The Best of Varanasi with Prayagraj, Ayodhya & Haridwar

Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the year
Destination Covered: Delhi – Mathura – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Varanasi – Sarnath- Prayagraj – Ayodhya- Lucknow

Places	Best Available Hotels
Delhi	The Oberoi
Haridwar	Pilibhit House
Varanasi	Taj Nadesar Palace
Ayodhya	Hotel Krinoscco
Lucknow	Taj Mahal Lucknow

Detailed Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary:-

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DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive by International flight, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the airport & transfer to hotel for check in.

Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. Come experience it...

OVERNIGHT HOTEL – DELHI

DAY 02: DELHI – HARIDWAR - RISHIKESH (220 KMS / 3.5 HOURS APPROX)
Post breakfast drive to Haridwar; is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage places. River Ganges enters the North Indian plains at Haridwar. Haridwar or 'Gateway to Gods' is also known by the names of Mayapuri, Kapila and Gangadwar. Hindu pilgrims and devotees gather at Haridwar to offer prayers on auspicious occasions. The water of River Ganga is considered so sacred at Haridwar that pilgrims carry back the water from the Ganges.on arrival check into your Hotel.

Mansa Devi temple, temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars takes devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.
Shantikunj is a world-renowned ashram and the headquarter of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) located in Haridwar. The Shantikunj ashram has Yagya shala, Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya Temple, temples of ancient Rishis and an Exhibition of Divine Culture.

In evening observe witness spectacular view of evening (Aarti) at Har Ki Pauri, sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund.

Later, transfer to Rishikesh Hotel.

OVERNIGHT HOTEL – Rishikesh (B)

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DAY 03: RISHIKESH
Optional: - Start your day with a personal introduction to yoga / meditation class (Maximum 90 minutes) which will rejuvenate you “India is known for its ancient knowledge of yoga all over the world since time immemorial”.

Post breakfast proceed for city tour of Rishikesh visiting Laxman Jhula; suspension Iron Bridge Lakshman Jhula was built in 1929. This is where Rama's brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings & the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.

Janki Jhula; this bridge is named after the wife of Lord Rama. Janki Setu (bridge) has been constructed keeping in mind the safety of the travelers on foot as well as vehicles. It is 274 mt long and It is the first three-lane suspension bridge of Rishikesh, which is wide enough to have separate lanes for pedestrians and vehicles. Its proximity with the prominent Ram Jhula makes it a must-visit for travellers.

Ram Jhula; another suspended bridge close to Lakshman Jhula is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently built between Shivanand & Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the Lakshman Jhula. It is also known as Shivanand Jhula.

Geeta Bhavan; famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the Lakshman Jhula.

In the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is organized and performed by ashram residents, particularly the children who are studying the Vedas there. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans, prayers, and a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to Agni, the fire god. The lamps are lit and the aarti takes place as the final part of the ceremony. The children sing along with the spiritual head of the ashram, in sweet, haunting voices. A huge statue of Lord Shiva overlooks the proceedings.

Rest of the time is free for relax.

Overnight Hotel – Rishikesh (B)

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DAY 04: DEHRADUN – LUCKNOW {INDIGO6E 305 @1130/1225 HRS APPROX}
Post breakfast, transfer to airport to board the flight to Lucknow. On arrival transfer to hotel. Lucknow is called the 'City of Adab'was the epicentre of the 1857 War of Independence, and much before that, it was the seat of a line of nawabs who gave the city its unique identity. Literature, cuisine, performing arts and tehzeeb put Lucknow a cut above the rest – and the world acknowledges it. Among the magnificent monuments are Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone, Residency and Dilkusha. Chikan embroidery and zardozi have made Lucknow a brand in global fashion. Kebabs and biryani are the two lip-smacking delicacies that beckon visitors again and again.

Rest of the time is free for shopping or exploring the city.

