Mumbai to varanasi - India
14-Day Vegan Tour in Central India
Discover the Soul of India: A Journey from Mumbai to Varanasi Through Central India
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the heart of India, starting in the vibrant city of Mumbai and traveling across the culturally rich and naturally diverse landscapes of Central India. This unforgettable India tour takes you from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the sacred ghats of Varanasi, revealing the region’s deep-rooted history, spiritual traditions, and stunning wildlife along the way.
Explore ancient temples, national parks teeming with wildlife, and vibrant local markets as you experience the true essence of Indian culture and heritage. Whether you’re drawn by spirituality, history, or nature, this immersive Central India itinerary offers a soulful adventure that connects you to the very heart of the subcontinent.
Join us on a Soulful Journey Across Central India – from Mumbai to Varanasi.
What's included?
Vegan Meals
38 Vegan Meals
(13 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 11 lunches, 13 dinners)
Accommodation
13 Nights Accommodations
(A combination of heritage hotels, a royal mansion, charming jungle retreats, and a palace)
Tour Transport
- Private air-conditioned minibus
- Jeeps
- Local cars and rickshaws
- Domestic flight within India (Varanasi to Mumbai)
- Boats
Our Special Package
- Daily Local Cultural Lessons
- Daily Hindi Language Lessons
- Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks, and Beers on “Dinner & Drinks” nights
- Introduction to the Spiritual Life and History of the Ganges in Varanasi
- Vegan Cooking Class with a Team of Teacher Chefs & Future Chefs
- Explore the Vibrant Buddhist Wall Paintings & Sculptures of the Awesome Ajanta Caves
- Explore the Epic Rock Cut Caves & Carvings of the Incredible Ellora Caves
- Live traditional Music and Folk Dances
- Exploring Local Bazaars and Markets
- Visit the Sacred Pilgrimage site of Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teachings
- Vegan Meals with Local Families
- Guests of Hospitality Education Program
- Jungle Jeep Morning Safari in search of the elusive Indian Bengal Tiger
- Sunrise Jungle Walks and Bird Watching
- Visit the three-headed Hindu god Shiva Caves
- Jungle Jeep Afternoon Safari
- Heritage walk in Mumbai
Also Included!
- Vegan Welcome Package and Tote Bag
- Airport arrival pick up *
- Enjoy a Calming Traditional Massage Spa Therapy
- Participate in an Ancient Aarti (Hindu Ritual) ceremony
- Participate in Ganga Aarti by Boat
- Enjoy First Precepts Lunch with Monks
- Introduction to Hinduism Program
- Introduction to India’s favorite pastime – Cricket, in an old royal capital
- All Local Guide Fees
- All Sites Entry Fees
- National Park Fees
- Forts and Museum Entry Fees
- Complimentary Refill Water bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
- and all other activities, entertainment, and entry fees as per the itinerary.
What’s NOT included?
International airfare, Visa to India, personal travel insurance, laundry, gratuities for exceptional service (not expected but always appreciated), and other items of a personal nature.
Tour Dates & Pricing
India – 14 Days Mumbai to Varanasi Tour 2026 (February)
$3,895 (USD)
- 14 Guests
- Starts on February 16, 2026 (Monday)
- Begins at 4:30 pm
- Finishes on March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
- Ends at 5:30 pm
- Starts from Mumbai
- Finishes in Mumbai
India – 14 Days Mumbai to Varanasi Tour 2026 (November)
$3,895 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 18 PEOPLE
- Starts on November 16, 2026 (Monday)
- Begins at 4:30 pm
- Finishes on November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
- Ends at 5:30 pm
- Starts from MUMBAI (Maharashtra)
- Finishes in MUMBAI (Maharashtra)
India – 14 Days Mumbai to Varanasi Tour 2027 (February)
$3,895 (USD)
- 18 Guests
- Starts on February 15, 2027 (Monday)
- Begins at 4:30 pm
- Finishes on February 28, 2027 (Sunday)
- Ends at 5:30 pm
- Starts from Mumbai
- Finishes in Mumbai
India – 14 Days Mumbai to Varanasi Tour 2027 (November)
$3,895 (USD)
- 18 Guests
- Starts on November 15, 2027 (Monday)
- Begins at 4:30 pm
- Finishes on November 28, 2027 (Sunday)
- Ends at 5:30 pm
- Starts from Mumbai
- Finishes in Mumbai
All Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Adventures runs on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will pair you up with another single traveler of the same gender. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, upon making a booking, please select “yes” for Single Supplement and the cost shown below will be added to your total adventure cost.
