Ganges + Diwali Tour / 2 SPOTS LEFT

DAY 1 / KOLKATA – FIRST TASTES OF BENGAL

Arrive in Kolkata and settle into our charming heritage hotel, a graceful introduction to Bengal’s layered past. As dusk falls, we head to Park Street — once the heart of the Raj — for our welcome dinner. Over classic Bengali flavours and lively conversation, we toast the journey ahead and let the city begin to work its magic.

DAY 2 / KALI, TAGORE & BENGALI FLAVOUR

At dawn we cross the Hooghly by boat to Belur Math, the river mist lifting around temple spires. We wander through the riot of colour at the flower market, visit Tagore’s ancestral home, and pause for lunch at a beloved local café. In Kumartuli, artisans shape clay into gods and goddesses before our eyes. The day ends in New Market’s bustle, followed by live music and dinner tucked into Kolkata’s old colonial lanes.

DAY 3 / DIWALI IN KOLKATA

This morning we explore the marble grandeur of Victoria Memorial and the intensity of Kalighat Temple. After lunch at one of the city’s most storied restaurants, we witness neighbourhood pandals glowing in festive splendour. As night falls, we celebrate Diwali at our heritage hotel — diyas flickering, firecrackers bursting, music playing, and plates filled with festive sweets and savouries.

DAY 4 / VARANASI – INTO THE HEART OF DEVOTION

We fly to Varanasi, India’s spiritual epicentre, and settle in for a gentle afternoon. At sunset, we gather on the ghats for the Ganga Aarti — flames rising, bells ringing, chants echoing across the river. It’s theatrical, sacred, unforgettable.

DAY 5 / VARANASI – SUNRISE, LANEWAYS & SACRED SITES

Before dawn, we glide along the Ganges as the city awakens in gold light — pilgrims bathing, priests chanting, life unfolding on the steps. Later, we explore the labyrinthine lanes of Varanasi before visiting Sarnath, where the Buddha first turned the wheel of Dharma.

DAY 6 / LUCKNOW – NAWABI FLAVOURS & MARKET WANDERINGS

We travel to Lucknow, city of nawabs and refined culture. A stroll along Hazratganj introduces us to its colonial elegance before dinner showcases Awadhi cuisine — slow-cooked, aromatic, indulgent.

DAY 7 / LUCKNOW – HERITAGE HOMES & HIDDEN HISTORIES

Today we uncover Lucknow’s layered past — grand imambaras, crumbling courtyards, stories of rebellion and romance. In the evening, we’re welcomed into a private heritage home for dinner, where family recipes and conversation flow long into the night.

DAY 8 / LUCKNOW – THREADS, SPICES & SWEET MOMENTS

In the old Chowk, chikankari embroidery, spice stalls and mithai shops create a sensory feast. We meet artisans keeping centuries-old traditions alive before enjoying a relaxed final evening in this gracious city.

DAY 9 / HARIDWAR – TRAINS, TEA & TIME TO SLOW DOWN

We board a northbound train to Haridwar, watching the plains roll by. Our riverside retreat awaits — a softer pace, mountain air and the sound of the Ganges flowing past. High tea by the water sets the tone for the days ahead.

DAY 10 / HARIDWAR – RITUAL, REST & LOCAL FLAVOURS

Optional morning yoga by the river begins the day. Later, we join a Garhwali cooking experience, learning the flavours of the Himalayan foothills. At dusk, we attend a smaller, intimate Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri — quieter, deeply atmospheric.

DAY 11 / RISHIKESH – ASHRAMS, MARKETS & RIVERSIDE RITUAL

In Rishikesh, we explore the Beatles Ashram and visit Parmarth Niketan on the banks of the Ganges. There’s time to browse colourful markets before returning for a nourishing vegetarian feast by the river.

DAY 12 / DELHI – RETURN, REST & A FINAL GATHERING

We drive to Delhi and check into our elegant colonial hotel. The journey concludes with a candlelit farewell dinner — reflections, laughter, and one last shared table.

DAY 13 / DEPARTURE – UNTIL NEXT TIME…

After breakfast, departures begin. You leave carrying the colours of Kolkata, the firelight of Diwali, the rhythm of the Ganges — and perhaps, a quiet shift within.