Arrive at Varanasi, a city situated on the banks of the Ganges River and known for its spiritual significance. Check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and explore nearby narrow lanes. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a sacred riverbank. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple:

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Varanasi, India. Located on the western bank of the Ganges River, this majestic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The temple's significance stems from its status as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or sacred shrines, believed to hold the divine essence of Lord Shiva.

After breakfast, visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of Asia's largest residential universities, and Bharat Mata Mandir, a temple dedicated to Mother India. Stop by Tulsi Manas Mandir, a beautiful temple built in white marble, and stroll along the ghats, soaking in the city's spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU):

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a premier central university in Varanasi, India, founded in 1916. Spread over 1,300 acres, it offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in diverse fields. With 30,000+ students and 4,000+ faculty, BHU blends traditional Indian values with modern education. Notable institutions include the Institute of Technology and Institute of Medical Sciences.

Tulsi Manas Mandir:

This magnificent temple is dedicated to the revered deity, Lord Rama, and is renowned for its stunning architecture, entirely crafted from pristine white marble. The temple's walls are adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions from the revered epic, the Ramayana, penned by the celebrated poet Goswami Tulsidas. The Tulsi Ramayana, an Awadhi rendition of the ancient Sanskrit epic, is meticulously etched onto the temple's walls, making it a treasure trove for scholars and devotees alike. 

Bharat Mata Mandir:

This majestic temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India), symbolizing the unity, diversity, and rich cultural heritage of the nation. Unlike traditional temples, it does not house any deities or idols but features a stunning marble relief map of undivided India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan, on its floor. The map is intricately crafted, showcasing India's majestic mountains, rivers, and pilgrimage sites. 

After breakfast, drive to Sarnath (10 km), a city known for its Buddhist heritage, and visit Dhamek Stupa, a 34-meter-tall stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and Sarnath Museum, showcasing Buddhist artifacts. Return to Varanasi and explore local markets. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Dhamek Stupa:

This majestic stupa is one of the most prominent and sacred Buddhist sites, marking the spot where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, "Dharma Chakra Parivartan" (Turning of the Wheel of Law), to his five disciples. The stupa's original structure was built by Ashoka, but the current 43.6-meter-tall and 28-meter-wide structure dates back to the 6th century CE. 

Ashoka Pillar:

This majestic pillar, symbolizing Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism, marks the spot where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. The 16.5-meter-tall pillar features four majestic lions atop a circular base, adorned with intricate carvings of elephants, horses, bulls, and lions. The pillar's capital, now India's national emblem, represents the country's unity, courage, and strength.

After breakfast, drive to Ayodhya (220 km), the birthplace of Lord Rama, and check-out from Varanasi hotel. Visit Ram Janambhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Guptar Ghat, significant Hindu pilgrimage sites. Check-in at Ayodhya hotel. Overnight stay in Ayodhya.

Ram Janambhoomi:

Ram Janmabhoomi is a revered Hindu site in Ayodhya, India, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the legendary king and deity of the Ramayana epic. The site has been a focal point of Hindu devotion and pilgrimage for centuries. In 1528, the Mughal emperor Babur built the Babri Masjid mosque on the site, which was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992. 

Hanuman Garhi:

Hanuman Garhi is a revered Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, India, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the loyal devotee and companion of Lord Rama. This 10th-century temple is situated atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. According to legend, Hanuman Garhi is the site where Hanuman stayed while guarding Lord Rama's kingdom. 

Guptar Ghat:

Guptar Ghat is a sacred Hindu riverfront located on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya, India, revered as the site where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana secretly departed from Ayodhya into exile. The ghat's name "Guptar" translates to "hidden" or "secret," reflecting its historical significance. This ancient ghat features a stunning series of steps leading to the river, adorned with intricately carved temples, shrines, and sculptures.

After breakfast, visit Treta ke Thakur, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama's exile, and Ramkatha Park, showcasing episodes from the Ramayana. Return to Ayodhya hotel. Overnight stay in Ayodhya.

Treta ke Thakur:

Treta ke Thakur is a revered Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, India, dedicated to Lord Rama, the legendary king and deity of the Ramayana epic. This ancient temple is situated on the banks of the Saryu River and is believed to be the site where Lord Rama performed the Ashwamedha Yajna during the Treta Yuga (Silver Age). The temple's stunning architecture features intricate carvings, ornate domes, and vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

After breakfast, check-out from Ayodhya hotel and drive back to Varanasi Check-in at Varanasi hotel. Explore the city's spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

After breakfast, explore famous ghats, including Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harish Chandra Ghat, and take a boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the sunrise. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Dashashwamedh Ghat:

Dashashwamedh Ghat is a revered and iconic Hindu riverfront located on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. Named after the ten (das) horse (ashwa) sacrifices (medh) performed by Lord Brahma, this ghat is considered one of the most sacred and oldest ghats in Varanasi, dating back to 500 BCE. 

Harish Chandra Ghat:

Harish Chandra Ghat is a revered Hindu cremation ground and sacred riverfront on the Ganges River in Varanasi, India, named after legendary King Harish Chandra. This 17th-century ghat is one of Varanasi's oldest and most sacred cremation grounds, featuring temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, intricately carved shrines, and scenic riverfront steps. Hindus perform cremation rituals here, following ancient traditions, and devotees visit for spiritual enlightenment, witnessing life's final rites, and introspection amidst serene surroundings. 

After breakfast, visit Prayagra, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, and explore Triveni Sangam, Anand Bhavan, and Allahabad Fort, significant historical sites. Return to Varanasi. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Triveni Sangam:

Triveni Sangam is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in Allahabad (Prayagraj), India, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge. This confluence is revered as one of Hinduism's most sacred sites, attracting millions of devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification. According to mythology, the Ganges represents knowledge, Yamuna symbolizes love and devotion, and the invisible Saraswati represents spiritual enlightenment. 

After breakfast, spend the day shopping for handicrafts, silk products, and souvenirs in local markets, including Vishwanath Gali and Lahori Tola. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Vishwanath Gali and Lahori Tola:

Vishwanath Gali and Lahori Tola are historic neighborhoods in Varanasi, India, surrounding the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Vishwanath Gali, named after Lord Shiva, is a narrow street lined with ancient temples, shrines, ashrams, street food stalls, and local markets showcasing traditional Hindu architecture. Lahori Tola, dating back to the Mughal era, features stunning Mughal-era architecture, mosques, narrow alleys, and traditional Hindu homes. 

After breakfast, check-out from Varanasi hotel. Depart from Varanasi.