Day 1: Arrival transfer + Northern Bazar Walk tour + Attend evening aarti ceremony

On arrival at Varanasi airport, meet with our company assistance and transfer to your hotel. Later start from your hotel at 04:00 PM and start your day with Northern Bazar Walk. Exploring the Northern Bazaar area in Varanasi can be a fascinating experience as it gives you a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture, ancient architecture, and bustling markets. See Kachori Gali [Food Street], Thatheri Bazaar, Perfume Market, Flower market, Manikarnika Ghat [Cremation Ground]. Later after this walk into a private balcony of Dashwasamedh Ghat to sit on private chairs reserved with the best view of the aarti ceremony. As the sun dips below the horizon in Varanasi, the Ghats of the Ganges come alive with the Evening Aarti Ceremony. Flames dance in the hands of devout priests, hymns fill the air, and incense weaves mysticism. A mesmerizing spectacle unfolds, where ancient rituals bridge the earthly and the divine, captivating hearts. After this return back to hotel around 08:30 PM. Enjoy your dinner and stay overnight.

Day 2: Sunrise boat ride + Visit to some major Temples + Visit to Sarnath

05:00 AM pick-up from your hotel lobby and drive to river Ganges. Embark on a private a private hand rowing boat for an enchanting journey that transcends time and space with a Sunrise Boat Ride in Varanasi. Varanasi boat ride at the time of sunrise from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat is the most resplendent ride that takes you across heritage of Varanasi. After this visit to Banaras Hindu University (BHU)'s Birla Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple & Mother India Temple etc. Return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast and freshen up.

Later in the afternoon visit to Sarnath - is a sacred pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Echoes of enlightenment permeate the ancient stupas, serene gardens, and the Dhamek Stupa. You will see here Ruins of Sarnath, Buddha Temple, large Buddha statue, Archaeological Museum and deer park etc. After this return back to hotel and stay overnight.

Day 3: Varanasi to Prayagraj

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Prayagraj (125 KMS: 2-3 Hours). Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology as Prayag, the confluence (Sangam) of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. According to Hindu beliefs, this confluence was chosen by Lord Brahma for the Prakrishta Yajna, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites. Upon arrival in Prayagraj, check-in at your hotel and relax.

Later, visit the Triveni Sangam, where the confluence of the three rivers creates a sacred site for pilgrims and hosts numerous rituals and fairs throughout the year, including the renowned Kumbh Mela. Explore Mahavir Mandir, one of the oldest temples in Prayagraj, and Anand Bhavan, the former residence of the Nehru family, now a museum showcasing artifacts and articles from India's Independence movement. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on the spiritual and historical significance of Prayagraj.

Day 4: Day Excursion to Chitrakoot

After breakfast, embark on a same-day excursion to Chitrakoot, a town located 120 kilometers away (3-4 hours one way) in the state of Madhya Pradesh, known for its religious and cultural significance. Begin your visit with the Kamadgiri Parikrama, a sacred circumambulation around the Kamadgiri mountain, believed to fulfill the desires of pilgrims. Then, visit Ram Ghat along the banks of the Mandakini River, a revered spot where Lord Rama is said to have bathed during his exile. Explore the Bharat Milap temple, marking the place where Lord Rama reunited with his younger brother Bharat. Visit the Sati Anusuya Ashram, dedicated to the wife of sage Atri, where the Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) is believed to have appeared in response to Anusuya's devotion.

Next, explore Janaki Kund, a sacred pond associated with Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, who is believed to have bathed there. Visit Gupt Godavari, a cave temple where Lord Rama and Lakshmana are said to have held court. Inside the cave, you will find small naturally formed footprints, believed to be those of Lord Rama. If time permits, consider visiting Chitrakoot Falls, also known as the Niagara Falls of India, a beautiful natural attraction located a bit outside Chitrakoot. Lastly, trek to Hanuman Dhara, a waterfall where it is believed that Lord Hanuman created a stream of water to cool Lord Rama and Lakshmana.

After a day filled with spiritual and natural wonders, return to your hotel in Prayagraj and stay overnight.

