18-Day Spiritual and Cultural Journey Through India's Sacred Cities and Historic Sites

Day 1: Ahmednagar to Shirdi

Ahmednagar, India to Shirdi, India on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Sayaji Ahmednagar

Enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast with poha and chai to start your journey energized.
INR300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Shirdi

Drive approximately 95 km northwest to the spiritual town of Shirdi, renowned for Sai Baba Temple.
INR1500 (taxi fare), 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sai Baba Temple

Explore this globally revered temple, a peaceful place to experience devotion and spirituality.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Safe Restaurant

Taste local vegetarian cuisine with meals prepared lovingly for pilgrims.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Shirdi's local markets

Shop for religious souvenirs and local handicrafts around the temple complex.
Variable, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Marigold Shirdi

Relax and refresh before dinner at the hotel.
INR3500, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Marigold's restaurant

Enjoy a variety of Indian and continental dishes in a comfortable setting.
INR600, 1 hour

Day 2: Shirdi to Omkareshwar

Shirdi, India to Omkareshwar, India on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Marigold

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast including fresh fruits and Indian bread.
INR350, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Omkareshwar

Travel approximately 230 km southwest to the sacred island temple town of Omkareshwar located on the Narmada River.
INR3500, 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Omkareshwar Riverside Restaurant

Dine on local Madhya Pradesh cuisine with peaceful river views.
INR500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Explore one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening boat ride on the Narmada River

Experience the tranquil atmosphere with a scenic sunset boat ride around the sacred island.
INR300, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Saanwla

Enjoy a simple yet delicious North Indian dinner in a comfortable ambiance.
INR600, 1 hour

Day 3: Omkareshwar to Ujjain

Omkareshwar, India to Ujjain, India on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a light breakfast including local specialties before departure.
INR300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Ujjain

Travel about 90 km northeast to Ujjain, another of India’s sacred cities, famous for the Mahakaleshwar temple.
INR1000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Witness the famous Bhasma Aarti ceremony at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nafees Restaurant

Savor delightful Mughlai and North Indian dishes in this popular local eatery.
INR450, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kaliadeh Palace and Ram Ghat

Visit the Raja Ram Palace and stroll along Ram Ghat on the Shipra River, enjoying the historic architecture and peaceful river views.
Free to INR100 (for palace entry), 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Marvel Regency

Rest and refresh before evening activities.
INR3500, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Indulge in regional and Indian cuisine with great ambience.
INR600, 1 hour

Day 4: Ujjain to Chitrakoot

Ujjain, India to Chitrakoot, India on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast including fresh juices and Indian breads.
INR350, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Chitrakoot

Travel approximately 280 km northeast to the spiritual town of Chitrakoot, known for its religious significance linked to Lord Rama.
INR4000, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Lovely Cafe

Casual dining with nutritious vegetarian foods popular among pilgrims.
INR450, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ram Ghat and Bharat Milap Temple

Explore sacred ghats and temples where Lord Rama is said to have spent time in exile, a serene and spiritual walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Maryada Purshottam

Rest and relax in this comfortable accommodation option in Chitrakoot.
INR2500, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy traditional vegetarian cuisine reflecting local flavors.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 5: Chitrakoot to Prayagraj

Chitrakoot, India to Prayagraj, India on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast with Indian staples to prepare for a travel day.
INR350, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Prayagraj

Travel approximately 125 km northeast to Prayagraj, the site of the sacred Triveni Sangam confluence of three rivers.
INR2000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit Triveni Sangam

Witness the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, important for pilgrimage and rituals.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Annam

Enjoy delicious North Indian thalis and regional delicacies at this well-reviewed hotel restaurant.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan

Visit historic sites including the fort near the river and the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
INR150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Central Plaza

Relax before evening activities.
INR3000, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Sample a variety of Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a comfortable setting.
INR600, 1 hour

Day 6: Prayagraj to Varanasi

Prayagraj, India to Varanasi, India on April 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin with a balanced breakfast including fresh fruits and parathas.
INR350, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Varanasi

Travel approximately 120 km east to Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India on the banks of the Ganges.
INR2000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Hotel Alka

Settle in at one of Varanasi’s best hotels located close to the river ghats.
INR4500, Flexible