Overnight Hotel – Lucknow (B)

DAY 05: LUCKNOW
Post breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Lucknow visiting; La Martiniere College, Lucknow, established in 1845, was founded in accordance with the Will of Major General Claude Martin. Born in Lyon, France, in 1735, the Founder died in Lucknow on 13 September, 1800. The day of his death, by his own instructions is commemorated as ‘Founder’s Day’. Under his Will, certain funds were allotted for the establishment of schools at Lyon, his birth place in France, in Calcutta and at Lucknow. In his Will Claude Martin also directed that “my house at Luckperra or Constantia House with all the ground and premises belonging to the house and all the ground around it, none is to be sold or detached from it

Bara Imambara; the Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784.

British Residency Lucknow; The British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Rumi Darwaza; The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is one of the most impressive architectural structures in India. It was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The Rumi Darwaza is an example of the fine architectural style of Awadh.

Clock Tower; Between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara is the Clock Tower of Lucknow. This huge tower was constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in the year 1880. The Clock Tower in Lucknow reaches upto a staggering height of 221 feet and is the tallest Clock Tower in India. The Clock tower also has the biggest fitted clock that cost the government around Rs. 1.75 lakhs at that time. 

Lakshmana; Tila It is said that the original site of the town was actually at Lakshmana Tila. The story goes back to ancient times when the brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana laid the foundation of the city of modern Lucknow. It was known as Lakshmanpur then. This place is supposed to be one of the earliest sites of human settlements in Lucknow. Rest of the time free for relax.
Evening is free for shopping.

Overnight Hotel – Lucknow (B)

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DAY 06: LUCKNOW DAY EXCURSION TO NAIMISARANYA
AYODHYA (135 KMS / 2 HRS APPROX)
After early breakfast drive to Naimisharanya (Neemsar) may be a land steeped with Hindu mythology linking it to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, God Sati and Lord Shiva. The place is exclusive thanks to the idea that it's the land wherever the pantheon of thirty-three Hindu God & Goddesses resides.

Chakra Theerth: Legend has it that the results of AN impending Kalyug drove several sages to Brahma to hunt refuge. He rolled his Chakra (wheel) across Earth and told them to follow it until it rests

Suth Gaddi: It is believed that this is the place where Maharishi Soot narrated the Shri Shaunak to around 88000 saints and rishis. Manu chose this place for ‘tapasya’ (deep meditation). There is an age old Vat tree nearby.

Lalitha Devi (presiding female deity of Naimisharanya): Lalita spiritual being is that the presiding deity of Naimisharanya. 
Afternoon drive to Ayodhya, on arrival transfer to hotel. “Ayodhya “Ram temple complex to be world's third-largest Hindu shrine".” is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, revered because of its association in the great Indian epic poem Ramayana with the birth of Rama and with the rule of his father, Dasharatha. According to this source, the town was prosperous and well-fortified and had a large population.

The rest of the time is free to explore BHAGWAN RAM JANM BHUMI….

Evening Guided Aarti at Sarayu River in Ayodhya. Evening 'Aarti' performed on the banks of Ayodhya's Sarayu River with full religious zeal. 

Overnight Hotel – Ayodhya (B)

DAY 07: AYODHYA
Post breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing of Ayodhya visiting;

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.

Ram Mandir; The Ram temple complex, built in the traditional Nagara style, will be 380 feet in length (east-west direction), 250 feet in width and 161 feet in height, Rai had said earlier. Each floor of the temple will be 20 feet high and have a total of 392 pillars and 44 gates. No iron is used anywhere in the construction of the temple.

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Ram ki Paidi is actually a flight of steps on Nayaghat near the bank of the Saryu River where huge crowds of pilgrims and the devotees take a bath in the holy waters of the river. The original steps were washed away by the strong currents of the river. A new ghat with the steps was constructed by the joint effort of the then Chief Minister of UP, Shri Shripati Mishra, and his irrigation minister Shri Vir Bahadur Singh during the period 1984-1985.

