Travelpack

Highlights: Delhi - Vrindavan - Mathura - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Himalayas

Hotels featured:
➤ Hotel The Royal Plaza 4*
➤ Nidhivan Sarovar Portico Vrindavan 4*
➤ The Fern Residency
➤ Veda5 Ayurveda And Yoga Retreat

Itinerary:
Tue 11 Mar 25: Delhi
➤ Flights from London Heathrow Airport to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport

Wed 12 Mar 25: Arrive in Delhi
➤ Arrive in Delhi. Welcome to India!!
Meet and Greet at the Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Hotel check-in time is at 1400 Hrs. Delhi is the capital city of India and is regarded as the heart of the nation. The city is popular for its enriched culture and heritage. The city hosts some famous historical monuments and is developing with the passing of time. The religious diversity can be seen in the city along with the cultural impact of Mughal and British influence on ancient Indian history. There are many beautiful gardens in the city that provide opportunities to walk leisurely in the midst of greenery.
Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Thu 13 Mar 25: Delhi Vrindavan [Drive: 190 km 4 hrs. Approx.]
➤ After a leisurely breakfast at your Hotel, check out and proceed on the drive to Vrindavan. The road from Delhi to Vrindavan is lined with charming countryside views, bustling villages, and the occasional temple, offering glimpses of local life.
Upon arriving in Vrindavan, you can feel the vibrant energy of the town immediately, with the atmosphere alive with festive preparations. Absorbing the spiritual and joyful vibrations of the ambiance. Get ready to immerse yourself in the next day's grand celebration of the Holi festival of colors. Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Fri 14 Mar 25: Grand Celebration of Holi Festival
➤ As dawn breaks in Vrindavan, the air is filled with excitement for Holi. You wake up early, enjoying a festive breakfast of traditional sweets and savory snacks, fuelling your spirit for the day ahead. Today dress code is white which is the symbol of the joy of colors, step out and start celebrating the Holi festival with other participants. The streets are alive with music, laughter, and the fragrance of flowers as you partake in joyful celebrations, tossing vibrant powders and splashing water with friends and strangers alike. Today, witness
the unique local tradition of Lathmar Holi. This playful custom involves women playfully "beating" men with sticks, a spirited re-enactment of the mythological teasing between Lord Krishna and Radha's friends. The atmosphere is filled with laughter, color, and exuberance, adding a distinctive touch to your Holi experience. As the sun sets, the festivities continue with lively dances and communal feasting.
Lathmar Holi, a vibrant and unique Holi tradition, is celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon, near Vrindavan, with deep-rooted significance in mythology. The festival is said to recreate the playful interaction between Lord Krishna and Radha. Legend has it that Krishna visited Radha's village to tease her and the gopis, prompting the women to chase him away with sticks "Lathis." This tradition continues today with men from Nandgaon coming to Barsana, where women playfully beat them with Lathis, while men defend themselves with shields. Over the years, Lathmar Holi has grown into a grand event, attracting crowds from across India and the world, who gather to witness the joyful, colorful celebration of love, humor, and tradition. After the exciting day filled with color and joy, return back to your Hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Sat 15 Mar 25: Temples of Vrindavan & Mathura
➤ After a delightful breakfast at your Hotel, proceed to visit the iconic Banke Bihari Temple, where rhythmic chants create a celestial ambiance. Wandering through vibrant streets, the fragrant air leads you to a spiritual ambiance.
Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, in the holy city of Vrindavan. This temple is among the 7 temples of Thakur of Vrindavan including Shri Radha Vallabh Ji, Shri Govind Dev Ji, and four others. Bankey Bihari Ji was originally worshipped at Nidhivana. Bankey means bent in three places and Bihari means Supreme Enjoyer. The image of Lord Krishna stands in the Tribhanga posture. Haridas Swami originally worshipped this devotional image under the name of Kunj-Bihari (Enjoyer of Lakes). Banke means bent, and Bihari or Vihari means enjoyer. This is how Lord Krishna, who is bent in three places, got the name Banke Bihari. Next, visit the serene ISKCON Temple also known as Balrama Temple which is acknowledged for being the first temple constructed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Built in 1975 by the ISKCON cult, the foundation of the shrine was laid by Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON) himself. Located at Raman Reti in Vrindavan. The temple stands on the banks ofthe  Yamuna River, where Sri Krishna along with Balrama used to herd their cows. The magnificent structure of the Iskcon Temple comes across the sight, as and when one enters the holy lands of Vrindavan.
Post lunch, drive to Mathura to visit the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Krishna Janam Bhoomi (birth-place temple) at Mathura, is important because this is the palace where
Lord Shri Krishna manifested Himself in the prison house of cruel king Kansa, his maternal uncle, and set free his father Vasudeva and mother Devaki. With Krishna chanting and praying, the divine ambiance of the sanctum thrills the hearts of the devotees and confirms their belief that this indeed is the place where Lord Krishna manifested himself. After the visit to this sacred site, return back to Vrindavan.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Sun 16 Mar 25: Vrindavan Haridwar [Drive: 350 Kms 6 hrs. Approx.]
➤ Post breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to Haridwar through the picturesque countryside, where lush fields and quaint villages unfold along the way. Upon arrival in Haridwar, check into your hotel. Evening steps up to witness the Ganga Aarti, the air is filled with devotional chants. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and you can float your own oil lamps while you watch the ancient prayer at sunset. After this fascinating experience, return back to your Hotel.
Haridwar, nestled in the embrace of the Himalayas where the Ganges meet the plains, is a testament to faith's enduring power. Its history dates back to 1800 BCE, rooted in ancient settlements and revered in Hindu scriptures such as Mayapuri and Gangadwar. King Vikramaditya's 1st century BCE construction of Har Ki Pauri and Huan Tsang's 629 CE documentation solidified its pilgrimage status. Empires like the Mauryan and Kushan left architectural imprints, followed by Sikhism's Guru Nanak in the 15th century. British colonialism in the 19th century brought infrastructure development, yet Haridwar's spiritual core persisted. Today, it thrives as a vibrant pilgrimage hub with daily Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, alongside temples and bustling bazaars. Haridwar's future promises to continue its spiritual and cultural legacy, offering a connection to India's soul through its rich tapestry of empires, religions, and unwavering devotion.
Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Mon 17 Mar 25: Haridwar Yoga Capital Rishikesh [Drive 30 Kms 45 Min Approx.]
➤ After breakfast, check out from your Hotel and step up to the Yoga capital Rishikesh. The drive takes you along the serene banks of the sacred Ganges, surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. Upon arrival in Rishikesh, check into your Yoga retreat. Yoga, Meditation programs, Vedic teachings, and environmental initiatives, make it a sanctuary for holistic well-being amidst stunning natural surroundings. Rishikesh, Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, Rishikesh is a spiritual sanctuary and a haven
for adventure enthusiasts alike. Blessed by the sacred Ganges River, it has drawn pilgrims and seekers since ancient times. According to ancient mythology dating back to around 3000 BCE, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana stayed here during exile, adding to its spiritual legacy. Mentioned in the Mahabharata (estimated 4th century BCE to 4th century CE), Rishikesh's name, "Hrishikesha," refers to Lord Vishnu, symbolizing its deep-rooted spiritual significance. Rishikesh continues to attract global spiritual seekers with its ashrams and
temples, offering yoga and meditation as pathways to inner peace.
Post lunch, visit the Ashram where you can soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this spiritual haven. Experience the tranquil surroundings and spiritual aura of the ashram. The ashram, situated on the tranquil banks of the sacred Ganges in Rishikesh, is one of India's largest and most respected spiritual centers. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, it offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual growth and healing. The ashram is renowned for its daily Ganga Aarti. Post ashram visit, return back to your Hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Tue 18 Mar 25 - Wed 19 Mar 25: Yoga & Meditation Retreat in the Himalayas
➤ Immerse yourself in Yoga & Meditation that harmonize your senses. Days are filled with Yoga, Meditation, the path to spiritual growth, and personal discovery. After consultation with a doctor, you can enjoy sixty minutes of Ayurveda treatment. Yoga and meditation retreats in the Himalayas can significantly reduce stress, and enhance physical and mental relaxation.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Thu 20 Mar 25: Rishikesh Delhi [Drive: 250 Kms 5 Hrs. Approx.]
➤ After a refreshing breakfast, Check out from your Hotel at leisure and embark on your journey to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and check into your Hotel.
Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.

