5D / 4N13 days
12 nights
Delhi
start point
N/A
best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
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Overview
Tour overview
India is a truly a land of temples that pulsate unparalleled devotion and piousness. Amid the spiritual wonders of the country lies the Sapta Puri (the seven holiest places to Hindus) – the holy tirthas where God is believed to have descended in different incarnations. The soul-enriching sound of the holy bells, the fragrance of the camphor and incense sticks infusing the air, the sacred beckon of the Almighty - all these experiences make Sapta Puri tour a must-have pilgrimage journey. WaytoIndia takes you on the most important pilgrimage in India – the Sapta Puri Yatra. It is believed that if one makes a pilgrimage to all the seven sacred Indian cities, one will attain salvation or Moksha. During the religious journey, we will take you on a beguiling spiritual experience of Ayodhya, Dwarka, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ujjain and Kanchipuram.
Set off on a sacred rendezvous with seven holy places for Hindus to have a memorable experience of India’s religious significance and culture. The 13-day Sapta Puri Yatra encompasses visiting the holiest cities in Hinduism – Ayodhya-Dwarka-Haridwar-Mathura-Varanasi-Ujjain, and Kanchipuram.
Tour highlights
Visit Ayodhya
Mathura’s Keshav Dev Temple
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple
Destinations covered
Best Time
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Ideal For
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Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.
Our Sapta Puri Yatra begins with the arrival at Delhi via flight or train. Next day, post breakfast, depart for Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The distance between Delhi and Mathura is 183 km, via Taj Express Highway or Yamuna Expressway. Driving to Krishna Bhoomi will take approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. After lunch, you can visit three important temples in Mathura, namely Krishna Balaram Temple, Vishram Ghat and Rangabhumi. The splendid beauty of white-marbled Krishna Balaram Temple or ISKCON Temple will grasp your senses. Later on, you can visit the marvellous Vishram Ghat, featuring a myriad colours, cultures and traditions. A boat ride in Vishram Ghat costs INR 20-50 per person. Do not miss the evening aarti held along the Yamuna River, a sight to behold forever. Overnight stay in Mathura.
On Day 2 of our Sapta Puri Tour, visit Mathura’s famous Keshav Dev Temple. The holy shrine dates back to 5000 years ago when Lord Krishna’s great-grandson Vajranabha is believed to build the same. According to folklores, the temple is built over the prison which was the birthplace of Lord Krishna as mentioned in Hindu mythology. As such, Keshav Dev Temple holds immense religious significance for the Hindus. Next on our list of Sapta Puri is Haridwar. After a quick Darshan at Krishna Dev Temple in Mathura, we will set off on a long drive to visit the “Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. It would take around 6 hours to travel 349.4 km. via Taj Express Highway or Yamuna Expressway. Upon arrival at Haridwar, check in at your hotel and the rest of the evening is at your leisure. Enjoy overnight stay at your hotel in Haridwar.
Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, a quaint little pilgrimage site in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. An abode of Lord Vishnu, the city beholds innumerable temples and religious places which make it a prominent place to visit. A dip into the holy waters of River Ganga flowing here is believed to get rid one from all the sins of life. Take a spiritual tour of Haridwar’s most popular Hindu shrines namely, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple and Bharat Mata Mandir, Visit Har ki Pauri, or the footprints of God, to experience spectacular Ganga aarti in the evening. Later, we will drive to Delhi for our onward journey to Lucknow next day.
On Day 4 of our Sapta Puri Yatra, board a flight or train from Delhi to reach Lucknow – “Nawabon ka Sehar.” Upon arrival at Lucknow city, our representative will directly transfer you for a long drive to Ayodhya, one of the seven sacred Indian cities according to Sapta Puri Sloka. The distance between Lucknow and Ayodhya is 135.1 km. and takes around 2 hours 36 minutes to reach via NH27. The 9000 years old city of Ayodhya has its mention in Hindu epic Ramayana and is known to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. Located at the banks of River Sarayu, it is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. There are several temples in Ayodhya, each having its own religious significance and architectural splendour. Visit the most reckoned Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama – the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Other popular places to visit are Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, Moti Mahal, Treta ka Thakur and Guptar Ghat, the place where Lord Rama is believed to drown himself in a “Jal Samadhi”. Overnight stay at your hotel in Ayodhya.
