Day 01 - Arrival transfer from Varanasi Airport / Station to hotel
Varanasi, also known as Benares, Banaras, or Kashi, is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Varanasi is also known as the favourite city of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.
Later in the Evening visit Aarti ceremony, Experience the beautiful Hindu ritual Aarti on this evening tour in Varanasi, where Hindu mythology says the soul is liberated from the body. You'll learn about the combination of physical, metaphysical, and supernatural elements as you listen to religious songs sung in praise of the gods and watch lamps being raised into the sky on the River Ganges.O/night stay at hotel.
Day 02– Morning after breakfast visit Temple tour.
Varanasi is also famous for housing numerous temples. Several temples in Varanasi have great religious and historical importance in Hinduism. There are many temples, erected at different times throughout the history of Varanasi. Some of the popular temples are listed herein. In varanasi you will visit the most famous temple such as Bharat mata madir (Mother india temple ) Durga temple, Tulsi manas temple, Sankat mochan temple , Banaras hindu University, New Kashi vishwanath temple(also known as Birla temple ).
Later proced for Sarnath Tour,
Sarnath is a city located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The deer park in Sarnath is where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Singhpur, a village approximately one kilometre away from the site, was the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the Eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and a temple dedicated to him, is an important pilgrimage site.
Also referred to as Isipatana, this city is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four places of pilgrimage to which his devout followers should visit, if they wanted to visit a place for that reason. It was also the site of the Buddha's Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, which was his first teaching after attaining enlightenment, in which he taught the four noble truths. O/night stay at hotel.
Day 03– Morning after breakfast drive to Bodhgaya (247 kms / 5-6 hours) .
BODHGAYA-
Bodh Gaya is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indianstate of Bihar. 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.
For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After visiting B.gaya visit the local s/seeing such as Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple (literally: "Great Awakening Temple"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient, but much rebuilt and restored, Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya (in Gaya district) is about 96 km (60 mi) from Patna, Bihar state, India. O/night stay at hotel.
Day 04 -- Morning after breakfast visit some local places in Bodhgaya such as Bodhi tree as Bodhi tree.
The Bodhi Tree also known as Bo (from Sinhalese: Bo) and "peepal tree" was a large and very old sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa located in Bodh Gaya, under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who later became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment (Bodhi). In religious iconography, the Bodhi Tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. The term "Bodhi Tree" is also widely applied to currently existing trees, particularly the Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) growing at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, which is often cited as a direct descendant from the original specimen planted in 288 BC. This tree is a frequent destination for pilgrims, being the most important of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Other holy Bodhi trees which have a great significance in the history of Buddhism are the Anandabodhi tree in Sravasti and the Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Both are believed to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree. Later drive to Varanasi (247 kms / 5-6 hours). O/night stay at Varanasi hotel.
Day 05 – Early morning boat ride Boat ride- Early morning boat ride at river ganga ,Boating down the Ganges River during sunrise is one of the main attractions in Varanasi. We can observe here the Hindu way of life along the banks of the Ganges (Ghats) River.Start your day with a morning boat ride at dawn. You have a chance to observe the Hindu way of life along the bank of the Ganges River (Ganga Ghat or Banaras Ghat). Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology.
LATER drive to Allahabad (130 kms / 3-4 hours ).
Allahabad - Allahabad or Prayag, is a large metropolitan city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of Allahabad District, the most populous district in the state and 13th most populous district in India and the Allahabad Division. The city is the judicial capital of Uttar Pradesh with Allahabad High Court being the highest judicial body in the state. As of 2011, Allahabad is the seventh most populous city in the state, twelfth in the Northern India and thirty-sixth in India, with an estimated population of 1.11 million in the city and 1.21 million in its metropolitan region. In 2011 it was ranked the world's 130th fastest-growing city. Allahabad, in 2013, was ranked the third most liveable city in the state (after Noida and Lucknow) and twenty-ninth in the country. After arriving in Allahabad visit the attraction point in Allahabad such as Trivedi Sangam, Anand Bhawan, Chandra shekhar azad park.
Later drive to railway station to caught the train for HARIDWAR. O/night in train.
Day 06- Morning visit local s/seeing of Haridwar
HAR KI PAURI
Regarded as one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar and India, Har Ki Pauri is a revered landmark and is visited by devotees and visitors in large number seeking the blessings of Holy Ganga by offering their prayers. Har Ki Pauri which literally translates to 'Steps to Lord Shiva' is situated in the holy city of Haridwar which is considered as one of the seven holiest places in the country. A dip in the river Ganges here is believed to wash away one's sins and according to the Indian mythology, it is one of the four places where the drops of elixir ('Amrit') were accidentally spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. The river is filled in a golden hue of countless diyas offered by devotees floating along the river. Har Ki Paudi is the place where River Ganga flowing through the Himalayas touches the plains for the first time. Oozing serenity and calm all the time, it is the evening time at Har Ki Pauri that is most cherished by its visitors. With a plethora of temples at the river bank, offerings are made with lighted candles and diyas floating across the river, an enchanting sight to behold. The chanting of mantras and prayers with sages meditating exudes spiritual vibes and is an experience of a lifetime. The sound of gongs in the background takes one to an entirely different world. Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the place in Vedic times. The large footprints on a stone wall are said to belong to Lord Vishnu.
Manasa Devi Temple,
One of the famous Siddhapeeths atop Shivalik Hills, the temple dedicated to the companion of Nag King Vasuki, Goddess Manasa, this is another temple believed to grant devotees wishes. Mansa Devi temple is one vertex of the Siddhapeeth triangle formed by Chandi Devi and Maya Devi temples.
