Overview
Lucknow:
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite Mughal architecture like Bara Imambara, and bustling markets like Hazratganj.
Ayodhya:
Ayodhya, a city in Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. It’s famous for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex and the serene banks of the Saryu River.
Prayagraj:
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is a sacred city at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It hosts the Kumbh Mela and has historical sites like Anand Bhawan.
Varanasi:
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, is located on the banks of the Ganges. It’s known for its ghats, temples like Kashi Vishwanath, and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremonies.
Bodhgaya:
Bodhgaya in Bihar is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. It’s a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex and serene monasteries.
Itinerary
Arrival at Lucknow airport, transfer to pre-booked hotel, later move for city tour of Lucknow (Bada Imambada, Chota Imambada, Rumi Darwaza, Hazratganj Market, Dr. Ambedkar park, Husainabad Clock tower). Evening is free to visit market of SEWA chikankari place. Overnight in Lucknow.
After early breakfast day trip to Naimisaranya (Naimisharanya (Neemsar) is a land steeped with Hindu mythology linking it to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. The place is unique owing to the belief that it is the land where the pantheon of 33 Hindu God & Goddesses reside. It also believed to be the first most sacred of all pilgrim centres for Hindus. It is said that if one performs penance for 12 years on this land, one moves to Brahmaloka. The place is located on the banks of River Gomti in Sitapur district at a distance of 94 Km from Lucknow. This place finds mention as a dense forest in several ancient scriptures, including the Mahabharata. It is definitely worth a day trip to visit the various shrines) Evening return to Lucknow. Overnight in Lucknow.
After breakfast checkout from hotel and transfer to Ayodhaya (Ayodhya, also known as Saketa, is an ancient city of India, believed to be the birthplace of Rama and setting of the epic Ramayana. It is adjacent to Faizabad city in the central region of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya used to be the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. Owing to the belief as the birthplace of Rama, Ayodhya (Awadh) has been regarded as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Saptapuri) for Hindus. It is believed that the birth spot of Rama). Return hotel check in and overnight stay in Faizabad.
Places of Interest:- Ram Janam Bhoomi; Kanak Bhawan; Hanuman Garhi; Raj Darbar; Karsevak Sthal.
After early breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Prayagraj. (The city's original name – Prayag, or "place of offerings" – comes from its position at the Sangam (confluence) of the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati rivers. It is the second-oldest city in India, and plays a central role in Hindu scriptures. Allahabad was originally called Kaushambi (now a separate district) by the Kuru rulers of Hastinapur, who developed it as their capital. Since then, Allahabad has been a political, cultural and administrative centre of the Doab region. Mughal emperor Akbar renamed it Ilahabad, which the British changed to Allahabad. In 1833 it became the seat of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces region before its capital was moved to Agra in 1835. Allahabad became the capital of the North-Western Provinces in 1858, and was the capital of India for a day. The city was the capital of the United Provinces from 1902 to 1920 and remained at the forefront of national importance during the struggle for Indian independence.) Overnight in Prayagraj.
Places of interest HOLY DIP IN SANGAM, Bada Hanuman Mandir, Akshayvat Tree (Akshayavat ("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.) & Anand Bhawan (Birthplace of first Prime Minister of Independent India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru)
After breakfast day trip to Chitrakoot (Chitrakoot, "the hills of many wonders" is indeed a gift of nature and the gods. Located in the Banda district of modern Uttar Pradesh(U.P), on the banks of river Paisuni(Mandikini), Chitrakoot is a tranquil retreat on the northern spur of the Vindhyas. Just 6 km south of Karvi and 72 km south east of Banda district on the road to Allahabad, Chitrakoot Dham is one of the most ancient holy pilgrim places of India. Legends have it that it was the abode of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman for eleven years of their fourteen years of exile. This is also the place,where they came in contact with sage Atri and sati Anasuya.This abode of the gods is credited to have seen the incarnations of Brahma,Vishnu and Mahesh. Chitrakoot ,sacred with the touch of Lord's feet,was where Goswami Tulsidas, the creator of the epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas" spent many years of his life. Dotted with innumerable temples and shrines, nature's splendor here is wrapped in peace and tranquility, permeated only by singing birds and gushing streams.). Return hotel check in and overnight stay in Prayagraj.
Places of Interest:- Kamad Giri, Sphatik Shila, Hanuman Dhara, Ram Ghat.
After breakfast checkout from hotel and transfer to Varanasi later in evening transfer to Ganges for Boating and Evening Ganga Aarti on famous Dashashwamedh Ghat (Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganga River. It is located close to Vishwanath Temple and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu legends are associated with it: According to one, Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another legend, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during Dasa-Ashwamedha yajna performed here.) Overnight in Varanasi.
Early morning Temple darshan (Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna Mandir, Kala Bhairov Mandir) followed with Sankat Mochan Mandir, Durga Mandir, Tulsi Manas Mandir & Benaras Hindu University (BHU). After breakfast move for Sarnath (Sarnath is the place where Gautam Buddha after attain enlightenment delivers his first sermon to 5 followers). Sightseeing of Sarnath including Sarnath Museum (Our National Emblem excavated from Sarnath is on Display built by Samrat Ashoka), Ancient ruins, Mahabodhi society Temple. Evening is free. Overnight in Varanasi.
After breakfast checkout from hotel and transfer to Bodhgaya (It is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have obtained Enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under what became known as the Bodhi Tree). On reaching before check in visit Mahabodhi Temple. Return hotel check in and overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Places of Interest: Mahabodhi Temple, Buddhist Temples, Vishnu Pad Temple.
Early morning visit Vishnupad Temple for Pind DAAN, Akshayavat. Afternoon checkout from hotel and transfer to Varanasi. Overnight in Varanasi.
After breakfast, checkout from hotel and drop at Varanasi airport for onward/return journey.
(VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE ONLY FOR AIRPORT DROP)