Celebrate the “ Festival of Lights-Diwali” in the City of Light -Varanasi. Exclusively curated for members of the Asian Art Museum, on limited space and first come first book basis!
Certain areas on earth are more sacred due to their geographical location or association with myths, gods, goddesses and saints. Varanasi is one such sacred space steeped in ancient wisdom and high energy frequencies and vibrations.
Mark Twain famously described Varanasi as “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.
Varanasi, resting along the banks of the holy River Ganges is the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. It can be inspiring, moving and incomparable to any other destination in the world. It is the spiritual capital of Hinduism and it’s widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of ghats – stone steps leading to the river –some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. Rising above the ghats are a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets making it truly an assault on the senses with its unimaginable sights and sounds. Our visit, coinciding with the festive celebrations, provides a holistic and meaningful insight into the very soul and essence that is India.
End of main tour. Afternoon 3 pm flight to Delhi.
Arrive by 4.30 pm.
Transfer to airport hotel in Aerocity JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
Evening free to relax, spa or shop at aerocity mall/restaurants.
(Today is also Choti Diwali.)
Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity.
Transfer to airport after breakfast.
10am flight. Arrive Varanasi by 11.40 am.
Transfer to Taj Nadesar Palace.
Check in. Light lunch.
Depart from hotel by 2.30 pm. Drive to Raj Ghat (20 mis). Board you boat. Cruise past the cremation ghats as our expert guide explains and talks about the sacredness of Varanasi & Hindu traditions & rituals.
Disembark and walk through the lanes of the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Today being Diwali, everything will have an air of celebration and festivity.
End the walk at the Brijrama palace hotel, where on the roof top you will be served high tea and opportunity to use rest rooms. Shortly you will board you beautifully decorated boat, and accompanied by a flautist, cruise along the southern ghats and watch the city of lights come alight. Watch the evening arti ceremony, a collective prayer, amidst jingling bells, floating diyas (traditional lamps) and the chanting of mantras. Return to hotel for a personalized Diwali celebratory dinner illuminated by lights, decorated with flowers and earthen diyas and accompanying musicians.
Overnight: Nadesar Palace
You have an option of a relaxed easy morning or wake up at 5am and proceed to the nearest Ghat(15 minutes) to absorb the sacred rays of the sunlight as it rises over the Ganges river. Participate in Vedic chanting by an accompanying priest and a guided meditation by Vaishali Chaddha. An early morning visit offers an excellent way to take in the ghats and the bustling activity centered on them. The devotees performing their ablutions in the river or offering prayers to the rising sun and performing religious rituals
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning at leisure to relax, book a spa treatment or an astrological reading. Afternoon, we head to Sarnath (half hour drive) to visit the museum,Stupa and Bodhi tree.
This is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, expounding the principles of Buddhism.
On our return go shopping for silk and brocade fabric.
Relaxed evening at hotel. Dinner a la carte (on your own)
Overnight: Nadesar Palace
A very early start today wake up at 4am, drive to Assi Ghat(30 mins) to watch & participate at the Ganges at Dawn Aarti and hear Vedic chanting and fire rituals. As the first rays of the sun rise, participate in a guided meditation session with Vaishali Chadda.
Following which we walk along the ghats witness pilgrims performing morning rituals and prayers. We visit the Tulsi Ghat, known for its association with the monkey god Hanuman and Tulsi Das who wrote the adaptation of the epic Ramayana. Stop at the Tulsi Ghat to watch the spiritual martial arts of the Akhara.
Return to our hotel for a late breakfast. Time at leisure.
3 pm. We drive to the residence of the royal family of Panchkote, located on the ghats overlooking the river. Here we participate in a “ fire ritual “ Shanti Path .. to seek the blessings of the gods and pray for world peace. The Brahmins chant hymns and offer prayers to bless the patrons.
After a sari tying demonstration and henna application, a Classical Indian Dance “Kathak” is showcased in the royal haveli courtyard ato the accompaniment of sitar and tabla musicians overlooking panoramic views of the river.
After a delicious home cooked meal from the royal kitchens (This is a vegetarian meal and no alcohol is served as you will be next to the river) We bid goodbye to our gracious hostess the Rani of Panchkote and return to hotel by 8 pm.
Overnight: Nadesar Palace
A relaxed leisurely start to the day.
Vedic Chanting yoga & meditation session with Vaishali Chaddha at the river ghat or hotel gardens.
Breakfast. Time to relax. Spa
Check out at noon to transfer to airport for 3 pm flight to Delhi or Mumbai to connect with onward travel.