Next day morning, embark on a drive to Varanasi which is located 205.1 km, from Ayodhya via Harlalka Road. It takes approximately 5 hours to reach and you can stop-over at Jaunpur to have your lunch. Upon arrival, complete the check-in formalities at your hotel and you can rest for the entire day. In the evening, you can visit the numerous ghats that beautifully adorn the “Spiritual Capital of India,” to experience myriad sights, traditions and rituals that symbolise our religious significance. Stay overnight at your hotel in Varanasi.
On Day 6 of Sapta Puri Tour, we will spend the entire day exploring Varanasi’s spiritual call at its best. Varanasi or Banaras, also known as Kashi as mentioned in Hindu scriptures, is the oldest holy city in India. It has been an exemplary ensemble of Indian philosophy, spiritual ethos, traditions and culture since time immemorial. Located at the banks of River Ganga, Varanasi is known as the abode of Lord Shiva. From its bustling ghats to glorious temples, narrow lanes and architectural heritage, it is a city filled with delightful surprises at every corner. It is believed that once-in-a-lifetime visit to Kashi can help a person attain salvation. The more you explore this ancient city, the more you fall in love with it. Visit Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in India which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a Shivlinga which is said to be one among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Other major attractions are Assi Ghat, Sankat Mochan Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir and the Jain Shrines. The evening aarti at the ghats of River Ganga is a beautiful sight to cherish forever. Overnight stay in Varanasi.
Next on the list of Sapta Puri is Dwarka, another famous pilgrimage site that attracts devotees from around the country. To visit Dwarka, board an early morning flight or train from Varanasi to reach Ahmedabad. Directly from there, head off to Dwarka which is 438.1 km. via NH47 and NH947. It would take around 7 hours 32 minutes to reach the city and therefore, we can take a short break anywhere in Jamnagar or Rajkot. Upon arriving at the “mesmerising kingdom of Lord Krishna”, check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Dwarka.
Spirituality and mysticism seeps from every corner of Dwarka – a glorious city that dates back to 1500 B.C. and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent the later part of his life. Situated at the western tip of Saurashtra Peninsula in the state of Gujarat, Dwarka is one of the key highlights of both Char Dham Yatra and Sapta Puri Tour. It holds immense significance in Hindu mythology, It is believed that after the demise of Lord Krishna and consequent fall of the Yadav dynasty, a colossal flood submerged the erstwhile City of Gold to the bottom of the ocean. Today, Dwarka sits at the banks of Gomti River and is reckoned for the Dwarkadheesh Temple, a notable religious site dedicated to Lord Krishna. Other popular places to visit in Dwarka on your Sapta Puri Yatra are Gopi Tarav, Nageshwar Jyotiling Temple and Beyt Dwarka on a ferry ride. Stay overnight in Dwarka.
Day 9 of Sapta Puri Yatra starts off with early morning drive from Dwarka to Ahmedabad. Upon arrival at the capital city of Gujarat, set off on your onward journey to Indore via flight or train. Reach Indore and check in at your hotel. In the evening, you can explore the Sarafa Bazaar, famous for its delicious street food. Stay overnight in Indore.
Post breakfast, drive to Ujjain – one of the seven holy places for Hindus or the Sapta Puris, It is a short drive of 1 hour (56.4 km.) via Ujjain – Indore Road. Nestled at the bank of River Shipra in Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain is a revered holy city in India featuring supreme divinity and rich culture. As written by the famous Hindu poet Kalidasa, Ujjain is “the town fallen from heaven to bring heaven on earth.” The city also has its mention in Hindu mythology. Ujjain is also one of the sacred places to hold the Kumbh Mela, the “greatest religious congregation of the Hindus.” Some of the most famous temples in Ujjain that we would cover in Sapta Puri Yatra are Mahakaleswar Jyotirlinga Temple, Bhaironath Temple, Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Mangalnath Temple, Har Siddhi Mata and Gopal Mandir. The Bhasma Aarti held at the Mahakaleswar Temple is another attraction of Ujjain. Overnight stay in Ujjain.
On Day 11, drive back to Indore for your onward journey to Chennai. You can catch a direct flight or train from Indore to reach Chennai. Upon arriving, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. Spend rest of the day at your leisure.