Kanak Bhawan; Legend goes that Ram was coming home with his bride, Janaki, the beautiful daughter of Raja Janak. Kaikeyi was in a dilemma – what would be a good ‘mukh dikhai’ for the first daughter-in-law of Raja Dashrath? She didn’t want anyone to feel she was any less a mother to Ram than Maa Kaushalya, so, a palace for the newlyweds would be ideal, she thought. Kanak Bhawan, dating back to Treta Yug, is the beautiful palace that she gifted to Sita. The beautiful idols of Goddess Sita along with Lord Ram and his three brothers at Kanak Bhawan are a delight to sore eyes.

Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan; this place is famous for the Valmiki Ramayana which has been engraved beautifully on marble here. When a devotee’s wish is fulfilled, he comes here to submit text copies filled with ‘सीता राम’ written several thousand times, at the Ram Naam Bank.

Sita ki Rasoi; is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita herself. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels. One among the two kitchens revered in Sita's name, this Sita Ki Rasoi is a basement kitchen.

The devotees will have to reach Ram Janmabhoomi by taking the pass at 6:00 pm and they will be able to enjoy the evening Aarti to be held at 6:15 pm with devotion. There is a seating arrangement for 70 people in front of Ramlala in the premises, but in terms of security.

Overnight Hotel – Ayodhya (B)

DAY 08: AYODHYA - VARANASI VIA PRAYAGRAJ (219 KMS / 4-5 HRS)
Post breakfast drive to Varanasi “Varanasi – “is one of the oldest living cities in the world”
en-route Guided visit of Prayagraj, Triveni Sangam is a point where three rivers of religious importance- Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati meet. People can easily differentiate between the rivers as they maintain their original colours and this convergence point is considered as an auspicious junction as according to the Hindus, a bath here will help them wash away their sins and free them from the cycle of rebirth. This place is also super crowded during the religious festival- Kumbh Mela.

Also visit the Anand Bhawan: The historical home of the Nehru Family Allahabad has always had that political touch dating back to independence struggle era. In the centre of the city, the home of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru is situated. The beautiful two-storied house is preserved and kept as it is. The house is also the same place where leaders like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi as well as Mahatma Gandhi once stayed. 
On arrival transfer to hotel. 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.

Rest of the time is free to RELAX.

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

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DAY 09: VARANASI
Start your DAY with a private 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 adds to the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns) now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety & joy.
Manikarnika Ghat is one of the holiest among the sacred riverfronts, alongside the river Ganga. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation, when cremated here. 

Later visit the Kaal Bhairav Mandir is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Varanasi, India. Situated in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, this temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism; especially amongst the locals. Followed by Kashi Vishwanath (Darshan), the patron deity of Varanasi. The gold-covered temple where the deity resides is closed to non-Hindus, but the streets surrounding it are a fascinating mix of commerce and faith. 

Later visit the the Bharat Kala Museum the Kashi Hindu University has a museum that has an excellent collection of precious and extraordinary historical objects, statues, pictures, paintings and documents. Museum is small but very well maintained and gives an overview of the very old city of Varanasi. 

Also visit to 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 marble, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University.

Post lunch, guided 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.

If time permits late afternoon, experience the Evening Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat. (Not to Miss activities, highly recommended) Evening on Varanasi’s riverbank, which lights up as thousands congregate to witness the aarti ceremony – one of the most popular and important rituals of the Hindu faith. Hear temple bells ring out as pilgrims chant and pray before a row of young Brahman priests who wave flaming oil lamps in worship of the Ganges. Watching this scene from the river is unforgettable!

Overnight Hotel – Varanasi (B)

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DAY 10: VARANASI – DELHI (TRAIN VANDE BHARAT EXP 22415@ 0600 / 1405 HRS)
Morning transfer to Railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express Train is an indigenously manufactured, semi-high speed, and self-propelled train set. The train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, providing passengers with a faster, more comfortable and convenient travel experience. On arrival transfer to airport to board the flight for the onward journey taking back an Exceptional Pilgrimage Travel Experience of INDIA.

Tour Concludes: Exceptional Escapes Manager will assist you with your transfer to the airport for boarding onward flight.