Ayodhya to Varanasi via Prayagraj

Arrive in Ayodhya, the sacred city revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up before beginning your temple exploration.

Places to visit in Ayodhya:

• Ram Janmabhoomi Temple – the divine birthplace of Lord Rama and the heart of Ayodhya’s spiritual heritage.
• Hanuman Garhi – an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Kanak Bhavan – known for its beautifully adorned idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
• Nageshwarnath Temple – believed to have been established by Kush, Lord Rama’s son.
• Saryu River Ghats – take a serene walk along the river and, if desired, perform rituals or enjoy a peaceful boat ride.
• Treta ke Thakur Temple – where Lord Rama is believed to have performed the Ashwamedha Yagna.

In the evening, you may attend the Aarti at the Saryu Ghat, which beautifully illuminates the river with lamps and chants.
Return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay in Ayodhya.

Your day commences with a departure from Ayodhya. Set out on a scenic drive towards Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), a city renowned for the confluence of three holy rivers. Prayagraj is approximately 170-180 km away from Ayodhya, and the journey is expected to take around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions and road conditions.

En route to Varanasi, your primary stop and sightseeing opportunity will be in Prayagraj. Here, you will visit the following attractions:

• Triveni Sangam: Witness the holy confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This is a highly revered pilgrimage site where devotees take a holy dip.
• Allahabad Fort: Explore parts of this massive Mughal-era fort built by Emperor Akbar, located near the Sangam. Note that certain areas might have restricted access.
• Anand Bhawan: Visit the ancestral home of the Nehru family, now a museum showcasing India's freedom movement and the lives of the Nehrus.
• Khusro Bagh: A beautiful walled garden complex housing the tombs of Prince Khusrau (Jahangir's son) and other family members, showcasing intricate Mughal architecture.

After your enriching exploration of Prayagraj, continue your journey towards Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India. The drive from Prayagraj to Varanasi covers a distance of approximately 120-130 km and will take around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Upon reaching Varanasi, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city. Depending on your arrival time, you can begin exploring its iconic ghats and temples.

Sightseeing in Varanasi:

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: The most vibrant and oldest ghat, famous for the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony (timing permitting).
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the holiest Shiva temples, dedicated to Lord Vishweshwara. (Note: Security restrictions apply; queues can be long).
• Boat Ride on the Ganges: Experience a serene boat ride along the ghats, offering unique perspectives of the city's spiritual life and ancient architecture.
• Assi Ghat: The southernmost ghat, known for its tranquil environment, spiritual rituals, and early morning activities.

This concludes your single-day journey, filled with spiritual insights and historical wonders, as you arrive in Varanasi.