Touching the Earth Led by Dr. Elizabeth Day

Sunday 16th November - Wednesday 03rd December 2025

POST TOUR EXTENSION:
2 night’s stay in Delhi with Agra Day Trip From Wednesday 03rd December to Friday 05th December 2025

NEEM KAROLI & BABA MAHAVTAR
From Wednesday 03rd December to Monday 08th December 2025

When Gautama Siddhartha reached down to touch the earth on the night of his enlightenment, it was said to quake in response. The earth bore witness to his accumulated integrity. Through his gesture, enlightenment is understood to be an embodied and relational experience.

That earth remembers the potency of that act, and reaches across ages to us now.
Come and touch that same earth. Water the living descendant of the Bodhi tree that sheltered the Buddha, fire up your practice under the same eastern sun, and breathe the air of a country steeped in spiritual history and cultural riches.

Come to your senses, on this timeless path where the possibility of enlightenment feels as real as this present moment.

The journey starts in Kolkata. We will rest and relax for a few days at Sanjeeva Net in preparation for our travels.

We will savour time at the sacred Buddhist places, Bodhgaya, the place of enlightenment, and Sarnath, the place of the first teaching that “set in motion the wheel of dhamma.” We will visit the site of the ancient Buddhist university at Nalanda and drink in the atmosphere at the lofty ‘Vultures’ Peak’, site of significant teachings by the Buddha.

Recognising the spiritual wealth and diversity of India, we will also travel to Amritsar – the spiritual heart of Sikhism and visit the iconic Golden Temple.

Elizabeth will offer reflections about the Buddhist sites, along the way; and guided meditations to integrate practice and context. There may also be opportunities for half day retreats.

Dr Elizabeth Day experienced India at the turn of this century and it blew her mind. She journeyed on a four-week contemplation through the Buddhist sacred sites in Northern India. Soon after that trip she ordained as a Buddhist monastic, to deepen her meditation practice. Several years later she returned in robes for a 6-month pilgrimage through India, visiting a wide range of adepts, ashrams and Buddhist sites.

Now, with her partner, Willa Thaniya, Elizabeth teaches yoga and meditation at their studio in Aotearoa New Zealand. She divides her time between dhamma teaching and work as a university lecturer in psychotherapy, and a therapist. She holds a doctorate in intersubjectivity, consciousness and identity.

Along with dhamma practice, teaching and leadership experience, Elizabeth brings on this trip with you her love and respect for many of the spiritual traditions of India, her enthusiasm for the cultivations of meditation and yoga, and her openness to adventure.

The Itinerary

KOLKATA – PATNA – NALANDA – RAJGIR -BODHGAYA – VARANASI – AMRITSAR – DHARAMSALA – DELHI

Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner

Ayurveda, India

DAY 1: SUNDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 2025: FLY TO KOLKATA

Fly to Kolkata. Any flight will do, but for those coming from New Zealand we recommend the following flight:

Singapore Airlines operated by Air New Zealand SQ4284 Auckland (11:10) to Singapore (16:45), a 10-hour 35 minutes flight. 3-hour 55 minute layover in Singapore. Connect Singapore Airlines SQ0516 Singapore (20:40) to Kolkata (22:25+), 4 hour 15 minute flight.

If you are flying into India from any other country, please speak to Soul of India for the best air connections.

DAY 2: MONDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2025: ARRIVE IN KOLKATA

Arrive at Kolkata at 22:25, and transfer to the Sanjeeva Net for your next 3 night stay.

  • Overnight in Sanjeeva Net Vedic Wellness, Kolkata
  • LD

DAY 3: TUESDAY 18TH & DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2025: AT SANJEEVA NET

Days at leisure at Sanjeeva Net Vedic Wellness resort. Rejuvenate yourself after a long flight. Your stay at Sanjeeva includes the following: • Wellness Diet (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Morning and afternoon Yoga practice session
• Consultation with Ayurvedia Physician
• Ayurveda Therapy session
• Swimming Pool, Gym, Indoor Games

  • Overnights in The Sanjeeva Net Vedic Wellness Resort, Kolkata
  • BLD

Nalanda, Bihar

DAY 5: THURSDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2025: FLY TO PATNA

After breakfast transfer from hotel to Kolkata airport to board flight to Patna. Depart from Kolkata (14:15) Arrive in Patna (15:15) and transfer to the Maurya Hotel for overnight stay.