Fri 21 Mar 25: Discover Spirituality & Local Bazaar
➤ After breakfast at the Hotel, visit the spiritual sites, Lodhi art district, and local markets.
Lotus Temple, its petals rising gracefully, inviting you into a space of quiet reflection. Time seems to slow as you sit in its peaceful silence. The Lotus Temple belongs to the Bahai sect. Bahaism is recognized as a combination of the nine great religions of the world. The temple is built in the shape of a floating half-open lotus set amidst pools and gardens. This temple has no idols of any God and is a place for worship of the Almighty. DILLI HAAT is a craft bazaar located in Delhi. Over the years, Dilli Haat became a venue for crafts, music, dance,e, and cultural festivals. India's first comic convention, Comic Con India was organized at Dilli Haat in February 2011. Lodhi Art District is India's first open-air public art district. Located in the Lodhi Colony, it features over 50 murals created by artists from around the world. The murals cover a wide range of themes, including climate change, gender issues, and Indian culture. It's a fantastic place to explore if you enjoy art and want to see how urban spaces can be transformed into creative canvases. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Replica of Golden Temple is one of the most prominent Sikh Gurdwara or Sikh house of worship in Delhi and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, as well
as the holy pond inside its complex, known as the Sarovar. Witness the preparation of Langar (food) at the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib kitchen. It serves free vegetarian food for hundreds of people every day. Later drive to visit the impressive Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex, popularly known as Akshardham. Akshardham epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom, and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India's ancient architecture, traditions, and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India's glorious art, values, and contributions to the progress, happiness, and harmony of mankind. The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years and through the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005. Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity, and peace forever pervades. Attend the Stunning water show in the evening at Akshardham Temple witness the vibrant rituals and experience the spiritual energy of the temple. The Sahaj Anand Water Show calls the Yagnapurush Kund a
replica of grand traditional step-wells. The nine-lotus design of the central pool is a replication of a ritual Yantra or arrangement used in sacred Hindu ceremonies. After this breathtaking experience, return back to your Hotel.
Dinner.
Overnight at the Hotel.

Sat 22 Mar 25: Depart Delhi
➤ Your journey culminates with a smooth transfer to Delhi Airport, your heart full of cherished memories. Safe travels, and until we meet again on your next trip!

Prices & Departures:
Deposit £350pp
➤ Z40262 Heathrow from £2645pp
➤ Z41675 Dublin from £2175pp
➤ Z41663 Edinburgh from £2265pp
➤ Z41647 Manchester from £2315pp
➤ Z41668 Newcastle from £2385pp

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 adults Sharing

Offer Includes

Meal Plans