Kashi Ayodhya Tour 4N 5D 4*

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Included Meals

Breakfast

Trip Staff

Driver

Transport

Car

Accomodation

Deluxe

Destination

Uttar Pradesh

Trip Pace

Moderate

Group Size

6 - 8

Rating

4 Stars

About this tour

Discover the holiest pilgrim sites in India, Explore the boundless energy of the Jyotirlinga and Learn their importance in our lives. It is a common belief that a person who is fortunate to visit all the 12 Jyotirlingas during their lifetime is released from all karmic debt backlog and attains moksha. The 12 Jyotirlingas are associated with each of the 12 zodiac signs and visiting the one associated with a person’s sun sign is recommended . The Lingam is the infinite creation of energy, it is represented by a round stone (symbolic of the dome of the sky) and sitting in the yoni (representing the earth). Sometimes it has a more phallic presentation symbolic of the interwoven divine male and female energies. There are twelve Jyotirlinga temples found throughout India, which are naturally occurring Lingas. These are places where the Linga was found and a temple was built around it. The found Linga already had the power of Shiva within it, it did not need pranipratishta to awaken it or instill Shiva’s energy into it. The jyotirlinga represents the atman (Soul). Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.

Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya 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. Each year, when homes and cities are decorated with lamps during the festival of Diwali, people all over India celebrate the homecoming of Lord Rama, his return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. Similiarly, 22nd January 2024 is going to become a historical day for the inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, also known as Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya Dham. The long-cherished dream of building the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has come true.

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Included/Excluded

Accommodation for 4 nights, 2 nights at Varanasi and 2 nights at Ayodhya.
Price on twin sharing basis.
VIP darshan at all temples as per availability.
Local sight-seeing with local guides at all locations as per availability.
Airport and hotel transfers.
All sightseeing and airport transfers

International or domestic air tickets
Tips, Gratuities and GST charges as applicable
Portage
Photo and video charges
Any services not included in the itinerary

Cancellation Fee

Air tickets cancellation will be as per airline policy.
Tour Cancellation prior 45 days to departure – no charges apply.
Tour Cancellation prior 30 days to departure – 25% charge of the total tour cost.
Tour Cancellation prior 21 days to departure – 50% charge of the total tour cost.
Tour Cancellation prior 15 days to departure – 100% charge of the total tour cost

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Varanasi check into the hotel. After relaxation and depending on time of arrival we head for VIP darshan of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Afterwards we do darshan at the Sankat Mochan Mandir, dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river.
Watching Evening Aarti Ceremony is certainly once in a lifetime experience. The spectacular event must be viewed from the Dasawamedh Ghat, where beautiful rituals unfold themselves in front of your eyes. Brass lamps of large sizes are used during this event, which is accompanied by chants and crowds of people waiting to pray.
Visit at least an hour before the Aarti if you want to gather the experience at its best. At this time, you can witness how five elevated planks are placed at the edge of the steps of the Ghats and brass lamps are cleaned and readied for the occasion.
It is also interesting to watch how priests don identical dhotis and kurta for prayer and Aarti ceremony. Those who wish to click pictures from their cameras should visit the Ghats in evening boats, as this will allow one to easily capture everything in attention.
These brass lamps are quite heavy, almost four and half kilograms in weight. Therefore, make sure you carry one only if you are able to hold it in the crowds. As soon as they are lit, spectacular images are formed. The night sky shines with radiance of these lamps while incense sticks will fill the atmosphere with aroma of different types. The Aarti ceremony is performed every night and a 45 minute ritual is held for the same. The usual time it is 6: 45 in the evening.
Overnight at Doubletree By Hilton Varanasi or similar