  • Overnight in Maurya Hotel, Patna
  • BD

DAY 6: FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2025– DRIVE TO RAJGIR ENROUTE VISIT NALANDA

Morning drive to Rajgir about 03 hours driving time, stopping en route at Nalanda, the Buddhist University founded in the 5th century B.C.E. We will visit the archaeological museum that houses relics and remains found on the site. Later, we will drive a short distance to Rajgir for overnight stay.

  • Overnight in Indo Hokke Hotel, Rajgir
  • BD

DAY 7: SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2025– DRIVE TO BODHGAYA

Morning visit to Griddhkuta ‘Vultures’ Peak’, where the Buddha delivered some of his most significant teachings. Afternoon drive to Bodhgaya about 02 hours’ driving time.

  • Overnight in Hotel School Bodhgaya, Bihar
  • BD

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

DAY 8: SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2025– BODHGAYA SIGHTSEEING

In the morning, after an early breakfast, we drive about 12 km northeast of Gaya to reach the ancient Dungeshwari Cave Temples, also known as Mahakala Caves. It is said that before he was the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha meditated in the three caves here before continuing his journey to Bodhgaya. The caves here also feature Buddhist shrines which are called Sujata Sthan by the locals. This is because during his ascetic phase, Gautama became extremely weak and starved. At that time Sujata, a woman from a nearby village, offered him milk rice, which he accepted. Nourished by this offering, Gautama recognised the middle path between self-indulgence and self-abasement. He was then able to carry on with his journey and reach Bodhgaya where he practised until he attained enlightenment. In one of the cave temples, you can see a beautiful golden statue of the Buddha, which is about 6 feet tall.

Afternoon sightseeing of Bodhgaya visiting various international Buddhist temples – Bodhgaya birthplace of Buddhism. It is here that Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath the bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha (the Enlightened One). Even though this diminutive town attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, it retains a serene ambiance. The sacred centre is the bodhi tree, which flourishes inside the Mahabodhi Temple complex, amid a beautiful garden.

Evening meditation by the Mahabodhi temple by the bodhi tree where the Buddha attained nirvana.

  • Overnight in Hotel School Bodhgaya, Bihar
  • BD

DAY 9: MONDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2025– DAY FREE FOR MEDITATION

Meditation and free time to explore Bodhgaya at your own pace.

  • Overnight in Hotel School Bodhgaya, Bihar
  • BD

DAY 10: TUESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2025– TRAIN FROM BODHGAYA TO VARANASI

Morning transfer to Gaya railway station to board superfast Vande Bharat train to Varanasi. Depart Gaya (10:05) Arrive Varanasi (12:15). Transfer to the hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, you will experience the overwhelming and intoxicating ritual of the evening prayers by the banks of the revered Ganges River, a lifeline of India.

  • Overnight in Palace on Ganges Varanasi
  • BD

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

DAY 11: WEDNESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2025 – VARANASI SIGHTSEEING

Wake up early for a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, and a walking tour of the ancient city. Today we will also visit the International Music Centre Ashram and see the aarti prayer rituals on the banks of the Ganges.

  • Overnight in Palace on Ganges Varanasi
  • BD

DAY 12: THURSDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2025– EXCURSION TO SARNATH & MUSEUMS

Today we will drive to Sarnath, the deer park where the Buddha gave his first teaching, for meditation and a visit to the museum. Rest of the day at leisure.

  • Overnight in Palace on Ganges Varanasi
  • BD

DAY 13: FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2025– FLY TO AMRITSAR VIA DELHI

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon transfer to the airport to board Indigo flight 6E 2232 from Varanasi (15:55) to Amritsar (21:20) 2-hour 40 minutes layover in Delhi. Transfer to your hotel.

  • Overnight in Hyatt Regency, Amritsar
  • BD

Golden Temple, Amritsar

DAY 14: SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2025– AMRITSAR SIGHTSEEING

Morning sightseeing tour of Amritsar, including Jallianwala Bagh and Durgiana temple. Spend much of the day taking in the peace and sanctuary of the Golden Temple. The free kitchen at Golden Temple serves over 35000 people meals every day of the year. You may wish to volunteer in the kitchen or help serve free meals to the pilgrims. It’s a good lesson in Indian cookery, and a fulfilling experience.

