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From December 30st 2026 until January 17th 2027
Summary Itinerary
Clicking on the days of travel in the summary itinerary will take you to the detailed itinerary for that day and vice versa clicking on the day in the detailed itinerary will return you to the summary itinerary. In the detailed itinerary, in addition to the images and description of the days, we also have the day of the month and the week
Detailed Itinerary
Flights
Departure from Brazil bound for Bangalore, gateway to southern India and the start of our journey.
Heading to the airport, probably for your flight this morning, depending on your city, route, and flight combination – we'll discuss together what works best for your arrival! Guilherme will be in contact from your arrival at the airport until your arrival in Delhi. Have a great flight!
Pace of the day: international travel / boarding.
Arrival
Trip to Putaparthi
A walk through the ashram.
In Hindu tradition, ashram It is classically defined as a place of spiritual retreat – a space for community life, study and practice, which also functions as a center for sociocultural promotion and the cultivation of human values.
The Prashanti Nilayam Ashram – “the abode of supreme peace” – was the official residence of the educator and spiritual master Sri Sathya Sai Baba and has become an important international pilgrimage center. His teachings revolve around the motto “Love All, Serve All,” emphasizing the unity of religions, unconditional love, selfless service, and the practice of five human values: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence.
The aim of this first stage of the journey is to get in touch with the ashram's routine and experience some of its activities. We will begin precisely at the turn of the year – a particularly symbolic moment to start a new cycle.
Rhythm of the day: morning/afternoon commute / late afternoon acclimatization.
Activities at the ashram
A stroll through the village of Putaparthi
After breakfast, we went to listen to Vedic chants, bhajans, and... arts.
Next, we will visit historical sites of ashram, from schools and from town from Putaparthi, with a break for lunch.
Pace of the day: morning activities at the ashram / afternoon visits.
Activities at the ashram
A stroll through the village of Putaparthi
Once more acclimatized, the suggestion – for those who wish – is to participate in Omkaram, Suprabhatam, and Nagarsankirtam, which begin before sunrise: moments of profound introspection and devotion.
After breakfast, we will go for a walk around... ashram In the morning.
Free afternoon.
Pace of the day: optional early morning / morning sightseeing / free afternoon.
Road trip to Bangalore
Visit to Gurukula Nrityagram
Early in the morning, we will travel by car to the village of Hesaraghata, a rural area of Bangalore (capital of the state of Karnataka), to visit the Gurukula NrityagramGurukula is a traditional residential education system in which students live and learn with a master in a communal setting. Nrityagram is India's first modern residential gurukula dedicated to the preservation and teaching of classical Indian dances.
This visit is not "a program for dancers." It is, above all, an opportunity to observe how the arts, in Indian culture, function as a living repository of history, philosophy, and spirituality. More than decorative expressions, they are coded languages that reflect metaphysical vision, social organization, and the relationship with the sacred and with nature.
We will take a tour of the gurukula and see a little of the community's daily routine.
Lunch at Kuteeram Retreat (Taji Hotels group / not included) – our first and most special gastronomic experience.
Next, check in to the hotel in Bangalore.
Pace of the day: morning travel and sightseeing / special lunch / late afternoon check-in.
Flight to Kochi
Hiking trail through Fort Kochi
Artistic presentation
In the morning, we head to the airport to fly to Kochi, in the state of Kerala. Upon arrival, we will go directly to... Fort KochiMalabar, a historic neighborhood on the Malabar Coast, is known for its colonial atmosphere (Portuguese, Dutch, and British heritage) and iconic Chinese fishing nets. Charming streets, cafes, and a slower pace make this area ideal for exploring on foot.
Here we will see a very different India from the other stages: scenic rivers, coconut groves, the Arabian Sea and, for those interested, the strong presence of the Ayurvedic tradition.
Check-in and lunch.
In the late afternoon, a walk through Fort Kochi. Then, we will attend a presentation of... Kathakali, traditional Kerala dance-theatre, characterized by elaborate makeup, music, mime, and storytelling from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Pace of the day: morning flight / afternoon hike / evening cultural activities.
