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PROPOSED ITINERARY

Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gaya Pilgrimage 5 nights, 6 days.

Varanasi, with a day at the Sangam in Prayagraj, then Gaya and Bodh Gaya

This six-day pilgrimage keeps you in Varanasi for three nights. After the evening Ganga aarti on arrival, a full day takes you to Prayagraj for rituals at the Triveni Sangam and darshan at the Hanuman temple, returning to Kashi for the night. Day 3 is for Kashi Vishwanath, Manikarnika Ghat and a homage to your ancestors on the Ganga. You then travel to Gaya for an evening at the Vishnupad temple, offer Pind Daan there and at the Phalgu the next morning, and visit the Mahabodhi Temple before a night in Bodh Gaya.

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The Falgu riverbed and ghats at Gaya
The Falgu riverbed and ghats at Gaya
WHERE YOU STAY
  1. 3NVaranasi
  2. 1NGaya
  3. 1NBodh Gaya
AT A GLANCE

Who it suits, and how it moves.

Hindu pilgrims who want the three great tirthas of the plains in one journey, the Sangam, Kashi and Gaya, with rites for their ancestors at each. Families who prefer fewer hotel changes like the three nights in Varanasi.

Proposed duration
5 nights · 6 days. 5N/6D target, based in Varanasi for three nights with Prayagraj as a day excursion
Travel style
A private, driven pilgrimage from one base in Kashi: a long day out to the Sangam, a morning of temples and rites on the Ganga, then on to Gaya for Pind Daan and a last evening at Bodh Gaya.
Arrive
Varanasi: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur), or Varanasi Junction and Banaras railway stations.
Depart
Gaya airport, about 15 minutes from Bodh Gaya, or Gaya Junction, about half an hour away and on the main Delhi to Kolkata line.

Day 2 is a long day, with about three hours on the road each way between Varanasi and Prayagraj. Arrive on Day 1 by mid-afternoon for the evening aarti. Flights from Gaya are limited and some are seasonal; Gaya Junction has many more trains. Winter fog can delay flights and trains in December and January, and Pitru Paksha brings very large crowds to Gaya.

DAY BY DAY

The days, with time to breathe.

A proposed programme with its travel and rest built in. We adjust the order to your arrival, the season and your pace.

Day 1Varanasi ArrivalOvernight in Varanasi
Priests raising flaming lamps at the evening Ganga Aarti, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi
  1. On arrivalArrival
    Transfer to your hotel

    Your driver meets you at the airport or station. Premium and Luxury guests are also welcomed by a member of the team.

  2. AfternoonRest
    Rest

    Time to settle in. Your coordinator confirms the details the priests will need for the rites, such as the names of those being remembered and the family's gotra if known.

  3. Around sunsetExperience
    Evening Ganga aarti

    The aarti at Dashashwamedh, watched from the ghat steps at Standard, from arranged seating where available at Premium, and from a private boat at Luxury.

Overnight · Varanasi

Day 2Varanasi to Prayagraj Day ExcursionOvernight in Varanasi
Gulls flying over the Ganges with boats behind, Prayagraj
  1. Early, after breakfastOn the road
    Drive to Prayagraj

    About 120 km west, usually three hours by road.

  2. Late morningExperience
    Triveni Sangam rituals

    A boat out to the meeting point of the Ganga and the Yamuna for a holy dip and a short puja with a priest. Shared at Standard, private at Premium and Luxury, and subject to river conditions.

  3. Early afternoonVisit
    Hanuman Temple

    Darshan at the shrine of the reclining Hanuman beside the Sangam, which the river reaches in some monsoon seasons, then lunch nearby.

  4. AfternoonOn the road
    Return to Varanasi

    About three hours back to your hotel in Varanasi for the evening.

Overnight · Varanasi

Day 3Varanasi Temples & RitesOvernight in Varanasi
Boats lined up along the Ganges, Varanasi
  1. Early morningVisit
    Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Darshan through the temple corridor while queues are usually shorter. Phones and bags are not allowed inside; queues vary and no darshan time is promised.

  2. MorningExperience
    Manikarnika Ghat

    A boat along the ghats to Manikarnika, where cremation fires burn day and night, seen respectfully from the river. Shared at Standard, private with a guide at Premium and Luxury.