Afternoon free to visit local markets and you may opt for a culinary walk of about 2 hours

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 an incantation to invoke Jot – the living light of the Guru to manifest in the Granth.

  • Overnight in Hyatt Regency, Amritsar
  • BD

DAY 15: SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2025– DRIVE TO DHARAMSHALA & VISIT TO MAIN TEMPLE

Morning drive to Dharamshala from Amritsar 05 to 06 hrs drive, on arrival at McLeod Ganj check into the Norlin House. This evening, we will visit the Main Temple and also do the kora pilgrimage walk around the Dalai Lama’s residence.

  • Overnight in Norling House Dharamshala
  • BD

DAY 16: MONDAY 01ST DECEMBER 2025– DHARAMSHALA SIGHTSEEING

Today we will drive a few miles out of town to visit Thosamling Nuns’ Institute, and the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving traditional Tibetan arts and crafts.

  • Overnight in Norling House Dharamshala
  • BD

Taj Mahal, Agra

DAY 17: TUESDAY 02ND DECEMBER 2025– VISIT TO BUDDHIST NUNERY

Morning drive to Palampur about 2 hours’ drive each way to visit Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s Buddhist nunnery, Dongyu Gatsal Ling, with lunch at their Dragon Café. After lunch return to Dharamshala or you may wish to stay there and join the bhikkhunis for their evening prayer at 06:00 PM.

  • Overnight in Norling House, Dharamshala
  • BD

DAY 18: WEDNESDAY 03RD DECEMBER 2025–FLY TO DELHI & CONNECT YOUR FLIGHT TO AUCKLAND VIA SINGAPORE

Morning transfer to Dharamsala airport to board Indigo flight 6E 7484 from Dharamsala (15:10) to Delhi (15:55).

Connect your flight to Auckland via Singapore. We recommend below flight from Delhi to Auckland.

Singapore Airlines SQ0403 Delhi (21:50) to Singapore (06:00), a 05 hour 40 minutes flight. 2 hour 45 minute layover in Singapore. Connect Singapore Airlines SQ0281 Singapore (08:45) to Auckland (23:35+), 9 hour 50 minute flight.

FOR PEOPLE TAKING POST TOUR AGRA EXTENSION

Transfer to hotel in Delhi for overnight stay.

  • Overnight in Haveli Hauz Khas, Delhi
  • BD

DAY 19: THURSDAY 04TH DECEMBER 2025– DAY EXCURSION TO AGRA BY GATIMAAN EXPRESS TRAIN

Early morning transfer to the railway station board your fast train Gatimaan express leave Delhi at 08:10 and arrives in Agra at 09:50. Met on arrival and proceed for Agra sightseeing tour visiting Taj Mahal, Agra Fort -seeing the many varied architectural styles of the complex, built by successive Mughal rulers & the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula.

Evening board return train to Delhi leaves Agra at 17:40 and Arrives Delhi at 19:35. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

  • Overnight in Haveli Hauz Khas, Delhi
  • BD

DAY 20: FRIDAY 05TH DECEMBER 2025– DELHI SIGHTSEEING & FLY TO AUKLAND VIA SINGAPORE

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon check out from hotel and enjoy combined sightseeing of New & Old Delhi. Evening transfer to Delhi Airport to board your flight to Aukland via Singapore.

Singapore Airlines SQ0403 Delhi (21:50) to Singapore (06:00), a 05-hour 40 minutes flight. 2 hour 45 minute layover in Singapore. Connect Singapore Airlines SQ0281 Singapore (08:45) to Auckland (23:35+), 9 hour 50 minute flight.

FOR PEOPLE TAKING POST TOUR NEEM KAROLI & BABA MAHAVTAR EXTENSION

Transfer to hotel in Delhi for overnight stay.

  • Overnight in Colonels Retreat Delhi
  • B

Kainchi Dham, Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

DAY 19: THURSDAY 04TH DECEMBER 2025– TRAIN TO KATHGODAM & DRIVE TO RAMGARH

Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway station about 45 minute’s drive. Board Shatabdi train to Kathgodam leaves from Delhi at 06:20 & arrives Kathgodam at 11:55. Transfer to Writers Bungalow about 2 to 3 hours’ drive.