Day 5: Prayagraj to Ayodhya + Sightseeing

Early in the morning start the drive to Ayodhya (170 KMs: 3-4 hours).

Ayodhya is one of the major holy cities of Hinduism - the world's 3rd largest religion. It has a central role in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, whose protagonist Lord Rama is God incarnated on Earth as the prince of Ayodhya. The epic describes Lord Rama's 14 year exile, his victory over evil and his grand return with his wife Sita to Ayodhya to become king. This return to Ayodhya is celebrated as Diwali, the leading festival of hundreds of millions of Hindus world-wide. Consequently Lord Rama's reign over Ayodhya and its surroundings, called Ram Rajya, is the epitome of good governance and moral society in the Hindu tradition.

Start the sightseeing with a visit to Ramjanam Bhoomi – Main temple premises. Home to a bevy of places holding religious value, Ayodhya is the harbinger of sacrilegious pilgrimage that attracts tourists from all corners in huge numbers around the year. First, we will take you to Ram Janma Bhumi which is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Later, we will take you to Hanuman Garhi- An architectural beauty. The Hanuman Garhi temple’s centralized location in the city of Ayodhya makes it an accessible and trip defining site to visit. A favorite among frequenters, you explore religious nuances with the visual beauty of the temple at the same time. Later visit Jain Shrines- The birthplace of Lord Rama also has a pleasant revelation in the form of Jain shrines that reaffirms co-existence of all religion in the city and India at large. Also visit Kanak Bhawan - The images of Lord Ram and Sita wearing gold crown captivates your attention once you step in Kanak Bhawan temple. Being in the same vicinity as Hanuman Garhi, it sees tourists flocking to the temple every year in large numbers.

After this reach at Ram ki Paidi. The banks of the holy Sarayu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, host a series of ghats known as Ram Ki Padi. Every day, a large number of pilgrims visit to take a sacred bath in the pure waters of the Sarayu. The riverfront, especially illuminated during floodlit nights, presents a majestic spectacle. Walk through these steps and sands to have a feel of where Lord Rama used to play and often used to come in his daytime.

Enjoy a 30-minute boat ride at the Saryu River. After this in the evening visit to Swarg Dwar Ghat. As twilight descends, Swarg Dwar Ghat comes alive with rhythmic chants and devotional fervor. Witness the enchanting evening Aarti Ceremony here, one of the most profound spiritual experiences in Ayodhya. Get there early to walk around the ghats with our knowledgeable tour guide and immerse yourself in age-old traditions.

Return back to the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 6: Same Day Excursion to Chhapaiya

Embark on a day excursion from Ayodhya to Chhapaiya, delving into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Uttar Pradesh. Begin your journey with an early breakfast at your hotel in Ayodhya, preparing for a scenic drive to Chhapaiya, located approximately 25 kilometers away and about an hour's drive.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical wonders of Chhapaiya:

Start at the Janaki Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Sita, believed to be her birthplace and a site of immense religious importance. Explore the intricately designed Dashrath Mahal, a palace built by King Dashrath, showcasing stunning architecture and deep historical significance.

Visit Sita Ki Rasoi, a sacred site where legend holds that Sita cooked meals during her time in Chhapaiya. Then, proceed to Bharat Kund, a holy pond named after Lord Rama's brother Bharat, known as a place where Bharat used to bathe.

Conclude your exploration at Shringi Rishi Ashram, an ancient hermitage where Sage Shringi is said to have performed penance.

After a fulfilling day discovering these significant sites and absorbing the spiritual atmosphere of Chhapaiya, return to Ayodhya in the late afternoon. Reflect on the day's experiences and the profound cultural connections to the epic tales of the Ramayana.

Day 7: Departure Transfer

Morning will be at leisure, later at an ideal time transfer to Ayodhya airport or railway station to catch your flight or train for onward destination.

Feel free to fill out the form on the right-hand side or send us an email at tours@tourvaranasi.com with your arrival and departure flight/train timings. This will allow us to create a customized itinerary and provide you with a tailored quote for your Varanasi visit. We're here to ensure your travel plans are perfectly suited to your needs and preferences.