Rowing boat rides during the dawn is perhaps one of the best things to do in Varanasi. The ride along Ganges River offers the quintessential Varanasi experience. It takes one through different Ghats and former palaces situated close to the banks of Ganges, giving a panoramic view of this River and the region.
The best time to enjoy boat ride of the Ganges River is from 5:30 AM to 8 AM. This is when the colour and clamour of the place will enthral you. Travellers will be surprised to see that the city is awake and cheery even during 5 in the morning.
Morning experience of the boat ride will leave an indelible imprint on your heart, especially because you will get to see the faith that people have in River Ganges. During the ride, don’t be surprised to see Sadhus and pilgrims bathing and performing prayers in front of you. This entire ride will unfold the religious significance of Varanasi and why River Ganges is revered all over the world.
Mostly, an hour long boat ride is ideal to give the traveller a taste of what this city has to offer. It usually starts from Dasawamedh Ghat, goes to the Harishchandra Ghat and then back. In the evening, you can see how women from all over the world light lotus flower candles and set it adrift in water. You can also opt for Ganges Aarti ceremony at the Dasawamedh Ghat. Travellers can access boats from Manmandir area.
Just a few kilometres away from Varanasi, is the sleepy village of Singhpur. While Varanasi is a Hindu religious centre, Singhpur’s Sarnath is a Buddhist centre of religion. Visit to this village, which is known for its Buddhist monuments, is one of the best things to do in Varanasi and nearby areas. Sarnath is also referred to a deer park, which is the place where Gautama Buddha first came and taught about the concept of Dharma.
This is where Buddhist Sangha received enlightenment. It is located in Singhpur, known as the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara in Jainism. Sarnath is certainly one of the best places near Varanasi, especially for those who are keen to learn more about history and religion in India.
It is where Emperor Ashoka erected a number of stupas and monuments for spreading Buddhism. The crumbling stupas here are a house of relics, manuscripts and fascinating inscriptions that can teach one a lot of Indian history, development of Buddhism and provide alternative theories such as Aliens and how they visited the earth.
A tour to Sarnath is usually for half a day and starts early in the morning. During the morning, one can revel in the beauty of Chaukhandi Stupa, which is one of the main stupas built by Ashoka after he converted into Buddhism.
Another main attraction is the Dhammek Stupa, made from a blend of stone and bricks. The stupa is 28 meters in diameter and has a height of 43.6 meters. Alternate theorist and historians from other countries suggest that the dome of this stupa indirectly refers to aliens and UFOs.
The intricate floral carvings of this stupa are reflective of early Gupta style of architecture. The other highlight of Sarnath is Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, which is a monument that showcases beautiful frescoes made a Japanese painter. This area is a rich repository of the culture and heritage of Buddhism. To gain more insight into Buddhism and to be enthralled by this history of this place, you can visit Sarnath Museum.
It is said to be the home of large number of relics that were excavated from Sarnath. The lion capital of Ashoka Pillar, which features on Indian emblem, is also showcased here.
Explore and do some shopping in Varanasi is the best thing to do on a free evening. The city is widely famous for its silk saris and ornate jewels. Visit the local market to buy different items of interest. The intricate pattern of floral designs and elaborate zari or thread work saris must be purchased from this beautiful place.
The local market here is filled with illustrious fine silk and apart from saris, one can buy shawls, carpets, stone inlay work, bangles and idols of Hindu or Buddhist deities. The main shopping areas to explore in this city include Vishwanath Lane, Thateri Bazaar, Chowk and Godowilia.
indulge in savoring the local food of Benares. If you are a gastronome, relishing the local food on the streets is one of the best things to do in Varanasi. Here you can start with a sumptuous breakfast of Kachori Sabzi at Ram Bhandar or Thatheri Bazaar or relish a plate of Baati Chokha.
If you are in a mood for snacking, Choora Matar and Meethe Gol Gappe will send you into a food coma. For your sweet tooth, there is the popular Makhan Malaiyoo or Nimish that is offered during the winter season in Varanasi.
Overnight at Doubletree By Hilton Varanasi or similar

