Awakening the Soul: A Journey to Holy Sanctuaries: Naimisharanya to Varanasi

Okay, a 6-night, 7-day package covering Naimisharanya, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Varanasi sounds like a wonderful spiritual journey! Here's a possible itinerary and some considerations for your trip:

 

Day 1: Delhi - Naimisharanya 

• Morning: Depart from Delhi. The most convenient option is to take an overnight train to Sitapur Cantt (approximately 8-10 hours).
• Afternoon: Upon arrival at Sitapur Cantt, you'll be transferred by road (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours) to Naimisharanya.
• Evening: Check into your hotel in Naimisharanya. Freshen up and visit the Chakra Tirth, the most sacred spot in Naimisharanya. Attend the evening aarti.
• Overnight stay in Naimisharanya.

Day 2: Naimisharanya Sightseeing - Ayodhya 

• Morning: Explore the other important sites in Naimisharanya, including Vyas Gaddi, Soothji Gaddi, Hanuman Garhi (Naimisharanya), and the various kunds (holy ponds).
• Afternoon: After lunch, begin your journey to Ayodhya by road (approx. 4-5 hours).
• Evening: Check into your hotel in Ayodhya. Take some rest. You can take a stroll around the local markets near your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Ayodhya.

Day 3: Ayodhya Sightseeing

• Morning: Visit the prominent temples in Ayodhya, including the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi (Ayodhya), Kanak Bhawan, and Dashrath Mahal.
• Afternoon: Explore Sita Ki Rasoi and other significant sites related to the Ramayana. You can also take a boat ride on the Saryu River in the evening (optional).
• Evening: Witness the evening aarti on the banks of the Saryu River.
• Overnight stay in Ayodhya.

Day 4: Ayodhya - Prayagraj

• Morning: After breakfast, drive to Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) (approx. 4-5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Prayagraj. After freshening up, visit the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Take a holy dip (if desired) and witness the evening aarti.
• Evening: Explore the area around the Sangam and visit the Hanuman Temple (Letee Hanuman Ji).
• Overnight stay in Prayagraj.

Day 5: Prayagraj - Chitrakoot 

• Morning: Visit other important sites in Prayagraj, such as the Allahabad Fort (housing the Akshaya Vat and Saraswati Koop), Anand Bhawan (the ancestral home of the Nehru family), and the Allahabad Museum.
• Afternoon: After lunch, drive to Chitrakoot (approx. 3-4 hours).
• Evening: Check into your hotel in Chitrakoot. If time permits, visit the Ram Ghat in the evening for the aarti.
• Overnight stay in Chitrakoot.

Day 6: Chitrakoot - Varanasi 

• Morning: Explore the sacred sites of Chitrakoot, including Kamadgiri Parvat, Sati Anusuya Temple, Gupt Godavari, and Bharat Milap Temple.
• Afternoon: After lunch, begin your journey to Varanasi. The most comfortable option is to take an overnight train from a nearby railway station (like Atarra or Banda, requiring a short road transfer) to Varanasi (approx. 6-8 hours). Alternatively, you can opt for a longer road journey (approx. 8-9 hours).
• Evening: Upon arrival in Varanasi, check into your hotel.
• Overnight stay in Varanasi.

Day 7: Varanasi Sightseeing & Departure

• Early Morning: Experience the mesmerizing Subah-e-Banaras (morning rituals) with a boat ride on the Ganges River during sunrise. Witness the devotees performing their prayers and rituals at the ghats.
• Morning: Visit the sacred ghats like Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat. Explore the narrow alleys and vibrant culture of the old city.
• Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath (where Buddha delivered his first sermon), and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
• Evening: Witness the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Night: Depending on your onward travel plans, you can depart from Varanasi by train or flight.