$759 for 14 days: Central India Vegan Adventure
From Mumbai to Varanasi: A Soulful Journey Across Central India
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of India, beginning in the vibrant, bustling metropolis of Mumbai, before heading off across Central India, weaving our way through the rich cultural diversity and naturally rich tapestry of the subcontinent. This immersive journey takes us from the bustling energy of India’s largest city to the serene ghats of Varanasi, with enriching experiences along the way that highlight the region’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and profound cultural heritage.
Our path leads first to Aurangabad, a city steeped in legacy, home to the awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites that echo ancient devotion carved in stone. We continue to the verdant forests of Pench, the jungle that many say inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, where we’ll seek out the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat.
In Jabalpur, we marvel at the marble cliffs and cascading falls of the Narmada River, a sacred waterway flowing through India’s heartland, and join in a vegan cooking class and outreach program with local hospitality students and their expert chef teachers. Then comes Bandhavgarh, one of the country’s premier national parks and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering intimate moments with India’s incredible biodiversity. The journey winds through the Baghel Palace, once a princely state and now a hidden gem rich with cultural depth, before reaching the spiritual crescendo in Varanasi, where ancient rituals and timeless traditions converge on the banks of the Ganges.
This isn’t just a trip – it’s a deeper connection with India’s landscapes, legends, and living traditions, experienced through a compassionate lens. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together. Come be a part of something more than travel – join our family and friends in India on this Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages adventure through Central India.
Itinerary
Get day to day insight of the tour.
Day 1: MUMBAI - City of Dreams
Namaste! Welcome to Mumbai, the bustling City of Dreams on India’s western coast. A city of contrasts, Mumbai blends colonial architecture, ancient temples, and modern skyscrapers, while vibrant streets, markets, and seaside promenades pulse with energy. From Bollywood glitz to thriving theatre, music, and art scenes, creativity is everywhere.
Food is the heartbeat of Mumbai—street snacks like vada pav, flavorful pav bhaji, and rich Indo-Chinese cuisine await. Our adventure begins here with an orientation meeting, light vegan snacks, and a first official taste of India at one of the city’s oldest and most delicious Indo-Chinese restaurants. Bring your appetite—tonight, we dive into Mumbai!
Highlights of the Day:
- Detailed Orientation Meeting. Get to know your fellow travellers and adventure leaders, and have your Introduction to Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh History, Cultures, and Diversity Presentation.
- Introduction to the Hindi Language.
- First Taste of India on your India vegan group tour here, with one of its very unique fusion foods, totally original, and totally Indian – Indo-Chinese Cuisine, that fuses generational immigrant Chinese recipes with local ingredients and tastes!
Vegan Meals Included Today: Snacks and Dinner & Drinks
Day 2: MUMBAI - Heritage Walking Tour and Elephanta Caves
Namaste! Good morning, Mumbai!
After a hearty vegan breakfast of local delights, we dive straight into the vibrant heart of Mumbai on an immersive heritage walking tour. Start at the iconic Gateway of India, a stunning archway overlooking the Arabian Sea and a perfect photo stop. Then, marvel at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gothic architectural gem buzzing with daily life.
Next, wander through the bustling Crawford Market, alive with colors, aromas, and the energy of local produce and spices—a feast for the senses! After a vegan fusion lunch, we’ll hop on a short ferry to the legendary Elephanta Caves, rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, filled with intricate carvings dating back to the 5th–7th centuries.
