The Best of Varanasi & Ayodhya with Prayagraj (Kumbh Mela Special)

Day 01ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...

Overnight Hotel – Delhi

Day 02DELHI – VARANASI {VANDEBHARAT TRAIN 22436@0600/14:00 HRS}

Morning transfer to Railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express (Breakfast to be served on board) Train is an indigenously manufactured, semi-high speed, and self-propelled train set. The train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, providing passengers with a faster, more comfortable and convenient travel experience. on arrival transfer to hotel for check in.

Varanasi; picturesquely situated on the banks of holy river Ganga. The city is the Oldest Living City of the World & traces of its existence are found around 10000 BC. Other than being a very holy city for Hindus, it also holds a very significant association with Buddha's life & Buddhism.

Evening Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat. (Not to Miss activities, highly recommended)
Evening on Varanasi’s riverbank, which lights up as thousands congregate to witness the aarti ceremony – one of the most popular and important rituals of the Hindu faith. Hear temple bells ring out as pilgrims chant and pray before a row of young Brahman priests who wave flaming oil lamps in worship of the Ganges. Watching this scene from the river is unforgettable!
Followed by shopping of Banarasi Silk Sarees have been an integral part of every North Indian bride’s trousseau since time immemorial. Varanasi, being one of the oldest places in the world.

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 03VARANASI

Early morning approx. 5:30- 0600 AM Start your DAY with a private boat ride on the river Ganges.  Rise before dawn & step gingerly in the boat as the boatman starts rowing the boat. Witness the daily miracle to unfold, as the Sun appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches & temple bells adds to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.

Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest among the sacred riverfronts, alongside the river Ganga. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation, when cremated here. 

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor project in Varanasi is aimed at transforming pilgrims' experience of the temple town.

Followed by Kashi Vishwanath (Darshan), the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith. 

Narrow lane Heritage walk tour of Varanasi, showcasing the best of the ancient city of Varanasi in true local style. Varanasi is one of the most colorful places on earth dotted with numerous temples and spirituality is at its core. Hence, Varanasi is rightly referred to as the “holy city of India. On this 3 + -hour tour, you’ll be exploring the heritage lanes of Varanasi city on foot. Explore the many narrow lanes of the city and get introduced to the city’s prominent highlights like the Manikarnika Ghat, the cremation site. During heritage walk includes life and bazar around Golden temple as well.

Also visit the Kaal Bhairav Mandir is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Varanasi, India. Situated in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, this temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism; especially amongst the locals.

Later drop at hotel for the breakfast, late morning proceed to visit Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, in 1916, through close cooperation with great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was established by the Parliamentary legislation.
H.U. Act 1915.
Followed by visit to the new Vishwanath temple of Varanasi is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). It is also called the Birla temple as the famous industrialist family of India, the Birlas, constructed it. The New Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and is a replica of the original Vishwanath temple. The temple is built in white marble, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University.

Also visit the SANKATMOCHAN TEMPLE, DURGA TEMPLE, BHARAT MATA TEMPLE, CHAURA MATA MANDIR.

Walk through the weaver’s district of Varanasi and learn about the life of the weavers and the process of hand weaving of the famous silk brocades and Banarasi sari. The handloom weaving traditions have found mention in Vedic and Buddhist literature. The transition from cotton to silk occurred around the 14th century, with Persian inspired motifs, such as the paisley, jhallar and the namavali becoming staples in the weaves. Banaras has become renowned as a specialist silk weaving centre, using gold and silver threads to create its unique warp and weft. One of the most sought-after luxuries, its lush saris have been desired by several generations.

 After noon proceed to visit Sarnath; the site of the deer park where Gautama Buddha is said to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism. It has been a premier centre for Buddhism & has a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics & antiques comprising numerous Buddha & Bodhisattva images on display at the Archaeological Museum.

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 04AYODHYA- PRAYAGRAJ (170 KMS / 4 HRS)

Kumbh Mela, “religious festival and pilgrimage rotating between four sacred rivers”
Post breakfast drive to Prayagraj; sanctity is manifest by references to it in Purans, the Ramayan and the Mahabharata. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator God of the Trinity, chose a land on earth(iePrayag) to perform ‘PrakristaYag’, at the beginning of the creation and he also referred to it as Tirth raj or the King of all pilgrimage centers’ As per writing of ‘PadamPuran’ – “As the sun is amongst the moon and the moon amongst the stars, likewise ‘Prayag is best amongst all places of pilgrimage”The bathing at Prayag is mentioned in Brahma Puran s “ in the month of Magha at the bank of Ganga Yamuna in Prayag bestows results of millions and millions of AshvmedhaYajna”). On arrival check into your Hotel.
The Kumbh Mela is a religious fair that takes place every four years in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. It is the world's largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims, and it attracts millions of people regardless of caste, creed, or gender. 

