23Days

Day 1

Arrival in Delhi

Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Stay at: Holiday Inn Delhi

Day 2

Delhi – Faizabad

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at Leisure to get over with the Jet Lag and later in the evening transfer to Delhi Railway station for overnight train journey. Train departs at 2000 approx.

Faizabad

Day 3

Faizabad – Ayodhya (10 kilometers)

Arrive Faizabad at 0800 by train. Transfer hotel in or around Ayodhya. The modern temple town of Ayodhya, situated on the banks of the river Saryu, near Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, is a bustling place which has several temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Hanuman. Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, till the time when he was banished from the kingdom by Dasaratha. The serene town, dotted with temples, exudes the flavour of The Ramayana, one of the most famous temples in Ayodhya is the Hanuman Garhi, a temple-fortress, where Hanuman is believed to have guarded Ramakot, while Lord Rama was on exile. Other sites in Ayodhya which are connected to The Ramayana include Swarg Swar, the cremation site of Lord Ramaa, and Treta ke Thaku, the site of the holy Aswamedha Yagna. Ayodhya comes alive during Rama Navami, held in March-April, when pilgrims from all over the globe congregate at Ayodhya. Later drive to Rajapur in Gonda district to see the birth place of Saint Tulsidas. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Hotel Ramprastha Ayodhya

Day 4

Ayodhya

Full day visit Saryu River, Vidya Kund , Vashisht Kund, Kanak Bhavan, Gupta Ghat , Lakshman Ghat and King Dashratha Samadhi. Also visit the other famous temples in Ayodhya. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Hotel Ramprastha Ayodhya

Day 5

Ayodhya – Faizabad - Allahabad ( Day train journey)

Early morning transfer to Railway station to board train to Allahabad. Train name Saryu Express departs Faizabad at 04:25 hrs. Arrive Allahabad at 09:25 hrs, meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Morning at leisure and later in the afternoon visit to Prayag . Sangam, Prayag - This is the divine meeting place of the three holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Shri Ram himself has praised this spot for its spiritual powers, which can uplift mankind. Bharadwaj Rishi had his ashram here. Shri Ram had rested in this ashram for a night. Ram Charita Manas as well as Valmiki Ramayan give a lot of importance to this place. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Hotel Kanha Shyam Allahabad

Day 6

Allahabad

Full day visit places on the banks of the Yamuna related to the exile period of Shri Ram like Akshay Vat, Sita Rasoi (Jasra Bazaar), Rishiyan (the abode of Rishis), Murka (Hanuman Mandir). Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Hotel Kanha Shyam Allahabad

Day 7

Allahabad – Chitrakoot

Drive from Allahabad to Chitrakoot. Chitrakoot, where Bharat met Lord Rama and tried to persuade him to return to Ayodhya and reclaim his throne, is one of the most important episodes in the epic. When Rama refused, he took his slippers instead, and placed them on the throne, refusing to sit on the throne that rightfully belonged to his brother. Rama, describing the beauty of Chitrakoot to Sita, said “behold that mountain abounding with flocks of birds of every kind, where the metals lie, crowned with peaks that seem to kiss the skies.” Today, Chitrakoot lies poised between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, scattered with temples and other religious sites which are said to go back to the time of the Ramayana. In the afternoon visit Ram Ghat, on the banks of Mandakini, where Rama took his daily dip, where devotees now crowd for a holy dip in the river. Later drive to Sati Ansuya Ashram . Sati Anusuya Ashram, dedicated to Maharishi Atri and his wife Sati Anusuya, is located about 16 km from the center of the Chitrakoot town in a dense forest area. Sati Anusuya is upstream from Janaki Kund. It is believed that at this place Sati Anusuya had transformed the three sons, who were incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiv). The Ashram has an idol of Anusuya, her husband Maharshi Atri, their sons Duttatreya, Durwasa, Chandrama and various other gods and sages. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: MPTDC Tourist Resort Chitrakoot

