Varanasi

Overview: Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, is one of the oldest cities in the world, located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is considered the spiritual capital of India, revered for its rich religious and cultural heritage.

Spiritual Significance:

• Hindu Pilgrimage: Varanasi is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is believed that dying here and being cremated along the Ganges grants moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
• Temples and Ghats: The city boasts over 80 ghats, including the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, where many religious rituals take place. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most important temples in India.

Cultural Richness:

• Arts and Crafts: Varanasi is known for its exquisite silk weaving, producing the famous Banarasi sarees. The city has a vibrant tradition of music, dance, and arts.
• Festivals: Major festivals like Diwali, Makar Sankranti, and Ganga Mahotsav are celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing large crowds.

Education:

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Established in 1916, BHU is one of the largest residential universities in Asia and contributes significantly to education and research in various fields.

Ayodhya

Overview: Ayodhya, located in Uttar Pradesh, is considered one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism. It is famously known as the birthplace of Lord Rama, a major deity in Hindu mythology.

Religious Importance:

• Rama Janmabhoomi: The site is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, and the Ram Temple is a key pilgrimage destination. The temple's recent construction has brought renewed attention to Ayodhya.
• Temples and Rituals: The city is dotted with numerous temples and sites related to the Ramayana, including the Hanuman Garhi temple and Kanak Bhawan.

Cultural Heritage:

• Festivals: Ayodhya celebrates various festivals, particularly Rama Navami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, attracting thousands of devotees.
• Historical Significance: The city has a rich cultural and historical narrative, often referenced in ancient texts and epics.

Connection Between Varanasi and Ayodhya

Both Varanasi and Ayodhya are significant in Hindu tradition, embodying deep spiritual and cultural connections. While Varanasi is primarily known for its rituals related to death and liberation, Ayodhya symbolizes birth and the life of Lord Rama. Together, they represent crucial aspects of Hindu belief—liberation and dharma (righteousness)—making them essential pilgrimage sites for devotees.

Visiting both cities offers a profound experience of India's spiritual landscape, where ancient traditions continue to thrive.

Day 01:- Varanasi
Once you arrive in Varanasi airport or railway station, you will meet the representative of Hindustan Journey who will pick you up to further accompany you to the pre-booked hotel where you check in and then proceed on to the guided tour to the New Kashi Vishwanath Temple (BHU) also called Birla Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and Durga Temple. Get back to the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 02:- Varanasi 
Wake up to the early morning breakfast and start with the sightseeing ventures in one of the holiest places on earth, Varanasi. Go out to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Devi, Vishalakshi Devi, Sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Kund, Manas Temple, and Birla Temple. Overnight stay.

Day 03:- Varanasi – Ayodhya 
After morning breakfast checkout and proceed to Ayodhya. You will witness the remnants of Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains when you visit Ayodhya which is renowned as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Stay overnight in the hotel. 

Day 04: - Ayodhya/Varanasi
After morning breakfast checkout and drop at Ayodhya/Varanasi.