Later proceed to visit Triveni Sangam is a point where three rivers of religious importance- Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati meet. People can easily differentiate between the rivers as they maintain their original colours and this convergence point is considered as an auspicious junction as according to the Hindus, a bath here will help them wash away their sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth. This place is also super crowded during the religious festival- Kumbh Mela.

Rest of the time is free to explore on your own.

OVERNIGHT LUXURY TENTED ACCOMMODATION- PRAYAGRAJ (B, L,D)

Day 05PRAYAGRAJ - AYODHYA (170 KMS / 4 HRS APPROX)

Post breakfast, if time permits visit Anand Bhawan: The historical home of the Nehru Family Allahabad has always had that political touch dating back to independence struggle era. In the centre of the city, the home of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru is situated. The beautiful two-storied house is preserved and kept as it is. The house is also the same place where leaders like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi as well as Mahatma Gandhi once stayed.

Later drive to Ayodhya and on arrival transfer to hotel for check in. Ayodhya is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, revered because of its association in the great Indian epic poem Ramayana with the birth of Rama and with the rule of his father, Dasharatha. According to this source, the town was prosperous and well-fortified and had a large population. Nearly 400 pillars, 44 doors, and a brand-new idol of Lord Ram - the grand temple in Ayodhya was officially inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with hundreds of religious figures, politicians and Bollywood celebrities in attendance.

As the country witnesses the ceremony in the ancient city, here's a look back at how a 500-year dispute culminated in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Evening Guided Aarti at Sarayu River in Ayodhya. Evening 'Aarti' performed on the banks of Ayodhya's Sarayu River with full religious zeal. The devotees will have to reach Ram Janmabhoomi by taking the pass at 6:00 pm and they will be able to enjoy the evening Aarti to be held at 6:15 pm with devotion. There is a seating arrangement for 70 people in front of Ramlala in the premises, but in terms of security.

Overnight Hotel – Ayodhya (B)

Day 06AYODHYA

Post breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Ayodhya visiting;

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.

Ram Mandir; The Ram temple complex, built in the traditional Nagara style, will be 380 feet in length (east-west direction), 250 feet in width and 161 feet in height, Rai had said earlier. Each floor of the temple will be 20 feet high and have a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates. No iron is used anywhere in the construction of the temple.

Ram ki Paidi is actually a flight of steps on Nayaghat near the bank of the Saryu River where huge crowds of pilgrims and the devotees take a bath in the holy waters of the river. The original steps were washed away by the strong currents of the river. A new ghat with the steps was constructed by the joint effort of the then Chief Minister of UP, Shri Shripati Mishra, and his irrigation minister Shri Vir Bahadur Singh during the period 1984-1985.

Kanak Bhawan; Legend goes that Ram was coming home with his bride, Janaki, the beautiful daughter of Raja Janak. Kaikeyi was in a dilemma – what would be a good ‘mukh dikhai’ for the first daughter-in-law of Raja Dashrath? She didn’t want anyone to feel she was any less a mother to Ram than Maa Kaushalya, so, a palace for the newlyweds would be ideal, she thought. Kanak Bhawan, dating back to Treta Yug, is the beautiful palace that she gifted to Sita. The beautiful idols of Goddess Sita along with Lord Ram and his three brothers at Kanak Bhawan are a delight to sore eyes.

Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan; this place is famous for the Valmiki Ramayana which has been engraved beautifully on marble here. When a devotee’s wish is fulfilled, he comes here to submit text copies filled with ‘सीता राम’ written several thousand times, at the Ram Naam Bank.

Sita ki Rasoi; is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita herself. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels. One among the two kitchens revered in Sita's name, this Sita Ki Rasoi is a basement kitchen.

The devotees will have to reach Ram Janmabhoomi by taking the pass at 6:00 pm and they will be able to enjoy the evening Aarti to be held at 6:15 pm with devotion. There is a seating arrangement for 70 people in front of Ramlala in the premises, but in terms of security.

The rest of the time is free to explore BHAGWAN RAM JANM BHUMI….

Day 07AYODHYA - DELHI {AIR INDIA EXPRESS IX-1596 @1155/1320 HRS}

Transfer you to airport to board the flight to Delhi, and taking back an Exceptional PILGRIMAGE Travel Experience of INDIA.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.