  3. Late morningVisit
    Ancestral homage

    Tarpan and a short shraddha for your ancestors on a ghat with a priest, as your family's tradition asks. Luxury guests may continue with the Sacred Kashi Walk in the afternoon.

  4. AfternoonRest
    Rest

    A quiet afternoon before the journey to Gaya.

Overnight · Varanasi

Day 4Varanasi to Gaya TransferOvernight in Gaya
The stone shikhara and dome of the Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
  1. MorningOn the road
    Travel to Gaya

    About 250 km by road, usually five to six hours with stops, or about three to four hours by train to Gaya Junction.

  2. AfternoonRest
    Check in and rest

    A quiet afternoon at the hotel.

  3. EveningVisit
    Vishnupad Temple area

    A first visit to the temple built around a footprint of Vishnu set in stone, on the bank of the Phalgu, and a meeting with the priest to confirm the next morning.

Overnight · Gaya

Day 5Gaya Ancestral Rites & Bodh GayaOvernight in Bodh Gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple among trees, Bodh Gaya
  1. Early morningVisit
    Pind Daan at the Vishnupad temple and the Phalgu

    The rites with the priest on the bank of the Phalgu and at the Vishnupad temple, often concluding at Akshayavat. The scope and sequence are agreed with your family before you travel, and take most of the morning.

  2. MiddayRest
    Lunch and rest

    A short drive to Bodh Gaya, about half an hour, and time to rest.

  3. Late afternoonVisit
    Mahabodhi Temple

    The temple and the Bodhi tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment, in the calmer evening hours. Mobile phones are usually deposited at the entrance; shoes come off inside.

Overnight · Bodh Gaya

Day 6DepartureDeparture day
The facade of Varanasi Junction railway station
  1. At your departure timeDeparture
    Departure from Gaya

    Drop at Gaya airport or Gaya Junction for your onward flight or train.

Overnight · Departure day

BEFORE YOU DECIDE

Walking, early starts and the season.

Walking and steps

Expect ghat steps and temple queues in Varanasi, a walk down to the boats at the Sangam, crowded lanes and an uneven riverbank around the Vishnupad temple, and a walk of about a kilometre around the Mahabodhi complex.

Early starts

Day 2 starts soon after breakfast for the Prayagraj drive, Kashi Vishwanath is best visited early on Day 3, and the rites at Gaya usually begin between about 6.30 and 7.30 am on Day 5.

Boats and boarding

Boats at the Sangam and in Varanasi board from steps or banks that can be steep, muddy and wet. River outings depend on water levels, weather and local orders, and are often suspended at the monsoon peak.

Mobility

Temple queues mean long standing, the rites involve sitting on the ground, and some shrines have steps without rails. Tell us about mobility needs early so we can assess each visit. We do not describe this route as fully accessible.

Season

October to March is the most comfortable season, with fog in December and January. April to June is very hot; July to September is monsoon. The Magh Mela at Prayagraj and Pitru Paksha at Gaya bring very large crowds and scarce rooms.

CHOOSE YOUR COMFORT

Standard, Premium or Luxury.

The same journey at three levels of comfort and support. The quotation names the actual hotels, vehicle and inclusions before you pay anything.

Level 2 of 3

Premium

Better stays and more help: private boats, escorted darshan, a stronger car.

  • 4-star hotels in Varanasi, Gaya and Bodh Gaya↑ Upgrade from Standard
  • AC Innova Crysta or similar SUV with chauffeur↑ Upgrade from Standard
  • Escorted rituals at the Sangam, Varanasi and Gaya↑ Upgrade from Standard
  • VIP lines at Varanasi and Gaya where officially offered↑ Upgrade from Standard
Everything included in Premium · 11
Get a quote
Level 3 of 3

Luxury

The finest stays, a luxury car and every special session handled for you.

  • 5-star or best available luxury hotels↑ Upgrade from Premium
  • Luxury SUV with a chauffeur throughout↑ Upgrade from Premium
  • Complete private ritual assistance↑ Upgrade from Premium
  • VIP protocol where official arrangements allow↑ Upgrade from Premium
  • Personal host and dedicated concierge+ New, not in Premium
Everything included in Luxury · 19
Get a quote

Every level: a named coordinator on phone and WhatsApp, and one complete quotation before any payment.

