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Home >> India Tours >>Pilgrimage Tour >>Great India Eastern
GREAT INDIA EASTERN A SPIRITUAL VOYAGE – BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO EASTERN PHILOSOPHY Spirituality is a vast field. You can regard spirituality as a body. Inside the body is the heart. Yoga is the heart of the spiritual body. Yoga is a Sanskrit word. It means union with God. This union is a conscious union. We are all united with God but we are not aware of it. When we practise Yoga, we become conscious of our union with God. Why practise Yoga? There are millions and billions of people who are not practising Yoga. We want to practise Yoga in order to be satisfied. If we are sincere to ourselves, we know that we have everything except satisfaction. Some seekers feel that everything in life has meaning only when God comes first. They feel that God is the root. When they become one with the root, the source, then everything has meaning and everything is satisfaction. The practice of Yoga can lead us to this goal. When we enter into the field of Yoga, a few significant questions arise. Is Yoga something normal? Is Yoga something natural? Is Yoga something practical? Is Yoga something attainable? Yoga deals with God. What can be more natural and normal than dealing with God, our very creator? Yoga is something practical. Yoga is inevitable, for God will not allow any human being to remain unrealised forever. We are all seekers. Some of us are at the foot of the tree, some of us are climbing, some have already reached a great height. But we all have to climb up to the Highest, and from there we can bring down the fruit to the world at large. If we eat and do not offer the fruit to others, then God will not be satisfied. Some seekers want God only for themselves, but this is not the highest attitude. After we have realised God, we have to do something more. We have to reveal God to the world at large. Then God wants us to do something even more significant. He wants us to manifest Him. God realisation, God revelation and God-manifestation: these are the three goals that each seeker must eventually reach. Today God realisation, tomorrow God-revelation, the day after tomorrow God-manifestation. The world has everything except peace of mind. We get peace of mind when we feel that the world can go on without us, but that we cannot go on without the world. We have to know that we are not indispensable; only God is indispensable. When we come to this realisation, only then can we have peace of mind. When we have peace of mind, we love humanity, we expand and spread our wings. When we love humanity, we are satisfied because we have satisfied God. This is in essence the Eastern Philosophy, integrated with Yoga, which is also known as “the way of life”. Spiritualism is a way of life, which we all abide by out of choice. Being spiritual is just about being loving, compassionate and caring, not only towards others but also towards yourself. Spiritualism is far from religion. It is the bliss, emptiness, joy, ecstasy and feeling of completeness. The spiritualism of India has attracted people from all over the world, the yogis in India attracts people from all around the world. The mental and physical healing power of Yoga and Meditation has earned great reputation in the world. The city of Rishikesh is known as world capital of yoga and Meditation and offers various courses of Yoga and Meditation. Everyone seeks peace and harmony, because this is what we lack in our lives. From time to time we all experience agitation, irritation, dishar¬mony. And when we suffer from these miseries, we don't keep them to ourselves; we often distribute them to others as well. Unhappiness permeates the atmosphere around someone who is miserable, and those who come in contact with such a person also become affected. Certainly this is not a skillful way to live. We reproduce an article written by Swami Radhananda, which will give an insight into what Spirituality is all about. We need a symbol for the power that's greater than we are. I call it "Light" because it's the subtlest image. When I refer to Divine Light I am referring to the Essence, God, Divine Mother, Consciousness or Higher Self. The mind needs something to focus on. Light is a good symbol because it has the capacity to bring clarity or awareness. If you're sitting reading and you have a dim light, it's very hard to see the words on the page. So you get a brighter bulb. In the same way, if you bring light into your life, you begin to see your life more clearly, you begin to read it. Spiritual practice is bringing the Light of awareness into daily life. I find it difficult to be in the Light for long without seeing what is going on. The light will unmask illusions as it enters your life. It's the same with studying the Kundalini system, a teaching which is a precise blueprint of our spiritual evolution. On entering the system you will come in contact with the Light and the Light will reveal your root issue. You start at the beginning with the human condition of survival: anger, competition, jealousy, greed, pain, fear. These things will inevitably be revealed by Light. This is the reality. When you study yourself and do spiritual practices, what you are generating will nourish either your awareness of the Light or those basic survival tactics. Learn to read your life, take responsibility, because you will be shown what it is you need to do. You can choose growing into the Light or you can stay in the dark and grow more angry, depressed, self important and deluded. Yoga is an integral part of the Path to Spirituality. It is the very essence of Hinduism as well as off shoot religions like Buddhism, Jainism and has been in practice for thousands of years. Yoga has two firm bases. They are physical and spiritual. On the physical plane are the asana, Kriyas, Bandhas and Pranayams besides the four Mudras. Proper practice of these exercises prepares the body and simultaneously conditions the mind of the yoga practitioner to seek spiritual progress. The spiritual revelation is self-realization and mind control. A Yoga guru (teacher) will be the living embodiment of these faculties. FROM HERE WE START OUR JOURNEY: Day 01: Arrive Delhi Welcome