As the day winds down, return to the hotel to refresh before joining a local vegan meetup. Enjoy drinks, vegan treats, and great conversation as we share stories, connect with like-minded locals, and toast to an unforgettable first day in Mumbai.
Highlights of the Day:
- Morning Heritage Walk – where we’ll visit the Gateway of India, a magnificent archway overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built during the British Raj, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gothic-style railway station among other historical locations in Old Mumbai.
- Explore the Elephanta Caves – rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva dating back to the 5th to 7th centuries CE, which feature remarkable sculptures and carvings.
- Join fellow vegans from Mumbai for a delicious vegan meetup.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
I have traveled on 2 adventures so far and…the personal attention, the detail of the experience, the food, etc. surpasses any other tour groups I have traveled with. Unbelievably fantastic experiences! I have traveled solo with Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) and truly never felt alone.
Day 3: SAMBHAJI NAGAR - The Majestic Ellora Caves
Good morning! After a delicious vegan breakfast, we hit the road for Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), a city rich in Maratha history and heritage. Enjoy a scenic drive through Central India before stopping for a wholesome vegan lunch near the Ellora Caves, featuring fresh, flavorful Maharashtrian and Indian dishes.
Then, prepare to be awed by the majestic Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries spanning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, including the stunning Kailasa Temple, carved entirely from a single rock—a true marvel of ancient craftsmanship.
After a day of exploration, we’ll check in at our hotel, freshen up, and gather for a relaxing vegan dinner with drinks, sharing stories, laughter, and the delights of conscious cuisine—a perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Highlights of the Day:
- Scenic drive from the big city to vast plains, forests, and much more as we journey into Central India.
- Special vegan lunch near Ellora – savor a nourishing and delicious vegan meal made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ellora Caves – Discover the awe-inspiring rock-cut architecture of the Ellora Caves, showcasing ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments.
- Marvel at the Kailasa Temple, among others, where we’ll witness one of the world’s largest monolithic structures, intricately carved from a single rock.
- A delicious vegan dinner made specially for us in Sambhaji Nagar – the cultural and historical essence of this vibrant Marathwada city, formerly known as Aurangabad.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 4: SAMBHAJI NAGAR - The Breathtaking Ajanta Caves
Namaste! Good Morning from Sambhaji Nagar!
After a hearty vegan breakfast, we embark on a journey to the breathtaking Ajanta Caves, one of India’s most extraordinary cultural treasures. These 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves are masterpieces of ancient art, adorned with vivid murals and intricate sculptures that have mesmerized visitors for centuries. Carved in two phases—from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th–6th centuries CE under Emperor Harishena—the caves served as monasteries and meditation halls, where Buddhist monks lived, taught, and practiced in serene devotion.
Step inside to witness the Jataka tales come alive on the walls, marvel at the Gupta-era artistry, and feel the timeless tranquility of these sacred spaces. Every fresco, every carving tells a story of devotion, creativity, and spiritual brilliance that has endured for over two millennia.
After a day steeped in awe and history, we return to our hotel in Sambhaji Nagar to refresh and relax. As night falls over Aurangabad, we gather for drinks and a sumptuous vegan feast, celebrating the day’s wonders and the magic of ancient India.
Highlights of the Day:
- Special vegan breakfast at the hotel to energize for the day ahead
- Scenic Drive to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the Ancient Buddhist Ajanta Caves, carved between the 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE, where we’ll learn about the exquisite murals and sculptures of these ancient monasteries and meditation halls.
- Special vegan feast for dinner.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Zac was an amazing and knowledgeable host. The trip was essentially stress free. Every meal was a veritable buffet. Found some really out of the way places you'd be hard pressed to explore on your own. Amazing group of people. Truly one of a kind. Will certainly be going on another trip soon.
