wife the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan constructed this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close-up detail, which is really astounding. Agra Fort is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna, another monumental mission accomplished by the great Mughal visionary Emperor Akbar. His son Jehangir and grandson, Shah Jahan added to this imposing structure during their rule. The palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive wall of red sandstone are perfect examples of blending Islamic and Hindu traditions. Also visit Itimad-ul-Daulah is among the list of places to visit in Agra. The attraction is a tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal. It is also known as Baby Taj. Nur Jahan, the daughter of Mirza, who married Jehangir was the one who got the tomb constructed in the year 1622-1628. The finely carved jali on the marble is definitely something that will stay in your memory forever. This structure made by the Mughals is also a completely marble one. Also, it was the first tomb that was built on the river Jamuna banks. Islamic architecture is what the place speaks of. The fine craftsmanship is something that is not to be missed. Overnight in Agra.

Morning after breakfast, checkout &n proceed to visit Fatehpur Sikri. 35kms outside Agra is Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India's greatest rulers. Remarkably broadminded for his time, this Muslim king married a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar's vision of synthesizing the cultures Later continue to Jaipur. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Jaipur is where the enduring charisma of the past blends with the throbbing vitality of today. Where a colourful cast of characters – from printers and potters to artists and antique dealers - presents a fascinating picture of a city that is alive to both tradition and change. Raja Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur was no ordinary man. He was a scholar and an astronomer, keenly sensitive to beauty, a formidable general, who tempered power with wisdom. In building Jaipur, Jai Singh's vision took him beyond architectural beauty for in the sprawling, barren plains beneath Amber, the former capital, he gave India its first planned city, which has remained unique in two and a half centuries. Jai Singh made Jaipur a haven and it became a centre of commerce and religion. Today, Jaipur has spread far beyond the pink crenelated walls that once defined its boundaries. It presents a fascinating picture of a city where growth, evolution and change are sustained by tradition. Evening visit Birla temple. Jaipur is famous for numerous architectural marvels of ancient and modern times. Out of the many, the Laxmi Narayan temple or the Birla temple is very famous among those who love architecture and among pilgrims. Although not very old, this temple is famous for its grand architecture and serene beauty. The temple gets its name from the Birla Family who commissioned building several modern temples around the world along with this temple. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu protector God, Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Laxmi. Overnight in Jaipur.

Morning after breakfast proceed for the sightseeing of Jaipur. We begin with the visit to the Amber fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Just 7 miles north of Jaipur is Amber with its a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravali Hills which can be mounted by elephant. It has been described as “the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan”. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments, which open on to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors. The Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art - panels of alabaster with fine inlay work of the tenderness hues. Ascending the fortress seated on elephants, wander around the beautiful palaces and visit the Shiladevi temple (which continues to be the private temple of the Royal family) with its exquisite marble carvings and silver door. A photo stop at the Mesmerizing ‘Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds) an elaborate building encrusted with delicate honeycomb screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could view the world outside. Jantar Mantar- This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. . City Palace- A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Overnight in Jaipur.

Early morning enjoy yoga with our yoga instructor in Jaipur hotel Morning at leisure and later leisurely drive to Delhi. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

Early morning board train to Haridwar. Depart Delhi at 0645 hrs by Shatabdi Express train Arrive Haridwar at 1130 hrs and then drive to Rishikesh. Overnight in Rishikesh

Enjoy yoga and other activities in Rishikesh. All organic yogic Indian Meals cooked with organic supplies coming from High Himalayan regions, during the stay. Morning & Evening Ayurveda Tea. Snacks. Professionally filtered fresh stream water for drinking during the entire stay. Overnight in Rishikesh

Activities included during the 4 nights stay at Rishikesh. Shudhi Session – Sacred fire for body & mind cleansing as per the Vedic style. Hawan – Sacred fire for invocation of representative deities of five elements namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Etherto purify Body, Mind & Soul. ( Once ) Daily morning class ( 90 minutes each ) of covering different dimensions of yoga, Including Asana, special sessions Self-awareness kriyas & mediation for higher Consciousness. Daily evening class ( 90 minutes each covering Pranayama, Kriya & Dhayna (Mediation) with special Transformation Sessions. 01 Ayurvedic Massage / Treatment every day. (Total 05) 01 Ayurvedic Treatment every day. (Total 05) Use of Gaurikund – Pool with fresh stream water pool. Early morning hike through the forests of Himalayan foothills and to the silver sand beaches on the holy Ganga.Excursions to the Kunjapuri temple ( Incarnation of Goddess of Shakti ) with trekking & Meditation session at Mountain top. Excursion to Vasishtha Cave, where many of the Rishi’s and saints have meditated since time immemorial. Visit to the Ashrams & Ghats in Rishikesh for special evening Ganga Aarti. Overnight in Rishikesh

Enjoy yoga and other activities in Rishikesh. All organic yogic Indian Meals cooked with organic supplies coming from High Himalayan regions, during the stay. Morning & Evening Ayurveda Tea. Snacks. Professionally filtered fresh stream water for drinking during the entire stay. Evening enjoy Ganga aarti in Rishikesh. Ganga Aarti special ceremony to pay tribute to holy river Ganges. It is called Ganga Aarti which happens twice in the morning and evening. Overnight in Rishikesh

Morning enjoy your stay at the Ashram. Later in the afternoon transfer to Haridwar railway station to board train to Delhi. Depart Haridwar at 1810 hrs by Shatabdi Express train Arrive Delhi at 2250 hrs and then transfer to Delhi airport to board flight for next destination.