to Delhi India’s bustling Capital Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines both the ancient and the modern aspects of Indian culture. The city’s many monuments, located amidst tall, modern skyscrapers, stand as silent reminders of the region’s ancient legacy. Delhi’s strategic location was one of the main reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising that today Delhi is actually a conglomerate of seven cities. The division between the old, walled city and what is known as New Delhi marks a division in lifestyles. The walled city retains its past traditions, and when visiting, one can get a glimpse of its many facets. In contrast, New Delhi strives to match the pace of the twenty-first century. If clients are arriving Delhi in the morning flight will give them a afternoon sightseeing and if they are arriving by evening flight there will be no sightseeing on day and tour will start from day 02. Day 02: Old & New Delhi Sightseeing This morning you will visit Old Delhi, the seventeenth-century walled city of Shahjahanabad. You will visit the Red Fort or Lal Afternoon New Delhi sightseeing After lunch, you will embark on a tour of New Delhi, driving along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue. As you go you will get a chance to see Parliament Overnight at the hotel. Day 03: Delhi – Kolkata (By air) The beautiful mandir (Temple) built without steel, consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants) and 20,000 murtis and statues of India’s great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities. Afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight for Calcutta Assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Once known as 'Calcutta', the riverine city of Kolkata has earned many sobriquets, including 'The City of Palaces' and the 'City of Joy'. This city definitely shows enthusiasm, gives its denizens a reason to live. Offering an easy blend of past, present and future, Kolkata grew up on the banks of the River Hoogly in the great Gangetic Delta, from three sleepy villages - Sutanati, Gobindapur and Kolikata - known for their artisans, into the nerve center of the British Empire. The Colonial Raj aroma is strong here, and you can't miss the English fragrance still floating in the air. Start your Kolkata itinerary under the humongous Howrah Bridge, the venerable cantilevered miracle of the 19th century. Go for a memorable boat cruise and you will be overwhelmed to see the brilliantly lit Vidyasagar Setu (the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world) dazzling like a beautifully dressed bride. The colonial heritage is strong here - you can't miss the iconic Victoria Memorial, built in 1921, its shape symbolic of the Kolkata skyline. Visit the three-storied Raj Bhawan, once the residence of the Governor General (Latsaheb), now a silent sentinel of the pre-independence bygone glory. If you are interested in arts, drive to 'Jorasanko Thakurbari', the birthplace of eminent Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. One can see innumerable memorabilia of the Tagore family and Kolkata at that time together with the charm of fine arts at the Art Center, nestling inside the mansion premises. Remember to make a day trip to the famous Botanical Gardens at Shibpur, Howrah - the largest and the oldest in India, its pride resting on the shoots of the awesome 250 year old banyan tree. Day 04: Kolkata sightseeing Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math: Built in 1847, on the banks of the Hooghly, north of Calcutta, the temple is associated with Shri Ramakrishna, the eclectic 19th century saint who revived Hinduism during the British Raj. Across the river stands Belur Math, headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission. The monastery is a haven of peace and religious harmony. Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture: THE INSTITUTE is rooted in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) who stressed, among other things, the equal validity of all religions, the potential divinity of man, and service to man as a way of worshipping God. Sri Ramakrishna's chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), carried far and wide these teachings which, really speaking, constitute the core of India's oldest philosophy, Vedanta. Later, in 1897, he founded, in order to propagate these ideas, a non-proselytizing religious organization, the Ramakrishna Mission, which, besides teaching Vedanta, gives concrete service to the community by running schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, etc. ONE SUCH BRANCH is the Institute started in 1938 as an offshoot of Sri Ramakrishna's first birth-centenary celebration held in 1936. With humble beginnings in small rented rooms in north Calcutta, the Institute has grown over the years, and the fact that it now occupies its present magnificent building (completed in 1960) in south Calcutta is a testimony to its popularity. While culture is the Institute's specific field of study, it is not national culture alone that it studies, but that culture which is the common heritage of all mankind and to which every race and religion has made its own contributions. Such a study, the Institute believes, will provide the necessary psychological background to the cementing process which technology has initiated between the races of mankind. Day 5: Same day excursion to Shantiniketan The University remains closed in May-June and for one month during the Puja Holidays i.e. September-October. Overnight at the hotel. Day 6: Departure Calcutta The Society publishes Paramahansa Yogananda's writings, lectures, and informal talks - including his comprehensive series of Yogoda Satsanga Lessons for home study, publishes audio and video recordings on his teachings; oversees its ashrams, kendras, and meditation centers, and its monastic community; conducts lecture and class series in cities throughout the Indian subcontinent; and coordinates the Worldwide Prayer Circle, a network of groups and individuals dedicated to praying for those in need of physical, mental, or spiritual aid and for global peace and harmony. Room till 1200 hrs. in the hotel. Evening in time transfer to railways station to board overnight train for Varanasi.