Day 5: PENCH NATIONAL PARK - Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book
Saying goodbye to Maharashtra, we venture into the heart of India—Madhya Pradesh!
Known as the “Tiger State”, Madhya Pradesh is home to majestic tigers and abundant wildlife. Today, we journey to the wilds of Pench National Park, a pristine sanctuary of dense teak forests, open meadows, and rolling hills, brimming with tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaur, and over 250 bird species. Many say Pench inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, making this landscape legendary for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike.
On arrival, enjoy a relaxing vegan lunch before settling into our retreat near the park’s edge. In the early evening, we set out on a guided nature hike, followed by sunset birdwatching, keeping your eyes peeled for native and migratory birds. After an exhilarating first taste of the wild, we return to the retreat for refreshing drinks and a delicious vegan dinner in the garden, soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest as night falls.
Highlights of the Day:
- Scenic drive from Maharashtra into the wilds of Madhya Pradesh and its Pench National Park.
- Sunset nature hike through the surrounding forest trails, where, accompanied by an expert naturalist, we’ll set out to spot a variety of birds and wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Unwind with refreshing drinks under the stars, followed by a delicious vegan dinner served in the serene ambiance of the garden area of our retreat.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
Day 6: PENCH NATIONAL PARK - Tigers, Leopards, Deers, and Vibrant Birdlife
Rise with the sun over the forest and kick off the day with a steaming cup of vegan chai or coffee. Then, jump into our jeeps for an early morning safari through the wild heart of Pench National Park, where tigers, leopards, deer, and vibrant birdlife roam free. Feel the thrill of the forest as you scan the treetops and open meadows for elusive wildlife.
Back at the retreat, refresh and savor a hearty vegan brunch, then treat yourself to a rejuvenating traditional healing massage, a perfect way to recharge after a week of adventure. We’ll wrap up the day with a delicious vegan dinner, celebrating another unforgettable day in the wild.
Highlights of the Day:
- Kick off the day with an early morning safari through the wilderness.
- Return for a specially curated, vegan brunch.
- Unwind with a calming traditional massage spa experience led by the retreat’s expert therapists.
- Enjoy an early, elegant vegan dinner as the sun sets over the forest.
Vegan Meals Included: Brunch and Dinner
Day 7: JABALPUR - Roaring Waterfall, Serene Boat Ride
Farewell to the wilderness… for now! After a special vegan breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive to Jabalpur, a vibrant city steeped in culture and nestled along the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh, the Narmada River.
On arrival, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the hotel before preparing for an afternoon adventure. We’ll journey to Bhedaghat, a natural wonder of towering marble cliffs along the Narmada, and marvel at the roaring Dhuandhar Waterfalls. Then, glide through the marble canyon on a serene boat ride, taking in views that will leave you speechless.
Return to the hotel to freshen up and relax, followed by dinner and drinks, celebrating the magic of another unforgettable day.
Highlights of the Day:
- Scenic journey through changing landscapes as we head toward the historic city of Jabalpur.
- Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted vegan lunch, specially prepared just for our group to provide a perfect blend of flavor and nourishment.
- Explore the stunning marble rock formations of Bhedaghat and witness the power and beauty of the Dhuandhar Falls.
- Experience a magical boat ride through the marble canyon — a peaceful, unforgettable journey on the river.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 8: JABALPUR - Cooking Class & Dinner with Local Family
Start your day with a fresh, vibrant vegan breakfast specially prepared for us—seasonal fruits, idlis, poha, and dairy-free chutneys set the tone for a day of health, culture, and compassion.
Next, we visit a leading hospitality and hotel management school, where the next generation of chefs and service professionals is embracing the future of vegan cuisine. Meet passionate students eager to share how veganism is transforming India’s food and hospitality industry, and explore how tradition and modern values intersect in their innovative programs.
