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Palliative Care in North India

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Tour leader
David Oliviere
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Dates
22 Feb
8 Mar
2026

North India is a land of history, spiritualism and mysticism and is the cradle of Hinduism. It possesses some of the most spectacular man-made structures, landscapes and wildlife in the world, along with a rich and diverse society that cherishes ancient traditions whilst embracing modern life.

Within Hindu belief, the concept of a 'good death' is deeply intertwined with both physical well-being and spiritual readiness. Join David Oliviere on a journey that will carefully consider the spiritual, ethical, legal and cultural aspects associated with palliative care in four northern states.

The tour will start in Delhi, where Mughal and colonial history rub shoulders alongside a vibrant contemporary culture. Continue to Jaipur, the Pink City, onto Agra, to see the ethereal Taj Mahal. Explore Lucknow, then take the train to the great spiritual centre of Varanasi, considered by Hindus to be the most auspicious place to die. The tour finishes in the Bengali capital of Kolkata, the former capital of the British Raj.

Professional visits include, Shanti Avedna Sadan, India’s first hospice, Delhi based charity CanSupport and the inspiring Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre. You will spend time with a host of specialists including Dr Anjum Joad, whose pioneering course in palliative medicine and nursing is the only one of its kind in North India.

Price (sharing a room)
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per person
Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
IND0226-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Palliative Care
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Nights
14
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Delhi
Sunday
,
22
February
Arrive in Delhi and check in to the Ashtan Sarovar Portico. Welcome dinner.
2
Delhi
Monday
,
23
February
Introductory briefing. Visit and lunch hosted by CanSupport, meet with volunteers and learn about their work providing end of life support to underserved communities. Orientation tour of New Delhi and visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, the India Gate and Parliament. Visit the Delhi branch of Shanti Avedna Sedan, India’s first hospice.
3
Delhi
Tuesday
,
24
February
Visit the All India Institute of Medical Science. Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Walk through the narrow lanes of the Chandi Chowk, visit the spice market and walk along Jeweller's Lane.
4
Delhi / Jaipur
Wednesday
,
25
February
Drive from Delhi to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, home to stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces amidst the dusky pink buildings of the old town. At leisure. Option to visit the textile and jewellery bazaars of Jaipur.
5
Jaipur
Thursday
,
26
February
Visit Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre and receive a talk from Dr Anjum Joad, coordinator of the palliative care department. Visit the Chakrapati Ayurvedic Centre and learn about traditional approaches to pain relief. Return to the hotel via the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Jantar Mantar.
6
Jaipur
Friday
,
27
February
Explore the ancient citadel of Amber Fort and the City Palace Museum. At leisure.
7
Jaipur / Agra
Saturday
,
28
February
Drive to Bharatpur National Park and explore by rickshaw. Visit the ancient, abandoned city of Fatepur Sikri. Drive to Agra and transfer to the hotel. At leisure.
8
Agra / Lucknow
Sunday
,
1
March
Rise early to visit the Taj Mahal before breakfast. Drive to Lucknow. Arrive late afternoon and at leisure.
9
Lucknow
Monday
,
2
March
Visit the Lucknow Residency and the Bara Imanbara. Drive by tongas (horse drawn carriages) to Hussainbad Complex. Optional culinary tour of the Lucknow markets.
10
Lucknow / Varanasi
Tuesday
,
3
March
Take a modern train to the holy city of Varanasi and transfer to the hotel. Take rickshaws to the river and visit the ghats of the Ganges to witness the ceremonies.
11
Varanasi
Wednesday
,
4
March
Rise at dawn to embark on a Ganges cruise to watch pilgrims offering puja. Walk back through the old town of Benares to the hotel for breakfast. See the Golden Temple and visit the Bharat Mata Mandir. At leisure.
12
Varanasi / Kolkata
Thursday
,
5
March
Visit the Pain and Palliative Care Unit at Benares Hindu University to learn about spiritual care. Visit their Ayurveda healing centre. Afternoon at leisure before flying to Kolkata and transferring to the hotel.
13
Kolkata
Friday
,
6
March
Drive to Thakurpukur to visit the Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute and learn about their work. Afternoon at leisure in Kolkata.
14
Kolkata
Saturday
,
7
March
Sightseeing walk visiting old Kolkata, including the Writer’s Building. Visit the Victoria Memorial and the Maidan. Visit the Anglican Cathedral, Park Street Cemetery, Mother Theresa Museum. Farewell dinner.
15
Kolkata
Sunday
,
8
March
Morning at leisure and depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Travel from Delhi to Jaipur with its mighty fort and palaces. Continue to Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal before heading to Lucknow. Visit Varanasi, one of the holiest places in India, and finish the tour in Kolkata, hub of Bengali literature, music and philosophy.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Taj Mahal
Agra

Watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal at dawn.

Fatehpur Sikri
Agra

Visit the ancient, abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri.

Ganges cruise
Varanasi

Rise at dawn to embark on a Ganges cruise to watch pilgrims offering puja.

Ayurveda healing centre

Learn about traditional approaches to pain relief.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Delhi

India’s most important hospital, visit the palliative care department and meet clinicians and social workers.

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Beautiful landscapes

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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