Day 1 – Arrival In Varanasi, Visit To Sarnath, & Ganga Aarti
Welcome to the holy city of Varanasi! Upon arriving at the railway station, you will receive assistance with getting to the hotel for check-in.
After check-in, you will take a trip to Sarnath. This is where the Buddha gave his first sermon at Deer Park. During this time, you will be able to see several different types of attractions; including the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and several Buddhist Temples, along with the Archaeological Museum.
After the daytime excursion, you will take a boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the evening ceremony of Ganga Aarti. While at this location, you will experience the beauty of the illuminated ghats, along with the power of rhythmic chanting, and various spiritual practices that happen here in Varanasi on a daily basis.
Overnight accommodations in Varanasi hotel.
Day 02: Sunrise Boat Ride, Temple Tour & Journey To Bodhgaya
The trip will start by taking a quiet sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River. You will feel the spiritual pulse of Varanasi as people pray, and the ghats come to life with their morning rituals.
After you have had breakfast you will join a tour of some of the world’s most important and famous temples including Kashi Vishwanath Temple; Annapurna Temple; and Bharat Mata Temple; Singapore Hanuman Temple; and Tulsi Manas Mandir. You will also be able to drive through the campus of Banaras Hindu University.
Later you will depart Varanasi and take a scenic drive to one of the birthplaces of Buddhism – Bodh Gaya. You will check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 03: Bodhgaya & Gaya Sightseeing – Return To Varanasi
Visit the sacred sites of Bodhgaya; that includes the Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree, where Buddha achieved enlightenment, along with locations such as Sita Kund, Janki Temple and other religious sites. Then visit Gaya, an important Hindu pilgrimage destination, to see Vishnupad Temple, which is said to have the footprint of Vishnu; then visit the various international monasteries such as Japanese, Chinese, and Tibetan, and end up at the both of the peaceful Phalgu River. Finally head back to Varanasi for overnight accommodations.
Day 04: Varanasi To Ayodhya And Then To Prayagraj Transfer
You will have breakfast early in the morning before traveling to Ayodhya, the Hindu birth place of Lord Rama, it is one of India’s most holy pilgrimage destinations. Upon arrival, visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and take a ceremonial dip in the Sarayu River.
While in Ayodhya, you will also visit some of the other religious sites such as Hanuman Garhi Temple, Kanak Bhawan Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan Building, and Sita Ki Rasoi Kitchen.
After exploring Ayodhya, you will travel to Prayagraj for the evening. At the hotel in Prayagraj you will spend the night.
Day 05: Prayagraj To Chitrakoot Tour
Following breakfast commence a visit to Chitrakoot, the holy city as spoken of in the Ramayana.
Visit many holy places including Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Kamadgiri Hill and the Gupt Godavari caves with the peace that surrounds you and the belief in the myths associated with these holy sites.
After completing your day tour; return to Prayagraj for hotel accommodation and dinner.
Day 06: Prayagraj City Tour and Drive Back to Varanasi
After having breakfast, visit the holy Triveni Sangam (the meeting of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers). Participate in ceremonies and appreciate the spirituality of the Triveni Sangam.
Other sites of interest to see include the Hanuman temple, Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhawan.
In the evening, drive back to Varanasi for the night in your hotel.
Optional boat ride back will be arranged for you to enjoy a unique perspective of the river as you go.
Day 07: Departure from Varanasi
Have a good breakfast and enjoy some free time before you continue on your way to the airport or the railway station. You will depart from Varanasi.
