Oct 31st: Arrive at Delhi. Overnight – Taj Palace, New Delhi
Most flights arrive either in the late evening or at night, and we recommend that our guests consider arriving a day earlier as this allows you to recuperate from jetlag and serves as insurance against international flight delays and cancellations. An additional night’s stay can be added at the time of reservation.
Welcome to India, home to incredible historical monuments, a plethora of natural wonders, and the world’s most colorful culture.
Welcome to India, home to incredible historical monuments, a plethora of natural wonders, and the world’s most colorful culture. You are greeted by as you exit the airport and ushered to a chauffeur driven vehicle. You are now driven to your hotel and assisted with your check-in if it is 3 pm or later. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed. While you are here, we recommend that you take the time to enjoy the incredible facilities of your hotel, including their heated indoor and outdoor pools and their wonderful spa and its fascinating offerings. Yoga sessions are available in the mornings.
(Overnight – Taj Palace, New Delhi)
Nov 1st: Delhi - Varanasi. (Breakfast and in-Flight Lunch) Overnight - Taj Nadesar Palace
Flight to Varanasi. Your Guide ushers you through the airport and assists with boarding your early afternoon flight to Varanasi – lunch will be served during the flight. Upon landing you will be driven to your exquisite Palace Hotel. This India’s holiest city is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on our planet, with a history that dates back five millennia. Among the cardinal ancient Hindu Tenets is their belief that being cremated here can free their soul from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Taj Nadesar Palace. is the only true luxury lodging in Varanasi and calling the small Nadesar Palace ‘boutique’ is a vast understatement. Built by the East India Company in the 18th century, it was taken over by the local Royal Family in the late 19th Century and served as a guest house for British and other Royalty during their visits to India. It is the centerpiece of a very large campus of gardens and organic farmland, and, time permitting, you can reserve an exploration on the Royal Family’s horse drawn carriage.
(Overnight - Taj Nadesar Palace)
Nov 2nd: Varanasi. (Breakfast and Lunch) Overnight - Taj Nadesar Palace
Sunrise cruise on the Ganga. After a pre-dawn hot beverage and cookies, join your guide for a visit to the Ghats. It is a surreal experience to arrive at the Ghats just before dawn and witness the eons old scene - the most devout Hindu’s are waiting at the holiest Ghats to greet the rising sun as they immerse themselves in the Ganga, while others on the wide riverbank steps meditate and practice yoga.
Your boat offers an excellent view of all the activity on the Ghats - women immersing themselves into the Ganga discreetly while still wearing their sarees and ascetics waist deep in the water offering prayers as they pour holy water over themselves. During your boat ride you will experience a private live performance of the wonderful sounds of traditional Benares Gharana, an ancient form of music incorporating the tabla and the sitar. The ambiance created by your surroundings and the traditional Benares music has to be experienced to be believed.
Leisure and Lunch. Return to your palace to have breakfast, and then you are at leisure until noon, when you will enjoy lunch at the highly rated Chowk Restaurant at the Taj Ganges Hotel next door.
Ancient Ghats and Alleys. After lunch you are driven to a spot near the Holy River from where you will be escorted through a crowded bazaar catering to visiting pilgrims. Arrive at the ghats and commence a walk on the banks of the Ganga. This is a great opportunity to experience some of Hinduisms ancient and iconic rituals. Various rituals will be taking place on the Ghats. Such ceremonies include, but are not limited to, rituals where devout Hindu’s are getting their heads shaved in respect to a recently diseased parent, newly married couples are praying with a priest for blessings, while nearby another Brahmin priest orchestrates the naming ceremony of a newborn.
Sunset Cruise on the Ganga. Your walk will end with you being assisted in boarding your boat for a cruise along the river to view its evening activities as you cruise and observe all the rituals and prayers, including the main cremation Ghat where the deceased are burned on wooden pyres in what is considered the holiest site for their earthly remains to depart from this world so that their souls can achieve salvation.
Ganga Aarti Ceremony. As the sun starts setting our boat excursion pauses for a close-up view of the now crowded Dashashwamedh Ghat, the holiest place on the river. The Ghats on the holy river’s banks stretch for a few miles and are always full of activity, but the middle of the whole expanse is where the holiest Ghats are located and where the main evening ceremony takes place. You can float your own lamps from your boat while you watch the ancient prayer and oil lamp ceremony at sunset. Your boat enables you to enjoy a great view of the ceremony and hundreds of lamps as they float down the holy river. After this you are assisted with your disembarkation at an outer bank of the river.
(Overnight - Taj Nadesar Palace)
Nov 3rd: Varanasi - Delhi. (Breakfast and Lunch). Overnight - Taj Palace, New Delhi
Sarnath. Head to nearby Sarnath after checking out in the mid-morning. Sarnath is a Buddhism pilgrimage site that is on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage List. Attractions in this holy rural area include the massive 2300-year-old Dhamekha Stupa located near where the Buddha preached his first sermons. This Stupa was constructed by Emperor Ashoka, who is credited with the spread of Buddhism in the world. Sarnath was also where the first Buddhist Sangha (Community of Buddhist Monks) was formed, and the area is home to a number of other ancient Buddhist monuments that you will drive by. A highlight of the visit to Sarnath is a brief stop at the very small Archaeological Museum with its impressive collection of artifacts, which include the spectacular 4 headed lion that is India’s national emblem.
After your exploration you will break for a slightly late lunch, and are driven to the airport and assisted in boarding your mid-afternoon flight back to Delhi. Arrive at Delhi and you are ushered to your Taj Hotel and assisted with your check-in. The next day’s plans are briefly reviewed. While you are here, we recommend that you take the time to enjoy the extensive facilities of your hotel.
(Overnight - Taj Palace, New Delhi)