Faith Tour of North India

Mark Woodrow is a Parish Priest in rural Suffolk and a self-confessed Indophile. Having previously lived and worked in India, he fell in love with the food, the climate, and the vibrancy that India offers. He is now also an experienced group leader, helping both large and small groups meet and discover the vast diversity of people, traditions, faiths, cultures, and geography that the Indian Sub-Continent has to offer. Mark is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

India is a country of color, spice, exploration, and diversity – this is reflected in terms of its languages and cultures, but most of all its faiths.

I first traveled to India more than two decades ago, nervous with excitement about traveling into the unknown and unfamiliar. But many years and many trips later it has become a country that I now consider my second home and a place where I have experienced profound moments of faith as I have met with people from a wide range of different beliefs, as well as worshipping alongside other Christians too.

And so I invite you to join me in 2025 as we travel to this land of diversity and explore and experience much of what North India has to share, visiting Old Delhi and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, visiting a shrine to the Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, as well as spending time at the iconic Lotus Temple home to the followers of the Baha’i Faith, with time to worship alongside Christians at the Cathedral of the Redemption. We make our way by train to Varanasi and the River Ganges, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, taking in the Aarti prayer rituals. Our faith adventure takes us up into the foothills of the Himalayas and to the home of the Buddhist’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Our tour draws to a close in Amritsar where we experience the Golden Temple, the spiritual home of the Sikhs.

Throughout our time together, we will take the time to witness much of the beauty and splendor that North India has to offer using, planes, trains, automobiles, and maybe even the ubiquitous rickshaws.

I look forward to journeying with you.
The Revd Mark Woodrow”

DAY 1: TUESDAY 04TH MARCH 2025 - FLY FROM LONDON HEATHROW TO DELHI

Fly from London Heathrow Airport on direct Virgin Atlantic flight VS0300 to Delhi, Departing London at 17:25.

DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 05TH MARCH 2025 - ARRIVE IN DELHI

Morning at 06:50 hrs arrive in Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. After you have cleared immigration, customs and collected your baggage you will be met by our representative, who will be carrying a Soul of India placard at the indoor arrivals area. If any members of the group arriving on different flights at different times, then there will be an additional transfer with an extra cost for each arrival.

From here our representative will take you to the vehicle and drive you from the airport to check into The Grand Hotel– a drive of about 50 minutes.

Afternoon proceed for an orientation tour of old Delhi including an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling Chandni Chowk and its back roads. This area was the centre of the city of Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal times. Then we will visit atmospheric shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in one of the oldest and most magical parts of Delhi. Return to your hotel.

Overnight in The Grand Hotel, Delhi

DAY 3: THURSDAY 06TH MARCH 2025 - LOTUS TEMPLE AND NEW DELHI SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of dynamic New Delhi including the visit to Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple the magnificent white marble house of worship of the Baha’i faith, Humayun’s Tomb, and the India Gate. Also, drive past the Parliament Buildings & President’s House. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in The Grand Hotel, Delhi

DAY 4: FRIDAY 07TH MARCH 2025 - FLY TO VARANASI. AFTERNOON VISIT SARNATH. EVENING ARATI CEREMONY AT RIVER GANGES

Morning transfer to the airport to board your Air India flight AI-406 to Varanasi, departing Delhi at 10:30 and arrive Varanasi at 12:05. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon we will drive a short distance to the holy site of Sarnath, the deer park where the Buddha taught his first sermon, the first turning of the wheel of dharma.

As the sun sets, we will drive to the Ghats (stone steps leading down to the Ganges River) and enjoy the spectacular riverside aarti prayer rituals.

Overnight in Taj Ganges Hotel, Varanasi

DAY 5: SATURDAY 08TH MARCH 2025 – DOWN BOAT RIDE. VARANASI CITY TOUR

Today is a very early start as we wake up before the sun and drive to the ghats and enjoy a magical sunrise boat ride on the holy river Ganges, witnessing the faithful perform their morning prayer rituals by the riverside. After breakfast, enjoy city tour of Varanasi. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Taj Ganges Hotel, Varanasi

DAY 6: SUNDAY 09TH MARCH 2025 – FLY TO AMRITSAR VIA DELHI. EVENING WITNESS SUKHASAN CEREMONY AT GOLDEN TEMPLE

Early morning transfer to the airport to board your Indigo flight to Amritsar via Delhi, leaves Varanasi at 07:35 and arrives Amritsar at 12:15. Met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Amritsar the holy city of Sikhs intimately linked with the colourful history of this martial race, its agricultural prudence, woollens, spices and dry fruits. It is also the showpiece of prosperity and of the wealth of Punjab. Free afternoon at hotel Hyatt Amritsar. After dinner visit Golden Temple to be part of Sukh Aasan Ceremony. This is when the Holy Book — Guru Granth — is put to rest for the night with prayers and a Prayer incanted to invoke Jot – the living light of the Guru to manifest in the Granth.

Overnight in Hyatt Hotel, Amritsar

DAY 7: MONDAY 10TH MARCH 2025 – AMRITSAR SIGHTSEEING

Morning sightseeing tour of Amritsar, including Jallianwala Bagh and Durgiana temple. Come to Golden Temple to spend much of the day here taking in the peace and sanctuary in the place, you may wish to volunteer helping in the kitchen or help serve free meals for the pilgrims – in addition to being a good deed, it’s a good lesson in Indian cookery. The free kitchen at Golden Temple serves over 35000 people meals every day of the year. It is a soul fulfilling experience. Afternoon free for shopping or leisure. Amritsar is also famous for its cuisine evening enjoy a food tour.

Overnight in Hyatt Hotel, Amritsar

DAY 8: TUESDAY 11TH MARCH 2025 – VISIT PARTITION MUSUEM & WAGAH BORDER

Morning visit partition museum. The museum aims at keeping various important documents, story materials and other things related to the partition of India and Pakistan.