Then it’s hands-on in the vegan cooking class! Roll out soft rotis, craft rich lentil dals, and experiment with dairy-free versions of classic Indian sweets, all under the guidance of talented student chefs. Afterward, we enjoy a communal lunch, sharing the fruits of our labor, laughter, and culinary creativity.
In the evening, we step into the heart of local life by joining a vegan Indian family for dinner. Discover their journey into veganism, learn how it blends with tradition, and connect over delicious vegan dishes and conversation.
This day is about more than food—it’s an immersive journey into Indian vegan culture, meaningful connections, and the shared values of compassion, sustainability, and creativity.
Highlights of the Day:
- Start the day with a fresh breakfast featuring local Indian vegan dishes like idlis, poha, and dairy-free chutneys.
- Engage with enthusiastic hospitality students who welcome you and share their insights on the growing vegan movement in India and its integration into modern culinary training.
- Enjoy a meaningful exchange with future chefs and service professionals about vegan trends and the connection between Indian culture and vegan values.
- Learn to prepare regional vegan dishes with student chefs – experience making lentil dals, rotis, and vegan Indian sweets using fresh, local ingredients, followed by a communal meal made by you, our group, and the chefs celebrating collaboration, health, and cruelty-free culinary creativity.
- Join a local vegan family for a warm, cross-cultural dinner gathering. Hear their personal journey and lifestyle choices, and engage in heartfelt conversation about everyday vegan living in India.
- Enjoy a delicious vegan meal, followed by drinks and refreshments, in a relaxed and social setting that fosters genuine connection.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 9: BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK - Royal Bengal Tigers
Farewell to the city—it’s back to the wilds of Madhya Pradesh! Today we venture into Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India’s most legendary wildlife havens. Nestled in the forests of Umaria, Bandhavgarh is a biodiversity hotspot and tiger paradise, home to one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers on the planet.
Covering over 1,500 square kilometers of dense sal forests, bamboo groves, open grasslands, and dramatic cliffs, the park teems with leopards, sloth bears, deer, wild boars, and 250+ bird species—a playground for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Beyond its animals, Bandhavgarh is a land steeped in history and mythology—a place where nature, legends, and adventure collide. Get ready for thrills, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable memories in the heart of India’s jungle!
Highlights of the Day:
- Explore a local village and enjoy bird watching on a countryside walk with our local naturalist — a quiet, immersive way to connect with nature and local life in Bandhavgarh — a land rich in wildlife, history, and natural beauty.
- Special vegan lunch curated from locally farmed and foraged dishes designed to both delight and energize.
- Special evening under the stars with refreshing local drinks, followed by a delicious vegan barbecue dinner in the calm of the forest night.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
What a fantastic trip! It was unlike any other trip we’ve experienced. We had the opportunity to learn from and interact with people that we would never had the opportunity to meet, and it’s given us a taste for more adventurous and more rewarding travel. We can’t thank the Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) team enough for all the hard work and long hours you clearly put into making your tours so rewarding!
Day 10: BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK - Jeep Safari, Live Music and Dance, and Dinner under the Stars
Rise with the forest and step into the wild! Begin our day in Bandhavgarh National Park with a guided morning jungle walk, exploring the forest up close with trained naturalists. Listen to the whispers of the trees, breathe in the fresh morning air, and keep your eyes peeled for birds, reptiles, and smaller wildlife often missed on safari.
Back at the retreat, enjoy a fresh vegan breakfast, then relax before an interactive session with our in-house naturalist, diving into the secrets of tigers, elusive creatures, and the rich flora that make this ecosystem thrive.
After a flavor-packed vegan lunch, we head out for an exhilarating jeep safari, tracking majestic tigers, leopards, and deer through the park’s forests, grasslands, and dramatic cliffs. The thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat is matched only by the stunning scenery around every turn.
As evening falls, return to the retreat for folk music and dance, sip local drinks, and savor a vegan dinner under the stars, letting the forest sounds lull you after a day of adventure, discovery, and connection with nature.
