Tour code N042: North India Pilgrimage

Day 1: Arrival Delhi by flight

Arrive by International flight, after traditional ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.Overnight at Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 2: Delhi – Ayodhya by Flight @ 1335/1455 Hrs

Today morning after breakfast, we timely transfer to airport for board the flight to Ayodhya (also Oudh or Awadh), an ancient city, is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. In the Ramayana, Lord Rama was born here during the reign of his father, Dasaratha, in what was then a prosperous, well-fortified city with a large population. In traditional history, it was the early capital of the kingdom of Kosala, while, in Buddha’s time (6th-5th century BCE), Shravasti became the kingdom’s chief city. Scholars equate Ayodhya with the city of Saketa, where the Buddha is said to have briefly lived. Its later importance as a Buddhist centre was attested by the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-hsien in the 5th century CE who saw 100 monasteries here. Other monuments, including a stupa (shrine), were apparently built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

On arrival at airport, our representative meets & transfers to hotel. Overnight Hotel – Ayodhya (B)

Day 3: In Ayodhya

Today morning after breakfast, we proceed to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is one of the major attractions in Ayodhya. The place is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Ram the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The original temple was said to have been demolished by the Mughal emperor Babur in 1528 AD and built a mosque at the site. The mosque however was demolished in 1992 and the area has since been a ground of dispute among the Hindus and the Muslims in India.

Later we proceed to visit the Hanuman Garhi – One of the most famous temples in Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi is dedicated to the mighty Monkey God Lord Hanuman and was built by the Nawab of Awadh. The temple is characterized by the 70 steep steps that should be scaled in order to reach the temple complex. Vikramaditya got a temple constructed which later on came to be known as Hanuman Garhi. It is believed that Lord Hanuman (Pavan Putra) lived here guard Ayodhya. You will find here a beautiful idol of Bal (young) sitting on lap of Maa Anjani at the main temple. Overnight Hotel – Ayodhya (B)

Day 4: Ayodhya – Prayagraj (175 Kms – 04 Hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, we drive to Prayagraj – Situated at the confluence river Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati, Prayagraj holds the world’s largest congregation of devotee’s, Kumbh Mela which give an altogether unique experience.

After check in, we proceed to visit the The meeting point or the confluence of three of the most important rivers in the Hindu religion, Triveni Sangam, The rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Sarawati meet at the Sangam. Every 12 years, an incredibly auspicious festival called the Kumbh Mela is organized at this location, while every six years, the Ardh Kumbh is hosted here. Hindus take a dip at the place where the rivers meet, believing that touching the holy water washes away the sins of all births. The Sangam can be easily identified by the varying colors of the Ganges and the Yamuna river, the latter of which has slightly greenish water.

Also visit the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple – Also called Lete Hanuman Mandir, the shrine is an underground pit which houses an enormous image of Lord Hanuman in a lying position. This is the only Lord Hanuman temple in the world the idol in reclining position. Another interesting thing to know about this popular Hindu temple in Prayagraj, is that one side of Lord Hanuman’s statue is half immersed in the water of the River Ganges. In the monsoon season when the water level rises, it is believed that the water of the river rises to touch the feet of the deity. During this time, a lot of devotees come to visit this sacred sight. Inside the temple, there is a sanctum which houses the idol of Lord Hanuman which lies 8.1 feet below the shrine. Overnight Hotel – Prayagraj (B)

Day 5: Prayagraj – Varanasi (120 Kms – 03 Hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, drive to 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.

In evening before sunset, you will be proceeding to Dashashwamedh Ghat to enjoy Ganga Aarti. This ritual takes place every evening during sunset. During this ritual,priests perform synced Rituals and thousands of small oil lamps are let to float on a leaf on the river. The river will be filled with small balls of fire like the sky. It is an iconic attraction of Varanasi.Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 6: In Varanasi

Today early morning during sunrise we start our day with a 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 add to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rise, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.

After boat ride, we followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath temple), Annapurna Devi Temple. Return back to Hotel for Breakfast.Half Day Excursion

Later today we take an excursion to 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. customs return hotel after breakfast.

Later we proceed to visit main temples of Varanasi city. Durga Temple: It is commonly known as the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys that have made it their home. It was built in the 18th century by a Bengali maharani and is stained red with ochre. The small temple is built in North Indian Nagara style with a multi-tiered shikharas (spires). This temple is also closed to non-Hindus, however, you can look down on the temple from a walkway at the top..

Bharat Mata Temple
The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. It is located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble.

Sankat Mochan Temple
Sankat Mochan temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. It is located in the southern part of Varanasi, near the Banaras Hindu University. It is dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The word “Sankat Mochan” means one who helps in removing sufferings i. e. Lord Hanuman. Tulsidas, the author of the famous Hindu epic Ramacharitamanasa, founded the Sankat Mochan temple. According to Hindu mythology, one who visits the Sankat Mochan temple regularly, his wishes get fulfilled.

Tulsi Manas Temple
Tulsi Manas temple is one of the most famous temples of Varanasi. It is also an important tourist attraction of the holy city. The Tulsi Manas temple is located near the famous Durga temple. It was built in white marble in the year 1964. The temple has been made more charming by the magnificent landscaping around it. The Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram. It is believed to be built at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous Indian epic, Ramcharitamanasa. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitammanasa, the Hindi version of the Ramayana. The temple is open from 5.30 AM to noon and 3.30 to 9 PM.

New Vishwanath Temple in BHU
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 marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University. The most important characteristic of the new Vishwanath temple is that it is open to people from all castes and religions. The huge campus of New Vishwanath Temple is a delight to the eyes of visitor. The interior has a Siva lingam and verses from Hindu  scriptures are inscribed on the walls. Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

Day 7: Varanasi – Delhi by flight @ 1622/1740 Hrs ,Today morning after breakfast, explore the city, after that timely transfer to airport for board the flight for Delhi, on arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 8:  Delhi DepartureToday morning after breakfast, we timely transfer to Delhi airport for onward journey with sweet memories of a wonderful trip.

Our Tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & ensures a punctual transfer to the Airport for onward travel.

!!Tour Concludes with Happy Memories of North India Pilgrimage!!