Idyllic India Tours

Ramayana & Ganges Sacred Journey

Route

Delhi - Ayodhya - Prayagraj - Varanasi

Duration

7 Nights - 8 Days

Tour Type

Adventure

Complete Tour Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to India! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you and cannot wait to show you the magic of our country. Thank you so much for choosing us to curate this journey for you.

Even though you’ll be landing late at night, we will be waiting for you right outside the arrivals terminal with a warm smile and a private car ready to go. You won’t have to lift a finger—we will take care of your bags and drive you straight to your hotel so you can unwind.

While we handle all your check-in details and get your room keys ready, we’ll take a few relaxed moments to hand over your travel documents, walk you through the exciting days ahead, and answer any questions you might have.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 02 : Delhi to Ayodhya (Flight)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Delhi airport for your flight to Ayodhya

Ayoddhya (historically known as Oudh or Awadh). Ayodhya is an ancient city and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama was born here during the reign of his father, King Dasharatha, when it was a prosperous, well-fortified, and densely populated city.

In traditional history, it served as the early capital of the Kingdom of Kosala, though by the Buddha’s time (6th–5th century BCE), Shravasti had become the kingdom’s chief city. Scholars often equate Ayodhya with the city of Saketa, where the Buddha is said to have briefly lived. Its later prominence as a Buddhist center was documented in the 5th century CE by the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien, who recorded seeing 100 monasteries here. Other ancient monuments, including a stupa, were reportedly built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.

Upon arrival at the Ayodhya airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 03 : Ayodhya Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed to visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, the prime attraction of Ayodhya. This sacred site is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Later, visit Hanuman Garhi, one of the most famous temples in the city. Dedicated to the mighty Monkey God, Lord Hanuman, this temple complex was built by the Nawab of Awadh and sits atop a hill reached by climbing 70 steep steps. Historically, King Vikramaditya commissioned a temple here, which later became known as Hanuman Garhi. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at this spot to guard Ayodhya. The main temple features a beautiful idol of Bal Hanuman (young Hanuman) sitting on the lap of his mother, Maa Anjani.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 04 : Ayodhya to Prayagraj (175 Kms / 4 Hours)

Following breakfast, drive to Prayagraj. Situated at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, Prayagraj hosts the world’s largest religious gathering, the Kumbh Mela.

After checking into your hotel, proceed to visit:

Triveni Sangam: The sacred meeting point of the three rivers. Every 12 years, the incredibly auspicious Kumbh Mela is organized here, while the Ardh Kumbh is hosted every 6 years. Hindus take a holy dip at this confluence, believing it washes away the sins of all lifetimes. The Sangam is easily identifiable by the contrasting colors of the rivers, as the Yamuna has a distinct greenish hue.

Alopi Devi Mandir: Recognized as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hinduism. According to legend, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut the body of Sati into 51 pieces to alleviate Lord Shiva’s grief. The thumb of Sati’s left hand fell at this location and instantly disappeared, giving the shrine the name “Alopi” (hidden/vanished). Uniquely, this temple enshrines no idol; instead, devotees worship a wooden carriage placed inside.

Bade Hanuman Ji Temple (Lete Hanuman Mandir): This underground pit shrine houses an enormous, 8.1-foot idol of Lord Hanuman in a reclining (lying down) position—the only one of its kind in the world. Interestingly, one side of the statue remains half-immersed in the waters of the Ganges. During the monsoon season, when the river rises to touch the deity’s feet, thousands of devotees gather to witness this sacred event.

Overnight at Hotel 

Day 05 : Prayagraj to Varanasi (120 Kms / 3 Hours)

After breakfast, drive to Varanasi, picturesquely situated on the banks of the holy River Ganges. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with historical traces dating back to around 10,000 BC. Beyond its immense spiritual significance for Hindus, it also shares a profound historical connection with the life of the Buddha and the origins of Buddhism.

In the evening, before sunset, you will head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. During this iconic ritual, priests perform synchronized chants and offerings with large brass lamps while thousands of small oil lamps on leaf boats are set afloat, making the river look like a reflection of a starry night sky.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 06 : Varanasi & Sarnath Sightseeing

Early Morning: Rise before dawn for a magical sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. As the boatman rows, you will witness the daily miracle of the sun rising over the horizon. The sounding of conch shells and temple bells blends with the gentle chanting of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas (hymns), building to an unparalleled crescendo of piety and joy.

Afternoon Excursion to Sarnath:

Later, take an excursion to Sarnath, the historic deer park where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, introducing the foundational principles of Buddhism. Sarnath became a premier center for Buddhist learning. You will visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics, antiques, and historic images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

Local Temple Tour:

Upon returning to Varanasi, explore the city’s most famous temples:

Durga Temple: Commonly known as the “Monkey Temple” due to its resident monkey population, this 18th-century temple was built by a Bengali Maharani. Stained a vibrant ochre red, it features a multi-tiered Nagara-style shikhara (spire).

Bharat Mata Temple: Located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus, this unique temple is dedicated to Mother India. Built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936, it houses no traditional deities. Instead, it features a beautifully detailed relief map of undivided India carved out of white marble, depicting its mountains, plains, and oceans.

Sankat Mochan Temple: Located near Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple was founded by Tulsidas, the author of the epic Ramacharitamanas. “Sankat Mochan” translates to “reliever of sufferings.”

Tulsi Manas Temple: Built in white marble in 1964 and surrounded by beautiful landscaping, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It stands on the exact spot where Tulsidas is believed to have written the Ramacharitamanas. The temple walls are intricately engraved with verses and scenes from the epic. (Open 05:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 03:30 PM – 09:00 PM).

