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The Holy Ganges Trail
A Spiritual Odyssey of Yoga, Faith & Heritage Along the Holy Ganga
The Holy Ganges Trail
Delhi - Devprayag - Rishikesh - Haridwar - Prayagraj - Varanasi Sarnath - Bodhgaya - Kolkata
15 Days
The Ganges or Ganga is considered as the holiest river in India. It is a trans-boundary river of Asia that flows through India and Bangladesh. It is the most important river in India and is considered sacred by Hindus. The Ganges is 2,525 kilometers (1,569 mi) long and is the third-longest river in Asia, after the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. It originates in the Himalayas and flows through North India before meeting the Bay of Bengal in Eastern India. Some of the most revered pilgrimage and spiritual places of the Hindu religion are located on the banks of the Ganges river.
This tour will follow the flow of the river visiting many significant and interesting places along its banks and will end in Kolkata. Guests will also learn and practice Yoga and meditation during the tour.
Tour Highlights
Delhi Discovery – Explore Old Delhi’s vibrant bazaars, savor street food, and marvel at New Delhi’s grand architecture.
Sacred Confluences – Experience Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi merge to form the Ganga.
Yoga & Meditation – Sessions in the serene Himalayan foothills and at iconic ashrams of Rishikesh.
Haridwar & Rishikesh – Witness the soulful Ganga Aarti and immerse in the spiritual energy of yoga’s global capital.
Prayagraj Sangam – Visit the holy confluence of three sacred rivers, a site of immense religious significance.
Varanasi’s Eternal Ghats – Sunrise boat ride, evening Ganga Aarti viewed from a cruise, and a spiritual talk session.
Buddhist Heritage Trail – Walk in the footsteps of Buddha at Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir.
Kolkata Cultural Charm – Explore colonial heritage, vibrant bazaars, and seek peace at Belur Math’s evening aarti.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive New Delhi : Arrive in the capital city of India. Transfer to the hotel for rest and acclimatization. Evening at leisure.
Day 02: New Delhi : Explore the contrasts of Old and New Delhi. Begin with a walking tour through Old Delhi’s bustling lanes, savoring authentic street food. Later, visit landmarks like India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar.
Day 03: New Delhi – Dehradun – Devprayag : Fly to Dehradun and drive to Devprayag, the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the holy Ganga. In the evening, witness the soulful Ganga Aarti.
Day 04: Devprayag : Start your day with morning yoga. Later, trek to a nearby village to experience Himalayan rural life. Conclude with an evening meditation session by the river.
Day 05: Devprayag – Rishikesh : Morning yoga followed by a scenic drive to Rishikesh, the world capital of yoga. In the evening, attend the famous Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat.
Day 06: Rishikesh – Haridwar – Rishikesh : Excursion to Haridwar for temple visits and riverfront experiences. Return to Rishikesh for an evening meditation program.
Day 07: Rishikesh – Dehradun – Prayagraj : Fly to Prayagraj (Allahabad), one of Hinduism’s holiest cities. Evening free to relax.
Day 08: Prayagraj : Visit the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Afternoon sightseeing includes Anand Bhawan and local temples.
Day 09: Prayagraj – Varanasi : Drive to Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart. In the evening, experience the grand Ganga Aarti from the Alaknanda cruise on the Ganges.
Day 10: Varanasi : Early morning boat ride on the Ganga to witness sunrise rituals at the ghats. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and later proceed to Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon. In the evening, join a spiritual talk session.
Day 11: Varanasi – Bodhgaya : Drive to Bodhgaya. En route, visit temples. In the evening, join chanting and meditation at the Mahabodhi Temple, where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Day 12: Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Bodhgaya : Full-day excursion to the ancient Nalanda University ruins and Rajgir, associated with Buddha’s life. Return to Bodhgaya in the evening.
Day 13: Bodhgaya – Gaya – Kolkata : Morning transfer to Gaya airport for flight to Kolkata. Arrival and rest.
Day 14: Kolkata Sightseeing : Explore the colonial heritage of Kolkata with visits to Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the vibrant flower market. In the evening, visit Belur Math for evening aarti.
Day 15: Kolkata – Departure : Transfer to the airport for onward journey with blessings and memories of the sacred Ganga Trail.
River Ganga in Devprayag
Dhamek stupa at Sarnath
Varanasi is a great center of Hindu spirituality.
Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. Paying homage to the Holy River Ganges.
The Holy River Ganges Trail: A Journey of Spiritual Awakening & Cultural Immersion
Embark on an extraordinary pilgrimage along the lifeblood of India, the sacred Ganges River. "The Holy River Ganges Trail" is more than just a tour; it's a transformative journey that weaves through ancient cities, serene ashrams, and bustling ghats, revealing the soul of India and the profound connection between its people and their revered river.
A Tapestry of Experiences
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Delhi: The Grand Prelude: Begin your journey in Delhi, India's capital, a vibrant metropolis where history and modernity collide. Explore iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Jama Masjid, experiencing the diverse cultural tapestry that sets the stage for your spiritual exploration. Delve into the city's rich history, from Mughal emperors to modern-day India.
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Devprayag: The Sacred Confluence: Travel to the serene Himalayan foothills, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the holy Ganges. Witness this sacred confluence, a pivotal point in the river's journey, and absorb the tranquil beauty of the surrounding mountains. Feel the powerful energy of this spiritually significant location.
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Rishikesh: Gateway to the Himalayas: Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World." Participate in yoga and meditation sessions, visit renowned ashrams, and experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Ganges. Witness the evening Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual that illuminates the riverbanks.
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Haridwar: Where the Ganges Meets the Plains: Journey to Haridwar, a major pilgrimage site where the Ganges emerges from the Himalayas. Experience the vibrant energy of the ghats, witness the captivating Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, and explore ancient temples. Feel the devotion of millions who gather to bathe in the holy waters.
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Prayagraj (Allahabad): The Sangam: Visit Prayagraj, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This sacred site is particularly significant during the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. Experience the spiritual energy of the Sangam and witness the rituals performed by devotees.
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Varanasi (Kashi): The Eternal City: Experience the profound spirituality of Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. Witness the life and death rituals performed on the ghats, take a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise, and explore the ancient temples that line the riverbanks. Feel the intense spiritual energy that permeates this sacred city.
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Sarnath: The Buddha's First Sermon: Journey to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the ancient ruins of monasteries and stupas, and reflect on the teachings of Buddhism. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of this historically significant location.
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Bodhgaya: Bodhgaya, in Bihar, is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree more than 2,500 years ago. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as the spiritual heart of the town, drawing seekers, monks, and travelers from across the globe. Chanting, meditation sessions, and the serene atmosphere make Bodhgaya not just a place of worship but a transformative spiritual experience.
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Kolkata (Calcutta): The Cultural Capital: Conclude your journey in Kolkata, a vibrant city on the Ganges delta. Explore the city's colonial architecture, visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Witness the blending of diverse cultures that have shaped this dynamic city.
This Journey Offers:
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Spiritual immersion in ancient rituals and traditions.
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Exploration of significant historical and cultural sites.
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Opportunities for personal reflection and inner peace.
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A deeper understanding of the Ganges River and its importance to India.
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The experience of the diverse culture of India.
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A look into the diverse religious aspects of India.
"The Holy River Ganges Trail" is a journey that will leave you with a profound sense of connection to India's spiritual heart.