Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Lucknow Arrival and SightseeingLucknow Ayodhya Allahabad Varanasi tour gets started with your arrival at Lucknow Airport. Our representative for the tour arranges your transfer to the booked hotel where you would relax for sometime before starting Lucknow sightseeing. The melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, Lucknow is dotted with iconic architectural masterpieces influenced by Mughal and European styles. Known for unique poetry styles, classical dance forms like Kathak and inimitable embroidery work, Lucknow narrates the invigorating tales of India’s fascinating culture.
Start the sightseeing trip with visit to Bara Imambara (INR 25/300 for Indians/foreigners; closed on Monday, opens from 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.), the unbelievable arched structure with absolutely no beam support and featuring an interesting bhul-bhulaiya or labyrinth. Then, visit the colossal grand gateway called Rumi Darwaza, Chota Imambara (entry fee included in the ticket for Bara Imambara) and Husainabad Clock Tower (believed to be the tallest in India). At the end, you may visit the top marketplaces like Aminabad and Hazratganj to shop for the very classy chikan embroidery dresses. Stay overnight at Lucknow.
Have breakfast and join us for another sightseeing trip of the imperial city. Visit Lucknow Residency (opens 07:00 a.m.-05:00 p.m.; entry costs INR 5/100 for Indians/foreigners)that witnessed the first war of Indian independence struggle and bears a haunted look. Take a walk to admire the excellent heritage structures including La Martiniere College, The Cathedral and University of Lucknow. While doing so, admire the spectacular forms of Gothic, Indo-Sarcenic and Baroque Architecture styles. End the day splurging on tikkas, kebabs and other Mughlai and Awadhi platters. You may also enjoy the spicy street snacks like chat and kachauri and some very tempting sweets halwa, kulfi and imarti. Stay overnight at Lucknow.
After breakfast, we leave Lucknow and drive towards Ayodhya (or Faizabad, depending on the location of the booked hotel). On arrival, check in at the hotel and take some rest. The birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is counted among the seven holiest Hindu cities (called Saptapuri) and is believed to free one from the cycle of birth and death. Located on the bank of River Saryu, it hosts places associated with the birth and life of Rama and his family. Apart from being a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, it is also a holy destination for Jains and Buddhists.
Start the sightseeing trip by visiting Ramkot, an old citadel where Rama used to reside after becoming Ayodhya’s king. Then, visit some of the top temple of Ayodhya, including Nageshwarnath (built by Rama’s son Kush), Tretake Thakur and Vijayra ghaw. Other popular sites include Hanuman Garhi(a fort like secret cave from which Hanuman used to guard the entire city), Swarg Dwar (the river bank where Rama ended his journey on earth) and Kanak Bhawan. Most of these places are open from dawn to dusk. Stay overnight at Ayodhya (or Faizabad).
(Please note that Ayodhya/Faizabad as of now have no 4*/5* hotels. Hence for those who are looking at luxury hotels, you may write to us and we would suggest you an tour alternate itinerary .)
Start an early morning drive to reach Allahabad and check in at the booked hotel on arrival. Lord Brahma, according to Hindu Mythology, attended a yagna (sacrifice) at this place and called it Tirtharaj (the king of pilgrimages). The city’s biggest claim to fame is that it hosts Sangam, the holy confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati which hosts the grand Kumbh Mela. In addition, there are forts, monuments and many sites associated with Indian Freedom Struggle that makes Allahabad a unique place worth exploring.
As you begin Allahabad sightseeing, visit Allahabad Fort (opens 07:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; entry by donation; permission required from Indian Army which occupies major part of the fort); Anand Bhavan (opens 09:30 a.m.-05:00 p.m.; closed on Monday; entry fee INR 10/100 for Indians/foreigners) which hosts memorabilia associated with the national freedom struggle and Khusro Bagh (07:00a.m.-07:00 p.m.; entry free) featuring a number of tombs with mesmerizing Mughal artwork. You may also attend ‘Sky Show’ at Jawahar Planetarium (INR 40 per person; timings are 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 01:30 p.m., 02:30 p.m., 03:30 p.m. and 04:30 p.m.) or visit other hotspots like Chandra shekhar Azad Park (where the eminent freedom leader sacrificed his life) and Allahabad Museum (INR 5; opens 10:00 a.m.-05:00 p.m.). In the evening, visit Sangam and enjoy the wondrous sight of the holy confluence. Stay overnight at Allahabad.
Leave Allahabad after breakfast and take the road to Varanasi. Check in at the booked hotel on arrival and relax. Varanasi (also called Kashi and Banaras) is believed to be the holiest Hindu city which was created by Lord Shiva and is very special to him. It rests on the sacred bank of River Ganga and boasts of a rich cultural landscape adorned with ancient temples, bustling Ganga ghats, narrow alleys filled with old world charm and a memorable cultural showcase.
Start the city sightseeing tour with a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple (opens 04:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; foreigners must wear traditional Indian attires), one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Next, visit some of the main ghats, including Manikarnika, Dasaswamedhand Assi Ghat and watch plenty of Hindu rituals and ceremonies taking place. Get ready for the unforgettable sight of Ganga aarti in the evening when uncountable diyas are lit to worship Goddess Ganga. Stay overnight at Varanasi.
Begin the day with an early morning boat ride (may cost between INR 250-300 per 2-4 persons) on Ganga. It is a must-have experience to watch the entire city getting up from sleep and presenting some really awesome scenes and activities. You may also take holy dip in the holy river as it is considered to wash one’s sins and sorrows. Later, have breakfast and join us on a small excursion to the nearby town of Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the exact spot inside the Deer Park and explore various Buddhist monuments.
For those who may be interested to know more about this, it is here at Sarnath that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon also known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta in Pali language(or setting in motion of the wheel of Dharma) to five ascetics who has spent six years with him in his quest for truth. This sermon was in the form of Four Noble Truths & Eightfold path which are the essence of Buddhist teachings.
While you are at Sarnath, also, visit Archaeological Museum (entry INR 5/100 for Indians/foreigners) to discover some wonderful specimen of Buddhist art and architecture).
Get back to Varanasi and visit other attractions like Banaras University Complex, Durga Temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Chunar Fort and others (subject to availability of time). Later, explore the local markets to buy the popular Banaras silk sarees and fabrics and other interesting items. Stay overnight at Varanasi.
The Lucknow Ayodhya Allahabad Varanasi tour comes to an end as we drop you at Varanasi Airport from where you begin your preferred journey.