VARANASI (KASHI), PRAYAGRAJ, CHITRAKOOT AND AYODHYA – 11 DAYS

A Journey Through Time: From London to India's Heart

Our journey began with a flight from London Heathrow Airport to Delhi, the bustling capital of India. Upon arrival, we transferred to our hotel, where we settled in and prepared for the adventures ahead. The next morning, we checked out and boarded a flight to Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, known for its spiritual significance and vibrant culture. After checking into our Varanasi hotel, we embarked on a tranquil boat tour on the sacred River Ganges, observing the bustling activity at the various ghats. We then wandered through the narrow, winding lanes of Varanasi to visit the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath Temple), Annapurna Devi Temple, and Vishalakshi Temple, each steeped in rich history and religious significance.

The following day, we immersed ourselves further in Varanasi's spiritual heritage by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. We explored other notable temples, including the Bhairav Nath Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir with its unique map of India, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the New Vishwanath Temple located within Banaras Hindu University. Our journey then took us to Prayagraj, where we marveled at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, and visited the revered Hanuman Temple.

Continuing our pilgrimage, we traveled to Chitrakoot, a town famous for its connections to the epic Ramayana. We explored Ram Ghat, Hanuman Dhara, Sita Kund, and the Sati Anusuya Ashram, each location echoing stories from ancient texts. Returning to Prayagraj for the night, we then proceeded to Ayodhya, the legendary birthplace of Lord Rama. Here, we strolled around Ram Ki Paidi and visited Treta Ke Thakur. Our exploration of Ayodhya's sacred sites included the Ram Janambhumi Temple, Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, and Sita Rasoi. Our final leg took us to Naimisharanya, where we visited Chakra Tirth and Hanuman Gadi before heading to Lucknow. After a brief stay in Lucknow, we flew back to Delhi, where we visited the magnificent Akshardham Temple before concluding our journey and flying back to London. This trip was not only a journey through the vibrant cities of India but also a deep dive into its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.