We organise tours to Varanasi/Kashi, Gaya, Babadham / Baijnath Dham Allahabad/Prayag, Triveni Sangam, Chitakoot, Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, Mathura, Vrindavan and Haridwar
It differes from other religion as there is no single founder,a specific theological system, a single system of morality or a central religious organization. It consists of thousands of religious group that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE. It is regarded as worlds oldest organized religion
Its worlds third largest religion.after Chrisitaniy and islam. It claims about 837 million followers which is worlds 13 % population and the followers are mainly from India, Srilanka, Nepal , Mauritius , South Africa, US ,Canada and Surinam.Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic religions. They recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God. Henotheistic and polytheistic religions have traditionally been among the world’s most religiously tolerant faiths.From North to South and East to West there are many pilgrimage centers and we at Archies Travel Services help you in making your pilgrimage possible to the destinations some of the destinations in our region are listed in the following pages.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
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TR-01 – VARANASI- . (01 NIGH 02 DAYS)
DAY 01 : Arrive Varanasi Meeting assistance on arrival and later transfer to the hotel . Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tours of Varanasi .visiting Mother India, Durga, Tulsi Manas Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath temple. followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamed Ghat Overnight at Hotel.DAY 02 : In Varanasi Early morning proceed on a boat tour on Ganges visitng all the bathing ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath temple ), Annapurna Devi Temple. Return to Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed to Visit Kal bhairav temple and shopping tour.Leave Varanasi In time transfer to the station/airport to connect flight train to onward destination.
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TR-02 – VARANASI (02 NIGHT 03 DAYS)
DAY 01 : Arrive Varanasi Meeting/ assistance on arrival and later transfer to the hotel . Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tours of Varanasi .visiting Mother India, Durga, Tulsi Manas Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath temple. followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamed Ghat Overnight at Hotel.DAY 02 : In Varanasi Early morning proceed on a boat tour on Ganges visitng all the bathing ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath temple ), Annapurna Devi Temple. Return to Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed to Visit Kal bhairav temple and later proceed on an excursion to Sarnath, Afternoon return to hotel.Evening proceed to Vishwanath Temple for special aarti ( Entry on payment and restricted to a maximum of 30 persons) or Ordinary Darshan.Overnight at Hotel..
DAY 03 : In Varanasi Morning Breakfast at Hotel and later proceed on an excursion to Ramnagar. Leave Varanasi In time transfer to station to connect flight/train to onward destination.
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TR 03 – VARANASI (03 NIGHT 04 DAYS)DAY 01 : Arrive Varanasi Meeting/ assistance on arrival and later transfer to the hotel . Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tours of Varanasi .visiting Mother India, Durga, Tulsi Manas Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath temple. followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamed Ghat Overnight at Hotel.DAY 02 : In Varanasi Early morning proceed on a boat tour on Ganges visitng all the bathing ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath temple ), Annapurna Devi Temple. Return to Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed to Visit Kal bhairav temple and later proceed on an excursion to Sarnath, Afternoon return to hotel.Evening proceed to Vishwanath Temple for special aarti ( Entry on payment and restricted to a maximum of 30 persons) or Ordinary Darshan.Overnight at Hotel..DAY 03 : In Varanasi Morning Breakfast at Hotel and later proceed to Chunar .Visit Chunar and later sail on a country boat experiencing the rural life. Also visit Shool Tankeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.The sail concludes at Ramnagar for. After visit of the fort we drive you back to Hotel. (On this day u may also opt for an excursion to Jaunpur or Vindhyachal. Or a sail tour to kaithi Mahadev) over night at Hotel.DAY 04 : In Varanasi After breakfast at Hotel Proceed on an excursion to Ramnagar fort.Leave Varanasi In time transfer to station to connect flight/train to onward destination.(You may also opt for a day excursion to Sitamarhi or Ayodhya or Allahabad ex Varanasi)
