Delhi – Kolkata Overland Trip

Upon arrival at New Delhi international airport meet to our representative and transfer to your prebooked hotel. After enough time to rest, we start our city tour of Delhi. We visit the Akshardam Temple, the Lodhi Garden, the large Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and the Birla Temple.

Overnight at Delhi

Meal: No meal included today (depend on your arrival time)

Early morning drive to Agra (204km, approx. 4-5 hours). After our arrival we visit the famous and uniquely beautiful Taj Mahal. Afterwards we explore the mighty Red Fort and visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. In the afternoon we get to know the old town of Agra on a heritage walk and fortify ourselves with an Indian chai.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

We set off for Lucknow (335km, approx. 5-6 hours). After our arrival we visit the impressive tombs of Saadat Ali and Begum. We drive past the Chattar Manzil, which once served as a palace for the rulers of Awadh, and visit "The Residency" - a complex of several buildings, once the residence of the British general. In the evening a very special experience awaits us: we are guests of the former royal family of Lucknow and enjoy an Awadhi dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

Today we have a detailed tour of Lucknow on our agenda. Among other things, we will see the Turkish Gate, the Asfi Mosque, the Hussainabad complex, the largest clock tower in Asia and the Kotwara House. We will also visit the La Martinière College and the Dilkusha Palace and gardens. In the afternoon we will walk directly to the Chowk, the oldest marketplace in the city, and meander through the narrow alleys. We will watch how vendors offer their goods.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

Our journey takes us further to Allahabad (200km, approx. 5-6 hours). At Triveni Sangam we see the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna with the mystical river Saraswati. Later we explore Hanuman Mandir, Khusro Bagh and the All Saints Cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

We set off for what is probably the holiest city in India: Varanasi (120km, approx. 3-4 hours). After our arrival we have free time until we take cycle rickshaws to Dasaswamedh Ghat in the early evening. Here we change to small boats from which we watch the nightly prayer ceremony.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

Another boat trip on the Ganges awaits us before sunrise. On our way back to the hotel we see the Kasji Vishvanath (Golden Temple) from the outside. Later we visit the Bharat Mata and the Durga Temple. In the afternoon we take a trip to nearby Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon, with the museum and the Damek Stupa.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

Today the longest stage of our journey awaits us. On our way to Bodghaya (255km, approx. 6-7 hours) we stop in Sasaram, one of the oldest cities in India. Here we visit the Sher Sha mausoleum. Later in the day we visit the Mahabodhi Temple with the Mahabodhi tree. This place is an important place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

A relatively short route takes us to Nalanda (80km, approx. 2-3 hours). Here we visit the ruins of the oldest Buddhist university. Later we look at the Venu Van bamboo garden, a gift from King Bimbsar to the enlightened Buddha.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

On our way to Deogarh (195km, approx. 6 hours) we visit Pavapuri, a holy site of the Jain religion. Here we visit the Jal Mandir (water temple). Another stop is a school visit in the village of Purna Kaira, where we have the opportunity to talk to students and a class teacher. After arriving in Deogarh we visit the Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

Today we cross the border into West Bengal (180km, approx. 5-6 hours). After arriving in Shantiniketan we visit the campus of the Vishwa Bharati University, including China Bhawan (the Chinese faculty), Sangeet Bhawan (the college for dance and music) and the Uttarayan complex.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

In the morning, we stop in Sonajhurii. There we can take part in the traditional life of the Santhali. In the afternoon we discover Kankalitha, a place sacred to Hindus on the banks of the Kopai River.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

On our way to Bishnupur (150km, approx. 4 hours) we visit Panchmura, known for its extraordinary terracotta work.

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

Early in the morning we see the beautiful terracotta and stone temples in Bishnupur: Radhamadhab Temple, Kalachand Temple, Radhagovina Temple and the Jor Bangla Temple. Afterwards we drive to Kolkata, the last stop on our fascinating journey (160km, approx. 5 hours).

Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included

We have a whole day to get to know the beauties of Kolkata: Dalhousie Square, the flower market, Howrah Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral and St. John's Church as well as the Victoria Memorial. Of course, a visit to Mother Teresa's House is a must.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner included

In the morning, transfer to the airport and return flight to home, direct or via Delhi.