Description

*Ayodhya – Rama Janmabhoomi Devotional Pilgrimage* *Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot & Prayagraj* Ayodhya, located just 7 km from Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, is the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Revered as one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities, Ayodhya was the capital of the ancient Kosala kingdom and plays a central role in the epic Ramayana. As per the Puranas, Ayodhya is a divine city brought down from Vaikunta by Manu and established on the banks of the Sarayu River. Scriptures suggest Ayodhya is over 9000 years old, with some attributing its name to King Ayudh. The Atharva Veda describes it as a heavenly realm once ruled by legendary kings of the Surya dynasty—including Ikshvaku, Prithu, Harishchandra (king famed for truth and justice), Bhagiratha (brought Ganga to Earth), and Dasharatha. It is believed that Sage Valmiki began composing the Ramayana here. Poets like Kambar and Tulsidas later immortalized its glory in Tamil and Hindi. Ayodhya is sanctified by the hymns of Alvars such as Thirumangai Alvar, Periya Alvar, Kulasekara Alvar, Thondaradippodi Alvar, and Nammalvar, and is honored as one of the 108 Divya Desams. During the Gupta period, it thrived as a commercial center and was visited by Lord Buddha. Chinese traveler Fa-Hien documented it in his travelogues. Its cultural reach is global, inspiring names of cities like Ayutthaya in Thailand and Yogyakarta in Indonesia. Scriptures such as the Ramcharitmanas, Vishnu Purana, and Srimad Bhagavatam proclaim that walking the soil of Ayodhya absolves sins. The city also embraces religious diversity, with Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Islamic places of worship, and is home to hundreds of Ram temples and monasteries. ________________________________________ *Day 1: Chennai/Bangalore – Lucknow – Naimisharanya – Ayodhya* The journey begins with a morning flight from Chennai or Bangalore to Lucknow. Upon arrival, pilgrims proceed by luxury AC vehicle to Naimisharanya, a sacred forest mentioned in many Puranic legends. By noon, the group reaches Naimisharanya and explores its spiritual sites using e-rickshaws. After a peaceful darshan and traditional lunch, they depart for Ayodhya at 3:00 PM. Arrival is scheduled by 7:30 PM, followed by dinner and check-in for an overnight stay. *Places to Visit:* • Chakra Tirtha Pond • Sri Lalita Devi Temple • Vyas Gaddi • Dasashwamedha Ghat • Sri Balaji Mandir • Gomati River • Kali Peetham • Trishakti Peetham *Meal Plan:* Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ________________________________________ *Day 2: Ayodhya – Ram Janmabhoomi Darshan* After an early morning auto rickshaw ride, pilgrims take a holy dip in the Sarayu River. The rest of the day is dedicated to visiting various sacred locations associated with the life of Lord Rama. Each site carries great spiritual and historical significance, deepening the devotees’ connection with the epic Ramayana. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Ayodhya. *Places to Visit:* • Ayodhya Karyashala • Sri Rama’s Coronation Site (Pattabhishekam) • Kanak Bhawan (Sita’s Kitchen) • Shri Hanuman Garhi • Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir (New Shri Ram Lalla Temple) • Sarayu River *Meal Plan:* Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ________________________________________ *Day 3: Ayodhya – Surrounding Sites – Chitrakoot* After breakfast, the group checks out and travels by AC vehicle to explore more nearby sacred places connected to Lord Rama’s journey. After visiting these divine sites and enjoying lunch, the journey continues to Chitrakoot, the forest where Lord Rama spent part of his exile. The serene environment provides a peaceful end to the day, with dinner and overnight accommodation in Chitrakoot. *Places to Visit:* • Bharat Asharam • Guptar Ghat • Shri Rama Jala Samadhi • Nandigram (Bharat Kund) • Surya Kund *Meal Plan:* Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ________________________________________ *Day 4: Chitrakoot Darshan – Prayagraj* The day starts with a holy bath in the Mandakini River, followed by visits to various pilgrimage sites in Chitrakoot. These locations are significant in the Ramayana and offer pilgrims a chance to experience Lord Rama’s exile years. After breakfast and check-out, the group proceeds to Prayagraj. Post lunch, pilgrims rest briefly before heading to Triveni Sangam for a sacred dip and temple darshan. Dinner and overnight stay are in Prayagraj. *Places to Visit – Chitrakoot:* • Mandakini River (snan) • Kamadgiri Mandir • Ram Ghat • Janaki Kund • Kamakshi Mandir (Maa Kamrup Kamakhya Temple, Chitrakoot) • Sphatik Shila • Sati Anusuya Mandir • Hanuman Dhara *Places to Visit – Prayagraj:* • Triveni Sangam (Snan) • Alopi Shankari Shakti Peetham • Bada Hanuman Temple *Meal Plan:* Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ________________________________________ *Day 5: Prayagraj – Return to Chennai/Bangalore* After breakfast and check-out, the group proceeds to Prayagraj Airport to board the return flight to Chennai or Bangalore via Hyderabad. The pilgrimage concludes with divine blessings and cherished memories from the land of Lord Rama. *Meal Plan:* Breakfast, Lunch ________________________________________ *INCLUSION:* • Airfare to and from Chennai/Bangalore • Luxury AC vehicle for all transfers and travel • AC luxury accommodation (twin/triple sharing) • High-quality vegetarian meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner • Boat ride charges (where applicable) • Mineral water throughout the trip • Services of a Tamil-speaking tour manager ________________________________________ *EXCLUSION:* • Extra charges for single occupancy • Entry fees at temples and monuments • Special darshan tickets and priest dakshina • Auto and rickshaw fares at local sites • Any items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions