spiritual varanasi prayagraj chitrakoot

Arrive at Varanasi airport or railway station and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax, then later in the afternoon, head to the sacred Ganges for a serene boat ride to explore the ghats of Varanasi, culminating in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat – a divine spectacle of light, chants, and spiritual energy.

Varanasi holds a sacred place in Hinduism, believed to be where the eternal flame of life (Jyoti) burns. Near Dashashwamedh Ghat stands the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The ghat is revered as a powerful spiritual junction between the divine and the earthly. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Begin your day early with temple visits including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Mandir, and Kaal Bhairav Mandir. Continue the spiritual journey with visits to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Durga Mandir, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

Return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, head to Sarnath, the sacred place where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. In Sarnath, explore the Sarnath Museum which houses India’s National Emblem, originally from the Ashoka Pillar. Visit the ancient Buddhist ruins and Stupas, and the Mahabodhi Society Temple. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

After early breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Prayagraj (130 km / approx. 3 hrs one way). Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, is one of the oldest cities in India, located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It holds deep religious importance and is a key site for the Kumbh Mela. The city has also played a significant role in India’s freedom movement and was home to several prominent leaders.

Sightseeing includes a holy dip at Sangam, visit to Bada Hanuman Mandir, Akshayvat Tree (a sacred fig tree believed to be indestructible, mentioned in Hindu mythology in a story involving Sage Markandeya and Lord Narayana), and Anand Bhawan, the birthplace of India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Overnight stay in Prayagraj.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Chitrakoot (120 km / approx. 3 hrs one way), a tranquil town on the banks of the Mandakini River, nestled in the Vindhya range. This sacred land is where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent eleven years of their exile. Visit sites associated with Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya. It is believed to have witnessed the divine presence of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva), adding to its deep spiritual aura. The great saint Goswami Tulsidas also meditated here and composed parts of the Shri Ramcharitmanas.

Explore prominent landmarks such as Kamad Giri (the spiritual nucleus of Chitrakoot), Sphatik Shila (a gleaming rock where Lord Rama and Sita are believed to have rested), Hanuman Dhara (A sacred spring cascading over a Hanuman idol), Ram Ghat (On the serene banks of the Mandakini), and Janki Kund (A tranquil bathing place of Sita). After soaking in the divine energy of these sites, return to Prayagraj for an overnight stay.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your scenic journey back to Varanasi. Upon arrival, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel and unwind in the comfort of your room, allowing some time to relax and refresh before the afternoon’s exploration.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short excursion to Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. Built in the 18th century by Kashi Naresh Raja Balwant Singh, the fort exemplifies Mughal-style architecture with its carved balconies, open courtyards, and pavilions. Explore the fort’s museum, which showcases an impressive collection of vintage cars, royal armory, antique clocks, old manuscripts, and ceremonial costumes of the former royal family. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Varanasi.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drop at Varanasi airport or railway station for onward or return journey.