As we head off to the end of our Sapta Puri Yatra, we will visit Kanchipuram as mentioned in the Sapta Puri Sloka in Sanskrit. After a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Chennai, drive for 73.8 km. via NH48 to reach Kanchipuram Sapta Puri in approximately 1 hour 31 minutes. The mesmerising city of Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and the holy abode of Adi Shankaracharya. Located in the sound Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram is renowned for its awe-inspiring Hindu temples that feature unmatched holiness and architectural beauty. It has about 108 Shiva temples, among which the Ekambareswarar Temple is considered the most pious. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here and is worshipped as Prithvi or the earth. The holy shrine is spread over 20-acres of land, featuring 11 storeys and one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The Kailasanathar Temple dates back to the 8th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiva, It features marvellous sandstone carvings throughout the temple complex. Other popular temples to visit are the Kamakshi Amman Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple and Varadaraja Temple. Overnight stay in Kanchipuram.
On the last day of your Sapta Puri Yatra, drive back from Kanchipuram to Chennai. From there, you can depart for your onward journey. We wish you a happy, safe and comfortable journey as you embark on seeking spirituality in India.
Travel tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips For This Tour
Travel Tips For Sapta Puri Yatra
Key highlights of our Sapta Puri Yatra are:
- Visit the birthplace of Lord Rama and get lost amid the devoutness of Ram Janma Bhoomi
- Engross yourself in the spiritual aura of Mathura’s Keshav Dev Temple
- Take a divine tour of Dwarka, a holy city that also comprise the famous Char Dham Yatra in India
- Experience India’s incredible religious traditions at Varanasi, the oldest pilgrimage city in India
- Visit Kanchipuram’s famous Ekambareswarar Temple to find the association with Adi Shankara
- Escape on a journey of Ujjain, one of the four pilgrimage sites to host the world-famous Kumbh Mela
Travel Tips:
To ensure your Sapta Puri Yatra is a one free of hassles and inconvenience, we provide you some important travel tips that you should keep in mind when planning your tour.
1. Best time to visit: November to March is the best time to take Sapta Puri Tour in India. This is the time when you can enjoy salubrious weather and a blissful experience of vibrant fairs and festivals that emphasise the true spirit of India’s spiritual traditions.
2. How to reach Mathura: The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the nearest major airport to Mathura. Mathura Junction is the nearest railway station that connects the city to other parts of India. It is also well-connected via roadways.
3. Mathura Travel Tips:
- Mathura is famous for lassi, peda, jalebis and kachoris – a must try
- Put donations only in the donation boxes provided in the temple complex, Beware of being misguided by immoral local guides and thugs
- Avoid carrying mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices when visiting the temples of Mathura. Krishna Janmabhoomi Mandir does not even allow carrying car keys with remote locking system for security reasons.
4. How to reach Haridwar: The nearest airport in Jolly Grant at Dehradun. One can also board a flight till Delhi and reach Haridwar via private taxis or buses. Haridwar is the nearest railway station connecting to major cities of India. It is also well-connected via NH54.
5. Haridwar Travel Tips:
- As it is a holy abode of the Almighty, non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in Haridwar
- On your Sapta Puri Yatra, you can shop religious items and brassware at Bara Bazaar lying between Har ki Pauri and Upper Road
- Take a ropeway ride to reach Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple for an exuberant experience. In winter months, the cable car service is available from 8 a.m. and it costs INR 350 (as on July 2018) as a package to reach both the temples via Udankhatola or cable car
- Make sure to take your seat early along the ghats to have a stunning view of the evening aarti
- Some nice places to eat are Chotiwala, Bhagwati’s, Mohan Ji Puri Wale, Hoshiyar Puri and Mathura Walo ki Pracheen Dukan
6. How to Reach Ayodhya: The nearest major airport is Lucknow, connected to major cities in India. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is the nearest railway station.
7. Ayodhya Travel Tips:
- Do not miss the Sarayu Aarti in the evening to have a beautiful site of the holy river glowing amid earthen lamps
- To visit Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, do carry your identity card if you are a citizen of India and your passport if you are a foreign traveller
- There are not many hotels in Ayodhya. You can search nearby or stay in the Dharamshalas
- ATM facility is not good in the city; do carry enough cash and keep your belongings to yourself
8. How to Reach Varanasi: Varanasi has an international airport, but not too may international flights ply to it directly. However, most domestic airlines operate to and from the city. Mughal Sarai Junction and Varanasi Junction are the nearest railway stations.
