Roots and Reverence – Ancestral Trails and Sacred Ghats

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Highlights

Discover India's spiritual essence on a 12-day tour featuring Varanasi, Prayagraj, and farm-to-table experience in a traditional village.

Embark on a profound journey through the spiritual and cultural heart of Uttar Pradesh. This 12-day itinerary traces the sacred Ganges from the ancient ghats of Varanasi to the historic manor houses of Prayagraj, concluding with an intimate look at rural life and the refined elegance of Lucknow.

  • Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Locations: Delhi, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Lucknow

Experiences

  • Varanasi Rituals: Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and take a boat ride at dawn to observe ancient rituals along the riverbank.
  • Heritage Stay: Reside at the 150-year-old Planters Bungalow in Prayagraj, a boutique retreat set amidst vast orchards and lush greenery.
  • Rural Immersion: Experience authentic country life at "My Mom’s Village," enjoying farm-fresh meals under a canopy of heritage trees.
  • Sacred Sites: Visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, and Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
  • Lucknowi Elegance: Explore the "City of Nawabs," famous for its sophisticated culture, grand architecture like the Bara Imambara, and world-renowned cuisine.

Itinerary Overview

DayDestinationMain Activity
Day 01DelhiArrival and Airport Transfer
Day 02DelhiOld Delhi Rickshaw Tour & Spice Market
Day 03VaranasiFlight to Varanasi & Evening Ganga Aarti
Day 04VaranasiSunrise Boat Ride & Sarnath Visit
Day 05PrayagrajDrive to Prayagraj & Planters Bungalow
Day 06PrayagrajSangam Visit & Anand Bhavan
Day 07AyodhyaDrive to Ayodhya & Temple Tour
Day 08Village StayDrive to "My Mom’s Village" Farmhouse
Day 09Village StayFarm-to-Table Experience & Rural Life
Day 10LucknowDrive to Lucknow & Evening Food Walk
Day 11LucknowResidency & Bara Imambara Tour
Day 12DepartureFlight to Delhi & International Connection

Accommodation

CityHotelCategory
DelhiLe Meridien or similar5 star hotel
VaranasiRamada by Wyndham or similar4 star Modern hotel
PrayagrajPlanters Bungalow or similarOld British style bungalow
My Mom’s VillageFarm house or similarVillage life based farm house
LucknowClarks or similarModern hotel

Itineraries Expand all

  • Day 01: Arrival Delhi

    Meet and assist at the airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

  • Day 02: In Delhi

    Start with a tour of Old Delhi, navigating narrow lanes via tricycle rickshaw. Visit the Juma Mosque, drive past the Red Fort, and witness Asia’s largest spice market at Fatehpuri. Optional: Delhi Food walking tour in the evening.

  • Day 03: Delhi to Varanasi

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the evening, witness the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony at the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat.

  • Day 04: In Varanasi

    Take a dawn boat ride along the ghats. Later, explore the city's narrow alleys and visit Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon and home to the Dhamekh Stupa.

  • Day 05: Varanasi to Prayagraj

    Drive to Prayagraj (approx. 3 hours). Check-in at the historic Planters Bungalow, a 150-year-old manor house. Enjoy the serenity of the orchards and the canopy of greenery.

  • Day 06: In Prayagraj

    Visit the Sangam - the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati. Explore the Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family.

  • Day 07: Prayagraj to Ayodhya

    Drive to Ayodhya (approx. 4 hours), the birthplace of Lord Rama. Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and the Hanumangarhi temple. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 08: Ayodhya to My Mom’s Village

    Drive to a traditional farmhouse for a rural lifestyle experience. Settle into the farm environment and enjoy the natural surroundings.

  • Day 09: In the Village

    Immerse yourself in rural life. Walk through the fields, interact with local farmers, and enjoy a farm-fresh meal with ingredients sourced directly from the land.

  • Day 10: Village to Lucknow

    Drive to Lucknow (approx. 3-4 hours). In the evening, take a food walk to experience the city's delectable Nawabi cuisine, including famous kebabs and biryanis.

  • Day 11: In Lucknow

    Explore the city's rich history with visits to the British Residency, the grand Bara Imambara with its unique labyrinth (Bhulbhulaiya), and the Chhota Imambara.

  • Day 12: Departure

    After breakfast, transfer to the Lucknow airport for a flight to Delhi, connecting with your onward international flight.

Trip Infos

Trip Includes & Excludes

  • All Hotel Accommodations During the Trip Including Breakfast
  • All Transfers, Sightseeing and Ground Transportation by A/C Vehicle
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Entrance Fees to Monuments
  • International Flights
  • Optional tours as priced in the itinerary
  • Other Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities

FAQ's Expand all

  • What is the best time for this tour?
    The ideal time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and boat rides.
  • Is it safe to attend the Ganga Aarti?
    Yes, it is a well-managed public ceremony, though it can be crowded; our guides ensure you have a comfortable vantage point.
  • What is a "Planters Bungalow"?
    It is a colonial-era manor house typically used by estate owners, offering high ceilings, large verandas, and a glimpse into 19th-century architecture.
  • What should I expect at the village stay?
    Expect a serene, rustic environment with basic but comfortable amenities, focused on nature, farm-fresh food, and local community interaction.
  • Is the food in Lucknow very spicy?
    While rich in flavor and spices, Nawabi cuisine is known for its refinement and aroma rather than extreme heat; options are available to suit various palates.
Duration 12 Days
Trip Code : TZ-5956
Enquiry : Roots and Reverence – Ancestral Trails and Sacred Ghats