Highlights of the Day:
- Begin our day with a guided walk through the forest, discovering hidden trails, birdlife, and the park’s smaller wonders up close.
- Return for a refreshing vegan breakfast, followed by time to freshen up and unwind at the resort.
- Dive deeper into the world of Bandhavgarh’s flora and fauna with an interactive session led by our expert naturalist.
- Enjoy a flavorful, locally inspired vegan lunch prepared with care and creativity.
- Embark on an exciting jeep safari through Bandhavgarh’s core zones — a chance to spot tigers and other iconic wildlife.
- End the day with a traditional folk music and dance performance, accompanied by drinks and a starlit vegan dinner — a cultural celebration of the forest.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 11: BAGHEL PALACE - Heritage Palace, Live in Rural India
Wake up in the forest and savor a serene breakfast, as morning mist lifts and birds herald the day. This peaceful moment lets you reflect on your jungle adventures while enjoying fresh, plant-based flavors.
After breakfast, we journey through scenic rural landscapes to Baghel Palace, a heritage residence steeped in the grandeur of the Baghel dynasty. On arrival, we head to a historic fort overlooking the river for a vegan lunch with breathtaking views, where the flowing water and open skies create the perfect backdrop for a royal meal.
Next, it’s time for fun and community spirit with a friendly cricket match alongside local students—a joyful way to connect, cheer, and play under the sun.
Later, return to the palace for a private cultural session with a member of the royal family, who shares fascinating stories of the lineage, the palace’s history, and Baghel’s role in India’s past. As the sun sets, we visit a nearby ghat for the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony, where flickering lamps, chanting, and shimmering reflections on the river create a profoundly moving experience.
Finally, we return to Baghel Palace for a farewell evening in the gardens, sipping drinks under a starlit sky and enjoying a sumptuous vegan dinner surrounded by the gentle sounds of the evening. This magical closing chapter of Madhya Pradesh blends wild wonder, soulful encounters, and royal heritage, before we head onward to Varanasi and the next stage of our adventure.
Highlights of the Day:
- Begin your day with a peaceful breakfast surrounded by forest sounds and morning mist — a moment of reflection and calm before the journey ahead.
- Travel through picturesque rural landscapes en route to the regal Baghel Palace, steeped in history and charm.
- Enjoy a vegan lunch served at a historic riverside fort, with breathtaking views and royal ambience.
- Share a joyful afternoon of friendly cricket with local students – a heartwarming, playful connection with the community.
- Meet a member of the Baghel royal family for personal insights, stories, and a guided tour of the palace and fort — a rare and unique cultural experience.
- Witness a beautiful and spiritual river Aarti — a moment of devotion, light, and cultural reverence.
- Return to Baghel Palace for a farewell evening in the garden, with drinks and a specially curated vegan dinner beneath the stars.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 12: VARANASI - India’s most spiritually captivating sights: the Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Rise and shine with a royal vegan breakfast at Baghel Palace, soaking in the elegance and tranquility before we bid farewell to Madhya Pradesh and journey onward to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities. Known as Kashi or Benares, this city on the sacred Ganges River has been a spiritual heart of India for over 3,000 years—a place where life, death, and devotion coexist in extraordinary harmony.
Upon arrival, we step straight into the magic at Namo Ghat Jetty, boarding a traditional boat for our first awe-inspiring views of Varanasi’s ghats, where rituals, pilgrims, and riverside life create a living tapestry of devotion.
In the afternoon, a Heritage Walk with a local guide takes us through winding lanes, hidden temples, artisanal workshops, and bustling markets, revealing the intimate pulse of this ancient city.
As dusk falls, experience one of India’s most spiritually captivating sights: the Ganga Aarti Ceremony. From the river itself, watch priests perform the ritual with flaming lamps, chants, and bells, as the Ganges glows in golden light—a moment of awe and transcendence.