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TR-04 – (3 NIGH 4 DAYS)
VARANASI GAYA-VARANASI-ALLAHABAD-VARANASI (3 NIGH 4 DAYS)
DAY 01 : Arrive Varanasi Meeting assistance on arrival and later transfer to the hotel . Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tours of Varanasi .visiting Mother India, Durga, Tulsi Manas Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath temple. followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamed Ghat Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 : In Varanasi Early morning proceed on a boat tour on Ganges visitng all the bathing ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath temple ), Annapurna Devi Temple. In case you wish to perform some rituals/pinda dana for your ancestors you may perform this morning prior for leaving to Gaya. Return to Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed to Gaya On arrival at Bodhgaya check in at Hotel .Evening visit Mahabadhi temple and other sites of Buddhist importance. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 : BODHGAYA-GAYA. Early in the morning proceed to Gaya 14 kms from Bodhgaya and visit the Vishnu pad temple and perform the rituals (pinda) for your ancestors. Later in the afternoon drive to Varanasi. On Arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 : VARANASI-VINDHYACHAL-ALLAHABAD
Breakfast at Hotel and later drive to Allahabad enroute visiting Vindhyachal. On arrival at Allahabad proceed to Sangam for a holid dip and later visit other places of religious and historical importance. In time transfer to the station/airport to connect flight train to onward destination.
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TR-05 (4 NIGHT 5 DAYS)
VARANASI GAYA-VARANASI-ALLAHABAD-CHITRAKOOT-ALLAHABAD (4 NIGHT 5 DAYS)
DAY 01 : Arrive Varanasi Meeting assistance on arrival and later transfer to the hotel . Afternoon proceed on a half day temple tours of Varanasi .visiting Mother India, Durga, Tulsi Manas Sankat Mochan Temple and the new Vishwanath temple. followed by Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamed Ghat Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 : In Varanasi Early morning proceed on a boat tour on Ganges visitng all the bathing ghats followed by walk through the narrow lanes visiting the Golden Temple (Old Vishwanath temple ), Annapurna Devi Temple. In case you wish to perform some rituals/pinda dana for your ancestors you may perform this morning prior for leaving to Gaya. Return to Hotel for Breakfast. After breakfast proceed to Gaya On arrival at Bodhgaya check in at Hotel .Evening visit Mahabadhi temple and other sites of Buddhist importance. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03 : BODHGAYA-GAYA. Early in the morning proceed to Gaya 14 kms from Bodhgaya and visit the Vishnu pad temple and perform the rituals (pinda) for your ancestors. Later in the afternoon drive to Varanasi. On Arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 : VARANASI-VINDHYACHAL-ALLAHABADBreakfast at Hotel and later drive to Allahabad enroute visiting Vindhyachal. On arrival at Allahabad proceed to Sangam for a holid dip and later visit other places of religious and historical importance. On arrival check in at Hotel.
DAY 05 : ALLAHABAD-CHITRAKOOT-ALLAHABAD After breakfast at Hotel drive to Chitrakoot (130 kms/3 hrs) and after visit return to Allahabad to connect train flight to onward destination.
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TR-06 (6 NIGHT 7 DAYS)
VARANASI-GAYA-VARANASI-ALLAHABAD-CHITRAKOOT-ALLAHABAD- AYODHYA- NAIMISARNYA- LUCKNOW
DAY 01 to DAY 05 same as Tour 04.
DAY 06 : ALLAHABAD-AYODHYA. After breakfast at Hotel proceed to Ayodhya. On arrival check in at Hotel. Later proceed on a visit to Sri Ram Janm Bhumi- the birth place of Lord Rama. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 07 : AYODHYA-NAIMISARANYA-LUCKNOW After breakfast at Hotel proceed to Naimisaranya and later in the evening return to Lucknow to connect train/flight to onward destination
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TR-07 (9 NIGHT 10 DAYS)
VARANASI-GAYA-VARANASI-ALLAHABAD-CHITRAKOOT-AYODHYA-NAIMI-SARNYA-LUCKNOW–AGRA-MATHURA-VRINDAVAN –DELHI (9 NIGHT 10 DAYS)
DAY 01 to DAY 07 same as Tour 05.
DAY 08 ARRIVE AGRA Early in the morning arrive Agra and later transfer to hotel . After breakfast at Hotel proceed on a full day tour of Agra visiting the world famous Taj Mahal and Agra fort. Afternoon at leisure (or you may opt for a tour of Fateh pur sikri). Evening Transfer to Mathura. On arrival check in at Hotel. Evening visit Mathrua
DAY 09 MATHURA-VRINDAVAN After breakfast at Hotel proceed to Vrindavan and also visit Brij bhumi. Overnight in Hotel in Mathura.
DAY 10 MATHURA DELHI. Proceed to Delhi by surface .On arrival transfer to airport or railway station to connect flight/train to onward destination.
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TR-08 (10 NIGHT 11 DAYS)
VARANASI-GAYA-VARANASI-ALLAHABAD- CHITRAKOOT- AYODHYA- NAIMI SARNYA- LUCKNOW– AGRA- MATHURA- VRINDAVAN– DELHI – HARIDWAR- RISHIKESH (10 NIGHT 11 DAYS)
DAY 01 to DAY 09 same as Tour 06.
DAY 09 : MATHURA-VRINDAVAN After breakfast at Hotel proceed to Vrindavan and also visit Brij bhumi. Late evening transfer to Delhi. Overnight in a Hotel ..
DAY 10 : DELHI-HARIDWAR Proceed to Haridwar by surface .On arrival check in at Hotel. Afternoon visit Haridwar and in the evening join Ganga Aarti. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 11 : HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH After breakfast at Hotel drive to Rishikesh and visit Rishikesh and adjoining places. Afternoon return to Delhi or in the evening transfer to Haridwar station to connect train to onward destination.
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TR-09 THE GREAT GANGES TOUR
DAY 01: Arrive Varanasi . meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon temple tour and later in the evening proceed to the bank of river Ganges to witness Ganga Aarti. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02: In Varanasi. Early morning Boat tour on Ganges and later return to Hotel for breakfast.. After breakfast at Hotel drive to Allahabad enroute visiting Vindhyachal.
Later transfer to the station to connect train to Agra. Overnight on Board the train
DAY 03 ARRIVE AGRA Early in the morning arrive Agra and later transfer to hotel . After breakfast at Hotel proceed on a full day tour of Agra visiting the world famous Taj Mahal and Agra fort. Afternoon at leisure (or you may opt for a tour of Fateh pur sikri). Evening Tranfer to Mathura Evening visit Mathrua. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 MATHURA-VRINDAVAN After breakfast at Hotel proceed to Vrindavan and also visit Brij bhumi. Overnight in Hotel in Mathura.
DAY 05 MATHURA DELHI. Proceed to Delhi by surface .Afternoon tour of Old and new Delhi. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 06: DELHI-HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH (224 Kms)
After breakfast drive down to Rishikesh enroute visiting Haridwar. On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon proceed on a tour of Haridwar.
DAY 07: HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH –HARIDWAR Proceed on a tour of Rishikesh Laxman Jhoola, The Laxman temple. Neel Kanth Mahadev Himalayan peaks, Babhar forests and the plain below. Bharat Mandir The oldest temple in Rishikesh – the black statue of Vishnu, here, is supposed to have been consecrated by Sri Sankaracharya, in the 9th century. The event is commemorated, during Vasant Panchami, to mark the onset of spring. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 08: RISHIKESH-DELHI After breakfast leave by surface for Delhi. Later transfer to airport/station to connect flight/train to onward destination.
