Varanasi | Ayodhya | Prayagraj
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Varanasi Ayodhya Prayagraj Packages
Varanasi
Varanasi, a city that oozes charm and mesmerizing beauty, is amongst the holiest cities in India and arguably in the world. With a massive number of temples, shrines, and ghats, for anyone who seeks the blessings of the almighty, Varanasi, should be at the top of their priority list.
Known as Lord Shiva’s City, this majestic place has a distinct essence in its soothing surroundings, which would certainly leave any visitor spell bounded. Many people from all over India visit the shores of the pious Ganges River and take a holy bath, which is believed to banish all the sins from the body and soul.
If you are visiting Varanasi any time sooner, then boat riding at the holy Ganges river should be at the top of your bucket list. This would be an unforgettable experience of your life as the picturesque views from the rides have a charm of its own.
The stunning panoramic experience of temples and practices of Hindu rituals would harmonize your heart and soul. You should also attend the glorious Aarti sessions at the Ganges River. Spiritual chants and the essence of aromatic surroundings will be an ideal experience if the person wishes for a calm and serene place to cherish.
This divine ceremony is even enhanced in magnitude when witnessed at the Dasaswamedh Ghat. The use of heavy brass lamps for the ceremony makes the experience even more satisfying.
Another important landmark of Varanasi popularly known as Sarnath is renowned as the place where Lord Buddha illustrated Dharma. It is amongst the most prominent Buddhist sites all around the world. You can also witness the humongous pillar of Dharmekh Stupa. Also, the visual brilliance of the Ashoka Pillar would be a treat to your eyes. Varanasi is truly an alluring site that captivates travelers with its holiness and tranquility.
Ayodhya
A city of immense religious and spiritual importance, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is believed to be Lord Rama's city. It is mentioned in the Ramayana and is one of India's seven holiest cities. Ayodhya is home to numerous temples, Islamic establishments, sacred ghats, attracting large crowds of tourists and pilgrims. Holidify offers a multitude of Ayodhya tour packages at reasonable prices.
One of Ayodhya's most prominent temples is the Ram Janmabhoomi, where Lord Rama was supposedly born. Although associated with many conflicts, the temple is located near the Sarayu River and is known for its grand architecture and its religious significance. The late 19th century Kanak Bhawan, also called Sone ka Ghar, is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Sita.
Some other temples where you can pay your respects when on a trip to Ayodhya include the Hanuman Garhi dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Nageshwarnath Temple where Lord Nageshwarnath is worshipped and Treta ke Thakur, where you would find idols of Lord Rama, Hanuman, Lakshman, Bharat, Sugreev etc. Do visit the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, where the sain-poet Goswami Tulsidas has composed the Ramcharita.
Besides temples, Ayodhya also houses the Gulab Bari, the Garden of Roses, the tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula and his parents. In addition, you can visit Bahu Begum ka Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum dedicated to Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula's wife, Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano. Situated in Faizabad, about 20 minutes from Ayodhya, it was built in 1816 and is known for its Awadhi architecture.
Moti Mahal, or the "Pearl Palace," is also situated in Faizabad and used to be the residence of the Begum; it's admired for its Mughal architecture. When you travel to Ayodhya, you must go to some of its holy ghats like the Naya Ghat, Guptar Ghat, Ram Ghat and Lakshman Ghat. It is believed that going for a dip at a ghat will rid you of your sins.
About 1 day is sufficient to explore the city and to visit its major attractions. The best time to travel to Ayodhya is from October to December when the weather is pleasant, and you can also witness festivals like Diwali and Ram Vivah. You can stay in hotels or guesthouses. Ayodhya holiday packages also often include nearby destinations such as Varanasi, another major holy city.
Varanasi is situated on the Ganges river and is also one of India's seven holiest cities. It is known for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is a Jyotirlinga. Some of its other temples are the Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple and Batuk Bhairav Mandir. Do visit its holy ghats like Assi Ghat, Kedar Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the Ganga aarti is organised daily, Assi Ghat and Kedar Ghat. Holidify has many Ayodhya travel packages which are customisable and ideal for travelling alone or with someone.
Prayagraj
Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is a city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Reminiscent of all that is spiritual and sacred in Hinduism, Allahabad is famous for Triveni Sangam or the meeting point of three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati. Built on the site of the ancient town of Prayag, Allahabad has, since time immemorial, held the largest Hindu gathering on the banks of the Sangam - the Maha Kumbh Mela. While the Sangam city is often passed over for more travel-friendly cities, there is a lot to Allahabad besides just its religion.
Prayag or Prayagraj had been the ancient name of the city of Allahabad. Pra means “first” and Yag means “devotion”. Prayag also signifies the coming together of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. After the Mughal invasion, Emperor Akbar, impressed by the location named the city Ilahabas which meant “Abode of God”. Emperor Shah Jahan, his grandson, renamed the city to Allahabad.
One of the top places to visit in Allahabad, if you’re spiritually inclined (and even if you’re not because this place deserves a visit), Triveni Sangam is a place bustling with tourists and locals all year round. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a religious occasion that is held here every twelve years and is attended by millions of pilgrims from all across the globe. The Allahabad Fort is another monument of historical significance and is a heritage site recognized by the UNESCO. Built during the reign of Akbar, this fort is also a fine example of the curation and craftsmanship of the Mughal era.
Other popular places to visit in Allahabad include the Anand Bhavan, All Saints Cathedral, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and Allahabad Museum.
Allahabad finds its mention in Hindu Scripture Mahabharata as Kaushambi, the place which Kuru rulers of Hastinapur made their capital. It was also a provincial capital of Mughals under the rule of Jahangir. The places ooze heritage, history, and stories galore, and once you visit, you will definitely have seen Allahabad differently for having travelled to and through it.