India's temples & tribes

Delhi

Day 1: Welcome To Delhi

Welcome to India! On arrival at the airport in Delhi, you will be greeted by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Get some rest, and prepare for your Indian adventure.

Delhi

Day 2: The contrasts of Delhi

After breakfast, explore the contrasts of New and Old Delhi with the help of an English-speaking guide. You will drive past the President's Palace, Parliament House, and the impressive India Gate with its eternal flame. Visit the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara Sikh temple, where the community kitchen serves free meals to thousands each day, followed by Raj Ghat, home to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past the Red Fort before stopping at Jama Masjid, a mosque that can accommodate up to 20,000 people at a given time.

The day's tour will come to an end in the city's bazaars, where you can explore bustling alleys filled with colour and history. Stop by Chandni Chowk, in the heart of Old Delhi, where silver merchants ply their trade.

Delhi - Agra

Day 3: Visit the ancient Mughal capital

After breakfast, drive to the ancient Mughal capital before Delhi – Agra. The legacy of the Mughal empire has left a magnificent fort and a liberal sprinkling of fascinating tombs and mausoleums, and there’s also fun to be had in the bustling chowks (marketplaces).

On arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon, you'll pay a visit to Agra Fort; a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and pretty pavilions, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly unmissable and enjoys a scenic location on the bank of the Yamuna River. In the evening, take a walk into the local bazaars, where you'll find beautiful marble handicrafts.

Agra - Lucknow

Day 4: Marvel at the Taj Mahal

Thi morning, make an early start to the Taj Mahal to experience its striking beauty against the rising sun. This is the most spectacular time of day to admire this landmark - one of the seven wonders of the world and an exquisite monument of love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum of pure white marble is an architectural marvel, and unsurprisingly also a UNSECO World Heritage Site.

Return to the hotel for breakfast, and upon check-out, drive on to multicultural Lucknow, famed for its courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine. Known as the city of Nawabs, it is also nicknamed the Golden City of the East, Shiraz-i-Hind, and the Constantinople of India.

Lucknow - Varanasi

Day 5: Explore the wonders of Lucknow

After an early breakfast at the hotel, set out on a sightseeing tour of Lucknow with an English-speaking guide. Visit the Bara Imambara tomb built in 1784, the Jama Masjid, and the British Residency complex - as the site where the most dramatic events of the 1857 mutiny unfolded, it has been maintained exactly as it was at the time of the final relief, its shattered walls still scarred by cannon shots.

Next you'll continue on to Varanasi, a city whose history dates back more than 3,000 years. A true melting pot, it is the holy pilgrimage city for Hindus, who flock here to take a dip in the Ganges river.

Varanasi

Day 6: Experience the Ganges by boat

Today you'll take a morning boat ride on the Ganges to see the sunrise and witness the unforgettable spectacle of pilgrims ritually bathing themselves, priests invoking the dawn, people washing clothes or practicing yoga, and funeral pyres burning on the famous ghats that lead down to the holy river. Disembark to take a stroll through the old city, before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Sarnath just outside Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon, preaching the way to final Nirvana. In the evening, hop onto a rickshaw to the ghats of the river to see a fascinating aarti taking place. These devotional rituals use fire as an offering, usually in the form of a lit candle and flowers sent off to float down the river.

Varanasi - Bodh Gaya

Day 7: The pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya

In the morning, have breakfast at the hotel and drive to Bodh Gaya, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. It is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. On your arrival here, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring at your own leisure.

Bodh Gaya

Day 8: Explore Bodh Gaya's landmarks

After breakfast, spend the day sightseeing in Bodh Gaya, with the help of an English-speaking guide. You'll visit the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site depicting the various phases of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment, the Bodhi Tree under which the Prince of Kapilavastu became Buddha, the sacred Chankramana, the local archaeological museum, and the nearby Jagannath Temple with its four-armed, black-stone statue of Shiva. You'll also be introduced to the Tibetan Monastery, famous for housing the 10-metre-high dharmachakra (Wheel of Law) instated by Lord Buddha.

Once the tour has come to an end, you'll transfer to the railway station to board your overnight train bound for Kolkata.

Kolkata

Day 9: Welcome to Kolkata

This morning, your train will pull into Kolkata. Here you could head to your hotel to relax, although do keep in mind that an early check-in is subject to availability.

On the itinerary today is a half-day sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Visit the Writers' Building, which dates back to 1780 and now constitutes a major landmark, famous for its Corinthian facade. Originally built as a residence for the British East India Company's clerical and administrative staff, it now houses the main state secretariat and is a striking showcase of colonial architecture. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the local flower market, where a pleasant aroma fills the air and vibrant colours abound all throughout the day.

Kolkata

Day 10: Uncover Kolkata's landmarks

After breakfast, spend another day sightseeing in Kolkata. First you'll tour the iconic Victoria Memorial: built of white marble and surrounded by lush gardens, it is probably the most beautiful monumental legacy of British India, which dates back to the early 20th century and now displays portraits and statues of significant figures in the history of British India. Next you'll visit St. Paul's Cathedral, a spectacular and serene landmark that's known for its Gothic architecture, followed by Howrah Bridge, a true engineering marvel of the mid-20th century, which crosses the vast Hoogly River without the help of piers standing in the river.

Kolkata

Day 11: Marvel at the temples of Kolkata

After a relaxed breakfast, you'll spend today getting to know the temples for which Kolkata is famous. First you'll visit Belur Math, headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, established in 1898 by Swami Vivekananda. Next up is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage centres in India, built in 1847 A.D. and dedicated to the goddess Kali. Lastly you'll visit Belgachia's Parasnath Digambar Jain Temple, whose ornate mirrors, striking mosaics, brightly coloured stones, and picturesque garden surroundings make it a sight to behold.