We conclude the day with a vegan dinner and drinks by the river, reflecting on the city’s timeless energy and preparing for the adventures ahead. From sacred rituals to centuries-old streets, Varanasi immerses you in its profound soul, offering a journey that’s equal parts adventure, spirituality, and wonder.
Highlights of the Day:
- Begin our day with a serene and nourishing vegan breakfast in royal surroundings before departing Baghel Palace.
- Travel to one of the world’s oldest living cities — Varanasi, also known as Kashi and Banares – the spiritual heart of India.
- Arrive at Namo Ghat Jetty and glide along the Ganges by traditional boat, catching glimpses of Varanasi’s sacred ghats.
- Enjoy a comforting vegan lunch in a private dining hall overlooking the holy river.
- Explore the ancient alleyways, shrines, artisan hubs, and markets of Varanasi during a heritage walk with a longtime local resident of this ancient city.
- Witness Varanasi’s breathtaking evening Aarti ceremony from the water – a spiritual ritual of fire, chants, and divine energy.
- Wind down with evening drinks and a delicious vegan dinner, reflecting on the city’s spiritual richness and timeless charm.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 13: VARANASI - Sarnath, Serene Stupa, and Monastic Meal
After a hearty vegan breakfast at our riverside heritage hotel, we’ll board a traditional boat and glide along the sacred Ganges, soaking in the sights and sounds of Varanasi as we make our way to Namo Ghat. From here, our journey continues to Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s four sacred pilgrimage sites and the spot where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting the Wheel of Dharma in motion.
At Sarnath, we’ll step into a world of serene stupas, ancient ruins, and living spiritual traditions. Monks and practitioners will guide us through the temple and monastery grounds, sharing insights into mindfulness, compassion, and the core principles of Buddhism. We’ll even experience a guided meditation in a tranquil corner of this historic site, allowing the morning’s lessons to sink in amidst centuries of peaceful energy.
At 11:00 AM, we’ll join the monks for a First Precepts Lunch — a simple, vegan meal served in the spirit of mindfulness, echoing the discipline of the monastic tradition. Afterward, we return to the hotel by boat, drifting past the vibrant life of the Ganges, the sun casting golden reflections on the river.
As night falls over Varanasi, we’ll celebrate our final evening in India with drinks and a special vegan farewell dinner, raising a toast to a journey filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.
Highlights of the Day:
- Start our final day with a nourishing vegan breakfast at the hotel, set amidst tranquillity and intention.
- Explore the revered site where Buddha gave his first sermon and receive a special peaceful blessing from monks at the temple and school.
- Engage in a quiet, reflective meditation session within the serene grounds of one of the 4 sacred pilgrimage sites in Buddhism.
- Share a humble, vegan meal with the monastic community, in alignment with their ancient discipline of vikāla bhojana.
- Gather for final drinks and a lovingly prepared vegan dinner, celebrating meaningful connections and the journey’s many moments together.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Farewell Dinner & Drinks.
Day 14 – VARANASI TO MUMBAI
After savoring our final vegan breakfast together, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to the sacred Ganges and begin our journey back to Mumbai, the vibrant city where our adventure began and now concludes. We’ll make our way to the airport for our flight, carrying with us the sights, sounds, and stories of this incredible journey.
From lush forests to sacred rivers, royal palaces to timeless rituals, each moment has been a shared experience, and we are grateful to have explored Central India with you, from Mumbai to Varanasi. Thank you for joining Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages, for embracing the culture, the cuisine, and the compassion that this journey celebrates.
Until our paths cross again — safe travels, keep exploring, and continue journeying with an open heart and a compassionate spirit.
Highlights of the Day:
- Begin the day with a peaceful, vegan breakfast – a final moment of quiet reflection in Varanasi.
- Say goodbye to the timeless spirit of the Ganges, carrying with us the serenity, insight, and energy it has shared.
- Flight back to Mumbai, the vibrant gateway where ancient traditions meet contemporary India.
- Arrive in Mumbai and feel the pulse of the city as your journey comes full circle.
Vegan Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch