The Path to Varanasi & Kalinjar combines some of the most special places in India, including the fascinatingly chaotic city of Kolkata, the holy city of Varanasi, the sacred Ganges, the wild landscapes of Kalinjar and Panna.

Your journey begins in Kolkata, where a rich cultural potpourri defines the quintessential Indian experience and colonial remnants are overlaid by a patriotic, revolutionary zeal. The journey continues inland to the holy city of Varanasi. Situated at the confluence of two tributaries of the Ganges river, Varanasi has a long history of spiritual sanctity and knowledge—it had reached its zenith as a centre of religion and learning in the 7th century B.C.. With three great religions—Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism— acknowledging it as a place of homage, Varanasi’s riverbanks (known as ghats) draw millions of pilgrims.

A two-three nights’ camping experience begins at Kalinjar, where its local culture, history and wild landscape uncovers much wonder. Kalinjar is such a special place and easily one of our favourite experiences in India.

The journey concludes at Panna National Park, staying at Sarai at Toria, a beautiful property with lovely owners, Dr Raghu Chundawat, who is the conservation biologist and a pioneer in Tiger conservation.