Kolkata - Bhitarkanika

Day 12: Visit an Odishan village

After an early departure from your hotel, transfer to Kolkata railway station to board your train bound for Bhadrak railway station. On arrival, you will be met by your driver and taken to Bhitarkanika National Park, on an approximate five-hour journey. Visit an Odishan village en route, and on your arrival into Bhitarkanika, enjoy your evening at leisure, relaxing as you soak up the natural surroundings.

Bhitarkanika

Day 13: Boat ride through Bhitarkanika

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Bhitarkanika Sanctuary. The second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, this national park is home to many fascinating species, including saltwater crocodiles, Indian pythons, and king cobras. Hop onto a boat to sail along creeks and spot various species of birds and reptiles including Asian openbills, cormorants, darters, and egrets. In the afternoon, enjoy a trek through the mangrove forest and quietly observe more wildlife species in their natural habitat from within a watchtower.

Bhitarkanika - Bhubaneswar

Day 14: Drive to Bhubaneswar

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bhubaneswar, ancient capital of the historical Kalinga region. Known as the city of temples, it is home to more than 500 of India's finest temples, still wonderfully preserved and around which the religious life of the city revolves.

En route you'll visit Ratnagiri city and the town of Udayagiri, part of the Diamond Triangle of Odisha and enriched with typical engraved Buddhist monuments and ancient sculptures. A number of antiquities including stone cultural pieces, monolithic votive stupas, terracotta seals and sealings, bronze objects, coins, and glass bangle items can be discovered here.

You may also choose to stop in a local village for photography opportunities, or simply relax for the evening in Bhubaneswar.

Bhubaneswar - Puri

Day 15: Visit the Dhauli Ashoka rock edicts

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Puri to discover its historic antiquities, religious sanctuaries, architectural grandeur, and unique seascape imbued with spiritual significance.

En route you'll visit the Dhauli Ashoka rock edicts, where Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Empire expressed his intention to govern the kingdom according to the principles of his new faith, Buddhism. Also on the itinerary is the village of Hirapur, 15km southeast of Bhubaneswar, on the eastern bank of the Kuakhai River. Here you'll find the Chausath Yogini Temple, dedicated to 64 manifestations of the goddess Shakti. Lastly you'll stop in the small village of Pipili, enveloped in a blaze of colour, before finally reaching Puri to check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Puri - Konark - Puri

Day 16: Explore the majestic Konark Sun Temple

After breakfast, you'll set off on an excursion to the Konark Sun Temple, one of the most stunning Indian monuments of religious significance. A culmination of Oriya architecture, its wonderfully intricate stone structure will leave you speechless.

Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god Surya across the heavens. Several smaller shrines can also be visited in the neighbouring area, if you wish to explore further. Later you'll drive back to Puri, visiting the Jagannath Temple en route.

Puri - Gopalpur

Day 17: Boating on Chilika Lake

After breakfast, drive to Gopalpur, once a small fishing village on the coast of Orissa and now home to one of the most beautiful beaches in India, largely thanks to its remote and peaceful atmosphere.

En route you'll stop at Raghurajpur, an artisan village that's known for its master pattachitra painters. You'll also enjoy a scenic boat ride on Chilika Lake, home to endangered species of plants and animals, before having the evening to enjoy at your leisure.

Gopalpur - Rayagada

Day 18: Discover historic Rayagada

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Rayagada, known for its long human history: although the district formally came into existence in October 1992, it has a long and glorious historical record of human activity, as evidenced by the finding of copper plates, rock inscriptions and various coins, indicating it was a centre of attraction throughout the ages.

Along the journey you'll visit a flurry of incredible and diverse sights, including the weekly market of Desia Kondh, the hot sulphuric spring of Taptapani, and the tribal village of Saura.

Rayagada - Jeypore

Day 19: Welcome to scenic Jeypore

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the town of Jeypore, known for its waterfalls, green forests and aboriginal tribal folk. En route you'll visit the weekly Chatikona Market where you can observe local tribes as they come together to barter. You'll also have the chance to explore tribal villages today, as you continue on your drive to Jeypore.

Jeypore - Unakadeli Market - Jeypore

Day 20: Enjoy a tribal dance performance

Today you'll set out to experience the Unakadeli day market, where with the help of an English-speaking guide, you'll meet some of the most primitive tribes of the world - the Bonda and Gadaba tribes, who have retained their culture and traditions to this day. This will be a unique opportunity for you to witness a colourful concentration of local tribes in one place. This outing will be followed up with an unforgettable tribal dance performance, before you're due to drive back to Jeypore.

Jeypore - Kundali Market - Jeypore

Day 21: Excursion to Kundali Market

After breakfast, you'll enjoy an excursion to Kundali Market, where you'll watch the Paraja tribe in action. This is the biggest market within the tribal area, and a chance to really immerse yourself in local culture. Drive back to Jeypore afterwards, to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Jeypore - Visakhapatnam

Day 22: Visit the Simhachalam Temple

After breakfast, take the five-and-a-half-hour drive to Visakhapatnam (also known as Vizag). En route, visit the Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to one of the Hindu trinity deities Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. On arrival at Visakhapatnam, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring at your own pace.

Visakhapatnam - Kolkata

Day 23: Farewell, India!

Enjoy one final breakfast this morning before transferring to Visakhapatnam Airport, to catch a domestic flight to Kolkata. In Kolkata, your driver will be at your disposal for the day, which you can pepper with some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Then, transfer to the airport hotel to freshen up before a lovely farewell dinner.

Finally, transfer back to Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport for your flight back home.