After clearing customs and formalities, Learning Journeys Representative will receive you in arrival lounge (Near Costa Coffee Counter) and transfer to hotel. Welcome to India’s capital city. Contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. Please plan flights to arrive in Delhi on October 17th.. Overnight in Delhi (Meal: None)

Start your day with a visit to Akshardham Temple. Akshardham means the divine abode of God. It’s a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture all are echoed in its art and architecture. A visit to Akshardham is a spiritually enriching experience. Whether it is in realizing the power of prayer, in feeling the strength of non-violence, in being aware of the universal nature of Hinduism’s ancient principles, or just in admiring the beauty of God’s abode on Earth – each element has a spiritual significance. Lunch at Local Restaurant Later visit the Gandhi Museum. Get ready for a festive dinner at Veda Restaurant at Connaught Place Overnight in Delhi (Meal: B, L, D)

Once Mark Twain said, “The world is split into two parts, those that have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not”! Today is the day for you to be among the happy group who have seen one of the seven wonders of the world – a UNESCO monument as well. To reach at the Taj Mahal, you will experience Indian Train! Start very early in the morning to board on one of the quickest trains to Agra. The city of Agra, in terms of ambiance, is still associated with its Mughal period with the existence of monuments of that era. The Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is the sole reason that many people visit India! The Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) - a mausoleum, is an architectural marvel that combines elements from Mughal, Persian, and Indian architecture. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Spend some time at Taj complex and take memorable photographs with this beautiful marble monument. Enjoy a quick lunch before visiting famous 16th century monument called Agra Fort – again a UNESCO monument. This fortress of red sandstone encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Rail back to Delhi. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Delhi (Meal: B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer in time to airport for flight to Varanasi. Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva on the banks of the Ganges, is one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities. With its temples, over a hundred ghats and labyrinth of streets, the city cannot be described, only experienced. To visit the Ganga at Varanasi is to truly touch the soul of India. Also called Benares or Kashi, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the world’s most ancient, a contemporary of Babylon, Nineveh, and Thebes. Hindu devotional movements flourished here, and it is still the chief center of Sanskrit learning in North India. Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer to hotel. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, take a walking tour in the streets and witness how people practice Hinduism as lifestyle. Try to understand the concept of birth, death and rebirth. Continue walk to the Ghats and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony – an experience of life. The Ganga Aarti is a spectacular illuminated sight. Hundreds throng to the ghats to participate in this ceremony. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. Take a boat ride on Ganges. Dinner at local restaurant near Ghats and back to hotel Overnight in Varanasi (Meal: B, L, D)

Early morning (around 5:30 am) visit the Ganges - the most sacred river of the world. Ride on a boat and witness the rituals and activities being performed by locals. At sunrise, the Hindu Faithfull’s flock to the river to cleanse themselves of their sins. It is said that ‘To die in Varanasi is to end the Hindu cycle of re-birth’ thereby making it a popular place to end one's life. Take a boat ride on Ganges. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit Kashi Mukti Bhawan - an entirely different place which has a rule which could sound strange, but they offer only 14 days of stay. Most of the people who stay at Kashi Mukti Bhawan are those about to transition. Meet people here and participate in evening prayers (if wish). There is a temple inside the building where they have puja going on most of the time. Lunch at hotel / local restaurant In the late afternoon / evening, visit an Ashram where elders live. These individuals are in Varanasi because of a belief that if someone leaves body in holy city of Varanasi, the soul gets a seat in heaven! Meet one of the caretakers there and witness the evening Satsang/Sermon here. The Satsang/Sermon is usually based the philosophy of human's devotion and faith in God and lead them towards easy transition. Return to hotel and dinner. Overnight in Varanasi (Meal: B, L, D)

Breakfast at Hotel and transfer in time to airport for flight to Dehradun (with stopover in Delhi) Lunch/Snacks in flight Upon arrival in Dehradun, transfer to Rishikesh (approx. 1.5 hours) - at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level, is the Gateway to the Himalayas and a major center of spirituality and pilgrimage. Several temples dot the banks of the Ganges at Rishikesh. Since ages, yogis & sadhus lived and practiced religion here. This small hill town got an introduction to the western world in late 60’s when Beatles stayed at an Ashram here. In the evening visit one of the Ghats or Ashrams where we will witness the prayer of river Ganges, called “Ganga Aarti”. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans (prayers), and a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to the fire god (Agni). The lamps are lit and the aarti takes place as the final part of the ceremony. A very spiritually engaged ceremony. Dinner at hotel Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B, L, D)

AM Yoga After breakfast, drive to Ganga Prem Hospice - a spiritually orientated, non-profit hospice. The care program includes spiritual support for patients and their families. Spiritual care means providing a loving and supportive atmosphere in which patients and their care givers can feel free to explore their deepest feelings about their own being and their connection with a Higher Power. Meet hospice workers who are doing spiritual care of patients and their families. Return to hotel. Lunch at hotel. Evening visit Geeta Bhawan - the famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are described here through beautiful wall paintings. Also visit the Ashram where Beatles stayed and the Ayurvedic Centre and discuss the concept of Ayurveda. Dinner at hotel / local restaurant Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B, L, D)

AM Yoga Morning drive to Haridwar. The word Haridwar is the combination of two words “Hari” means the God and “Dwar” means the gate. The literary meaning of Haridwar is the gate to Gods. The city is located at the point where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas to begin its journey across the plains, makes it a particularly holy place. Every 12 years the Kumbh festival attracts millions of pilgrims who come and bathe in the river. Various episodes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata are set in this ancient town. Visit Old Daksh Temple and Hindu Cremation site nearby (from a proper distance with peace and efforts to remain un-noticed). Lunch at local restaurant After lunch visit Indian Family. The cheery couple would love to host for you this afternoon. We will see house decoration and other preparations exclusively done for Diwali festival. We will also learn Rangoli making followed by an interactive chat session with masala tea. Drive back to hotel by sunset and rest of the evening will remain free. Dinner will be at your hotel. Overnight in Rishikesh (Meal: B, L, D)

AM Yoga session. Morning is free for Ayurvedic treatments or at leisure. Later transfer in time to Dehradun airport for flight to Delhi. Lunch on the way to airport or snacks during flight Upon arrival transfer to a hotel very near to the airport for dinner before boarding flight back to home. (NO HOTEL ROOM Today) After dinner, transfer in time to International Airport Terminal for flight back to home-most flights depart after midnight. (Meal: B, L, D)

Don’t leave yet! Extend your journey to Nepal, Sri Lanka, or Bhutan. Need to head back? We look forward to welcoming you on another Learning Journeys immersion.