Classical Ganges Journey (12 days)

Rise and shine! We're catching an early flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. After checking in, let's take a stroll through the narrow lanes of the old city. Watch your step - you might have to dodge a cow or two! As the sun sets, we'll head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The air filled with chants, the ringing of bells, and the scent of incense - it's a feast for the senses! Day four starts before dawn with a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges. As the sun rises, you'll see pilgrims taking holy dips and performing rituals. It's a sight you'll never forget! Later, we'll visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. The ancient stupas and monasteries here are incredible. Don't forget to check out the Ashoka Pillar - its lion capital is now India's national emblem.

Time to hit the road! We're driving to Allahabad, now officially called Prayagraj. This city is famous for Triveni Sangam, where three rivers meet. Two you can see - the Ganges and Yamuna. The third, Saraswati, is believed to flow underground. Fancy a boat ride to the exact point where they merge? On day six, we'll explore Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru family. It's like stepping back in time to India's freedom struggle. Later, we'll visit Allahabad Fort. Built by Akbar the Great, it's a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The underground Patalpuri temple inside is a hidden gem!

Welcome to Lucknow, the land of kebabs and courtesy! Our first stop is Bara Imambara, a architectural marvel with a labyrinth of corridors on the upper floor. Fancy testing your navigation skills? Next up is Chota Imambara, known as the palace of lights. If we're lucky, we might catch it all lit up - it's a dazzling sight! I hope you're hungry because day eight is all about food! We're going on a culinary tour of Lucknow's famous Awadhi cuisine. From tender kebabs to fragrant biryanis, prepare for a flavour explosion! We'll walk off our food coma with a visit to the British Residency. The bullet-riddled walls here tell tales of the 1857 Indian Rebellion. It's a somber reminder of India's struggle for independence.

[caption id="attachment_11142" align="alignnone" width="169"] Tigers and Taj Family Adventure (10 Days)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10890" align="alignnone" width="300"] Serene Kerala Ayurveda Retreat[/caption] All aboard! We're taking a train to Patna, the capital of Bihar. Our first stop is Golghar, a massive granary built by the British. Climbing to the top rewards you with panoramic views of the city. At Patna Museum, we'll travel back in time. From ancient sculptures to coins from the Mauryan Empire, there's history at every turn. Day ten is exciting - we're taking a day trip to Nalanda, one of the world's oldest universities. Walking through the ruins, you can almost hear the debates and discussions that once filled these halls. Don't miss the Great Stupa - it's truly awe-inspiring!

[caption id="attachment_11142" align="alignnone" width="169"] Tigers and Taj Family Adventure (10 Days)[/caption] Time flies when you're having fun! We're heading back to Kolkata for the last leg of our journey. How about some last-minute shopping at New Market? It's a great place to pick up souvenirs. For our farewell dinner, we're going all out with Bengali sweets. From rasgulla to mishti doi, it's a sweet end to our Ganges journey. As you head to the airport on day twelve, I hope you're leaving with a heart full of memories and a camera full of photos. Safe travels, and come back soon!