Day 8

Chitrakoot

Today you will experience a boat ride on the river Mandakini and your boatman will guide you to some of the important temples nearby. The Bharat Milap temple, built on the site where the reunion between the brothers took place, has footsteps of Rama and Bharat. Kamadgiri, is believed to be the ‘original’ Chitrakoot hill, where Rama spent his exile. There are temples lining the base of the hill. Later visit the Gupta Godavari, wade through the caves in knee-deep water, and take a look at the thrones where Rama and Lakshman sat. Spatik Shila, where Rama and Sita sat together and admired the natural beauty all around, is also a famous spot. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: MPTDC Tourist Resort Chitrakoot

Day 9

Chitrakoot Dham

Day excursion to visits Suteekshna Ashram & Sharabhanga Ashram. Suteekshna Ashrama situated around 4 km away from Sharabhanga ashrama, which is around 20 km from Birsinghpur in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh. This is on the Madhya Pradesh side ofChitrakoot (Satna district). Later proceed to visit Sharabhanga Ashram. Sharabhanga Ashrama is situated around 20 km away from Sati Anusuiya Ashrama on the Madhya Pradesh side of Chitrakoot (Satna district). There is a Ganga Kund and Shiva temple in the ashrama. After the visits return to Chitrakoot Dham. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: MPTDC Tourist Resort Chitrakoot

Day 10

Chitrakoot Dham – Nashik

Morning visit the temples and local market in Chitrakoot Dham. Later in the afternoon transfer to Railway station for overnight train to Nasik. Train departs at 18:30 and will arrive Nasik on next day afternoon at 16:50 in Nasik. Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Stay at: Lily Sarovar Portico Nashik

Day 11

Nashik

Sutiksha Muni Ashram: SaptaSrungi, Nasik, Maharashtra After meeting with Sharbang Rishi, Shri Ram reached the ashram of Sutikshan Muni. He had spent 10 years in the Dandaka Forest before reaching here. Sutikshan Muni was the disciple of Agastya Rishi. Shri Ram rested here for some time. He killed many of the demons residing in this area and also took a vow that he would rid this area of all the evil influences. There is an ancient temple of Goddess Sapta srungi here, which attracts many pilgrims. It is said that Markandaye Rishi wrote the Durga Saptastuti at this holy place. According to popular legend, Durga Ma killed the demon Mahisasur at this place, which is represented by a hole in the mountain, which can be seen till today. The demon was hiding behind the mountain when Durga attacked him. B) Agastya Ashram: Pimparner, Nasik, Maharashtra Approximately 16 kilometers North of Nasik there is an ashram called Agasteshwar Ashram. Sutiksha Muni had guided Shri Ram to his Guru Agastya Rishi. Sage Agastya presented Ram with many divine weapons and powers here. He also advised Ram to make his Ashram on the banks of the Godavari River and live there. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Lily Sarovar Portico Nashik

Day 12

Nashik

Panchavti: Nasik, MaharashtraOn the banks of the Godavari River there is place popularly known as Tapovan, which is the actual Panchvati of the Ramayan era. It was here that Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita resided here in a small hut. The incident of the cutting off the nose of Demoness Shupnaka took place here. It is from here that “Nasik” derived its name as the Sanskrit name for nose is “Nasika”. Khar, Dhooshan, Trishara and 14,000 other Demons were slain by Shri Ram in this area after they attacked Shri Ram on hearing about this incident from their sister. The kidnapping of Sita by Ravan, The slaying of Mareech and the Slaying of Jatayu by Ravan all took place in a forest known as Jansthan in this area. In the ancient times, the ashram of Gautam Rishi was in the holy town of Trimbakeshwar (one of the twelve Jyotirlings) nearby. In order to release himself of the burden of a curse on him, Gautam Rishi had created the Godavari River. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Lily Sarovar Portico Nashik

Day 13

Nashik - Mumbai - Bangalore

Drive to Mumbai Airport and board flight to Bangalore. Meeting assistance on arrival in Bangalore and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure in Bangalore. Overnight at hotel.

