MESMERIZING VARANASI WITH AYODHYA (03N/04D)

Upon arrival, meet and greet at Varanasi Airport/Railway Station and transfer to the Hotel.

Varanasi, or Banaras (also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi`s prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrevealed. Mark Twain, the English author and poet, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” The origins of Varanasi, the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati, are unknown. The Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Later in the evening, proceed for the Ganga Aarti at Ghat. 

Every evening, Ganga Aarti is carried out in three holy cities of India. They are Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. All three of them have different vibes and energies. It is said that you should be a part of all three Aartis once in your lifetime. The Aarti is always carried out facing the River Ganga. A lot of lamps are lit during the Aarti. They are usually circled out by priests. It is always done clockwise. The Aarti is always accompanied by different songs sung while praising the Ganga. It is believed that the lamps acquire the power of the deity.

Overnight Stay at Varanasi Hotel. 

Early morning boat ride tour will give you the real view of holy Varanasi, where you will see the morning rituals, special features of the various Ghats that you will pass along the way and burning ghat where the dead are cremated. (Boat Ride at Own Cost)

After your boat ride, visit the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple + Annapurna Temple.

After temple visit, Return back to hotel for breakfast. After Breakfast, Proceed for the Ayodhya.  

Ayodhya, located on the banks of river Sarayu in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the seven sacred cities for Hindus.

Ayodhya plays a critical role in the Hindu epic of Ramayana as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. This religious town is also the birthplace of four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras (religious teachers), beckoning tourists with its serene ghats.

Upon Arrival, Check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at Ayodhya Hotel. 

Early Morning, Have Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast, proceed for the Ayodhya Sightseeing. 

• Ramjanma Bhoomi: Ramjanma Bhoomi 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.

• Hanuman Garhi: Located in Sai Nagar, 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.

• Kanak Bhawan: The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the north-eastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Tulsi Nagar. Constructed in 1891, this temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar. It is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita.

• Sita Ki Rasoi: Sita Ki Rasoiis believed to be an ancient kitchen used by the goddess Sita herself. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels.

After Sightseeing, return back to Varanasi. Overnight Stay at Varanasi Hotel.     

Early Morning, Have Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed for the temple tour of Varanasi.

• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is situated by the River Assi and was built in the 1900s by the freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman.

• Tulsi Manas Mandir is dedicated to Lord Rama and named after the saint poet Tulsi Das. It displays the Shikhara style of architecture and exhibits various inscriptions from the Ram Charit Manas on the walls of the temple.

• Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique shrine dedicated to our country, Mother India. The temple has no deities, only a relief map of the country carved in marble. The temple was the brainchild of Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta, a freedom fighter. It was built in 1936 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, and has ever since been the only one in the world dedicated to a country.

• Durga temple:  Located near the Durga Ghat on the bank of the River Ganga, Durga Temple was built in the 18th century. It houses an imposing idol of Goddess Durga and is one of the main temples in Varanasi.

After temple tour, proceed to the railway station/airport to board the flight/train for the onward Destination.