Following Mother Teresa And Mahatma Gandhi
India’s history is graced with the fascinating lives of two inspiring individuals, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa. The former dedicated his life to attaining freedom for the country, while the latter, recently canonized by the Vatican, was a living saint for the destitute, ill, and poor in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
This specially designed religious and spiritual tour in India follows in the footsteps of these two powerful people, journeying across cities and towns that was pivotal to their lives and missions. Traversing from the west to the east of India, you will explore Gandhi’s birth town of Porbandar in Gujarat, various heritage sites in Ahmedabad, and his ashram in Nagpur. We then move to the historic city of Kolkata, where Mother Teresa founded her organization and dedicated her life to the welfare of the needy. This unique and engaging tour culminates in pulsating Delhi, where Gandhi was assassinated and his memorial resides.
The Itinerary
Mumbai – Porbandar – Ahmedabad – Wardha – Nagpur – Kolkata – Delhi
Meal Code: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
DAY 1: TO MUMBAI
Depart from your home country for Mumbai.
DAY 2: MUMBAI
Arrival in Mumbai and then on you will be greeted at the airport in a traditional Indian way. We will check in to the hotel. After some rest and refreshments, we will head out for an afternoon tour of the engaging city of Mumbai. We will first visit the Cathedral of St. Thomas, built-in 1718, which is the oldest Anglican Church in Mumbai. Afterward, we will head to the Church of St. John the Evangelist, also known as the Afghan Church, as the British had commissioned it to honor the victims of the first Afghan War.
We step into the first footprints of Mahatma Gandhi now, by visiting the Mani Bhawan, the place from where we started his non-corporation with the British movement. Lastly, we will stop at Mother Teresa’s ashram called Asha Dham. Back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: MUMBAI
After a good night’s rest and breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the north of the city to explore the historic and trendy area of Bandra. Here, we will visit the famed Basilica of our Lady of the Mount and wander around the old houses. We will also go to some more heritage churches in Bandra and Parel, and then head for a fascinating tour of the largest slum in Asia, a microcosm of a city, called Dharavi. Local artisans display their creations for you to see and buy if you wish. Back to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Sudama Mandir, Porbandar
DAY 4: MUMBAI TO PORBANDAR
We will transfer you to the Mumbai airport to board your flight to Porbandar, Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. We check into the hotel and head out to explore the city and enjoy a beautiful Indian sunset over the ocean. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 5: PORBANDAR TO AHMEDABAD
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out to discover the city of Porbandar, including a visit to the traditional home in which he grew up. We walk next door to the Kirti Mandir, a memorial temple built in Gandhi’s honour in 1950, displaying an exhibition on his life. In the evening, we transfer to the railway station for the overnight train (‘Saurashtra Express’) to Ahmedabad.
DAY 6: AHMEDABAD AND SABARMATI ASHRAM
On arrival in Ahmedabad, we transfer and check into the hotel. After a quick rest, we will visit the iconic Sabarmati Ashram, which is on the banks of the River Sabarmati. Gandhi was based out of this house from 1917 till 1930 and it is from here that he commenced the historic Salt March. This march took 24 days to reach the coast of Dandi, where they made salt, protesting the taxation imposed on salt by the British. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
DAY 6: AHMEDABAD AND SABARMATI ASHRAM
On arrival in Ahmedabad, we transfer and check into the hotel. After a quick rest, we will visit the iconic Sabarmati Ashram, which is on the banks of the River Sabarmati. Gandhi was based out of this house from 1917 till 1930 and it is from here that he commenced the historic Salt March. This march took 24 days to reach the coast of Dandi, where they made salt, protesting the taxation imposed on salt by the British. Back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 7: TEMPLE AND MOSQUE TOUR. OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO WARDHA
Enjoy some of the architectural delights of Ahmedabad, with visits to the Hutheesing Jain Temple and Jama Mosque. The Hutheesing Jain Temple was built in 1848 and is one of the live examples of Jain architecture in Gujarat. Also known as the Jumma Mosque, it is a splendid monument built in 1424 and located within the old walled city. Afternoon at leisure before we transfer to the railway station to board the overnight train to Wardha. Overnight on train.
DAY 8: WARDHA
We will be staying at the peaceful and simplistic Sevagram Ashram, near Nagpur, which was Gandhi’s headquarters from 1933 to 1947. Gandhi lived just like the villagers here, without electricity and a phone, and built his hut himself using locally available materials. Please note that in keeping with Gandhi’s way of living, accommodation here is simple and on a triple sharing basis.
DAY 9: WARDHA
The Ashram has the ideal environment to relax, rejuvenate and soak in the past week’s learning. You can spend the day walking around the ashram and interacting with the locals. Overnight at the Sevagram Ashram.
Vinoba Bhave Ashram, Wardha
DAY 10: VINOBA BHAVE ASHRAM VISIT. FLIGHT TO KOLKATA
We will visit the ashram of Vinoba Bhave, which is considered to be the spiritual successor of Mahatma Gandhi. He was an advocate of nonviolence and human rights. Often called Acharya, he is best known for the Bhoodan Movement. We will then drive to Nagpur (60km) to catch the onward flight to Kolkata. Check into the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 11: KOLKATA
Today we will explore the historic city of Kolkata, regarded as India’s intellectual and cultural capital, known for its majestic colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. We will embark on an immersive heritage walk to St. Johns Church, the Indian Museum and the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral. Afterwards, we step into the footprints of Saint Teresa. We visit Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa and whose tomb is on site. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 12: DAY TRIP TO SERAMPORE AND CHANDANNAGAR
Today we head out for a day’s excursion to the nearby historic towns of Serampore and Chandannagar, former Danish and French colonies, respectively. Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata.
Tram Car, Kolkata
DAY 13: FLY KOLKATA TO DELHI
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and catch our fight to Delhi. You will be welcomed at the Delhi airport and taken to your hotel. You can relax and spend the afternoon at your leisure, or venture out to explore New Delhi and nearby Connaught Place. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 14: DELHI
It was Delhi where Gandhi was assassinated in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, a nationalist and right-wing Hindu who blamed Gandhi for the partitioning of India. Today we will venture out for a full day tour of Delhi, visiting the iconic sites of Gandhi Museum and Raj Ghat, the resting place of Gandhi. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 15: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE (ON THE FINAL DAY)
Departure for your home country.