Stay at: Royal Orchid Airport Bangalore

Day 14

Bangalore – Hampi

Drive to Hampi . On arrival checkin at hotel. Evening at leisure after a long drive. Overnight at hotel.

Stay at: Clarks Inn Hampi

Day 15

Hampi – Visit Kishkindha

Full day visit Kishkindha . The capital city of Sugreev “Kishkinda” is nearby Billari, Hampi, Karnataka. Near the ancient Kishkinda, around four kilometers from the town of Hampi, there exists a Mountain called Malbhavant (Prastravan) where Shri Ram has spent the monsoon season. The places to see around this area include Bali Bandara, Anjani Parvat (mountain), Matang Rishi Mountain, Spatik Sheela. It was on the Spatik Sheela that the Vanara (monkey) Sena (army) had collected for the first time. Hanuman had given the news of Sita to Shri Ram at this place. There are rocky formations as far as your eyes can see, and the towering Virupaksha Temple. One of the most thrilling parts of The Ramayana are the episodes featuring Lord Hanuman and his monkey army. Anegundi, as the mythical kingdom of Kishkindha is formally known, is a quiet place alongside the river, with undulating rice fields, tiny hamlets, and further into the village, kitschy resorts that attract bikers and foreign tourists. Anjamadri Hill, which has a temple perched atop, is believed to be the birth-place of Lord Hanuman, and, given the number of monkeys that constantly romp about in the temple complex; the conjecture may even be true! Even if you get tired to climbing the never-ending flight of stairs that lead to the temple, stop, and enjoy the panoramic view of Hampi’s rocky terrain from the Cliffside. While Hampi is more famous in the tourist circuit, the pristine, unspoilt Anegundi is definitely a must-visit, too. After visits return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Clarks Inn Hampi

Day 16

Hampi – Day visit to Rishyamukha Hill

The Rishyamuka Hill is believed to be yet another place associated with the Ramayana. This is where Rama and Lakshmana first met Hanuman, during their frantic search for Sita, after her abduction. The hill, situated 4264 feet above sea level, is a great place for trekking. Hanuman Halli: Koppal, Hampi, Karnataka: This was the place where Hanuman met Shri Ram and Lakshman for the first time. In fact Sugreev had sent Hanuman to meet with them in order to make sure that they were not the spies of his brother and archenemy Bali. The mighty Hanuman lifted Shri Ram and Lakshman on his shoulders and took them on Rishimukh Parvat to meet with Sugreev. The capital city of Sugreev “Kishkinda” is also nearby. Return back to hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Clarks Inn Hampi

Day 17

Hampi – Ramdurg - Hampi

Day visit to Ramdurg RAMDURG, BELGAUM, KARNATAKA Kaband Ashram: Kardigud, Near Ramdurg, Belgaum, Karnataka: In the Indian state of Karnataka there is a village called Kardigud where it is believed that Kaband Ashram was situated. Shri Ram and Lakshman slayed the demon Kaband here. After he was killed, Kaband became a “Gandharva” (equivalent of angel) and left for his heavenly abode. Before leaving he had requested Shri Ram to visit the Ashram of Shabri. Shabri Ashram: Sureban, Near Ramdurg, Belgaum, Karnataka: Around 14 kilometers in the northof RamDurg, near the town of Gunga is this place called Sureban. This is the place where Shabri, who was a disciple of Sage Matang, lived. She had waited long years for her dear Ram to arrive, and on his arrival she fed him berries which she had tasted herself to make sure that they were sweet. This angered Lakshman but Shri Ram pacified him because he could see her intense love and devotion towards him. It was Shabri who then instructed Ram to approach Sugreev in the search for his beloved wife. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Clarks Inn Hampi

Day 18

Hampi – Belgaum - Chennai

Drive to Belgaum Airport and board flight to Chennai. Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel near Airport. Overnight at hotel. Stay at: Lemon Tree Chennai Chennai

