15-Day Spiritual Retreat Itinerary Exploring Temples and Historical Sites in North India

Day 1: Holy Delhi Exploration

Delhi, India on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Akshardham Temple

Visit the magnificent Akshardham Temple, which showcases traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple complex is a vibrant spiritual campus with exhibitions and beautiful gardens.
INR0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bengali Market – Karim's Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Mughlai cuisine at Karim's, famous for its rich flavors and historic reputation near Jama Masjid.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lotus Temple

Explore the Lotus Temple, known for its flowerlike architecture and serene ambiance. It is a Baháʼí House of Worship open to all faiths, promoting unity and peace.
INR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit ISKCON Temple, Delhi

Spend time at ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, featuring beautiful deities, spiritual discourses, and peaceful surroundings.
INR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Andhra Bhavan

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali at Andhra Bhavan, favored for its authentic flavors and simple setting.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 2: Kurukshetra Spiritual Heritage

Kurukshetra, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Brahma Sarovar

Start with Brahma Sarovar, an ancient sacred water tank where spiritual rituals take place. It is considered the spot where Lord Brahma performed a yagna.
INR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Jyotisar

Visit Jyotisar, the legendary site where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna during the Mahabharata war.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba

Experience traditional north Indian vegetarian cuisine at a nearby dhaba serving freshly cooked meals.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre

Explore this center to learn about the Mahabharata war, local culture, and history with informative exhibitions and 3D shows.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sannihit Sarovar

Visit Sannihit Sarovar, another sacred tank believed to be a confluence of holy waters, visited by pilgrims during Kartik Purnima.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner with local Himachali cuisine at your hotel.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 3: Shimla Temples

Shimla, India on May 4, 2025

9:00am

Mahalaya Temple

Visit the Mahalaya Temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, located near Shimla, it is a serene place for spiritual enlightenment surrounded by natural beauty.
INR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Jakhoo Temple

Explore Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated atop Jakhoo Hill offering panoramic views of Shimla.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Wake & Bake Café

Enjoy light and tasty meals with a view, Wake & Bake offers quiet ambiance and vegetarian-friendly options.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kali Bari Temple

Visit the Kali Bari Temple, one of the oldest temples in Shimla, dedicated to Goddess Kali, set amidst pine trees.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Christ Church (Historical site)

See the Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, known for its neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.
INR0, 0h45m

8:00pm

Dinner at The Oberoi Cecil Hotel

Dine at the luxurious Oberoi Cecil Hotel offering traditional and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 4: Dharamshala Spirituality

Dharamshala, India on May 5, 2025

9:00am

Tsuglagkhang Complex

Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the spiritual center of the Dalai Lama, featuring the main temple and Tibet Museum.
INR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tibet Kitchen

Delight in authentic Tibetan cuisine including momos and thukpa at Tibet Kitchen.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bhagsunath Temple and Waterfall

Visit Bhagsunath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and enjoy the nearby waterfall, both are peaceful spots embraced by nature.
INR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

St. John in the Wilderness Church

Explore this historical Anglican church built in 1852 with beautiful stained glass, set in pine forests.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Enjoy wholesome Italian food with vegetarian options in a cozy setting.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 5: Dharamshala Monastic Visits

Dharamshala, India on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Namgyal Monastery

Spend the morning at Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama, to witness prayer sessions and monastic life.
INR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Illiterati Café

Relax with light vegetarian meals and beverages served in a literary-themed café.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kangra Fort (approx. 28km away)

Visit the historic Kangra Fort, one of the oldest forts in India with spiritual significance and dramatic hillside views.
INR50, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Café Illiterati

Casual dining with healthy vegetarian options and soothing ambiance.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 6: Rewalsar Pilgrimage

Rewalsar, India on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Rewalsar Lake

Begin the day with a visit to sacred Rewalsar Lake, an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists with surrounding temples.
INR0, 1h0m

10:30am

Guru Padmasambhava Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava (founder of Tibetan Buddhism), located by Rewalsar Lake.
INR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Namaste Café

Enjoy organic and vegetarian dishes made from local ingredients in a serene setting.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lakshminarayan Temple

Visit the Lakshminarayan (Vishnu) Temple featuring beautiful carvings and peaceful vibes near Rewalsar.
INR0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Nyingmapa Monastery

Explore this Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its colorful prayer flags and spiritual teachings.
INR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local guesthouse

Savor traditional Himachali dishes at your accommodation or nearby family-run restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 7: Rewalsar to Manali Transit

Rewalsar to Manali, India on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Rewalsar to Manali

A scenic 4-5 hour drive northwards to Manali, passing through beautiful mountain landscapes.
INR0, 5h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel

Relax and enjoy a nutritious meal at your hotel in Manali.
INR600, 1h0m

4:00pm

Manu Temple

Visit the ancient Manu Temple dedicated to the sage Manu, the creator of the human race according to Hindu mythology.
INR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs

Explore Vashisht Temple, dedicated to sage Vashisht, and enjoy the adjacent natural hot springs believed to have healing properties.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Dine by the riverside with Italian and continental vegetarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 8: Manali Temples and Spiritual Sites

Manali, India on May 9, 2025

9:00am

Hidimba Devi Temple

Visit this famous 500-year-old temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, set in a tranquil cedar forest with unique wooden architecture.
INR0, 1h0m

11:00am

Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa (Monastery)

Explore this beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery featuring vibrant murals and peaceful surroundings.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Café

Enjoy local Himachali and North Indian vegetarian specialties in a warm and welcoming environment.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Old Manali Walk and Temples

Stroll through Old Manali to visit small local temples and soak in the spiritual vibe of this quaint area.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Amigos

Enjoy fresh and healthy vegetarian options including Mexican and Italian dishes.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 9: Manali Extended Spiritual Sites

Manali, India on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery (approx. 20km)

Visit Naggar Castle, historically important and spiritually serene, and explore the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery showcasing spiritual and Himalayan art.
INR50, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Rudra

Taste home-style Himachali vegetarian meals in a friendly café near nature.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tara Devi Temple (17km away)

Visit the hilltop Tara Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Tara, offering panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere.
INR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return and Rest

Rest and refresh at the hotel after a spiritual day of exploration.
INR0, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Drifters' Cafe

Sample delicious vegetarian continental dishes in a lively and cozy setting.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 10: Manali to Chandigarh Journey

Manali to Chandigarh, India on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Manali to Chandigarh

Drive approximately 7-8 hours through scenic routes to Chandigarh, the beautiful planned city.
INR0, 8h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Check into hotel and rest after the journey.
INR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Gurudwara Nada Sahib (5km from city center)

Explore this important Sikh pilgrimage site on the banks of the Ghaggar river, serene and spiritually uplifting.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Black Lotus Restaurant

Enjoy elegant North Indian and Asian vegetarian cuisine in the Taj Chandigarh hotel.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 11: Departure from Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India on May 12, 2025

Morning

Relax or Optional Local Visit

Spend the morning visiting the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake if time permits, or relax before your onward journey. Both are cultural landmarks with artistic and natural beauty.
INR0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy simple vegetarian meals in this historical café with old-world charm.
INR300, 1h0m

Departure

Travel to departure point

Prepare for onward travel or departure from Chandigarh airport or railway station.
INR0, Variable