Compare every detail, row by row
StandardPremiumLuxury
HotelsSelected 3-star hotels in Varanasi, Gaya and Bodh Gaya, subject to availability and named in your quotation.Selected 4-star hotels in Varanasi and Bodh Gaya, and the best available property in Gaya, which has few hotels of this category. Subject to availability and named in your quotation.5-star hotels in Varanasi, and the best available luxury property in Gaya and Bodh Gaya. Subject to availability and named in your quotation.
VehiclePrivate air-conditioned sedan, such as a Dzire or Etios, with a driver, sized to your party and luggage. The driver is not a sightseeing guide. The vehicle is subject to availability and named in your quotation.Air-conditioned Innova Crysta or similar SUV with an experienced chauffeur, subject to availability and named in your quotation.A luxury SUV, such as a Fortuner, Mercedes or suitable alternative, with a chauffeur throughout, selected to suit your party and this route. The vehicle is subject to availability and named in your quotation.
MealsBreakfast on all five hotel nights. Lunches and dinners are not included.Breakfast daily. Lunches and dinners are not included.Breakfast daily, plus lunch on the Prayagraj day (Day 2) and the Varanasi to Gaya travel day (Day 4). Other meals are not included.
BoatA shared boat for the Sangam rituals on Day 2 and a shared boat to Manikarnika on Day 3. Either can be upgraded to a private boat.A private boat for the Sangam rituals on Day 2 and a private rowing boat with a guide to Manikarnika on Day 3.A private boat for the Varanasi evening aarti, a private boat for the Sangam rituals and the highest suitable boat to Manikarnika on Day 3, each where boats are operating.
DarshanStandard support at the Hanuman temple, Kashi Vishwanath, the Vishnupad temple and the Mahabodhi Temple, with timings and queue advice from your coordinator.Escorted darshan at the Hanuman temple, Kashi Vishwanath and the Vishnupad temple, using VIP or sugam darshan lines at Varanasi and Gaya where available. Priority or VIP darshan is booked only where the temple's official arrangements allow, and no darshan time is promised.Dedicated coordination and accompaniment at every temple visit within each temple's rules, with VIP or sugam darshan passes booked through official channels. Priority or VIP darshan is booked only where the temple's official arrangements allow, and no darshan time is promised.
AssistanceA named remote coordinator, by phone and WhatsApp, before and during the journey. No accompanying host.A named coordinator throughout, a welcome on arrival, and a host who escorts the family through the rituals at the Sangam, in Varanasi and at Gaya.A dedicated travel concierge for the whole journey, a personal host for the listed days and support hours agreed in your quotation. This is not unlimited round-the-clock cover. Your host manages every ritual with the priests, from materials to seating.
GuidingNo sightseeing guide is included. The priests guide the rites; your driver is not a guide.A guide on the Day 3 boat. The priests guide the rites.A guide on the Day 3 boat and for the Sacred Kashi Walk (Day 3), and a guide at the Mahabodhi Temple (Day 5). The priests guide the rites.
AdmissionsGeneral darshan at these temples is free. Any paid darshan or camera tickets are paid locally.General darshan is free; paid or VIP darshan tickets are booked through official channels where available.Entry and ticketed sites on all listed visits are included; paid or VIP darshan passes are booked where the temple offers them.
PhotographyOptional. A professional photography session can be added.Optional. A professional photography session can be added.A defined professional photography session of about two hours on the Day 3 boat and the ghats, with edited image count and delivery time stated in your quotation. Rites are never photographed without the family's agreement.
SecurityOn request, quoted separately.On request, quoted separately.Included when requested, applicable and expressly accepted in your final quotation. It never means queue-clearing or special access.
Everything Premium includes, day by day
  • Airport and railway station transfersDay 1 arrival and final-day departure

    Arrival transfer from Varanasi airport or station, and drop at Gaya airport or Gaya Junction on the last day

    Included
  • Private chauffeured transportDay 1 to Day 6

    Private chauffeured transport for the whole route in the upgraded vehicle group below

    Included, part of the journey
  • Premium and luxury vehicle upgradeDay 1 to Day 6

    Vehicle group upgraded to an Innova Crysta or similar SUV, subject to availability and named in your quotation

