Overview:
Often called the Spiritual Capital of India, Varanasi is a beautiful city promising you the perfect juxtaposition of adventure and tranquillity at the same time. Your adventure for the getaway would be to find spirituality within yourself. From Varanasi, the journey will take you to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first Sermon. From here, you will visit Gaya in all its glory. It is also considered as one of the most sacred pilgrim centres for the Buddhists in the world. Next, your journey would shift from the culturally and religiously significant Prayagraj, and you will visit the charms of history and spirituality engraved inthe temples at Ayodhya. In this journey, you will make fond memories of culture and spirituality blending with nature and beauty and wish to visit again, until next time.
Day to Day Travel Slate:
Day1:
Upon your arrival at Varanasi, the holy city of India, you will check-in to the hotel. Believed to be India’s spiritual capital, Kashi, also known as Varanasi, is the oldest living city of the world. Here, in the morning, you will take a holy bath in the River Ganga and perform rituals such as PindDaan, AsthiVisarjan, or PitruDaan. Your next visit will be to the sacredtemple of Sri Kashi Vishwanatha, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will spiritually feel at peace as you have your darshan at Kashi Temples. You will spend the rest of your evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the famousGanga Aarti is performed.The Aarti is a highly choreographed ceremony performed by the ghat by a group of young pandits. They chant hymns, blow on the conch shell, and light large flaming lamps, to praise the holy River Ganga. After this awe-inspiring show of spirituality, you will return to your hotel, where your overnight stay will be at Varanasi.
Day2:
The second day will bring you a city tour of Varanasi. The city, spread across the banks of river Ganges, is a labyrinth of narrow galis. Your first visit for the day will be atThe SankatMochan Hanuman Temple. Situated by the River Assi and built in the 1900s, The human temple is a popular tourist visit. Next,youwill visit the Asi Ghat, placed at the Rivers Assi and Ganga’s confluence. Quite well known for the large Shiva Lingamhoused under a peepal tree, it carries with itself great religious significance. Built-in the 8th century by the banks of the river Ganga at Durga Ghat, the well-known Durga Temple will be your next stop for the day. Next, you will pay a visit to the culturally significant Tibetan Temple. Carrying much history within its courtyard, this shrine with stunning Tibetan Architecture was where Lord Buddha taught his disciples the four truths of life. You will wrap up your day with a visit to Sarnath. About a 10km distance away from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centers. It is believed that Lord Buddha, after his Enlightenment, preached his first Sermon, sanctified as MahaDharm Chakra Parivartan, here. You will spend the rest of the evening enjoying boat rides at the Ganges. Your overnight stay will be at Varanasi.
Day3:
After a scrumptious breakfast, you will then be transferred to Bodh Gaya. Considered one of UNESCO World Heritage site and famous for its centuries old Bodhi tree, Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment, Bodhgaya is one of the most historically and culturally rich sites to visit. From there, you will proceed towards the Vishnupad Temple to perform rituals for your forefathers. In the afternoon, you will return to Varanasi for an overnight stay.
Day4:
Next morning, you will be transferred to Prayagraj. Formerly known as Allahabad, Prayagraj is one of the most important city for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Enroute, you will visit the city of Vindhyachal. Situated on the holy river Ganga bank, the city homes the temple of Maa Vindhyavasiniwhich holds great spiritual significance and faith for its devotees. From here, then you will proceed towards Sangam. The Sangam, or the confluence of the three rivers, the river Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, is said to be of great importance and holy. You will take a dip in this merging of the sacredrivers. Next, you will visit the Bade Hanuman Temple or also colloquially known as Lete hue Hanuman Temple. Made entirely underground, with a 20-feet long and 8-feet wide deity of Hanuman, this temple is unique. As theNehru family’s former residence, which has now been transformed into a museum, Anand Bhawan contains an important part of history within its walls and will be your next destination. Situated next to Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, Alopi Devi Temple is considered India’s holiest temple. Interestingly, the priests and the pilgrims do not pray to a deity in the temple but rather to a woodencot. A visit to this religiously significant tourist destination will wrap up your day. Your overnight stay will be at Prayagraj.
Day5:
The next morning, you will proceed towards one of India’s most significant holy places, often referred to as the birthplace of Rama, Ayodhya. Called as the Ram Janam Bhoomi, the city is mentioned in details in the Ramayana and holds special significance for the Hindu devotees. You will next visit the Hanuman Gadi Temple and Sarayu River. Your overnight stay will be at Ayodhya.
Day6:
Next day you will be transferred to the Airport or Railway Station as your trip comes to an end. You will return home with a heart filled with beautiful memories and a calm mind.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation with Breakfast and Dinner.
- Transportation.
- All Toll Tax, Parking, and Driver Allowances.
- All applicable Hotel and Transport taxes.
Exclusions:
- Airfare and train fare.
- All Personal Expenses, Optional Tours, and Extra Meals.
- Medical and Travel Insurance.
- Any Entry Fees not mentioned in Inclusions.
- Tips, Laundry Charges, Liquors, Mineral Water, and Telephone Charges.