We have two – three options of overnight train from Howrah Junction (Calcutta) to Varanasi Junction. Once we finalize with dates of travel will check the availability and advise you the timings and train name. VIBHUTI EXPRESS: DEPARTURE CALCUTTA 2000 HRS AMRITSAR MAIL: DEPARTURE CALCUTTA 1910 HRS DOON EXPRESS: DEPARTURE CALCUTTA 2035 HRS Day 7: Arrive Varanasi Varanasi the oldest living city The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benaras, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar. Sarnath: The deer park where Buddha preached his first two discourses Followed by evening boat ride on the river Ganges. See the Hindu devotees performing the "Puja" with lighted lamps. The view is very mesmerizing and the ambience is spectacular. Later return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. Day 8: In Varanasi We also can arrange yoga and meditation classes in the Hotel itself with one yoga teacher. Banaras Hindu University visit: The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally reputed University and is situated in Varanasi. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement. Over a period of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning in India. The BHU has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and scientists. The Banaras Hindu University consists of about 15000 students, coming from to all streams of life, castes, religions and races. It has about 2000 teachers and nearly 5000 non-teaching staff. Another important feature of the BHU is the number of foreign students. A large number of students come from the U.S.A., Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, etc. Late in the evening transfer to Mughal Srari railway station which is about 10 km from Varanasi for Tundla Junction about 33 km from Agra. MAGADH EXPRESS: DEPARTURE MUGHAL SARAI - 2220 HRS Day 9: Arrive Tundla & Proceed Agra Welcome to the city of Taj Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata refer Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy. Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached. Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture, when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In his later years, Shahjahan shifted his capital to the new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi and ruled from there. His son, Aurangzeb who imprisoned him in the Agra Fort, dethroned Shahjahan in 1658. Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra till his death. After the death of Aurangzeb, Mughal Empire could not touch its peak and many regional kingdoms emerged. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city.
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Yamuna River. Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and the public commonly used that new name. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628. The Agra Fort was taken over from the Lodis by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. When Shah Jahan took over the reign of the Mughal Empire, he made quite a few architectural changes in the Agra Fort. Very ironically, Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's son, imprisoned him in the Agra Fort in the later stages of his life. Facing River Yamuna, Agra Fort's walls are about 21 meters high. The Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate (earlier known as the Lahore Gate) were the two entrances to the Agra Fort that is built in red sandstone. Overnight at the hotel. Day 10: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur 37 kms from Agra is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri. The Mughal Emperor, Akbar, built this town. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. After this within 20 years, the capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was built during 1571 and 1585. Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained many of the old structures, because of the After several battles with Marathas, Jai Singh was keen on the security aspect of the city. Due to this reason, he focused on his scientific and cultural interests to make a brilliant city. Being, a lover of mathematics and science, Jai Singh sought advice from Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Brahmin scholar of Bengal, to aid him design the city architecture. Vidyadhar referred the ancient Indian literature on astronomy, books of Ptolemy and With a strategic plan, the construction of the city started in 1727. It took around 4 years to complete the major palaces, roads and square. The city was built following the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the Indian Architecture. The city was divided into nine blocks, out of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, whereas the remaining seven blocks were allotted to the public. In order to ensure the security, huge fortification On arrival in Jaipur check in at the Hotel. Balance free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
City of Amber-At a Distance of 11 Kms, from Jaipur the Amber fort complex stands amidst wooded hills. One of the finest examples of Rajput/Mughal architecture. Built in 16th century it stands as a testament reflecting the glory of the fierce Kachawaha Dynasty that ruled over the region from 12th to the 18th century. Half day tour to the deserted city of Amber Fort and Palace and return to Jaipur via Ram Niwas Garden. Elephant ride only available between 0700 to 1000 hrs. The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1952 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort. All the means of survival & luxuries for the royal families and the people who were concerned with the functioning of this small kingdom of the Kachhawas were well provided. The Rajputs who had apparently won a small structure passed on by Meena tribes, later on renovated it into the grand Amber Fort. Holding a history so old as 7 centuries, this place vibrates with its legendry past, in the archaeological history. Although