Ganga Aarti
The Ganga Aarti in Hardwar is performed at the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat, which was built in the 1st century by King Vikram. In the evening, as the sun's last rays reflect off the boundless waters of the river Ganga, people start gathering for the Aarti. This divine light ceremony is filled with songs and prayers, rituals and a palpable sense of divinity. During this beautiful ceremony, dias or oil lamps are offered to God. Aarti can be done to a deity in the temple, or on the banks of the Ganga, or it can be performed to a saint. The aarti is organised twice a day, every morning at sunrise and every evening at sunset. O/night stay at hotel.
Day 07 - Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh (30 kms / 1 hour ).after arrive in Rishikesh
Ram jhula
Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north-east from the town Rishikeshin the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The bridge connects the Sivananda Nagar area of Muni Ki Reti in Tehri Garhwal district to Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal district crossing the river from west to east. Built in the year 1986, the bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh.
There are many Hindu ashrams and religious centers established at both sides of the Ganges. It is also a connecting bridge between Sivananda Ashram located in Muni Ki Reti to Gita Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan and other temples located in Swargashram. Though similar in design, this bridge is bigger than Lakshman Jhula which is 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) upwards the river stream. This bridge is constructed with the span of 750 feet (230 m).
LAKSHMAN JHULA
Lakshman Jhula, Gopu:Lakshman Jhola) is an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north-east from the town Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The bridge connects the two villages; Tapovan in Tehri Garhwal district to Jonk in Pauri Garhwal district crossing the river from west to east. However it is near to the Rishikesh city thus creating ambiguity in its location, the bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh. A similar bridge 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) downstream from Lakshman Jhula is Ram Jhula which is made by mehak chuahan.It is said that Lakshmana crossed Ganges on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built. Lakshman Jhula was completed in 1929.
Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, also called as the Maha Aarti, is an evening prayer performed on the banks of the River Ganga. It is a major highlight of the ghat, which attracts a large number of devotees and visitors.
The aarti is accompanied with chanting of bhajans, beating drums and bells. People lit oil diyas, put them on flower-filled leaf boats and release in the holy waters of the river. These illuminated lamps in the evening provide a beautiful view. You can buy oil lamps from the nearby shops and be a part of the religious custom. The religious hymns recited in praise of the Ganges are sure to rejuvenate your mind and soul.
Later O/ night stay at hotel.
Day 08 – Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi ( 280kms / 6-7 hours).after arrive in delhi leisure of the day.O/night stay at hotel.
Day 09 - Morning after breakfast visit some attraction point of Delhi such as
AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE
Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu mandir, and a spiritual-cultural campus in New Delhi, India. Also referred to as Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.
The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened on 6 November 2005 by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It sits near the banks of the Yamuna adjacent to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village in eastern New Delhi.The temple, at the centre of the complex, was built according to the Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra.
The complex features an Abhisheka Mandap, Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden and three exhibitions namely Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (an IMAX film on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Neelkanth), and Sanskruti Darshan (cultural boat ride). According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the abode of almighty Lord Swaminarayan and believed by followers as a temporal home of God on earth..
Later visit Red fort
The Red Fort is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the center of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Constructed in 1639 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546. The imperial apartments consist of a row of pavilions, connected by a water channel known as the Stream of Paradise (Nahr-i-Bihisht). The fort complex is considered to represent the zenith of Mughal creativity under Shah Jahan and although the palace was planned according to Islamic prototypes, each pavilion contains architectural elements typical of Mughal buildings that reflect a fusion of Timurid and Persian traditions. The Red Fort’s innovative architectural style, including its garden design, influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kashmir, Braj, Rohilkhand and elsewhere.
The fort was plundered of its artwork and jewels during Nadir Shah's invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1747. Most of the fort's precious marble structures were subsequently destroyed by the British following the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The forts's defensive walls were largely spared, and the fortress was subsequently used as a garrison. The Red Fort was also the site where the British put the last Mughal Emperor on trial before exiling him to Rangoon in 1858. Every year on the Independence day of India (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the Indian "tricolour flag" at the main gate of the fort and delivers a nationally-broadcast speech from its ramparts.
Humayun's tomb
Humayun's tomb (Maqbara e Humayun) is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum), in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by her. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, India, close to the Dina-panah Citadel, also known as Purana Qila (Old Fort), that Humayun founded in 1533. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and since then has undergone extensive restoration work, which is complete. Besides the main tomb enclosure of Humayun, several smaller monuments dot the pathway leading up to it, from the main entrance in the West, including one that even pre-dates the main tomb itself, by twenty years; it is the tomb complex of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri's court of the Suri dynasty, who fought against the Mughals, constructed in 1547 CE.
The India Gate
India Gate, (originally called the All India War Memorial), is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the ‘ceremonial axis’ of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway.
India Gate is a memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East, and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. 13,300 servicemen's names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate.The India Gate, even though a war memorial, evokes the architectural style of the triumphal arch like the Arch of Constantine, outside the Colosseum in Rome, and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Gateway of India in Mumbai. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. In 1971, following the Bangladesh Liberation war, a small simple structure, consisting of a black marble plinth, with a reversed rifle, capped by a war helmet, bounded by four eternal flames, was built beneath the soaring Memorial Archway. This structure, called Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier, since 1971 has served as India's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. India Gate is counted among the largest war memorials in India.
Day 10 – Morning after breakfast DEPARTURE transfer to Airport.
Inclusion
1 - A/c Vehicle Inlusive of parking as per above itinerary.
2 - Hotel 3* Room on CPAI basis.
3 - Boat ride in the morning.
4 - Site visit as per itinerary
Exclusion
1 - Tour guide
2 - Entrance fee