Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi & Experience the Ganga Aarti Ceremony
Welcome to the spiritual capital of India—Varanasi! When you arrive by air or rail, you will be met and assisted with a smooth transfer to your hotel for check-in.
As you get settled in your hotel, you will have the opportunity to experience the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats of the Ganges River.
The synchronized ceremonial rituals, the diyas (lamps), and the chanting of hymns create a deeply powerful atmosphere that captures the soul of Varanasi. You may choose to witness the Ganga Aarti from a boat for a more intimate experience (additional charges for the boat will apply).
Overnight in Varanasi.
Day 02: Sunrise Boat Trip, Temple Trail, and Sarnath Tour
Your day will begin with a tranquil sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River. As you enjoy your ride, you will be able to see many people offering prayers to the sun as well as watch as the ghats come alive with various devotional activities and song – it truly is a spiritual experience like none other in Varanasi.
After your boat ride, you will be taken to visit some more temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir. Have a chance to see the beauty of Banaras Hindu University as you drive through its campus.
You will then move on to Sarnath (the location of Buddha’s first sermon), where you will have the opportunity to see several important historical locations such as the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
The evening is free to shop or visit any number of local markets in Varanasi.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Depart Varanasi to arrive in Bodhgaya, Buddhism’s spiritually significant place.
After breakfast, you will travel to Bodhgaya, one of the most highly regarded and sacred sites of pilgrimage for Buddhists around the globe. You will check into your hotel upon arrival at Bodhgaya.
The first place to visit is Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated near the Bodhi Tree, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment; you will also see the Great Buddha Statue, and you will also visit other spiritual sites such as Sita Kund, Janki Temple, Haleshwar Asthan and sites of significance to Buddism’s founding traditions.
You will stay overnight in Bodhgaya.
Day 04: Bodhgaya – Gaya – Return to Varanasi
You will visit Vishnupad Temple, which is said to have the footprints of Lord Vishnu, and see other temples and Buddhist monasteries in this area. After enjoying the views at the Phalgu River, you will return to Varanasi for the night.
Day 05: Varanasi to Ayodhya – The Land of Lord Rama
Once you arrive in Ayodhya, check into your hotel, explore Ram Janmabhoomi, and take a holy bath in the Sarayu River. Visit other significant temples like Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, and Sita Ki Rasoi before staying overnight in Ayodhya.
Day 6: Transitioning from Ayodhya to Prayagraj — Including a Heritage Tour of Prayagraj and Visit to the Sangam.
After breakfast, travel to Prayagraj. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel for some relaxation time.
Later in the day, you will get a chance to visit the Triveni Sangam — an area where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge. Here, you will participate in religious ceremonies that demonstrate how spiritually significant this holy place is.
Make sure to explore some of the other notable sites in Prayagraj, including: The Hanuman Temple, Anand Bhavan, and Swaraj Bhavan.
Stay overnight in Prayagraj.
Day 07: Departure – End of Your Sacred Journey
After having breakfast, you can spend your final moments on this Sacred journey and pray in your own way. After this, you will be taken to either the airport or Railway Station in Prayagraj or Varanasi, depending on where it is more convenient.
