Mesmerizing Varanasi with Ayodhya

Overview

Varanasi, also known as the spiritual capital of India, lies along the bank of the holy river Ganges. The city is famous for its ancient ghats, the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony conducted at Dashashwamedh Ghat, and the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Varanasi is a place for rituals, pilgrimage, classical music, and traditions. Ayodhya, a holy city and birthplace of Lord Rama, is one of the most popular pilgrimage cities in India. The city lies along the bank of the River Sarayu. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ghats, and religious ambiance make Ayodhya a symbol of devotion, mythology, and growing spiritual tourism.

Itinerary

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 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. Overnight Stay at Varanasi Hotel.

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, 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. Overnight stay at Ayodhya Hotel.

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, return back to Varanasi. Overnight Stay at Varanasi Hotel.

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 of Babu 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.

Inclusions

2 Night accommodation in Varanasi.
1 Night accommodation in Ayodhya.
Daily Breakfast.
Evening Ganga Aarti.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple.
Ramjanma Bhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Sita Ki Rasoi.
According to the tour itinerary, all transfers, sightseeing, and intercity travel will be conducted in an AC vehicle- Ac Swift Desire.
All vehicle and driver expenses, such as fuel, driver allowance, parking, and tolls.
Travel Insurance (valid for the age group till 60 Yrs.)

Exclusions

Any air or train fare.
GST 5%.
Any monument entrance tickets, camera fees, guide charges, joy rides, rickshaws for sightseeing, etc.
Any other meals and personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, internet, mineral water, tips, porterage, etc.
Kashi Vishwanath VIP Darshan/Sugam Darshan
Any type of Aarti tickets at Kashi Vishwanath Temple
River Cruise or Boat Ride at Varanasi/Ayodhya

Payment Policy

If booking is 30 days in advance from the travel date: Advance of 15% of the package cost required
If booking is between 30 days to 15 days in advance from the travel date: Advance of 30% of the package cost is required
If travel is within 15 days of the travel date: We will require 100% payment.

Cancellation Policy

30 days prior to arrival: 20% of the tour/service cost.
15 days prior to arrival: 20% of the tour/service cost.
7 days prior to arrival: 60% of the tour/service cost.
No refund if cancelled less than 48 hours before arrival.

Har Safar - Ek Nayi Kahani