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HINDU PILGRIMAGE TOUR DESTINATIONS
VARANASI : Oldest living city of the world dedicated to Shiva also know as the city of learning and Burning. The city has many important hindu temples including Kashi Vishwanath which is one of the Jyotirlinga. Others are Anoopuna Devi Temple, Kal Bhairvi Temple, sankat Mochan Temple, Durga Temple, New Vishwanath temple at the University campus, Tulsi Manas Temple and the unique Bharat Mata Temple. In addition to this there are various Ashrams. Visit to the Vishwanath temple for special prayers and aarti ceremony at the ghat , A holy dip in the Ganges , rituals and a boat ride are some of the highlights which one can do in varanasi
GAYA : is located in the central part of the state of Bihar on the west of the Falgu River, which is a tributary of river Ganga Its a religious center and it is believed that the principal Hindu God, Vishnu has bestowed upon Gaya the power to absolve the sin of the sinners. Pilgrims come to offer funerary offerings (or pinds) at the ghats along the river and pray for the souls of their ancestors.. Vishnupad temple built in the Hindu Shikhar style of architecture is the main pilgrimage attraction and is located on the west bank of Falgu River. The Brahmajuni hill 1 km southwest of the Vishnupad temple is an important spot. One thousand stone steps lead the travelers to the top of this hill, from where one can have a full view of Gaya.
VINDHYACHAL : 90 kms from Varanasi is an important Shaktipeeths and is believed that Goddess Durga had established herself here after having killed the demon king Mahishasura. Thus, Goddess Durga is also known by the name of Vindhyavasini in this area. Shaktipeeth are actually places where the Goddess of power is supposed to be residing. There are as many as 51 Shaktipeeth in India Vindhyachal is one of them. The other temples of pilgrimage importance are Asthbhuja and Kalikhoh Vindhyachal is worth visiting once..
PRAYAG or ALLHABAD : The confluence of history, culture and religion makes Allahabad, a unique city. Where kumbhmela after 12 years is held at the Sangam/confluence of river Ganges, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati. It is said that drops of Amrit (Elixir) fell in to the Confluence of the three rivers and therefore considered that a dip in the sangam is very important . Pilgrimage to this place continues round the year but the magh mela makes it special.In addition to this one can visit the Hanuman temple near the Sangam, Manakameshwar Temple.Swaraj Bhavan, Anand Bhawan, .There is also a fort near the sangam but one requires special permission to visit as the same is occupied by Indian Army.
CHITRAKOOT: is closely associated with the epic Ramayan. Chitrakoot or “the hill of many wonders” is an important of pilgrimage. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita spent their 14 years of exile and where the Sage Atri and Sati Anasuya meditated. The holy town is set in sylvan surroundings on the banks of the River Mandakini, also known as the Payaswaini river. The riverside is lined with ghats and the town dotted with temples dedicated to several deities of the Hindu pantheon.Kamadgiri a forested hill of prime religious significance is believed to be the original Chitrakoot. The Bharat Milap Temple is located here. Pilgrims perform a ritual circumambulation of the hill to seek blessings. Sphatik Shila This picturesque spot is marked by two immense rocks. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama and Sita feasted their eyes on the beauty of Chitrakoot. Hanuman Dhara Located on a steep hillside, it is approachable by a flight of 360 steps. Here, the waters of a natural spring cascade over an image of Lord Hanuman.Ram Ghat on the banks of the River Mandakini, and centre of ritual activity, this ghat is the most frequented in Chitrakoot. The “Aarti” performed in the evening is particularly beautiful. Janki Kund an unusual cave over the Mandakini. Said to be the place where Sita bathed.
AYODHYA: is situated on the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts. Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya is a popular pilgrim centre. This town is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu. For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kaushaldesa. Skand and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of the seven most sacred cities of India. It was the venue of many event in Hindu mythology, today pre-eminently a temple town, The Atharvaveda described Ayodhya as `a city built by Gods and being prosperous as paradise itself’. Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples yet, all places of worship here, are not only of Hindu religion. At Ayodhya several religions have grown and prospered simultaneously and also at different periods of time in the past.