New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple) at BHU: Located within the BHU campus, this magnificent white marble structure is a replica of the original Vishwanath Temple. Planned by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and built by the industrialist Birla family, its most notable feature is that it is open to visitors of all castes, creeds, and religions. The walls of its spacious interior are inscribed with verses from Hindu scriptures.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 07 : Varanasi to Delhi (Flight)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and spend the morning exploring Varanasi at your own leisure or picking up local souvenirs like Banarasi silk. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your hotel for your final overnight stay.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 08: Delhi \ Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a timely transfer to the Delhi International Airport for your onward journey home.

Our Tour Concludes: We sincerely thank you for your patronage and wish you a safe, punctual journey onward with beautiful memories of your travels through India!

Welcome to India! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you and cannot wait to show you the magic of our country. Thank you so much for choosing us to curate this journey for you.

Even though you’ll be landing late at night, we will be waiting for you right outside the arrivals terminal with a warm smile and a private car ready to go. You won’t have to lift a finger—we will take care of your bags and drive you straight to your hotel so you can unwind.

While we handle all your check-in details and get your room keys ready, we’ll take a few relaxed moments to hand over your travel documents, walk you through the exciting days ahead, and answer any questions you might have.

Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of New Delhi. Our tour includes a visit to the Qutab Minar – 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Then, we will continue our expedition with a drive to the Lutyens Delhi which is considered to be the corridors of power and serenity. Our tour also includes a drive pass through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House as well a stop at India Gate.

Next, we will continue our journey with a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb (1586). Our tour also includes a visit to the Isa Khan’s Tomb complex and the Safdarjung Tomb. Then, we will make our way to the Agrasen Ki Baoli, a water reservoir or a step well that is known for its heritage architectural value.

Next, we will continue our journey with a visit to the Humayun’s Tomb (1586). Our tour also includes a visit to the Isa Khan’s Tomb complex and the Safdarjung Tomb. Then, we will make our way to the Agrasen Ki Baoli, a water reservoir or a step well that is known for its heritage architectural value.

The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws. This is a remarkable way to explore the hustle and bustle as well as the color of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Udaipur. Welcome to Udaipur, the famed “City of sunrise.” Founded in 1567, it is an oasis of romance in the warrior state of Rajasthan.

Meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representative will welcome you and transfer to the Hotel. After rest and relaxation, we proceed on a tour of this “Lake City”. The huge City Palace towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagadish temple next to the city palace is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan Art.

Evening we enjoy a boat cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The island palace on the Lake called Jagmandir Palace is quite fascinating and provided inspirations for the builder of the Taj Mahal.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

After breakfast, we drive to Rohet; en route we will visit Ranakpur. The Ranakpur Jain Temple was built in the 15th century and features 1,444 intricately carved columns, all of which are unique.

Following the tour of Ranakpur we continue our drive to Rohet. Upon arrival, check into Rohetgarh, a 16th-century fortified home where you can experience famed Rajput hospitality. Exquisitely carved furniture and original paintings decorate your rooms.

Evening we enjoy jeep safaris to visit the heart of Rajasthan villages. One can witness the ‘opium ceremony’ – a ritual by which guests are welcomed. As evening descends, the darkness is lit up by the flickering flames of fire around which folk dancers perform.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

Our morning begins with a deep immersion into the soul of Rajasthan through a tribal village safari. This experience is a window into a lifestyle of profound harmony. You will meet the Bishnois, the “premier ecologists of the world,” who have protected nature and the beautiful Black Buck antelope for over 500 years. You’ll also encounter the Raikas (shepherds) in their vibrant costumes and the local weavers and farmers, gaining a rare privilege of being welcomed into their homes to witness a way of life that remains close to its roots.

Later, we drive toward the “Golden City,” Jaisalmer. Rising from the Thar Desert like a mirage, the city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Etched in yellow sandstone, the citadel houses an entire living township within its 80-meter-high ramparts. As you wander through its medieval lanes, you will discover the intricately carved Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon, and Salim Singh, all masterpieces of yellow marble that tell stories of the city’s opulent past.

Overnight at Hotel

This morning is dedicated to exploring the architectural wonders of the Golden City. We visit the Patwon-Ki-Havelies and Salim-Singh-Ki-Haveli, where the stonework is so fine it resembles lace. We’ll also stop at the Gandhi Sagar Tank and the serene Barabagh Hill, where the royal cenotaphs stand in silent tribute to the past.

In the afternoon, the desert calls. We drive to the Sam Sand Dunes to experience the quintessential Great Indian Thar Desert. As the sun begins its descent, you will enjoy a camel ride across the rolling dunes, watching the sky turn to gold over the vast, quiet expanse of the sands.

Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast, we journey to Jodhpur, the historic capital of the Marwar kingdom founded in 1459. Known as the “Blue City,” Jodhpur offers a striking sight with its sea of indigo-colored houses clustered beneath the massive fort. The rest of your day is at leisure to settle into this majestic city, perhaps catching your first glimpse of the fortress towering above the horizon.

Overnight at Hotel

We spend the day exploring the “Sun City.” We begin at Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most impressive structures in all of Rajasthan. Perched on a high cliff, its sheer walls are a testament to Rajput power. Inside, you’ll find a series of exquisite courtyards and a museum housing a priceless collection of Marwar artifacts.

We also visit Jaswant Thada, a graceful white marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, often called the “Taj Mahal of Marwar.”

In the evening, the pace shifts as we take a horse carriage ride through the Clock Tower Bazaar. It is a vibrant, sensory experience, perfect for witnessing the local life and brilliant colors of the wholesale markets.

Overnight at Hotel

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