Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

Upon your arrival at Varanasi Airport or Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your pre-booked hotel. After a smooth check-in process, you will have time to freshen up before beginning your evening tour. The spiritual heart of the city beats on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, and your first experience will be a boat ride.

The boat ride on the Ganges provides a unique perspective of the city's ancient ghats, each with its own story and significance. Starting from either Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat, you will glide along the serene water, observing the daily rituals, vibrant life, and historical architecture that line the riverbank. This is an ideal way to prepare for the main event of the evening.

The grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a mesmerizing spiritual ceremony performed every evening. With the sounds of hymns and ringing bells filling the air, priests perform rituals with choreographed movements using large lamps. The sight of thousands of devotees, coupled with the glow of the lamps reflecting on the river, creates a powerful and unforgettable experience of devotion and faith. The Ganga Aarti takes place at sunset, usually around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

After the aarti, you will have dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel and stay overnight in Varanasi.

Day 2: Varanasi Sightseeing and Sarnath Excursion

Your day will begin with an early morning boat ride on (Optional) the Ganges, a truly magical experience. This sunrise boat ride offers a peaceful and intimate view of the city as it awakens. You will witness devotees performing their morning ablutions, prayers, and yoga on the ghats, offering a profound glimpse into the daily life and spirituality of Varanasi.

After returning from the ghats, you will visit some of the city's most revered temples. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, a highly sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Nearby, you will find the Annapurna Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Food, and the Vishalakshi Temple, a significant Shakti Peeth. These temples are open daily from early morning until late evening, typically from around 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with a few hours of closure in the afternoon.

Later, you will visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, featuring a marble relief map of the country instead of a traditional deity. The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Following this, you will visit the serene campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to see the New Vishwanath Temple, a modern replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The afternoon will be dedicated to a spiritual excursion to Sarnath, located approximately 10 kilometers away, which takes about 30 minutes to reach.

Sarnath is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Here, you will visit the Dhamek Stupa, a massive cylindrical structure that marks the spot of this significant event. The stupa is open from sunrise to sunset. You will also visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist artifacts, including the Lion Capital of Ashoka, India's national emblem. The museum is closed on Fridays and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Your tour will also include a brief visit to the local Hanuman temple. The rest of your evening is free for exploring local food, walking the streets, or enjoying some silk shopping. Dinner choice outside/hotel, You will stay overnight in Varanasi.

Day 3: Varanasi to Chitrakoot

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and begin your road journey to Chitrakoot. The drive covers a distance of approximately 260 kilometers and takes around 6-7 hours, with short breaks for tea and snacks en route.

Chitrakoot is a revered pilgrimage center, deeply linked to the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana spent a significant part of their exile here.

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and then visit the city's key spiritual sites.

Ramghat is a sacred ghat on the Mandakini River, known for its tranquil atmosphere. The evening aarti here, though smaller than Varanasi's, is a beautiful and peaceful ceremony that you may be able to witness depending on your arrival time. The ghats are open 24/7. Hanuman Dhara is a temple located on a hill, with a sacred stream of water falling on the statue of Lord Hanuman, believed to have been created by Lord Rama to quench Hanuman's thirst. It is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Your tour will also include a visit to the Gupt Godavari caves, which are a set of two caves with an underground stream of water, believed to be the river Godavari flowing secretly. The caves are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You will have dinner (outside / hotel) and stay overnight in Chitrakoot.

Day 4: Chitrakoot to Ayodhya

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and proceed with your drive to Ayodhya, a journey of approximately 270 kilometers that takes around 6-7 hours. Ayodhya holds immense significance as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel. In the evening, you will begin your tour of the city.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is the most important pilgrimage site in Ayodhya, dedicated to Lord Rama at his birthplace. The newly constructed temple is a magnificent structure that attracts millions of devotees. Visiting the temple is a profoundly spiritual experience for followers of Hinduism. The temple is open daily with specific timings for darshan in the morning and evening, which can be subject to change.

Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple located on a hill and dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is a traditional belief that devotees must first visit this temple to seek the permission of Lord Hanuman before visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi. The temple offers a panoramic view of the city. It is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. You can also visit the Saryu River Ghat in the evening, where you have the option to witness a peaceful aarti. The ghats are accessible 24/7.

You will have dinner and stay overnight in Ayodhya.

Day 5: Ayodhya Sightseeing and Departure

After breakfast, you will check out from the hotel and visit a few more significant temples in Ayodhya before your departure.

Kanak Bhawan is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. The temple is believed to have been gifted to Sita by Rama's stepmother, Kaikeyi. The main deities are depicted as wearing golden crowns, and the temple's architecture is a fine example of Hindu craftsmanship. It is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Treta Ke Thakur Temple is another revered site believed to be where Lord Rama performed a grand yagna after his victory over the demon king Ravana. The temple has statues of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and Bharat. The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Nageshwarnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been established by Kusha, the son of Lord Rama. The temple is highly revered by local devotees and is a significant pilgrimage site. It is open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

After your sightseeing, you will be transferred to the Ayodhya Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey. This marks the end of your divine tour with cherished memories.

Important Traveler Tips:

For a journey through these sacred cities, keeping a few key tips in mind will ensure a smoother and more meaningful experience. Due to the spiritual nature of the tour, it is highly recommended to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites. You should also be prepared to remove your footwear before entering all temples and many homes and shops. The itinerary includes long road travel days, so it is important to be prepared for this and to carry snacks and water for the journey. To stay hydrated and safe, drink only bottled or filtered water throughout your trip and exercise caution with street food. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash, as many smaller vendors, especially in Chitrakoot and Ayodhya, may not accept digital payments. Given the popularity of these pilgrimage sites, be prepared for crowds, especially at major temples and during aartis, and be mindful of your belongings in such areas.