IndiGo flight 4JAN 6E703 Bangalore 13:05 Cochin 14:15
Jew Town
Mattancherry Palace (surroundings)
Artistic presentation
After breakfast, we will walk along tree-lined and picturesque streets to the... Jew Town, the ancient “Jewish city”: a veritable living museum of antiquities, history and artifacts, among the Mattancherry Palace ...and the historic synagogue. There are alleyways and small shops that hold relics and testimonies of bygone eras – a stroll to let yourself be captivated by the charm of the place and by stories that are not always told.
Lunch suggestion: traditional Kerala cuisine.
In the late afternoon, we will attend a presentation of classic music typical of Kerala.
Pace of the day: morning of walking and sightseeing / relaxed afternoon / cultural activities in the late afternoon/evening.
Visit to Mattancherry Palace
Rest of the day free
Sunset on the shore
After breakfast, we will visit the Mattancherry Palace, known for his murals depicting Hindu legends.
The rest of the day is free for those who wish to have an Ayurvedic massage and/or explore the historic center, with its spice shops, antique stores, and handicrafts.
In the late afternoon, a walk to Sunset on the shore of Fort Kochi.
Rhythm of the day: morning for visits / free afternoon / contemplative late afternoon.
Car trip (approximately 2 hours)
Backwaters – houseboat
After breakfast, we drove to Allepey (Alappuzha), known as the "Venice of the East". We will embark on a houseboat (Houseboat) for navigating the backwaters – a network of channels connected to rivers and lakes, in a tranquil and mesmerizing tropical landscape. The vessels include a bathroom and kitchen, allowing for true immersion in the rhythm of the backwaters.
In the late afternoon, disembark and return to Allepey, then proceed to the hotel.
Pace of the day: morning travel / afternoon sailing / late afternoon return and check-in.
Flights to Varanasi
After breakfast, we will proceed to the airport to fly to Varanasi, one of the most sacred cities for Hindus, on the banks of the Ganges River.
Pace of the day: morning commute / afternoon flight and check-in / free evening.
Flights
8JAN IndiGo 6E6482 Cochin 09:15 Bangalore 10:25
8JAN IndiGo 6E897 Bangalore 12:30 pm Varanasi 14:55 pm
Sunrise at the ghats (boat on the Ganges)
Kashi Vishvanath Temple
Sarnath
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a spiritual epicenter of Hinduism. Its ghats – stairways along the river – organize ritual life: sacred baths, offerings, traditional ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges. This stop is essential to get a close look at the particularities of Hinduism.
Before sunrise, we will go to the ghats for a boat trip and to watch the... Dawn on the GangesNext, we will visit the iconic temple dedicated to Shiva, the Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
After breakfast, we will drive to SarnathBodh Gaya, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites: it is here that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
Return to the hotel in Varanasi in the late afternoon.
Rhythm of the day: ritual dawn / temple morning / afternoon of travel and visits.
Durga Temple
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Shiva Birla Temple
Sunset – Assi Ghat and arti on the Ganges
After breakfast, we will visit the Durga TempleBuilt by a Bengali queen and of great cultural significance – especially due to its symbolic connection with the Bengal region, where Odisha, our final destination, is located – Durga is one of the most fascinating feminine expressions in the Hindu pantheon.
Next, we will go to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to know the Shiva Birla Temple, a work in white marble with an imposing shikhara and remarkable architecture, open to visitors.
Lunch suggestion: tasting of typical North Indian food.
In the late afternoon, we will walk to the Assi Ghat to catch a boat and watch the fire ceremony, the arts, on the banks of the Ganges.
Rhythm of the day: morning visits / leisurely afternoon / late afternoon/evening ritual on the Ganges.
Flight to Bhubaneswar
Walk
After breakfast, we headed to the airport to... fly To Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha state on the east coast (Bay of Bengal) – the final destination of our journey. Odisha is known as “the land of temples” and its capital is sometimes called “the soul of India”. The region’s artistic and spiritual heritage is expressed in stunning architecture, classical dance, exquisite craftsmanship, and a vibrant rural and tribal life.