Day 19

Chennai – Trichy

Transfer to Airport for flight to Trichy. Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. The old name for this town is Trishirapalli. This was the abode for Ravan’s brother Trishira and so named after him. On the banks of the Kaveri River here there is a beautiful Shiv Temple, which is said to destroy sins. According to popular legend, Shri Ram had prayed to Lord Shiva here in order to free himself of the sin of slaying Khar and Dooshan. On his way to Lanka, Shri Ram had stayed here. Along with the entire Vanar (money) Sena (army), Shri Ram had proceeded towards the Southern direction from this town. It was also from this place that Shri Ram had the first view of the sea. The foot prints of Shri Ram are still found in the forests of this area. Later in the afternoon visit Srirangam temple. According to it, Lord Rama, himself an Avatar of Vishnu, worshiped the idol for a long time, and when he returned victoriously from Sri Lanka after destroying Ravana, he gave it to King Vibhishana as a token of appreciation for the latter's support for Rama against his own brother, Ravana. When Vibhishana was going via Trichy en route to Sri Lanka, the deity wanted to stay in Srirangam. Ranganatha, captivated by the devotion of a King called Dharma Varma, who was doing penance to have Lord Ranganatha to permanently stay Srirangam, stayed put, promising to cast his benign glance eternally on Lanka. Hence it is that the deity (in a reclining posture) faces South. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Hotel Sangam Trichy

Day 20

Trichy – Rameshwaram

Drive to Rameshwaram enroute visit Ramanathpuram, Tamil Nadu Ramnathpuram is on the shores of the waters bodies on the Southern tip of India. It is on the way to holy pilgrim town of Rameshwaram. It is believed that the foundation stone of the Ram-Setu Bridge constructed by Ram and the entire army to cross over to Sri Lanka is placed here in a small village called “Chedu Karai”. One can still see the foundation stones of this architectural wonder ten feet below the waters of the ocean. Vibhishan, after having been insulted by Ravan had come to seek the help of Ram at this place. The entire strategy for the war was also devised in this town. Places worth to visit in the neighborhood include Vilundi Tirth, Ekanth Ram, Agni Tirth, Ram Jaroka, Kodand Ram Mandir, Jata Tirth and Darbashainam. It is believed that it was in Darbashainam, that Shri Ram made a Darbasan (a seat of grass) and prayed to Varun Devta (God of the Sea) for three continuous days for giving him passage to Lanka. Varun Devta (God of the Sea) appeared after three days and advised Ram to build a bridge across the sea to Lanka. On arrival checkin at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Pearl Residency Rameshwaram

Day 21

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the twelve Jyotirlings in India. Shri Ram had established a Shiv Ling in the temple here using the sand from the sea. Approximately one or two kilometers from this temple, Nal vanar (monkey) along with the other vanars (monkeys) had made the bridge to Lanka. This bridge was constructed in five days only. Shri Ram crossed over to Lanka with his entire army using this bridge and camped at Suvel Parvat (Mountain). Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Pearl Residency Rameshwaram

Day 22

Rameshwaram

Drawing to the climax of the Ramayana trail in India, Rameshwaram, the site of the famous, much-discussed, much-debated ‘Ram Setu’, is one of the places where you can truly relieve the Ramayana in all its wonder. The floating stone bridge, built by the monkey army, which is said to have borne the brunt of the sea, for each stone was carved with the sacred name of Rama, can be seen from Rameshwaram. NASA has used modern satellite technology to photograph this bridge and they have actually unearthed an ancient bridge connected India to modern day Sri Lanka. The southern-most tip of India, the coastal village of Dhanushkodi, the rail journey over the ocean from Pamban to Rameshwaram are all major tourist attractions today. The site where Lord Rama worshipped to Lord Shiva, is also a sacred spot, now the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple. Don’t forget to take a dip in the waters at Agnitheertham, believed to cleanse all sins. Overnight at hotel.
Stay at: Pearl Residency Rameshwaram

Day 23

Rameshwaram to Chennai

Morning at leisure and to explore in and around Rameshwaram. Later in the afternoon transfer to Rameshwaram Railway station for overnight train to Chennai. On arrival in Chennai on following morning you will be transferred to International Airport for your flight to onward journey.
Rameshwaram