  • Overnight in Writers Bungalow, Ramgarh
  • B

DAY 20: FRIDAY 05TH DECEMBER 2025– TRAVEL TO DUNAGIRI DWARHAT ENROUTE VISIT KAINCHI DHAM - SHRI NEEM KAROLI BABA ASHRAM & RANIKHET

After early breakfast, drive to Khainchi Dham, about an hour drive from Ramgarh. Khainchi Dham is a spiritual place that is dedicated to Baba Neem Karoli, a revered saint who lived here for many years. Spend your morning exploring the temple complex and meditating in the serene surroundings.

Later continue driving to Dunagiri Dwarhat enroute stop at Ranikhet about 3 to 4 hours driving time- Ranikhet is a hill station in Uttarakhand State, northern India. It’s known for its views of the Himalayas.

  • Overnight in Vanaprastha Resort, Dunagiri Dwarhat
  • B

DAY 21: SATURDAY 06TH DECEMBER 2025– AT VANAPRASTHA RESORT DUNAGIRI

Today we will visit Mahavir Baba ji Caves in short walk distance. Mahavatar Babaji cave is the Most Spiritual Caves in Himalayan Region, which is the origin of Kriya yoga and Where Yoga Guru Lahiri Mahasaya got Kriya Yoga teachings directly from Mahaavatar Baba Ji.

Rest of the day leisure.

  • Overnight in Vanaprastha Resort, Dunagiri Dwarhat
  • B

DAY 22: SUNDAY 07TH DECEMBER 2025– DRIVE TO PANT NAGAR AIRPORT & FLY TO DELHI

Morning transfer to Pant Nagar airport about 6-to-7-hour drive and board flight to Delhi. Indigo flight leaves Pant Nagar at 15:30 & arrives in Delhi at 16:15.

Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to an airport hotel.

  • Overnight in ibis New Delhi Aerocity Hotel, Delhi
  • B

DAY 23: MONDAY 08TH DECEMBER 2025– INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

For people flying to Sydney.

Morning check out from hotel and transfer to the international airport to board your flight to Sydney via Singapore. We recommend following flights.

Singapore airlines SQ 401 departures from Delhi (09:55) Arrive Singapore (18:55) Connect SQ0221 Depart from Singapore (20:20) & arrive Sydney (05:55) the next day.

For people flying to Aukland-

Morning at leisure.

Afternoon check out from hotel and enjoy combined sightseeing of New & Old Delhi. Evening transfer to Delhi Airport to board your flight to Aukland via Singapore.

Singapore Airlines SQ0403 Delhi (21:50) to Singapore (06:00), a 05-hour 40 minutes flight. 2 hour 45 minute layover in Singapore. Connect Singapore Airlines SQ0281 Singapore (08:45) to Auckland (23:35+), 9 hour 50 minute flight.

TOUR COST

Tour Cost

The cost per person sharing a twin or double room £2,995

Single room supplement £825.00

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

How to book this tour

Read our Booking Terms and Conditions

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

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.

* Post Tour Extension (Agra day excursion from Delhi): £555.00

* Single room supplement (Agra day excursion from Delhi): £110.00

** Post Tour Extension (Kainchi Dham & Mahavir Cave): £1,045.00

** Single room supplement (Kainchi Dham & Mahavir Cave): £340.00

*** If you are arriving in India a day early or leaving a day later as per your international flight, please let us know, and we will provide you with the cost for the additional services.

Cost Includes

  • Internal flights in economy class with 23 Kg checked in baggage
  • Train reservations in air-conditioned Executive Class
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, sharing twin or double or double room with Single occupancy with en-suite facilities
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at all hotels. All meals in Sanjeeva Net Kolkata. Extension tours on breakfast basis only.
  • All arrival, departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing by a chauffeur driven private air-conditioned coach Tempo traveller (Mini Vans) in Varanasi and Dharamshala.
  • Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at the airports and railway station.
  • 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
  • Complementary Mineral water while travelling & sightseeing

Cost Does Not Include

  • International flights
  • India visa fee. E-tourist visa is now available for citizens of most countries including USA. 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 and gratuities
  • Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
  • 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.
  • Services of Dr Elizabeth Day as trip leader – Guidance and teachings are offered freely, donations (dana) welcome.
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