Arrival, check-in, and lunch.
If time permits, we will visit the archaeological site of today. Khandagiri e Udayagiri, a complex of caves and rock formations associated with King Kharavela (2nd century BC). From the top of the hills, we will watch the sunset.
Pace of the day: morning flight / afternoon check-in and optional visit / panoramic sunset.
Flight 11JAN IndiGo 6E7036 Varanasi 11:15 am Bhubaneswar 13:15 pm
Mukteshvara Temple
Parasurameshvara Temple
Vaital Deul Temple
Lingaraj Temple
Lunch (suggestion) – typical Oriya cuisine
In the morning, we will do a walking We will visit the old part of Bhubaneswar. temples From the medieval period – true architectural gems that bear witness to the evolution of different branches of Hinduism. We will observe how art is not merely ornamentation: it structures the architecture and sustains rituals that, for centuries, have given life to these spaces.
Rhythm of the day: Morning tour of temples / afternoon continuation of visits / late afternoon cultural activities.
Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO)
Raghurajpur Village
Gotipuas (performance with live music)
After breakfast, we headed to the Konark TempleA UNESCO World Heritage site, dedicated to the Vedic god Surya (the Sun). Its walls are adorned with meticulous reliefs, almost like jewelry in stone: scenes of customs, arts, daily life, legendary animals, and traditions.
Next, we will visit Raghurajpur, a historic village where many residents make a living from handicrafts – especially pattachitra, paintings with natural pigments (traditionally also on palm leaves), recognized for their delicacy and historical value.
The village keeps the tradition alive. gotipuasSince the 16th century, boys have danced and sang the praises of Krishna. We will attend a performance with live music.
Return to Bhubaneswar.
Pace of the day: full day of day trips / morning at the monument / afternoon in the village and presentation.
Hirapur (Yogini Temple – 64 yoginis)
Dhauli (stupa and memory of Ashoka)
Festival – Mukteshvara Temple
In the morning, we will visit the Yogini Temple in Hirapur, a 9th-century tantric temple, known as the temple of the 64 yoginis – a rare gem of the tantric tradition in India and one of the few temples of its kind in the country.
Next, we will proceed to Dhauli, where a modern Buddhist stupa stands, erected on a site associated with Emperor Ashoka's battle – an episode traditionally linked to his conversion to Buddhism.
In the late afternoon, we will participate in the much-anticipated event. festival Annual music and dance festival at Mukteshvara Temple (9th century), an important artistic venue in India.
Pace of the day: morning visit / afternoon of travel and historical context / evening festival.
Kala Bhumi Odisha Craft Museum
Festival – Mukteshvara Temple (2nd day)
After breakfast, we will visit the Kala Bhumi – Odisha Craft Museum, dedicated to Oriya crafts. It's a direct way to learn about customs and ways of life through what is created with the hands: technique, beauty, and celebration of daily life.
Return to the hotel and, in the late afternoon, participate in the second day of... festival at Mukteshvara Temple.
Rhythm of the day: morning at the museum / afternoon relaxing / late afternoon/evening at the festival.
Flight to Delhi
Dilli Hat
Transfer to the international airport (for those departing)
Very early, we went to the airport to fly to Delhi. In the afternoon, for those who wish, a visit to Dilli Hat, a permanent craft market and food court that simulates a traditional village, bringing together products and cultural expressions from various regions of India.
For those who can extend their trip, we can organize an extension to the Taj Mahal (Agra). Already familiar with Indian logistics – and with Chörten's personalized support – this extension tends to be simple and easy. Other destinations can also be arranged.
Pace of the day: morning flight / optional afternoon in Delhi / international connection for part of the group.
Flight 16JAN IndiGo 6E2319 Bhubaneswar 07:45 Delhi 10:15
Flights
For those returning to Brazil, group transportation will be provided to the international airport.
Pace of the day: international transfer and departure.