incl. Neem Karoli Baba

Spiritual India

Varanasi · Rishikesh · Amritsar · Vrindavan

October – March

6–10 days

India is the birthplace of four of the world's great religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism — and nowhere is this spiritual heritage more alive than in its sacred cities. Varanasi is the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth, where the Ganga Aarti ceremony has been performed every evening for thousands of years. Amritsar's Golden Temple is the most visited place in the world, welcoming more visitors than the Taj Mahal. Rishikesh is where the Beatles came to meditate, and where millions still come to find peace. Vrindavan and Mathura are the birthplace of Lord Krishna, alive with devotion and colour. And Kainchi Dham — the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba — has drawn seekers from Steve Jobs to Ram Dass.

Highlights

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi

Golden Temple at dawn, Amritsar

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, Kainchi Dham

Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges

Wagah Border flag ceremony

Things to Do

Ganga Aarti, Varanasi

The most spectacular religious ceremony in India — priests in saffron robes perform the fire ritual on the ghats as thousands watch from boats on the river.

Sunrise Boat Ride, Varanasi

Glide along the ghats at dawn as the city wakes — pilgrims bathing, priests chanting, and the ancient city reflected in the sacred river.

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The holiest Sikh shrine, sheathed in gold, reflected in the sacred Amrit Sarovar pool. The langar (community kitchen) feeds 100,000 people daily, free of charge.

Kainchi Dham Ashram

The sacred ashram of Neem Karoli Baba — the saint who inspired Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ram Dass. A place of extraordinary peace.