Day 1 : ARRIVAL IN VARANASI

Upon arrival, meet and greet at Varanasi Airport/Railway Station and transfer to the Hotel. Varanasi, or Banaras (also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and poet, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” The origins of Varanasi, the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati, are unknown. The Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Later in the evening, proceed for the Ganga Aarti at Ghat. Every evening, Ganga Aarti is carried out in three holy cities of India. They are Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. All three of them have different vibes and energies. It is said that you should be a part of all three Aartis once in your lifetime. The Aarti is always carried out facing the River Ganga. A lot of lamps are lit during the Aarti. They are usually circled out by priests. It is always done clockwise. The Aarti is always accompanied by different songs sung while praising the Ganga. It is believed that the lamps acquire the power of the deity.

Varanasi Hotel

Day 2 : VARANASI SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFER TO AYODHYA BY SURFACE (APPROX. 220 Kms/03 Hrs.)

Early morning boat ride tour will give you the real view of holy Varanasi, where you will see the morning rituals, special features of the various Ghats that you will pass along the way and burning ghat where the dead are cremated. (Boat Ride at Own Cost)   After your boat ride, visit the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple + Annapurna Temple.   After temple visit, Return back to hotel for breakfast. After Breakfast, Check-out & Proceed for the Sarnath. A quiet and spiritual town set amidst the otherwise densely populated state of Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is a city of historical marvel with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, excavated ancient sites, and beautiful temples that prove to be a source of immense wonder and astonishment to tourists due to their mystical and serene setting. Sarnath, which is only 10 kilometres from Varanasi, is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus alike. After Sarnath, proceed for the Ayodhya. Ayodhya, located on the banks of river Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the seven sacred cities for Hindus. Ayodhya plays a critical role in the Hindu epic of Ramayana as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. This religious town is also the birthplace of four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras (religious teachers), beckoning tourists with its serene ghats. Upon Arrival, Check-in at hotel.

Ayodhya Hotel

Day 3 : AYODHYA SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFER TO PRAYAGRAJ BY SURFACE (APPROX. 167 Kms/03 ½ Hrs.)

Early Morning, Have Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast, proceed for the Ayodhya Sightseeing.  Ramjanma Bhoomi: Ramjanma Bhoomi is believed to have been the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. According to the Indian epic Ramayan, Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh manifestation, is said to have grown up along Ayodhya's river Sarayu. It is a highly revered site for Hindu devotees.    Hanuman Garhi: Located in Sai Nagar, Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. It is one of the most important temples in Ayodhya, as it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site, guarding Ayodhya.    Kanak Bhawan: The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the north-eastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Tulsi Nagar. Constructed in 1891, this temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar. It is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita.    Sita Ki Rasoi: Sita Ki Rasoi is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by the goddess Sita herself. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels.After Sightseeing, proceed for the Prayagraj. Prayag or Prayagraj had been the ancient name of the city of Allahabad. Pra means “first” and Yag means “devotion”. Prayag also signifies the coming together of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. After the Mughal invasion, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location named the city Ilahabas which meant “Abode of God”. Emperor Shah Jahan, his grandson, renamed the city to Allahabad. Upon arrival, Check-in at hotel.

Prayagraj Hotel

Day 4 : PRAYAGRAJ SIGHTSEEING & TRANSFER TO VARANASI BY SURFACE (APPROX. 120 Kms/03 Hrs.)

In Morning, Have Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast, Check-out & proceed for the Prayagraj Sightseeing:-  Triveni Sangam is the junction point of three rivers: the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati (which is a mythical river, supposed to have dried up millennia ago). Both the Ganga and the Yamuna are extremely revered rivers in Indian mythology, and hence the confluence point of these rivers has attained extremely high religious importance.    Anand Bhawan is the former residence of the Nehru family, which has now been transformed into a museum showcasing various artefacts and articles from the era of the Indian Independence Movement.    Khusro Bagh was built by King Jahangir for his son Khusro. The tombstone of the prince lies in this garden, along with that of his mother, Shah Begum.    Bade Hanuman Mandir is located in the Sangam area of Allahabad. This temple is unique in that it was built underground and has a leaning posture that is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide.   After sightseeing, proceed for the Varanasi. Upon Arrival, Check-in at hotel.

Varanasi Hotel

Day 5 : VARANASI TEMPLE TOUR & DEPARTURE FROM VARANASI

Early Morning, Have Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed for the temple tour of Varanasi.    Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is situated by the River Assi and was built in the 1900s by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman.  Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to Lord Rama and named after the saint poet Tulsi Das. It displays the Shikhara style of architecture and exhibits various inscriptions from the Ram Charit Manas on the walls of the temple.    Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique shrine dedicated to our country, Mother India. The temple has no deities, only a relief map of the country carved in marble. The temple was the brainchild ofBabu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter. It was built in 1936 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, and has ever since been the only one in the world dedicated to a country.  Durga temple: Located near the Durga Ghat on the bank of the River Ganga, Durga Temple was built in the 18th century. It houses an imposing idol of Goddess Durga and is one of the main temples in Varanasi. After temple tour, proceed to the railway station/airport to board the flight/train for the onward Destination.

Departure