Many eminent kings such as Ikshvaku, Prithu, Mandhata, Harishchandra, Sagar, Bhagirath, Raghu, Dileep, Dashrath and Ram ruled the capital city of Kosaldesh. It was during their reign, that the grandeur of the kingdom reached its pinnacle and epitomized Ram Rajya. Located on the east bank of River Saryu, Ayodhya is brimming with the remnants of a bygone era. The famous epics, Ramayan and Shri Ramcharitmanas exhibit the splendour of Ayodhya. An episode of Ramayan, a page of ancient history and a cluster of tourist attractions, this town has been a major centre for pilgrims, historians, archaeologists and students alike. Summers in Ayodhya between April and June is quite warm; sometimes the mercury rises up to 47°C. Winter from November to February is pleasant around to 10°C. The best time to plan a visit would be between October to March.
After an early breakfast we drive to Ayodhya approx. 5hrs (220 kms). En-route freshen up and lunch (optional). Upon reaching Ayodhya check-in hotel and relax. Evening we start our Ayodhya darshan with getting to know the history of this most revered place by visiting the Saryu river ghat and the rram ki Paidi. One of the most prominent waterways in Uttar Pradesh, the river finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Ved and Ramayan. Literally translating to 'that which is streaming', it flows through Ayodhya and is believed to, rejuvenate and wash away impurities off this religious town! Hundreds of devotees come here to take a holy dip throughout the year on various religious occasions. We visit Hanumangarhi, constructed in the shape of a fort and accessed by a flight of seventy - six steps, the 10th century ancient temple nestles in the centre of the pilgrim town. It has circular fortifications in each corner and is believed to be the spot where Lord Hanuman resided in a cave and protected the town. The temple has a golden idol of Lord Hanuman. Every day thousands of devotees visit Hanumangarhi to offer prayers and seek Lord Hanuman's protection from evils, and blessing for happiness and prosperity. Evening aarti darshan at Shri Nageshwarnath Temple. The presiding deity of Ayodhya is Lord Nageshwarnathji. It is believed that Lord Ram’s son, Kush, built the beautiful temple dedicated to him. The shivalinga ensconced here is said to be quite ancient. As per folklore, Kush was taking a bath in the Saryu River when his armlet fell in the water. After sometime, a nag kanya (snake woman) appeared and returned it to him. They fell in love with each other and Kush got the temple constructed for her. The present edifice of the temple was constructed in 1750 AD.
Overnight at Ayodhya in Hotel Park Inn or similar

After breakfast we visit the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan is dedicated to the great saint - poet Goswami Tulsidas Ji. Regular prayer meetings, devotional concerts and religious discourses are held here. The complex also houses Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan which has a large repository of literary compositions on GoswamiTulsidasJi. Ramleela is performed every day from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm at Tulsi Smarak Auditorium; it is a major attraction. We visit the Mani Parvat. It is believed that when Lord Hanuman was carrying the huge mountain with Sanjivani Booti (a herb) to Lanka for the purpose of saving injured Lakhshman, brother of Lord Ram, some part of it fell in Ayodhya. The hillock, about 65 feet high, was later named as Mani Parvat. After lunch we visit the most revered temple sight in Hindu culture the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Tha Pran Pratishtha ceremony was held on January 22nd 2024 by the honourable Prime Minister of India. Ayodhya Ram Mandir has holy soil from 2587 regions, including popular places like Jhansi, Bithoori, Yamunotri, Haldighati, Chittorgarh, and the Golden Temple, each particle of soil contributes to the purity of the temple, connecting diffrent regions in a divine unity. Ayodhya Ram Mandir, a significant departure from traditional construction methods, has been built by only stones, according to the general secretary of Shriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. This unique approach ensures the temple’s structural integrity for millennia, showcasing the strength of traditional methods. The Ram Mandir, a historical monument, features bricks with the sacred inscription ‘Shri Ram’, a nod to ancient practices used in Ram Setu construction. The modern bricks promise enhanced strength and durability, reflecting the ancient practice of buoyancy on water. Ram Mandir, a Northern Indian temple, is designed in the Gujara-Chaulukya style, adhering to Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra principles, blending ancient wisdom with aesthetic grace. Thailand sent soil for Ram Lalla’s consecration ceremony on January 22, 2024, demonstrating international spiritual camaraderie and transcending geographical boundaries, reinforcing Lord Ram’s legacy’s universal resonance. The Ram Mandir, spanning 2.7 acres, features three floors with a ground floor detailing Lord Ram’s life, including birth and childhood. The first floor showcases Lord Ram‘s Darbaar, a visual spectacle made from Bansi Paharpur, a pink sandstone from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur. The Ram Mandir, spanning 360 feet in length and 235 feet in width, is a magnificent architectural marvel with a total height of 161 feet, including a peak, three floors, and 12 gates. The consecration ceremony on August 5th featured holy water from 150 Indian rivers, symbolizing a spiritual union and reflecting the diversity of India’s sacred waters, sourced from various rivers and locations.
Overnight at Ayodhya in Hotel Park Inn or similar

After breakfast check out and depart for your next destination.

Duration

Multi Day

Language

English

Hindi

Travel Guide

Our programs are completely flexible and based on the travellers preferences while keeping in mind the limited time available at the destination. Our local partners and guides ensure a smooth passage and a memorable holiday. Satisfaction Guaranteed !!!
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