Over these three days, we’ll explore bazaars and temples, discovering some of the most fascinating places in Varanasi and allowing ourselves to be swept along by the constant flow of unexpected events that unfold throughout the city. We’ll witness the evening fire ceremonies, sail along the Ganges by boat, learn about the unique beliefs of the aghoris, known as the cannibals of the Ganges, and observe the mesmerizing funeral rites that take place at the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghats.

We’ll also visit Sarnath, a pilgrimage site for Buddhist monks where Buddha delivered his first sermon, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of another of the major religions in this part of the world: Buddhism.

On the 28th, according to official sources, the Masan Holi will be celebrated. This is a little-known version of the Holi festival, held at the burning ghats of Varanasi, where colors are replaced by the ashes of the cremated, and locals dance in a trance-like state. It will be a truly unique occasion, with Indian techno music, where we’ll experience India in all its splendor. The sheer amount of sensory impressions we’ll encounter at every step will be overwhelming, and by the time we reach our beds, we’ll have much to process.

Today we’ll say goodbye to Varanasi. After revisiting the places we’ve enjoyed the most, we’ll head to the train station to catch an overnight train to the city of Agra. Tonight, we’ll get to share a truly local experience, as trains are an essential part of Indian culture.

We’ll arrive in Agra in the morning and head to our hotel to drop off our backpacks and rest a bit. During the day, we’ll explore the city’s streets and markets, and enjoy our first glimpse of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River, one of the most important sacred rivers in Hinduism. Tonight, we’ll have an early dinner to prepare for the big day ahead.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without witnessing the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. We’ll wake up before dawn to visit one of the most beautiful buildings ever constructed in human history. There, we’ll learn more about the history of this magnificent mausoleum while strolling through its gardens. After a bit of rest at the hotel, we’ll head to Mathura, where we’ll experience the Holi Festival.

The big day has arrived! We’ll make sure to be well-rested so we can experience it full of energy. Holi is intense and demanding, people will start covering us in paint the moment we step out of the hotel. Of course, we’ll also buy our own colors to join in and become part of the celebration. It will be a day filled with joy, colors, music, and fun as we walk through the streets of Mathura, flowing with the crowd during this fascinating festival. In the evening, after a well-deserved shower, we’ll gather for dinner to bring this incredible day to a close.

We’ll leave early for Delhi. Once there, we’ll rest at our hotel and gather some energy to explore the city a bit. This day feels like a farewell, so we’ll focus on enjoying our last moments together while getting to know more of the Indian capital. During our final dinner, we’ll look back on all the wonderful moments we’ve shared throughout this journey.

Our adventure through India comes to an end! We say goodbye, already looking forward 

to seeing each other on the next one :)