    Included
  • Arrival welcome and assistanceDay 1 · Arrival

    A member of the team welcomes you at Varanasi airport or station and sees you to the hotel. No restricted-area or baggage-hall access is implied

    Included
  • Aarti viewing and seating arrangementsDay 1 · Day 1 evening

    Seating for the evening aarti where an arranged viewing place is available

    Included
  • Upgrade your boat ride / boat bookingDay 2 · Day 2 late morning

    Private boat to the Triveni Sangam and back

    Included
  • Priest and ritual coordinationDay 2 · Day 2 late morning

    A priest for the Sangam snan and puja; dakshina and materials itemised in your quotation

    Included
  • The River WakesDay 3 · Day 3 morning

    Private rowing boat with a guide along the ghats to Manikarnika, about an hour

    Included
  • Darshan and temple visit assistanceDay 2 to Day 5

    Escorted darshan at the Hanuman temple, Kashi Vishwanath and the Vishnupad temple, with VIP or sugam lines where the temple's official arrangements allow

    Included
  • Pind Daan and ancestral rites arrangementsDay 3 and Day 5 mornings

    A priest for the ancestral homage on the Ganga (Day 3) and Pind Daan at the Vishnupad temple and the Phalgu (Day 5): scope, start times and materials agreed with the family before travel. Priest dakshina and materials are itemised in your quotation

    Included
  • Your travel hostDay 2, Day 3 and Day 5

    A host who escorts the family through the rituals at the Sangam, in Varanasi and at Gaya: belongings, footwear, timings and liaison with the priests

    Included
More services you can add to Premium · 16

Want just one thing from a higher tier?

Keep Premium and add any of these on their own. They are quoted with your journey.

ADD TO THIS JOURNEY

Add them to My Journey. If something is already part of your tier it shows as included, and nothing is charged twice.

The golden spire of Kashi Vishwanath seen through a carved archSacred & ritual

Temples across Varanasi

Kashi Temple Circuit

A guided circuit of selected Kashi temples, with an agreed list and a realistic duration, so each visit has time for prayer, explanation and rest.

A lamp ritual by night on the ghats of VaranasiSacred & ritual

Varanasi, on an agreed ghat

Ganga Puja Experience

A hosted puja to the Ganga on the ghats of Varanasi, with a priest, materials and scope defined in advance and each stage explained as it happens.

An older couple on a boat at Varanasi

Family, senior & accessible travel · Quoted for your journey

Senior travel companion

A companion for older guests who sets a comfortable pace, helps with steps and crowds, and keeps family informed with consent, within a defined non-medical scope.

A priest holding a flaming lamp during the aarti, Varanasi

Temple, ritual & puja · Quoted for your journey

Priest and ritual coordination

We find a priest for the ritual you have in mind, agree the place, materials, timing and dakshina, and explain what you will need to do.

A Vande Bharat express at Varanasi Junction

Stays, tickets & insurance · Quoted for your journey

Flight and train booking assistance

Help finding and booking flights and trains that fit your journey, with fares and terms shown separately and nothing treated as confirmed until tickets are issued.

GOOD TO KNOW

Questions, answered.

Why is Prayagraj a day excursion?

It keeps you in one hotel in Varanasi for three nights. The drive is about three hours each way, so Day 2 is long; if you would rather stay a night at the Sangam, we can plan it that way instead.

Are the rites included?

Yes. A priest is arranged for the Sangam puja, the ancestral homage in Kashi and Pind Daan at Gaya, with the scope agreed with your family before you travel. Priest dakshina and materials are itemised in your quotation. If the rites are the main purpose of your visit, A Journey of Remembrance is planned around them.

Is Bodh Gaya included?

Yes. After the rites at Gaya you visit the Mahabodhi Temple and spend the last night in Bodh Gaya, about half an hour away. Gaya and Bodh Gaya are different places, and the rites take place in Gaya.

Availability and cancellation. Hotels, vehicles, boats, guides and temple arrangements are confirmed when we prepare your quotation, and they depend on dates, weather, river levels and the rules of each site. Cancellation terms follow the suppliers in your journey and are set out in the quotation. Booking terms

This is a request for a personalised quotation, not a booking. No payment is required to send your preferences.

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