8-Day India: Delhi to Varanasi by Train 2027
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US$600 ￥4049 €519 C$838 Rs.57083
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Child age: 0-12
Highlights
Get ready for 8 epic days of sacred rivers, local trains, and sunset ceremonies. Experience India’s spiritual heart, ticking off Rishikesh, Lucknow and Varanasi by local train and road. You’ll roll out a mat in the yoga capital, wander ashrams and markets, ride tuk-tuks through Nawabi-era streets, and of course, witness the Ganges lit by evening Aarti flames.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Limited Offer
3% Group Discount: 1. Receive 3% off when you purchase 3+ rooms on the same tour (single order only). 2. Receive 3% off when you book 3+ multi-day tours with minimum order total of $500 at once. Not valid in conjunction with any other discounts or pricing offers.
Itinerary
Welcome to Delhi - the buzzing city where centuries-old forts meet full-throttle city life. Meet your crew and Trip Manager tonight, before we head out for dinner at a local restaurant to kick things off properly.
Delhi, India
Delhi encapsulates two very different worlds, the âoldâ and the ânewâ, each presenting deliciously different experiences. Rambunctious Old Delhi, the Muslim Indian capital between the 17th and 19th century, has many mosques, monuments, forts and bazaars with a distinctive mediaeval flavour. New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British, flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments reflecting the glory of the Mughal, Turk, Persian and ultimately the British rulers.
Bye Delhi. We’ll hop on the local train and roll out towards Haridwar's calmer scenes. We’re stepping into India’s spiritual side here. From Haridwar, we’ll swap the train for local transport and make our way to Rishikesh. Welcome to this charming, calm and cool Ganges riverside town, known as the home of yoga. We’ll check in, explore the laid-back lanes of Tapovan, then gather by the river for an evening Aarti as the ceremony lights up the water.
Delhi, India
Delhi encapsulates two very different worlds, the âoldâ and the ânewâ, each presenting deliciously different experiences. Rambunctious Old Delhi, the Muslim Indian capital between the 17th and 19th century, has many mosques, monuments, forts and bazaars with a distinctive mediaeval flavour. New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British, flaunts a surprising number of impressive monuments reflecting the glory of the Mughal, Turk, Persian and ultimately the British rulers.
Haridwar, India
Haridwar, meaning "Gateway to Lord Shiva (Hari)", is one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism. Located in Uttarakhand, where the Ganga River enters the plains from the Himalayas, it is a major pilgrimage site and a center of spirituality, culture, and tradition.
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh, India's serene yoga capital by the Ganges, offers spiritual retreats, thrilling rafting, iconic bridges, and peaceful Himalayan vibes in Uttarakhand's sacred foothills.
We’re ain't leaving this place without rolling out a mat. This morning, we’ll start with a yoga class. Feel free to grab breakfast at a local cafe before heading out on a guided walk past markets and ashrams, finishing at the legendary Beatles Ashram (yup, THE Beatles).
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh, India's serene yoga capital by the Ganges, offers spiritual retreats, thrilling rafting, iconic bridges, and peaceful Himalayan vibes in Uttarakhand's sacred foothills.
Today, we’ll say goodbye to Rishikesh and start the journey back, hopping into local transport for the drive to Haridwar. (It's a long travel day ahead, have your playlists ready!). Train time again. We’ll board and roll on towards Lucknow, watching the landscapes shift as we head deeper into Uttar Pradesh. Welcome to Lucknow, known for its rich Nawabi heritage and legendary food scene, and our base for the next two nights. Settle in tonight. Tomorrow we'll dive in properly into everything this city has to offer.
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh, India's serene yoga capital by the Ganges, offers spiritual retreats, thrilling rafting, iconic bridges, and peaceful Himalayan vibes in Uttarakhand's sacred foothills.
Haridwar, India
Haridwar, meaning "Gateway to Lord Shiva (Hari)", is one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism. Located in Uttarakhand, where the Ganga River enters the plains from the Himalayas, it is a major pilgrimage site and a center of spirituality, culture, and tradition.
Tuk-tuk time! We’ll zip through the city’s landmarks on a guided ride, soaking in views of Lucknow’s grand architecture and everyday buzz from the best seat in the house. The rest of the day is yours. And if you’re hungry, you can opt into a street food tour to taste the flavours this city is so famous for.
Lucknow, India
Later, Lucknow. We’ll board another train and travel local-style towards one of India’s holiest cities. Welcome to Varanasi — spiritual, intense, and guaranteed to leave an impression. Sacred to Hindus and home to the city’s burning ghats, this is a powerful, unfiltered side of the Ganges (that couldn’t feel more different to laid-back Rishikesh). We’ll take to the streets by e-rickshaw, then end at the river for the Ghat Aarti ceremony as flames light up the waterfront.
Varanasi, India
Varanasi is a sacred Hindu city on the Ganges River, renowned for its ancient temples, holy ghats, and spiritual rituals. It's one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major pilgrimage site.
You’ve got a full day to dive into this city’s energy. Opt for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges as the river shifts through golden hour, or head to Sarnath - the place where Buddha first shared his teachings.
Varanasi, India
Varanasi is a sacred Hindu city on the Ganges River, renowned for its ancient temples, holy ghats, and spiritual rituals. It's one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a major pilgrimage site.
And just like that, our India adventure has officially wrapped up. From Delhi streets to holy rivers, we’ve covered some ground. Hug it out, swap details, and say your goodbyes (or maybe just “see you on the next one.”)
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Delhi at 6:00pm and ends in Varanasi at 9:00am.
- TRANSFERS: Chargeable transfers can be booked on a single or twin basis. Twin transfers can only be booked when two travellers are travelling together on the same reference number, no twin share transfers are available. If travellers book pre-trip accommodation elsewhere (Non Contiki property), they can still book a transfer. However, transfers operate only between the airport and the Contiki start hotel, so guests will need to make their own way from Contiki start hotel to their independently pre-booked hotel. The same applies to post-trip accommodation. Flight information is required in order to book transfers.
- PROOF OF AIRLINE TICKET: Travellers are advised to print out their full flight itinerary including their e-ticket number to enter any airport in India. Due to heightened security at the airport, they must always also have their passport and visa handy.
- INDIA: USA passport holders require a visa for India. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. Depending on visa type, applications can be submitted from 120 days prior to departure up to 4 days prior to departure.
- IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
- MANDATORY E-ARRIVAL CARD: Effective 1 April 2026, the Government of India has introduced a mandatory Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) for all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. The form must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival in India. A QR code will be generated upon submission and must be presented at immigration. Families (up to 5 members) may submit a single consolidated form. The form can be completed via the Su-Swagatam App, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or boi.gov.in. Travellers are strongly encouraged to complete this process in advance to ensure a smooth arrival experience.
- IMPORTANT: The client is fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas. Travel Insurance is compulsory on all Contiki Asia trips. Full passport details are required 60 days from departure as ground handlers require this information.
- GROUND HANDLER: Contiki sometimes uses ground handlers or third parties to assist with the full or partial operation of our products. The ground handler for this trip is Distinct Destinations. Contiki Trip Manager will be onboard.
Policies
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Travel Documents
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
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