12:30PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Taste local street food specialties such as chaat and kachori.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest Shiva temples with rich spiritual energy. Open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Ganges Boat Ride and Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the mesmerizing evening prayer ceremony on the riverbank, a highlight of Varanasi visit.
INR400, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel’s rooftop restaurant

Dine while admiring panoramic views of the lit ghats and river.
INR700, 1 hour

Day 7: Varanasi to Ayodhya

Varanasi, India to Ayodhya, India on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast with typical Indian fare before the journey.
INR350, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Ayodhya

Travel approximately 200 km northwest to the birthplace of Lord Rama, rich in mythology and temple heritage.
INR3500, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ram Katha Restaurant

Dine on vegetarian dishes inspired by the Ramayana era.
INR400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Complex

Explore this sacred site believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace and the newly built grand temple complex.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Hanuman Garhi Temple

Visit this prominent Hanuman shrine offering beautiful views of the town.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Ayodhya Residency

Rest before dinner.
INR2500, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Savor authentic Awadhi and North Indian vegetarian cuisine.
INR500, 1 hour

Day 8: Ayodhya to Agra

Ayodhya, India to Agra, India on April 23, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick but energizing breakfast to start the long drive.
INR300, 30 minutes

6:30AM

Drive to Agra

Drive approximately 600 km west to historic Agra, home to Taj Mahal and Mughal heritage.
INR6000, 10 hours with breaks

4:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Clarks Shiraz

Check in and rest after the long drive.
INR5000, Flexible

7:00PM

Dinner at Pinch of Spice

Enjoy Mughlai cuisine specialties including kebabs and biryanis in a modern restaurant.
INR800, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Explore Agra

Agra, India on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Early Visit to Taj Mahal

Visit the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise to avoid crowds; open 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, closed Fridays.
INR1300 (foreigners), INR50 (Indians), 2 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Sheroes Hangout

Taste great breakfast options with a social cause supporting acid attack survivors.
INR400, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Agra Fort

Explore the massive red sandstone fort with beautiful architecture and views of Taj Mahal, open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
INR650 (foreigners), INR50 (Indians), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Joney's Place

Enjoy traditional North Indian cuisine close to the Taj with quick service.
INR350, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb

Discover the 'Baby Taj,' a beautiful Mughal mausoleum known for intricate marble inlay work; open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
INR300 (foreigners), INR20 (Indians), 1 hour

4:30PM

Relax at Hotel

Rest before dinner.
Included in stay, Flexible

7:00PM

Dinner at Esphahan, The Oberoi

Experience exquisite Mughal and North Indian dishes in a luxurious setting.
INR1500+, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Agra to Mathura and Delhi

Agra, India to Mathura, India to Delhi, India on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a nutritive breakfast to fuel your day.
INR400, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Mathura

Travel approx 60 km northwest to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
INR800, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Explore the sacred site believed to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace, a vibrant place of worship open 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Drive to Delhi

Travel approximately 150 km northwest to India’s capital city, Delhi.
INR2500, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Karim’s, Old Delhi

Famous for authentic Mughlai food, try mutton korma and kebabs in a historic setting.
INR600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Jama Masjid

Tour one of India’s largest mosques with stunning architecture, open 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
INR300, 1 hour

5:30PM

Walk through Chandni Chowk

Experience the hustle bustle of this vibrant market with traditional shops and street food.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Check-in at Hotel The Claridges

Rest after a full day.
INR6000, Flexible

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Dine in style enjoying continental and Indian dishes.
INR800, 1 hour

Day 11: Delhi to Kurukshetra

Delhi, India to Kurukshetra, India on April 26, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast including fruits, eggs, and breads.
INR500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Kurukshetra

Travel approximately 165 km north to Kurukshetra, the land of the Mahabharata battle and Bhagavad Gita discourse.
INR3000, 3.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy simple, delicious North Indian vegetarian cuisine.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar

Explore the sacred water tank and the site where Lord Krishna imparted the Bhagavad Gita. Open daylight hours.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel The Royal Comfort

Relax before dinner.
INR3000, Flexible

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Savor local cuisines and relaxing ambience.
INR500, 1 hour

