The Ganges, the holiest of the Rivers in India has a special place in the lives of most Indians - the feeling is difficult to describe - perhaps intrinsic to the Hindu psyche - the journey of life is not complete without a dip in its waters. For the believers it has cleansing properties - certainly for the soul, and not just the body. Gaumukh, the actual source of the river, is at the base of the towering Bhagirathi peaks - accessible after a hard but spectacular trek, from the tiny village of Gangotri. As the Ganga flows down the mountains, significant pilgrimage centres, over time, have established themselves along its banks - such as Rudraprayag, Deoprayag, Rishikesh and Haridwar - and are easier to access. As the Ganga meanders through the plains - Allahabad and Varanasi are the other significant "sacred cities". On a six yearly and then a twelve yearly cycle Allahabad is the venue for the Ardh Kumbh and the Maha Kumbh Melas - stupendous mass gatherings for sacred dips at the propitious time. On a slightly smaller scale these melas are also held in Haridwar. The sights, sounds, temples, ashrams, itinerant holy men, truth seekers and philosophers of all stripes, pilgrims of diverse colour, creed and culture - all combine to offer the visitor a unique spiritual experience.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive at the International Airport in Delhi. Received and transferred to Hotel. Stay at Oberoi Maidens Hotel (4*).

Day 02 : Delhi
Day for city tour of New and Old Delhi. Stay at Oberoi Maidens Hotel (4*).

Day 03 : Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh
Morning transfer to railway station for train to Haridwar (4hr), and onward drive (24km) to Rishikesh. Stay at Ganga Kinare Hotel (3*) at the riverbanks of Rishikesh.

Day 04 : Rishikesh
Day at Rishikesh to visit the Holy Temples. Stay at Ganga Kinare Hotel (3*).

Day 05 : Rishikesh - Haridwar - Varanasi
Drive to Haridwar. Visit the ghats and temples of this larger pilgrim centre. Evening departure by sleeper train.

Day 06 : Varanasi
Afternoon arrival in Varanasi from Haridwar by train. Watch evening arati ( Hindu ritual) at the Ganges Stay at Taj Ganges Hotel (5*), or option to stay in a riverside guesthouse.

Day 07 : Varanasi
Opportunities for a dawn boat ride on the river, to observe the devotions to Surya, the rising sun. Afternoon visit to nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha began his teachings 2500 years ago. Overnight stay at hotel Taj Ganges or GuestHouse.

Day 08 : At Varanasi.
Morning for sightseeing in Varanasi. Afternoon free for relaxation and boat ride. Overnight stay at hotel Taj Ganges or GuestHouse.

Day 09 : Varanasi - Allahabad (122 Kms, 3- 4 hours).
Morning drive to Allahabad to see the Sangam (Meeting point )of the three rivers - Ganga-Yamuna - Saraswati . Here the MahaKumbh Mela is held every 12 years, which is a major Hindu festival. Stay at Hotel Kanha Shyam or Yatrik

Day 10 : Allahabad
Day at Allahabad. Morning enjoy the Holy dip at the Sangam.reach the point on a boat. Later half day sightseeing Stay at Hotel Kanha Shyam or Yatrik.

Day 11 : Allahabad - Delhi
Morning free. Later board Prayagraj Express Train back to Delhi. Night on Train.

Day 12 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Evening departure to the International Airport for flight to onward destination.

End of Tour