The primary reason to establish this museum was to remember those who were affected by the India-Pakistan partition. The Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust of the United Kingdom helped the Punjab Government to establish the museum.

Afternoon excursion to Wagah-the Indo-Pakistan border to witness the electrifying ‘Changing of the Guard Ceremony.

Overnight in Hyatt Hotel, Amritsar

DAY 9: WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH 2025 – DRIVE TO DHARAMSHALA

A beautiful drive from Amritsar takes you to Dharamshala about 5 to 6 hours drive. Check in at Chonor House, and in the afternoon take the pilgrimage walk around the Dalai Lama’s residence.

Overnight in Chonor House, Dharamshala

DAY 10: THURSDAY 13TH MARCH 2025 – DHARAMSHALA SIGHTSEEING

Today we will explore Dharamsala, a town in the Himalayan foothills which is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community in exile. We will visit temples, monasteries and have a talk on Buddhism at the Tibetan Library.

Overnight in Chonor House, Dharamshala

DAY 11: FRIDAY 14TH MARCH 2025 – FLY TO DELHI AND DRIVE TO AGRA

Morning transfer to Dharamshala airport to board your short Flight to Delhi, departing Dharamshala at 11:30 and arriving in Delhi at 12:45. At Delhi we will be met and driven to Agra about 3 to 4 hours driving time.

Overnight in Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Agra

DAY 12: SATURDAY 15TH MARCH 2025 – SUNRISE VISIT TO TAJ MAHAL, AGRA CITY TOUR

Early morning enjoy a breath-taking sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal to watch the sun slowly caress the white marble, awakening the day and distant memories.

Later enjoy sightseeing tour of Agra, visiting the Agra Fort- seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughal rulers & the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula.

Evening view Taj Maha through the Mehtab Bagh – a beautiful garden complex located just across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal.

Overnight in Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Agra

DAY 13: SUNDAY 16TH MARCH 2025 – DRIVE TO VRINDAVAN ENROUTE VISIT THE ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE AT CHURMURA & MATHURA

After breakfast drive to Vrindavan on the way to visit the Elephant Conservation Centre at Churmura- Elephant Conservation Centre Agra: it is a Rehabilitation center for rescued elephants and bears. The center is halfway between Agra and Mathura (around 30km from both) and the center is run by an NGO called SOS (Save Our Soul) which offers rehabilitation and medical care to rescued elephants. You'll get to see the elephants while touring the facility and might even be able to help prepare their lunch.

Later visit Krishna Janmasthan (birthplace) Temple and Lord Dwarikadheesh Temple in Mathura temple remain open from 06:30 AM to 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM) The main temple here is elaborately designed and colourfully painted. Situated in the heart of the city, this temple was built by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior in 1814.

Just an hour’s drive from Agra, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is situated the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The entire land is dotted with magnificent temples, dedicated to various aspects of his life. The twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, where he was born and where he grew up, still resound to the sound of his laughter, antics and his magical flute.

Overnight in Mayapur Vrindavan Trust (MVT), Vrindavan

DAY 14: MONDAY 17TH MARCH 2025 – DRIVE TO DELHI

Morning enjoys temples tour of Vrindavan visiting Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir ISKCON Temple (is just 5 minutes away from MVT), Govind Dev Temple, Rangaji Temple & Banke Bihari Temple.

Afternoon drive to Delhi (about 2.5 hours driving time). Stay at an airport hotel.

Overnight in Pride Plaza Hotel, Delhi.

DAY 15: TUESDAY 18TH MARCH 2025 –FLY TO LONDON HEATHROW

Morning transfer to the airport to board your Virgin Atlantic flight VS0301 departing at 08:40 and arriving at London Heathrow at 14:05.

TOUR COST

The cost per person sharing a twin or double room

£4295.00

Single room supplement

£920.00

Email: enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

Please send us an e-mail at enquiries@soulofindia.com or call us at 020 8901 7630. We will send you a booking form to complete. You can also complete a booking form on our website for this tour.

Read our Booking Terms and Conditions

Email: enquiries@soulofindia.com | Call Us: 020 8901 7630

It includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
It provides cover for your whole trip
It covers you for all activities
It covers all your pre-existing medical conditions
Keep your Policy Number and Insurer’s 24-hour Emergency Number handy with you

If you wish to book this tour, please complete the booking form, sign and e-mail it to us. A non-refundable deposit of £500.00 per person is needed at the time of booking. Balance payments will be due 8 weeks before departure. You can make the deposit payment by debit or credit card or electronic transfer to our bank. Our Bank details are on the booking form.

To get a competitive quote for comprehensive travel insurance click here

The cost per person sharing a twin or double with flights: £4295.00
The cost per person sharing a twin or double without flights: £920.00

Cost Includes

International flight on Virgin Atlantic in an economy class.
Internal flights in economy class as per itinerary. (The check-in baggage allowance in internal flights is 23 kgs per person).
Accommodation in hotels as per itinerary, sharing twin or double room with en-suite facilities (Check-in is 1400 hrs and checkout 12 noon. Early check-in late checkouts are subject to availability)
Daily breakfast and dinner at all places as per the itinerary.
All arrival, departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing by a chauffeur driven private air-conditioned Vehicle.
Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports.
Services of English-speaking guides and local specialists during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
Services of Mark as trip leader
Complementary Mineral water while travelling & sightseeing.

Cost Does Not Include

India visa fee. E-tourist visa is now available for citizens of most countries. On confirmation of booking, we will send you a step-by-step guide how to apply for the visa.
Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages etc.
Tips & gratuities
Camera fees at monuments and other places of interests.
Travel Insurance: It is essential to have adequate travel insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.