MATHURA AND VRINDAVAN: Mathura is known as birth place of lord Krishna and is located on the western bank of river Yamuna For about 3000 Year it was the hub of culture and civilization .. Mathura is considered as Athens of India. The great school of sculpture known as Mathura school of Art flourished here for 1200 Years. Such prolific creativity and gushing devotion to novel. All round the year a large number of Festival and fairs are held in Mathura and adjoining areas of Vrindavan Gokul, Brij and Goverdhan The places of Pilgrimage importance are. VISHRAM GHAT The sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after slaying the tyrant Kansa. DWARKADHEESH TEMPLE : Built in 1814, it is the main temple in the town. During the festive days of Holi, Janmashthami and Diwali, it is decorated on a grandiose scale. GITA MANDIR in city outskirts, the temple carving and painting are a major attraction.Vrindavan is 15 km from Mathura , another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples – both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. It is understood that Mathura City is the transcendental abode of Lord Krishna. It is not an ordinary material city, for it is eternally connected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Vrindavan is within the jurisdiction of Mathura and still continues to exist. Because Mathura and Vrindavan are intimately connected with Krishna eternally, it is said that Lord Krishna never leaves Vrindavan
NAIMISARANYA: is place of great sanctity, situated 125 kms from Lucknow on sitapur road. The place finds a frequent mention in the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and most of the Puranas . Many of the Puranas were written here.One legend is that Pitamaha Brahma sent out a ‘manomaya wheel’ after saluting Mahadeva which went on moving at various places and its rim was shattered at this place now known as Naimisaranya. Sages followed the course of that wheel which was as bright as the Sun, and they stopped at Naimisaranya where the rim of the wheel was shattered. Vana Parva says all ‘Tirthas’ are concentrated at Nimsar. This place is described very holy on earth and is stated to be very dear to Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu flung his discus at the demons It is believed that those who stay here have no fear from Goddess Kali. The Puranic reciter, Sauti Ugrashravas, recited the Mahabharata to the Sages, here. The place has many sacred tanks and temples . Some other tanks worthy of mention are the Pancha Prayaga, the Godavari, the Kashi, the Gomati and the Godavari. The famous poet, Surdasji spent some part of his life here. There is a belief, which says, it is meritorious to have a bath in the sacred tanks of this place, on Somavati Amavasya. It is the essence of the Puranas, which has made this place of so holy and pilgrims visit the place round the year to offer prayers, bathe in the tank and wish for their desires from the Lord.
HARIDWAR: is paradise for nature-lovers it presents kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. It is also termed as hari ka dwar ‘Gateway to Gods’ .The other names are Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar . It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. And that’s why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. The Rajaji National Park is just 10 kms from Haridwar. Its an ideal destination for wild life and adventure lovers. In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the holy waters.
Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times . Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar. Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is said that drops of Amrit (Elixir) fell in to the Brahmkund of Har-Ki-Pairi, therefore considered that a dip in the Brahmakund on this particular day which is very auspicious and when Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh) once in every twelve years the Maha Kumbh fair is celebrated at Haridwar.
DEOGHAR or the BABA DHAM: (Deoghar means the House of the God) is situated in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand, is a popular health resort and an important center of Hindu pilgrimage, having the ancient temple of Baba Baidyanath – one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. For centuries, devotees of Lord Shiva, in the month of Shravan. undertake a rigorous 100-km pilgrimage on foot from Ajgaibinath (Sultanganj) to offer Holy Water to Baba Baidyanath. The pilgrimage is deemed complete with the homage paid at Basukinath, 43 km from Deoghar. Baidyanath Temple, Nandan Hills, Naulakha Temple, Kundeshwari Temple, Nav Durga Temple, Satsang Ashram, Mahadeo Falls, Harila Joria (8 km), Tapovan(10 km), Trikut Hills(17 km) are major pilgrimage and tourist attractions.