many of the early structures have been literally ruined but at the same time, those dating from the 16th century on are remarkably preserved by sincere efforts. Afternoon half day city tour with visit to City Palace & Hawa Mahal followed city tour. City Palace - Conceived and designed by Jai Singh, the City palace is a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. One of the most important architectural landmarks in Jaipur, this he palace complex has numerous buildings, courtyards, impressive gateways and temples. The palace houses Sawai Jai Singh's seven-story facade Chandra Mahal ("moon palace"), solid marble Mubarak Mahal, the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas (the Hall of Private Audience). Chandra Mahal is still the residence of the present royal family. Hawa Mahal - Arguably Jaipur's most acclaimed landmark, the tapering Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds" was built in 1799 to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch street processions while remaining in a strict state of purdah. Its five-story facade, decked with no less than 593 finely screened windows and balconies, makes the building seem far larger than it really is; in fact it is little more than one room thick in most parts. Overnight at the hotel. Day 12: Delhi – Jaipur SHATABDI EXPRESS: Departure Delhi – 1525 Hrs Rishikesh is just 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham . Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. The entire area falls on the Garhwal region of Northern India. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. Besides the sadhus and saints, a mass of Indian tourists and foreign tourist also visits this place every year to have a look at this much heard about place. Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations of India. River rafting, trekking, rock climbing, hiking etc are some of the activities one can easily opt for here. One of the best places in India for Yoga & Meditation. Upon arrival check in at hotel and overnight. Day 13: In Rishikesh Overnight at the hotel. Day 14: Same day excursion to Haridwar Later after breakfast leave for the day excursion to have a look at the ancient religion of Hinduism in the holiest city of the religion, the city of Haridwar. Visit one of the oldest temples in the town called Daksh temple, a shiva temple, also visit the mercury shiva lingam temple, (famous for the solidified mercury Shivlingam, said to be done by a saint through his meditation). Overnight at the hotel. Day 15: Rishikesh Overnight at the hotel. Day 16: Rishikesh – Delhi (224 Kms/ 5 Hrs) |
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Qila (closed on Mondays), which is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Its thick, red-sandstone walls bulge with turrets and bastions and have withstood the ravages of both time and nature. Within the walls lie halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, Lal Qila remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur. Its magnificence leaves many awestruck and breathless. You will then take a walk through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shahjahanabad, which is now a picturesque bazaar. It consists of many narrow lanes that are crowded with shops selling everything from authentic Indian food and clothing to electronics. Next you will visit the Raj Ghat, a memorial that is erected on the site where Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, was cremated. You will also view the Ashoka Pillar, which is a magnificent, fourteen-foot-high structure that was created in the third century. Made from polished sandstone and tapered toward the top, the pillar is inscribed with an admonition to promote peace in the world through the teachings of Buddha. Your rest of the day is at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities.
House, which is now known as Sansad Bhavan. It is a low, circular structure that covers more than five acres of land. You will also see Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President’s Palace, which is the official residence of the president of India. Constructed on Raisina Hill, it is an imposing structure with 340 rooms, which was initially built as the official residence of the British viceroy of India. Next you will see India Gate, a 138-foot-high, arch-shaped structure that stands at the eastern end of Rajpath. On it are inscribed the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations that occurred at the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco. Below it burns the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the Eternal Flame, in tribute to all martyred soldiers of India. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit after the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Next you will proceed to Humayun’s Tomb. The tomb, an elegant example of early Mughal architecture, was commissioned by Humayun’s widowed queen, Haji Begum, in the sixteenth century. Architecturally it is the forerunner of the world-famous Taj Mahal. You will also have a chance to visit Qutab Minar, a soaring, 238-foot-high stone tower, which was built by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak in the twelfth century. The tower has five distinct stories, each with a projecting balcony. At its base is the Quwwat-Ul Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A twenty-three-foot-high iron pillar, which was built in the fourth century, stands in the courtyard of the mosque. After viewing Qutab Minar, you will move on to Birla Temple, which is one of the major landmarks of New Delhi. The temple, built in 1939, is dedicated to Vishnu and enshrines almost all the deities of the Hindu pantheon. The entire temple is decorated with relief carvings of mythological scenes. The temple reaches an impressive 165 feet at its highest point. 
Kolkata - Welcome To The City of Joy
Overnight on board.
Afternoon city tour with visit to Taj Mahal, Agra Fort:
Day 11: In Jaipur
