India
A Tapestry of Dreams
"the land of dreams and romance,
of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty,
of splendor and rags, of palaces and hovels,
of famine and pestilence;
the country of a hundred nations and a hundred tongues,
of a thousand religions and two million gods;
the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined." - Mark Twain 1887
From Majestic Palaces to Lush Landscapes
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The capital splendor - Delhi
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City of immortal love - Agra
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Land of the tiger - Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Ranthambore
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The pink city - Jaipur
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The Marwar glory - Jodhpur
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City of palaces and lakes - Udaipur
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Cradle of Hindu Civilization and Buddha Dharma - Varanasi
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Maximum city - Mumbai
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God's own country - Kerala
Experience the essence of India with our tailor-made tour, meticulously designed to immerse you in the country's rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. Below, we offer an array of excursions to make your trip unforgettable and personalized for your purpose of travel.
Delhi - Meditation
Established in 1979, Tushita Meditation Centre preserves the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism through guided meditation sessions. These sessions include analytical meditations, visualization techniques, and mantra recitations. Beginners are welcome on Thursdays, while groups of 5-10 people can participate any day. The centre also screens films on Buddhism and conducts Buddhist ceremonies called puja. Located centrally, the centre is easily accessible to all. Come and experience the enriching spiritual journey at Tushita!
Delhi - Chai pe Charcha or Tête à tête over tea
Tea has become an integral part of daily life for many Indians. While the concept of high tea originated in 17th-century England, Indians have embraced it wholeheartedly, making it a ubiquitous presence at every street corner. These informal gatherings have evolved into hubs where people engage in discussions ranging from the mundane to the profound, including matters of politics and societal issues. So ingrained is this tradition that even the Prime Minister hosts public sessions for citizens to voice their concerns. We offer you an exclusive opportunity to partake in this cultural phenomenon, engaging in insightful conversations with leading journalist Ms. Maya Mirchandani. Topics may span from contemporary secularism in India to comparative analyses of government policies. All this unfolds over a cup of steaming hot Chai (Indian tea) at Latitude Restaurant in the trendy Khan Market, where we've curated a high tea menu just for you. Additionally, we can tailor this experience to include a meeting with a professional in your field, offering you unique insights into specific sectors in India.
Delhi - Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple: Sikhism and Community Kitchens of Holy Proportions
Experience the heart of Sikhism with a visit to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi's most prominent Sikh house of worship. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the service and humility that define Sikh philosophy. Witness the dedication of volunteers who selflessly serve, from the shoe collectors to the kitchen staff preparing meals for thousands each day. Inside the temple, distinctions fade away, and all are united as Sikhs committed to serving others.
Experience the Spirit of Service: Participate in the langar, or free kitchen, where regardless of background, 10,000 meals are served daily. Join the uplifting practice of Vaṇḍ Chakkō, meaning 'share and consume together,' as you contribute to this remarkable communal effort.
Agra - Spread some love
Embark on a philanthropic journey to Mother Teresa’s Charity Home in Agra, where children from underprivileged backgrounds and infirmed adults find refuge. Operating solely on private donations, this mission provides essential care and support to those in need, offering a meaningful opportunity to give back without any additional cost.
Jaipur - Aarti ceremony at a Historical Temple
In the evening, visit Govind Devji Temple for a prayer ceremony in the presence of devotees and followers. This temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is meticulously preserved by the former royal family. Installed by Sawai Jai Singh, the deity Govind Dev Ji is revered by Hindus in the city and nearby areas. Join us for a spiritual experience at this sacred site.
Jodhpur - Musical journey through the desert
The Langas, hereditary Muslim musicians of the Thar desert, share ancestral ties and musical instruments with Spanish Gypsies. Traditionally, they performed under the "Jajmani" system for Rajput chieftains and families, entertaining at weddings, births, religious events, and gatherings. However, socio-economic changes forced them into public performances for livelihood. Despite challenges, they safeguard Rajasthan's "Öral Traditions," preserving local history and proverbs through their songs, which recount the valorous tales of desert heroes from ages past.
Jodhpur - Yoga in the home of a Guru
Yoga practitioner Karan Singh holds an M.Sc. in Yoga & Naturopathy, ancient Hindu sciences of well-being. With over 12,000 hours of teaching experience, he specializes in Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, Yogic Meditation, and various Asanas for physical and mental wellness. Karan conducts sessions in the gardens of his residence, accommodating groups of up to 30 individuals.
Ranakpur - One of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains
Jainism, with its emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence) and non-attachment, presents a profound yet challenging path for its followers. At its core, Jain philosophy extends the principle of non-violence to encompass all living beings, including microscopic organisms and elements of nature. Nestled in the quiet,
picturesque Aravali Hills, is the famous Jain pilgrimage centre. The temples here,
date back to the 15th century. The 29, exquisitely wrought halls are
supported by 1,444 pillars - of which no two are alike. Ranakpur Temples are
acclaimed worldwide for their intricate and superb architectural style.
These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains.
Udaipur - Trek in the hidden gem Badi lake
Explore the romantic charm of Udaipur, Rajasthan's most enchanting destination, with a touch of adventure. Embark on a leisurely trek guided by our experienced trekking guide. Engage in interactive sessions with local villagers, explore their homes, and witness their lifestyle firsthand. Traverse through rugged terrain and hills, adorned with scenic agricultural fields and tribal villages. The trek culminates at a serene lake adorned with picturesque chattris, offering a perfect spot to embrace the romantic ambiance of the surroundings.
Varanasi - Walk in the footsteps of Buddha
Despite its current status as a modest town, Sarnath holds immense religious and historical significance. Located just a bumpy half-hour drive from Varanasi, it marks the site where the Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon following his enlightenment. Emperor Ashoka, inspired by the serenity of the area, erected the renowned Ashoka Pillar here. Today, as Buddhism has evolved into diverse sects, visitors are invited to explore temples representing each sect, showcasing distinct architectural styles—from Tibetan and Thai to Sri Lankan, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Guided by an expert, delve into the origins of these various schools of thought, tracing back to the Buddha's teachings and the establishment of monastic practices in Sarnath. Amidst its ancient ruins, witness the narrative of monastery growth, decline, and the modern resurgence of Buddhist philosophy.
Varanasi - Discover the Ancient Tradition of Sanskrit or Vedic Schools
Embark on a journey to explore Sanskrit or Vedic schools, where the rich heritage of Brahminical knowledge has been preserved for millennia. These venerable institutions have been nurturing young minds aged 5 to 15, instilling them with theosophy and ritualistic wisdom passed down through generations. Through the revered Guru-Shishya parampara, or teacher-disciple tradition, students immerse themselves in a way of life, living alongside their mentors to master the ancient texts and traditions.
Experience firsthand the time-honored practices and rituals as you witness classes and engage with students and teachers.
Kerala - The paradise of Ayurveda
Discover the essence of Ayurveda in Kerala, where ancient healing traditions meet modern comfort. Begin with a personalized consultation by experienced Ayurvedic physicians to tailor treatments, including Panchakarma, to your needs. Indulge in therapeutic massages, herbal therapies, and rejuvenating treatments designed to detoxify and restore balance. Savor nourishing Ayurvedic cuisine and engage in yoga and meditation sessions amidst serene surroundings. Kerala offers a transformative Ayurvedic experience, revitalizing the body, mind, and spirit.