The one thing that is bound to strike the traveller about the Indian subcontinent is its deep and intense religious vibe. The undertones of religiosity runs thickly in the places of interest, the monuments, festivals, conversations and interactions. This goes to show the unshakeable faith by which the people of these countries live. In a sense, lines blur and this also forms a spiritual backdrop for many. The influences of many religions in India alone have made it a rich cultural repository for generations. The same feeling runs across through the adjoining nations.
Religion
As one travels from one region to another, apart from the diverse topography, one also gets to see and experience the influence of religion that has shaped the destinations. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism and other religions contribute to make a great cultural backdrop for travellers. It can set one of studying the unending medley of studying the social fabric of the country.
Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the upper reaches of Indian Himalayas gives you a chance to immerse in the simple living of Buddhism, in mainland India the fervour of religious festivals showcase the energy and reverence towards the pantheon of Gods and in the tucked away reaches, you may even find unique tribal sects that commemorate nature. Our itineraries take you through different cultural mixes, to showcase the influence of religion in the subcontinent.
Itineraries
Footsteps of Buddha
07 Nights & 08 Days
Overview
This itinerary takes you through the footsteps of Buddha, touching the key destinations that he lived in and gave his sermons in his life. The trip is a spiritual experience where you get ample time to trace the history of Buddhism with our knowledgeable guides and see how life has panned out now after hundreds of years.
Top Places
Bodh Gaya | Rajgir & Nalanda | Vaishali & Kushinagar | Lumbini | Sravasti & Kapilavastu | Varanasi | Bodh Gaya
Highlights
Gridhakuta Hill | Nalanda University | Mahabodhi Tree | Mahaparinirvana Temple | Mayadevi Temple | Sahet Mahet | Angulimal caves | Sarnath
Bodh Gaya / Day 1
Rajgir & Nalanda / Day 2
Vaishali & Kushinagar / Day 3
Lumbini / Day 4
Sravasti & Kapilavastu / Day 5
Varanasi / Day 6
Bodh Gaya / Day 7 - 8
Religions of India
12 Nights & 13 Days
Overview
The wonderful thing about India is its diversity. That combined with the rich cultural influences from various dynasties that ruled different areas, gives India an unparalleled cultural advantage. This also comes with a host of religious sects that makes the country one of the most secular places on earth. You are likely to see influences and active cultures that have burgeoned from Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, Jewish and other smaller sections. It is this multi-religious and cultural scape that makes India and interesting travel destination.
Top Places
Delhi | Amritsar | Dharamsala | Kangra Pragpur | Chandigarh | Haridwar | Rishikesh | Delhi | Agra – Delhi
Highlights
Red Fort | Jama Masjid | Golden Temple | Wagah Border | Tibetan Norbulinga Institute | Pragpur | Rock Garden | Ganga Aarti | Bangla Sahib Gurudwara | Taj Mahal
Delhi / Day 1 - 2
Amritsar / Day 3 - 4
Dharamsala / Day 5 - 6
Kangra Pragpur / Day 7
Chandigarh / Day 8
Haridwar / Day 9
Rishikesh / Day 10
Delhi / Day 11
Agra – Delhi / Day 12 - 13
Footsteps of Christianity
13 Nights & 14 Days
Overview
Christianity has the third largest following in India and a fascinating trail from the point of view of history. India, for many centuries, was on the radar for traders, for its spices, tea and coffee. This brought an influx of different religions and Christianity was one of those. Till this date, ancient cathedrals and churches loom over coastal villages, making the country richer in its social and historical fabric.
Top Places
Cochin | Kodungallur | Kottayam and Kumarakom | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | Periyar and Madurai’s Temples | Trichy | Tanjore and Vailankanni | Tanjore Christian Pilgrimages | Pondicherry | Mahabalipuram | Chennai
Highlights
Chinese Fishing Nets | Jewish Synagogue | Malayatoor Church | Mar Thoma Church | Periyar National Park | Houseboats, | Sri Meenakshi Temple | Ashram of Bede Griffits | Vailankanni | Danish Schwarz Church | Auroville | Fort St. George.
Cochin / Day 1 - 2
Kodungallur / Day 3
Kottayam and Kumarakom / Day 4
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary / Day 5
Periyar and Madurai’s Temples / Day 6
Trichy / Day 7
Tanjore and Vailankanni / Day 8
Tanjore Christian Pilgrimages / Day 9
Pondicherry / Day 10 - 11
Mahabalipuram / Day 12
Chennai / Day 13
Religion in Nepal
08 Nights & 09 Days
Overview
Hinduism is one of the major religions in the Himalayan nation of Nepal; in fact it is one of the main destinations for ancient temples, with entire cities dedicated to them. The soothing vibe of the mountains, combined with the spiritual essence of the temples and shrines is sure to transport you into an ethereal ambience of tranquility and serenity.
Top Places
Kathmandu | Manakamana – Pokhara | Pokhara | Kathmandu
Highlights
Kathmandu Durbar square | Dakshinkali | Sheshnarayan | Patan | Manakamana | Pashupathinath | Boudhanath | Bindhabasini temple | Swoyambhunath | Bhaktapur
Kathmandu / Day 1 - 3
Manakamana – Pokhara / Day 4
Pokhara / Day 5
Kathmandu / Day 6 - 9
Buddhism in Bhutan
06 Nights & 07 Days
Overview
Bhutan’s high mountains hide in them, various mystical and calming vibes. Much of it comes from the chanting from the hilltop monasteries. Bhutan is home to Tibetan Buddhists and a sprawl of remarkable monasteries. Visit here to get oriented about the religion and get familiar with a number of tombs and memorials of saints who helped the religion spread in this part of the world. A trip to Bhutan alone, from the entire subcontinent, is an ample ode to the religion.
Top Places
Paro – Thimphu | Thimphu | Punakha | Paro
Highlights
Paro Dzong | National Memorial Chorten | National Library | Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery | Chimi Lhakhang | Tiger’s Nest