Religions of India Itinerary

Jain Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra (photo by Geringer Global Travel, India tour operator).

Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism—a spiritual journey in India brings out the best of religions as ancient as they are diverse. There is, quite simply, no country in the world as spiritually fertile; it has been the birthplace of prophets and seers, and has been the launching point of some of the most important religious movements in the history of the world. The wealth of spiritual places in India isn’t limited to traditional Eastern religions, either. The Syrian Christian Church is well established in Kerala; the churches of Portuguese-influenced Goa are largely Catholic, and Jewish synagogues can be found in several places in the country. From tiny shrines to tremendous temples, explore this country’s dizzying diversity of belief on a religious tour in India.

Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to India!
You will experience the many facets of this captivating capital—both the modern and the ancient—as you explore both New and Old Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi
Experience Old Delhi, from the opulent Red Fort and massive Jama Masjid mosque to the narrow bustling lanes ofChandni Chowk and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Ghandi. New Delhi’s Laxmi Narayan– a Hindu temple—is a shimmering example of modern devotion, yet the 12th century Qutub Minar shows that even this new part of town has an ancient past.

DAY 3: Delhi
Visit the National Museum and the Indo-Persian Humayun tomb, an architectural inspiration of the Taj Mahal, before visiting the Bahai Lotus Temple. A marble masterpiece, the “Lotus Temple” has become a symbol of Bahai: a relatively new, inclusive religion that preaches peace and equality.  Afterwards, visit Judah Hyman Synagogue in Delhi.

Day 4: Delhi – Amritsar
Take the train to Amritsar, a name meaning “holy pool of nectar” for the water surrounding the city’s most famous site: the Golden Temple. The city is the center of the Sikh faith, the fifth-largest organized religion in the world.

Day 5: Amritsar
Soak in the sights of Amritsar, starting with an in-depth look at the glittering Golden Temple: the holiest of Sikh sites. After you’ve experienced the grandeur of this famed gilded icon, join thousands of Indians and Pakistanis at Wagah Border’s retreat ceremony, a ritual that combines pomp and patriotism.

Day 6: Amritsar – Dharamshala
Drive through the fertile plains of Punjab to Dharamshala, the verdant mountain town that is home his Holiness, the Dalai Lama. You’ll explore the best of this “Little Lhasa”, especially the distinctly Tibetan enclave of Mcleodganj.

Day 7: Dharamshala
After a serene yoga session in this locus of Tibetan Buddhism, visit local Buddhist shrines and the main monastery of the Dalai Lama. You’ll also discover Kangra, a nearby town renowned for miniature paintings, magnificent temples and views of lush green terraces and orchards.

Day 8: Dharamshala – Amritsar – Delhi
Leave the pine-scented, mountain air of Dharamsala and make your way back to Amritsar where you’ll board a train back to historic, bustling Delhi.

Day 9: Delhi – Mathura – Agra
En-route to Agra, stop in Mathura—a city with ruins indicative of its 2,500-year history—where you’ll discover some of the fascinating local temples. Then arrive in Agra, long-time Mughal stronghold and home to one of the world’s most spectacular buildings: the inimitable Taj Mahal.

Day 10: Agra – Delhi
Catch sight of the venerable Taj Mahal at dawn, when the sun gently graces the etched marble, painting it in hues of pink, light yellow and bright white. Later, tour the mighty Agra Fort, where Mughal emperors lived and ruled for centuries.

Day 11: Delhi – Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur, set on the shores of placid Lake Pichola and nestled in the Aravali hills. Allow Udaipur to enchant you, starting at 17th century Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, the largest in Rajasthan—taking particular notice of the stunning peacock mosaics.

Day 12: Udaipur– Ranakpur – Udaipur
An exceptionally beautiful excursion through the wooded hills of Rajasthan brings us to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur. This cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, feature an astounding 1,444 uniquely carved pillars.

Day 13: Udaipur – Mumbai
Enjoy a pleasant morning in Udaipur, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, buzzing metropolis and cultural crucible of India. Relax at your hotel, or venture out to explore on your own.

Day 14: Mumbai
A modern megalopolis, Mumbai (still called Bombay by many locals) is infused with the country’s ancient ways and eclectic personality. Sample the many flavors of Mumbai today: a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, toweringGateway to India, iconic Marine Drive, the Dhobi Ghat, and the famed Victoria Terminus.

Day 15: Mumbai
Explore Mumbai’s spiritual side today.  Discover Mahalakshmi Temple, one of the most sacred in the city, as well as the Siddhi Vinayak Temple, all the while experiencing the deep devotion of the Hindus who worship here. Visit the Jewish Magen David Synagogue built by the Sasson family. Later, feel the energy of colourful and historic Crawford Market.

Day 16: Mumbai – Goa
Transfer for you flight for Goa, the coastal gem blessed with sun-drenched beaches, culinary expertise and hospitable people. A heady blend of serenity and excitement, Goa’s many charms allow you to create your own perfect version of vacation: from sun bathing on a quiet stretch of secluded sands to water skiing and wind surfing.

Day 17: Goa
Explore the spiritual landscape of multifaceted Goa. Amid the cobbled streets of this Portuguese-influenced town are unique Catholic churches like Church of Immaculate Conception (1541 AD), 16th century Basilica of Bom Jesus and the imposing Se Cathedral of St. Catherine, the largest church in Asia.

Day 18: Goa
Take the day to unwind on the beach, try some of the cuisine for which the city is known or simply stroll along the streets absorbing the distinctive Goan culture.

Day 19: Goa – Mumbai – Depart for Home
Enjoy another morning in Goa, before making your way to Mumbai for your afternoon flight home as your tour to India comes to an end.

This is just a suggested itinerary—we’d be happy to customize an itinerary to fit your needs. Whether you’d like to choose your own dates, would prefer a shorter or longer journey, would like to mix and match accommodations or simply need something to fit your budget, please contact us at 877.255.7438 or email us at info@34.207.230.29 to discuss how we can create a personalized India tour for you.