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Northern India is one of the most scenic and visually impressive regions of the world. It is also full of historical, cultural and religious landmarks, and this tour will take groups to some of the most important centres and monuments in the Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu faiths.

A melting-pot of differing religious beliefs, Northern India is a perfect location for students to explore and delve into these three religions, whilst also enjoying an incredible trip across stunning landscapes.  Visiting several cities and places of pilgrimage, this religious study fieldtrek gives an immersive and detailed understanding of the different cultures, histories, and rituals of Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu faiths. Throughout the expedition, students will meet a swathe of different communities and beliefs that have shaped and moulded Indian society for millennia. 

Typical itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK

    Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight direct to Delhi.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Delhi, City tour of Old Delhi

    On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your hotel in Delhi.  After checking into the hotel and a welcome lunch, head out on a city tour. The first stop is a Hindu temple -  the Birla Mandir - one of Delhi’s major temples, dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (the preserver).

    You will then continue to a Sikh temple, known locally as ‘Gurudwara’. Inside this temple, you will visit the 'Lander' or 'free kitchen. Here, groups can witness meals being prepared and offered to all people regardless of race or religion, every single day. Visitors are requested to cover their hair and remove shoes. 

    Next, proceed to Old Delhi for a walking tour, where you will enter local temples and witness how Delhi’s locals visit the different temples after work. 

  3. Day 3: Visit Mathura & Vrindavan, transfer to Agra

    After an early breakfast, you will transfer by road (100 kilometres, approximately three hours) to Mathura and Vrindaven. In Mathura you will visit the birth place of the Hindu God, Kirshna, before exploring the Shir Banky Bihari temple in Virndavan.

    After lunch in Vrindaven, the group will continue onto Agra (approximately two hours). After checking in at the hotel, take a stroll to Mehtab Bagh Gardens to see the world famous Taj Mahal from across the banks of the Yamuna river at sunset. This marble mausoleum was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife. and has received UNESCO World Heritage Site status for being ‘the jewel of Muslim art in India’. 

  4. Day 4: Visit Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri; overnight train to Varanasi

    Today you wake early to witness the incredible sight of sunrise at the Taj Mahal. After a guided tour of the complex, you will return to the hotel for breakfast and then visit Agra Fort, a palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress which was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty.

    After lunch, drive to the deserted fortified city of Fatehpur Sikri. The site includes a stunning mosque, still in use today, and three palaces, one for each of the emperor’s favourite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim, and one a Christian. 

    The group will then return to Agra railway station to catch the overnight train to Varanasi.

  5. Day 5: Varanasi: Hinduism talk & River Ganges

    Arriving into Varanasi this morning and having checked into your hotel to freshen up, there will be a talk on Hinduism by a local teacher from Varanasi. Varanasi is largely considered the holiest place in Hinduism and is often referred to as the holy city of India. The spiritual home of India’s sadhus, these holy men are revered by Hindus as representatives of the gods, respected for their holiness and feared for their curses. You will see these holy men walking along the river – they are easily recognisable by their uncut dreadlock hair and orange wraps. 

    In the afternoon, the group will visit Kashi Vishwanath, an ornately gold decorated temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. From here, walk to the banks of the River Ganges and in the evening witness the Ganga Aarti, the funeral pyre ceremony. Hindus believe that being cremated on the banks of the Ganges, and having your ashes thrown into the river, will grant instant salvation. These ‘burning-ghats’ can be found along the river banks where a fascinating ritual takes place in a continuous stream throughout the day and night.

  6. Day 6: Boat trip on River Ganges; visit temples of Varanasi

    Today is an early start to witness the sunrise on the River Ganges by boat. The city is visited throughout the year by thousands of Hindu pilgrims - men and women - who come to bathe in the Ganges. In Hindu culture the river is considered sacred and it is believed that bathing in it will diminish the sins of the bather.

    After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to Varansi’s Hindu temples: Bharat Mata, Sankat Mochan and Burla, plus a look inside the Hindu University Campus.

  7. Day 7: Sarnath; overnight train to Delhi

    Today you visit Sarnath, 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, a very important place to study Buddhism. Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his message of the middle way to nirvana after he achieved enlightenment; he gave his famous first sermon here and names Sarnath as one of the four places of pilgrimage. The group will explore different temples: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhadi Stupa, Jain Temple and the Deer Park.

    In the late afternoon, return to Varansai to take the overnight sleeper train to Delhi. 

  8. Day 8: Delhi; Akshardham Temple

    Arriving in Delhi this morning, you transfer to your hotel and relax until late morning, before a visit to Akshardham Temple, the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple. Afterwards, there will be a walking tour of Delhi’s ‘Parathe Wali Gali’, a street famed for its gourmet experiences. This includes a visit to the famous ‘Karim’s’ restaurant for the group's farewell dinner.

  9. Day 9: Fly back to the UK

    This morning you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home to the UK.

Key info

This suggested itinerary is based on personal recommendation and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Destination: India
  • When to go: Feb to Oct
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Trip type: Fieldtrek
  • Subject: Religious Studies
  • Itinerary highlights:
    • Varanasi and the Ganges
    • Delhi city tour
    • Taj Mahal and the Red Fort
    • Sarnath
    • Mathura & Vrindaven
  • Activities:
    • Boat trip
    • City tour
  • Accommodation: Hotels
  • Ideal for: Ages 16 to 18
  • Travellers will need:
    • Strong interest in the chosen subject
    • A desire to learn more in its natural environment

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Locations

Featured locations:

Delhi

Colourful spice market in Delhi

India’s capital city, Delhi is the cultural and political hub of the country and the site of several interesting ancient monuments and archaeological sites, as well as bustling streets and markets. Find out more about Delhi

Akshardham

Facade of Akshardham Hindu temple

Constructed from pink sandstone and marble, Akshardham is a impressive temple complex situated just outside New Delhi and offers school groups a fascinating insight into the Hindu culture. Find out more about Akshardham

Varanasi

View of Varanasi and ghats from the River Ganges

Sitting on the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is a fascinating and colourful city. Highlights including busy alleyways and the famous ghats, which lead down to the river where locals bathe. Find out more about Varanasi

Taj Mahal

View of Taj Mahal with reflection and red hue

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world and an iconic highlight of many students’ exploration of India. Find out more about Taj Mahal

Red Fort

Intricate sandstone carvings of the red fort in Agra

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Agra Fort is the most important fort in India. Constructed from red sandstone, it dates from 1565 and was home to the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. Find out more about Red Fort