Activities

VARANASI & PRAYAGRAJ - VARANASI TOUR

Two oldest cities in India that serve as the center for the Hindu religion are Varanasi and Allahabad, both located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Hindu mythology has a lot to do with these locations; further the presence of the River Ganga makes them all the more sacred for the Hindu pilgrims. You can simply indulge yourself in this spiritual journey through the package, Varanasi - Allahabad tour.

Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Kashi, the city of Moksha for Hindus since centuries, is known for its fine-quality silks, ‘paan’ and Benares Hindu University and Avimukta of the ancient days; Varanasi is the most popular pilgrimage point for the Hindus. One of the seven holiest cities, Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS  VARANASI – PRAYAGRAJ – BODHGAYA

DAY 01

ARRIVE VARANASI

Meeting by local representative on arrival and assistance at the airport, Transfer to hotel for check in. 

Overnight stay at hotel.

Note: Itinerary may defer depending on arrival time.

DAY 02

BREAKFAST

IN VARANASI

Very early morning proceed to Ganga River for ritual prayers which is a quite essential for Varanasi experience. The early morning lights are particularly very inspiring. The colours’ and clamor of pilgrims bathing and performing pooja unfolds before you. An hour long trip south from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Harishchandra Ghat and back is popular but one must be prepared to see the burning corpse at Harishchandra.

Return back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast visit the famous temples of Varanasi

Vishwanath Temple – The Kashi Vishwanath temple is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is enshrined in the temple, considered as one of the holiest temples of India. In Hindu religion it is believed that a simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life and puts it on the path of knowledge and Bhakti (devotion). A single darshan of Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is considered to merit more than the darshan of other jyotirlingas, scattered in various parts of India. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been a living picture of the timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values.

Kal Bhairav Temple - Kal Bhairav Temple is one of the ancient temples of Lord Shiva that can be found in Varanasi. The deity is portrayed as a man wearing garlands made with human skull. It is said that the death itself is afraid of this form of Lord Shiva. It is said that Kalbhairav decides who has to stay in Varanasi and who should not. People of Varanasi get permission from the deity before leaving the town for any reason. Anyone visiting Varanasi should visit the temple first and get permission to enter into Varanasi, according to folklore.

Vishalakshi Temple - The Vishalakshi Temple or Vishalakshi Gauri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vishalakshi, at Mir Ghat on the banks of the Ganges at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is generally regarded as a Shakti Pitha, the most sacred temples dedicated to the Hindu Divine Mother.

 Shri Durga Temple - Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Bengali Maharani.

Banaras Hindu University - Banaras Hindu University, formerly Central Hindu College, is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya. With over 30,000 students residing in campus, it claims the title of largest residential university in Asia.

In the evening take a boat ride on the Ganges River where you can light a lotus flower candle and set it adrift on the water before watching the nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat from the boat.

Back to hotel to relax and overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 03

BREAKFAST 

VARANASI – PRAYAGRAJ – VARANASI (130KM / 03HRS)

Allahabad now known as Prayagraj is a city in Uttar Pradesh state, north India, Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and "invisible" Saraswati rivers, is considered holy by Hindus. It’s near the 16th-century Allahabad Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In the fort are the ancient sandstone Ashoka Pillar, the underground Patalpuri Temple and a sacred banyan tree. The Allahabad Museum has Rajasthani miniature paintings.

After breakfast drive to Prayagraj.

Afternoon arrive at Prayagraj and visit:

 Allahabad Fort - Allahabad Fort is a fort built by the Mughal emperor Akbar at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1583. The fort stands on the banks of the Yamuna near its confluence with the river Ganges. It is recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.

Patalpuri Temple - Believed to have been visited by Lord Rama, the temple was also seen by the famous Chinese traveler and writer Hiuen Tsang during his visit to this place.

Ashoka Pillar - The pillars of Ashoka are a series of columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent, erected or at least inscribed with edicts by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his reign from c.  268 to 232 BC.

Akshaya Vat - Akshayavat or Akshay Vat ("the indestructible banyan tree") is a sacred fig tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, once the sage Markandeya asked Lord Narayana to show him a specimen of the divine power. Narayana flooded the entire world for a moment, during which only the Akshayavat could be seen above the water level.

Evening visit The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers

Thereafter return back to Varanasi hotel and overnight at hotel.

DAY 04

BREAKFAST

VARANASI - BODHGAYA (250KM / 06HRS)

Bodhgaya - Bodh Gaya is a village in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. Considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, it's dominated by the ancient brick Mahabodhi Temple Complex, built to mark the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment beneath a sacred Bodhi Tree.

After breakfast check out hotel and drive to Bodhgaya.

Upon arrival check in to hotel. Little relax and then proceed to visit:

Sujata Village - was believed to be the place where Prince Siddharta was offered with a bowl of kheer (rice milk) when resting under a Bayan tree, ailing, feeble and starved after practicing severe penance. The Prince recovered miraculously after bathing in the river and taking the food. After staying a day in Sal Grove, he proceeded to sit under a Pipal Tree in the evening, meditated and attained enlightenment at night.

Mahabodhi Temple – ("Great Awakening Temple"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient, but much rebuilt and restored, Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Evening back to hotel and overnight at hotel. 

DAY 05 

BREAKFAST 

BODHGAYA – VARANASI 

After breakfast check out hotel and proceed to Varanasi.

 En-route visit the following places of interest:

Sri Lankan Monastery - The grand and moated Sri Lankan Monastery contains elaborate and colourful murals depicting the life of Buddha.

Japan Nippon Temple - Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, this temple is known for its unique and exquisite Japanese architecture and is a perfect example of Buddhist traditions and culture. Housing beautiful Japanese paintings that trace significant events in Gautam Buddha’s life, this temple was built in the year 1972. In order to spread Buddhism, It is believed that the Japanese government funded this shrine in order to spread word about Buddhism and its teachings.

Burmese Temple - Flanked by a lush-green garden, the Burmese Vihara Monastery in Bodh Gaya is a must visit on your trip to the peaceful city. It boasts of a library which has a rich collection of books (in many languages).

Thai Temple - The Thai Monastery was established in 1957 with the idea of propagating the philosophies of Buddhism among the masses by the government of Thailand and Buddhist monks. This monastery exhibits the colors of the Thai culture and tradition with its architecture, rituals and the customs practiced here.

Chinese Temple - The Chinese Temple in Bodh Gaya was constructed by Buddhist monks. It enshrines a black idol of Buddha that was brought from China. This temple is famous for its Chinese architecture. Many devotees and monks visit this shrine on a huge scale.

Tibetan Monastery - Tibetan Monastery is another prime religious centre in Gaya that holds a significant place among Buddhists. Situated close to the Mahabodhi Temple, this monastery was established in the year 1938. The monastery is renowned for housing a 10-metre high dharmachakra (Wheel of Law), which is painted in golden and red. It is believed that rotating this wheel thrice from left to right can free one of all the sins he/she has committed. Another highlight of this site is the image of Maitreya Buddha, which as per Buddhists is the future incarnation of Lord Buddha.

Evening free for leisure or own activities.

DAY 06

VARANASI - ONWARD DESTINATIONS

After breakfast free day for own leisure for personal activities such as shopping etc.

Depending on the departure schedule, check out from hotel and transfer to airport/railways station for departure for onward destination.