9. Varanasi Travel Tips:
- For a mystic Sapta Puri Yatra in Varanasi, get up early and take a boat ride on River Ganga at the sunrise. Make sure to haggle hard to avoid paying a hefty INR 300 per person
- Attend the night pooja ceremony at 6 pm at the Main Ghat
- Auto rickshaw, bicycle or walking are the best ways to commute
- Do not forget to carry back Varanasi’s famous Benarasi saree and paan
10. How to Reach Dwarka: Porbandar Airport (98 km.) and Jamnagar Airport (127 km.) are the nearest airports to Dwarka. It has its own rail head connected to major cities of the country. It is also connected via roadways from Ahmedabad.
11. Dwarka Travel Tips:
- Do not carry any electronic items inside the temple premises of Dwarkadheesh Temple
- Enjoy a boat ride across Gomti River. It may cost something around INR 10 per seat
- Good places to eat are Arti Restaurant, Sharanam and Kant to enjoy fresh and quality Gujarati delicacies
- Decorative marine shell items are a good buy here
- Alcohol consumption is prohibited in Dwarka being one of the seven sacred Indian cities
12, How to Reach Ujjain: The nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore. Ujjain Junction is a major railway station connected to prominent cities of the country.
13. Ujjain Travel Tips:
- Pay respect to Hindu traditions and authority guidelines when you visit the temples in Ujjain on your Sapta Puri Yatra. Typically, electronic items are not allowed inside the temples
- It is a unique shopping destination for travellers who would love to collect bamboo articles, pottery items, tribal metal wares and other handicraft items
- ATM facility is quite good in Ujjain with most prominent banks operating here
14. How to Reach Kanchipuram: To reach Kanchipuram Sapta Puri, board a flight to Chennai Airport which is the nearest to the city. Kanchipuram has a major railhead and is also connected to other south Indian cities via roadways.
15. Kanchipuram Travel Tips:
- Start your Kanchipuram temple tour with Kamakshi Amman Temple, followed by Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple
- Most temples remain closed from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Photography is not allowed the sanctum sanctorum inside all the temples
- Saravana Bhavan, Sri Rama Cafe, Sakthi Ganapathy and Kanchi Bhavan Vegetarian Restaurant are some good places to eat in Kanchipuram
- Make sure your visit Mahatma Gandhi Road to buy Kanchipuram’s famous silk sarees, stoles and scarves
Take Sapta Puri Yatra in India and delve deeper in experiencing the country’s undying devotion and spiritual ethos. WaytoIndia promises the most inspiring Sapta Puri Tour for spiritual seekers to seek self-attainment and salvation.
What travellers say
What travellers say
4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 46 reviews
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Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”2 weeks ago · Google
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Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”a month ago · Google
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Yash Bhargava★★★★★
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”3 months ago · Google
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
For the Sapta Puri Yatra, no special permits are typically required for Indian citizens. However, foreign nationals may need to carry their visa and passport at all times. It's advisable to check local regulations for any specific sites, especially in sensitive areas.
The best time to visit the Sapta Puri is from November to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for travel and exploration. Additionally, many festivals occur during these months, enhancing the spiritual experience.
Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a light jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you will be visiting temples and walking through various cities. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications.
Mathura is easily accessible from Delhi. You can take a train from New Delhi Railway Station, which is a convenient option. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available, and the drive takes about 3-4 hours depending on traffic.
Traveling alone in the Sapta Puri can be safe, but it's important to stay vigilant. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid isolated places at night, and keep your belongings secure. Joining a guided tour can enhance safety and provide valuable insights.
When visiting temples, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering, and be respectful of the rituals taking place. It's also advisable to ask permission before taking photographs inside the temple premises.
It's advisable to stay hydrated and consume bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor before traveling.
During the Sapta Puri Yatra, transportation is typically provided as part of the package. This may include private vehicles for intercity travel and local transport. Public transport options like buses and auto-rickshaws are also available for short distances.
Most urban areas in the Sapta Puri have good mobile connectivity. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better rates on data and calls. Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and cafes, but it may be limited in rural areas.
Key highlights include visiting the birthplace of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, the spiritual aura of Mathura’s Keshav Dev Temple, the ancient city of Varanasi, and the divine Dwarka. Each city offers unique cultural and spiritual experiences.
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