Rajasthan, Central India and Varanasi with Yoga and Ayurveda Tour
Rajasthan, Central India and Varanasi with Yoga and Ayurveda Tour
On this tour through colourful India, experience the turbulent big city life, idyllic nature, ancient temples, and fascinating sanctuaries and learn about the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga in the country of origin.
A metropolis full of contrasts – this is how the capital Delhi presents itself between old and new, tradition and a modern world at the beginning of your trip. In Jaipur and Agra, mighty fortresses transport you back into times that have long since passed. Let the Taj Mahal tell you about eternal love. Be spellbound by Orcha’s infatuating palaces und spiritual temples. Marvel at the detailed sculptures of the temples of Khajuraho, embedded in an enchanting landscape, showing the country’s thousands of years of tradition. And finally, immerse yourself in the utmost mystical atmosphere of one of the oldest and holiest places in the world, Varanasi.
Yoga and Ayurveda grew from the Vedas, which form the origin and source of most ancient Indian philosophies and religions, are based on centuries-old storytelling and knowledge. Their similarities and parallel paths overlap, and it is said that Ayurveda is the field of study and science, while Yoga applies the principles and teachings.
They share the common denominator of seeking a balance between mental and physical health to improve life and prevent disease. Yoga and Ayurveda are holistic approaches to health via movement, diet, breathing, meditation, and rituals.
We will start the day (before breakfast) or end the day (before dinner) with yoga sessions, provided the hotels or surroundings offer sufficient and suitable space and the yoga sessions do not interfere with our itinerary. During the trip there is the possibility to learn more about Ayurveda, through a personal dosha consultation with individual Ayurvedic nutrition tips or through short lectures
Tour Program
Namasté and welcome to India! After landing in Delhi, you will be met by a staff member at the airport and transferred to your hotel. First of all, relax after your arrival.
After breakfast, you will set off on a city tour through Delhi. In the morning you will get to know the metropolis between old and new. You will begin your tour in Old Delhi, the original part of the Indian capital. You will see the imposing Red Fort in passing and visit the Jama Masjid mosque, the largest mosque of India. During a walk through the streets and alleys of Old Delhi, you will discover the countless small shops, businesses and handicraft stalls that line up side by side.
Continue to India Gate (Delhi’s triumphal arch). You will also pass the government quarter with its imposing parliament buildings. Finally, visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi’s largest Sikh temple.
Evening dinner at a selected restaurant or at your hotel.
After a hearty breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to the famous “Pink City”, Jaipur. On the way we will stop for lunch. After checking into your hotel in Jaipur, you will have the afternoon at your leisure to browse the wonderful shops selling authentic souvenirs. In the evening we will dine at Choki Dhani where you can enjoy traditional Rajasthani food. At the same time, you will experience a traditional dance group and may also be able to swing a leg or two.
Jaipur is a well-known tourist destination and famous for its forts and palaces, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
After breakfast, an excursion to Amer Fort, one of the most beautiful palaces in Rajasthan, is on the programme. Following the tour of the picturesque fort, we will visit Dera Amer, a small natural oasis behind the hills of Amer Fort. Next, we will visit Jantar Mantar, the largest stone observatory on earth. In the afternoon you will reach the City Palace, which is still inhabited by the descendants of the former Raja. Finally, there is a photo stop at the famous Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of the Winds”. The day is rounded off with a rickshaw ride through the bazaar.
Evening dinner at a selected restaurant or at the hotel.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will leave Jaipur. On the way we will make a stop at the deserted capital of Fatehpur Sikri, where you can see many beautiful buildings from the Mughal period. We will continue our drive to Agra and check in there upon arrival. After freshening up, you will depart later in the afternoon for the Taj Mahal, India’s landmark, which rises majestically above the Yamuna River. Built by the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, the tomb is an imposing sight at any time of day.
Evening dinner at a selected restaurant or at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart at 09:00 and explore the magnificent Agra Fort. The impressive palace complex was once the seat of power of the Mughal Empire, and houses, among other things, the luxurious “prison” of Shah Jahan, who was ousted by his son and placed under arrest. He spent the last years of his life here, with a view of the Taj Mahal. After the visit, we will continue our journey towards Orchha. On the way we will stop for lunch.
Upon arrival in Orchha, the evening is at your leisure.
Orchha, also known as “Urchha”, is a city in Niwari district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The ancient city seems to have frozen in time, and its many monuments still retain their original grandeur.
Follow the banks of the Betwa River and listen as your expert guide tells stories about the surrounding ruins. Witness an Aarti ceremony at the Raja Ram temple before heading to Orchha Fort and palaces. Take an exciting tuk-tuk ride like a local and visit the cenotaphs built in honour of the Bundela kings.
Evening dinner at a selected restaurant or at the hotel.
After a wonderful breakfast we will continue our journey to Khajuraho. Here we will check into a beautiful hotel with a pool and upon arrival you are free to relax by the pool or take a stroll through the peaceful village of Khajuraho. We will then have dinner together on a terrace, enjoying the sunset behind the famous temples of Khajuraho.
The ancient temples of Khajuraho are the day’s destination for today’s sightseeing tour. The Khajuraho group of monuments (temples) in Madhya Pradesh is a magnificent saga of architectural brilliance that attracts tourists from all over the world. With a history of around 1000 years, these temples are a living example of India’s artistic and cultural heritage. The erotic sculptures in these temples are some of the most beautiful in the world and depict passion in an enchanting way. Sculptures depicting the symbolic values and daily life in ancient Indian culture are also found in these temples. Undoubtedly, Khajuraho holds one of the most important cultural monuments of the country.
Today you will leave early in the morning (05:30) for the Panna National Park. This is particularly famous for its tiger population! You will join a split jeep safari (up to 6 people) to explore one of the most scenic tiger reserves in India. Besides the king of the jungle, you can also spot langur monkeys, gazelles, sambar deer and countless bird species. Afterwards, return to Khajuraho for brunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing Ayurvedic massage / www.kairalikhajuraho.com or enjoy the tranquillity by the pool.
In the evening we visit the Sound & Light Show at Khajuraho Temple followed by dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
After an early breakfast we will comfortably board the minivan (departure around 07:00) and drive through varied countryside to Varanasi. On the way we will take frequent breaks and have lunch.
After this scenic drive, you will now arrive in the holiest city of the Hindu religion in India, Varanasi. Around 90 ghats, temples and shrines line the banks of the holy river Ganges. After check-in in the late afternoon, a rickshaw ride takes you to the evening ceremony (Aarti) on the Ganges. With countless lights and music sounds, the devotees worship the river as “Holy Mother”. Let yourself be touched by the unique atmosphere.
Evening dinner in a selected restaurant or at the hotel.
Before sunrise you will set out on a boat trip on the Ganges (depending on the water level). The ghats along the banks offer a mystical India between day and night. Enjoy the dawn to the sounds of the sitar. Pilgrims coming to the river to perform their religious rites are a very special sight.
Back at the hotel, you can have a leisurely breakfast. In the afternoon, an excursion takes you to Sarnath. Here Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment and thus founded Buddhism.
Evening dinner at a selected restaurant or at the hotel.
Airport transfer to fly back to Delhi. After landing, you will be transferred to the hotel where you can freshen up and rest for a while and perhaps do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Afterwards, relax and enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Today you will be transferred to the airport if required. With numerous new impressions in your luggage, you will start your return flight home or your onward journey.
