Enjoy a taste of India on this outstanding tour to the most famous sights of India. Our 13 days Golden Triangle with Yoga & Meditation Tour Itinerary guides you to the most magical cities of India including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Energize your body Stimulate your soul Calm your mind. The program gives you the opportunity to restore, balance and renew your mind, body and soul through a holistic approach incorporating the healing principles of Yoga, and Meditation technologies along with visiting the most fascinating sights of the Indian subcontinent.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport this evening. You will be met at the airport by PCTI representative who give you a warm welcome by fresh flower garlands and transfer to your hotel by your deluxe air-conditioned Car/Coach. On arrival check in & evening free for relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing
Morning after breakfast we leave for a sightseeing tour of
Old & New Delhi. In
Old Delhi we visit
Jama Masjid, this immense mosque is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees, . The highlight of the tour is an exhilarating
bicycle rickshaw ride through the bustling and colourful streets of fabled shopping bazaar, Chandni Chowk (Silver Street). We drive past
Red Fort citadel and reach
Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January, 1948. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are located nearby. In
New Delhi we visit the 11th century
Qutab Minar Tower,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an.
The India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war and drive past the grand government buildings
the President’s House and
Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (250 Km / 5 Hrs)
Morning we travel to the
royal city of Jaipur, also known as ‘The Pink City' due to the predominant colour of its buildings. Throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city's numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. On arrival we check inn to our hotel. Evening we visit
Birla Temple also known as Laxmi Narayan Mandir, is situated just below the renowned Moti Dungri Fort. Built in a contemporary manner, covers the vast lands of the city of Jaipur. This temple is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. We witness
Arti ceremony at Birla Temple. Later at the time of dinner visit unique 5 star ethnic resort
Chokhi Dhani in village ambience with
puppet shows,
folk dances astrology,
camel ride. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Jaipur (B)
After breakfast leave for sightseeing in
Jaipur and visit
Amber Fort, here we will enjoy the
Elephant Ride to reach a top of the palace. This journey on embellished elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. Inside the Fort visit Hall of Victory or Jag Mandir and Sheesh Mahal - a room with all the four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period. Afternoon continue your journey: with city tour of Jaipur visiting Maharaja’s
City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as armoury museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers.
Later we visit
Jantar Mantar (Observatory),
a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world, having 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. During the tour we will also have a brief photography stop at
Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds. Later in the evening we explore the city on our own and indulge in shopping for gemstones, silver jewellery, Paintings, blue pottery and hand printed textiles that Jaipur is renowned for. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Jaipur/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra (250 Km / 5 Hrs)
After breakfast we drive leisurely to the home of the breathtaking white-marble
Taj Mahal - Agra, takes us through the images of rural India. Agra was established as the Mughal capital in 1526 and is known for its chaotic and vibrant marketplace (chowk), endless auto rickshaw touts, plentiful souvenir vendors, historic temples and many grand, ancient monuments and tombs. Enroute visit
Fatehpur Sikri -
a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Agra
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel we leave to explore the monumental heritage of the Great Mughals, including the magnificent
Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays), a
UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone –
« undoubtedly the highlight of the tour » Post lunch tour of the imposing
Agra Fort, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques. Later we have some free time to explore the local handicrafts and shopping centers of the city where one can look for marble inlay work, fine quality carpets, Zari and embroidery, leather goods etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07:
Agra / Haridwar / Rishikesh (380 Km / 7 Hrs)
After breakfast we drive towards Haridwar, One of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. In the evening, the Ghats (places built on the banks of the river for the holy dip in the river Ganges) look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) and flowers illuminate holy waters at time of Ganga Aarti - a much awaited daily ritual, where the river Ganga is propitiated for all the bounty that she bestows on the Indian plains. On arrival at Haridwar we drive 01 hrs to the world capital of Yoga Rishikesh, Located 1160 feet above sea level, it is the gateway to the upper Garhwal region and the starting point to the Char Dham - four famous pilgrim centers namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri. On arrival check in to hotel & relax. Evening meet with your Yoga Teacher followed by briefing & instructions for Yoga & Meditation. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Rishikesh
Early morning transfer to the
yoga centre in Rishikesh for yoga class followed by relaxation of body & mind. After relaxation learn about breath awareness exercise & stretching exercise. Evening in-house yoga & traditional meditation class with visiting instructor. Late evening
visit the Ghats for Arti, dedicated to Goddesses Ganga.
Yoga – A product of the perennial wisdom of India. One can trace the origin of Yoga back to the period of Indus Valley civilisation i.e. at least three thousand years before Christ.
Meditation – Meditation is an inward movement within the consciousness by the consciousness itself. It is a steady, continuous flow of attention directed towards the same object. Meditation reprograms the mind that ultimately leads to optimum health at body, mind and spirit complex. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Rishikesh
Early morning
walk to the centre. Today we will do relaxation, asana, followed up by yognindra. Later back to hotel. After breakfast enjoy tour of Rishikesh visit the
Triveni Ghat, Evening aarti of Goddess Ganga is performed at Triveni Ghat. Triveni is a bathing Ghat where people wash their sins by taking a dip in the holy water of sacred Ganga River. It is believed that the three streams of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are flowing together underground at this point.
Rishikund, Rishikund literally suggests the sage's pond. It is believed that the waters of the Yamuna drenched this pond on the request of Kubz saint. Shani mandir is also situated at Rishikund.
Laxman Jhula, Lakshman Jhula is on of the main attraction of Rishikesh. It is 450 ft long hanging bridge on the river Ganga which was built in 1939. According to myths and legends Laksman, brother of Lord Rama crossed Ganga River on a jute rope from this point. The 13 storied temple is located near Lakshman Jhula where the idols of several Gods and Goddesses are kept. The bridge gives a magnificent view of the Ganges, greeting you with the cool breeze from the river.
Geeta Bhawan, Geeta Bhawan is one of the oldest temple complexes situated by the side of Laxman Jhula on the banks of sacred Ganges in Rishikesh. Gita Bhavan is dedicated as a Museum for puranic and mythological awareness for the common public. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Rishikesh
This morning we'll get training for
PRANAVAM (advance breathing), Dynamic yoga. Later back to hotel. After breakfast drive up to
Vashist Gufa, Vashishta Gufa is on the banks of the Ganges. All the rafting expeditions pass by this way and the sandy beaches across the vashishta Gufa ashram are excellent for camping. The atmosphere is very calm and serene, and is away from the noise and rush of the other places along the river. The entire drive is along the Ganges towards source for about an hour. Arrive and explore vashistha Goofa (cave), where famous saint Vasistha, meditated. A perfect place for transcendental meditation. Late afternoon drive back to hotel. Evening meditation & lecture. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Rishikesh
Full Day enjoy PRANAYAM YOGA & Advanced Techniques of Yoga. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12: Rishikesh
Early morning enjoy
VIPASANA class. Evening curative Yoga and meditation class. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Train Rishikesh / Haridwar / Delhi & Depart Home
Early morning transfer to the railway station to board train for Delhi
(06.22 – 11.15). On arrival in Delhi meet and assist at the railway station and transfer to pre booked hotel. Evening
Dinner at a popular restaurant with classical Indian dance program (Dance Show is subject to availability) and later transfer to International airport to board in flight for onwards destination.