Day 12: Kurukshetra to Katra

Kurukshetra, India to Katra, India on April 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast.
INR400, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Katra

Travel approximately 560 km north to Katra, the base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
INR7000, 10 hours with stops

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Asia Vaishno Devi

Rest after a long journey.
INR2500, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at hotel

Light vegetarian dinner in preparation for the next day’s trek.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 13: Katra - Vaishno Devi

Katra, India on April 28, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat an energizing breakfast before the trek.
INR400, 1 hour

8:00AM

Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Trek

Embark on the 14 km uphill trek to the sacred Vaishno Devi shrine, open 24 hours, with rest stops available en route.
Free, 6-7 hours (round trip)

3:30PM

Return to Katra

Rest and relax after completing the pilgrimage trek.
Free, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Replenish your energy with a warming vegetarian meal.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 14: Katra to Amritsar

Katra, India to Amritsar, India on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a hearty breakfast before departure.
INR350, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Amritsar

Travel approximately 230 km northwest to the holy city of Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple.
INR4000, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Experience hearty Punjabi vegetarian dhaba food close to the temple area.
INR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Golden Temple

Explore the stunning Golden Temple complex, the holiest Sikh shrine open 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening walk at Jallianwala Bagh

Visit the historic site of the 1919 massacre and peaceful gardens nearby.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Kesar Da Dhaba

Enjoy authentic Punjabi cuisine with popular dishes like dal makhani and Amritsari kulcha.
INR600, 1 hour

9:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Ramada Amritsar

Rest overnight in this well-appointed hotel.
INR4500, Flexible

Day 15: Amritsar to Jaipur

Amritsar, India to Jaipur, India on April 30, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before the long journey.
INR400, 30 minutes

6:30AM

Drive to Jaipur

Travel approximately 670 km south to Jaipur, the Pink City and Rajasthan’s capital.
INR7500, 12 hours with stops

7:30PM

Check-in at Hotel ITC Rajputana

Rest up for a new day of sightseeing.
INR6500, Flexible

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy royal Rajasthani and international cuisines in a luxurious setting.
INR1000, 1 hour

Day 16: Explore Jaipur

Jaipur, India on May 1, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Taste local and international favorites to prepare for the day.
INR600, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Amber Fort

Explore this magnificent fort with its palatial architecture and stunning hilltop views, open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
INR500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 1135 AD Amber Fort

Enjoy royal Rajasthani cuisine inside the fort premises.
INR1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit City Palace and Jantar Mantar

Tour the historic palace complex and astronomical observatory located in the heart of Jaipur.
INR700, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Johari Bazaar

Shop for jewelry, textiles, and Rajasthani crafts in this authentic market.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to Hotel

Rest before dinner.
Included, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Laxmi Misthan Bhandar

Experience sweet and savory Rajasthani specialties in a traditional setting.
INR700, 1 hour

Day 17: Jaipur to Pushkar and Dwarka

Jaipur to Pushkar to Dwarka, India on May 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nourishing breakfast before traveling.
INR600, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Pushkar

Travel approximately 150 km southwest to Pushkar, famous for its sacred lake and Brahma temple.
INR2500, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Temple View

Enjoy light vegetarian meals with views of Pushkar Lake.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake

Visit the rare Brahma temple and stroll the holy lake area, open morning to evening.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Dwarka

Travel approx 460 km southwest to Dwarka, an ancient pilgrimage city in Gujarat.
INR6000, 8 hours

11:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Nataraj

Rest after a long day of travel.
INR4000, Flexible

Day 18: Dwarka to Porbandar and onward

Dwarka to Porbandar to Sidhapur, India on May 3, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before starting day activities.
INR400, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Dwarkadhish Temple

Explore the revered temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, open 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Drive to Porbandar

Travel approximately 100 km south to Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.
INR1500, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local Gujarati restaurant

Enjoy traditional, mild Gujarati vegetarian fare.
INR400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kirti Mandir

Tour the temple and museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive to Sidhapur

Travel approximately 150 km to Sidhapur, a town known for temples and serene environment.
INR2000, 3.5 hours

7:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Vishram

Rest overnight in preparation for next day's travel and sightseeing.
INR2500, Flexible

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Simple but satisfying local cuisine.
INR400, 1 hour