Prayagraj – Gaya – Varanasi Cultural Circuit (Starting from Nashik)

Day 1: Nashik → Prayagraj – Arrival & Introduction

Morning: Depart early from Nashik by train or flight and enjoy the scenic journey through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The ride offers a gentle introduction to the heart of North India and sets a relaxed pace for the adventure ahead.

Afternoon: Arrive in Prayagraj, check into your hotel and savor a hearty local lunch featuring kebabs and thalis. Use the early afternoon to unwind, freshen up, and take a short stroll along the banks of the Ganga.

Evening: Walk to the iconic Triveni Sangam where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati converge, and watch the sunset over the sacred waters. The serene ambience is perfect for a first‑hand spiritual experience.

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Day 2: Prayagraj – Historical & Cultural Exploration

Morning: Explore the majestic Allahabad Fort, a Mughal masterpiece offering panoramic river views and an insightful museum. Continue to the nearby Khusro Bagh gardens for a peaceful walk.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Anand Bhavan, the former residence of the Nehru family, now a museum showcasing India's freedom struggle. Afterwards, head to the Kumbh Museum to learn about the legendary Kumbh Mela gatherings.

Evening: Return to the Triveni Sangam for the magical Ganga aarti, where lamps and chants create a mesmerizing atmosphere. End the day with a leisurely dinner of local Awadhi cuisine.

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Day 3: Prayagraj → Gaya – Journey & First Impressions

Morning: Board a comfortable train to Gaya, enjoying the changing landscapes of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The journey takes approximately five hours, giving you time to rest or read about the region’s heritage.

Afternoon: After checking into your Gaya hotel, have a light lunch before heading to the world‑famous Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple’s golden spire and serene meditation halls provide a profound sense of peace.

Evening: Wander to the ancient Vishnupad Temple, revered for its sacred footprint stone. Conclude the day with a gentle stroll through the local market, sampling sweets like “thekua.”

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Day 4: Gaya – Spiritual Deep Dive

Morning: Begin with a reflective visit to the revered Bodh Gaya Tree (Bodhi Tree), where Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Participate in a short meditation session offered by resident monks.

Afternoon: Take a short drive to the rugged Dungeshwar Caves, a network of ancient rock‑cut shrines that echo with centuries of Buddhist worship. The trek provides both cultural insight and gentle adventure.

Evening: Relax by the banks of the Falgu River, enjoying a quiet sunset and a simple dinner of “litti‑chokha.” The calm riverfront is ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.

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Day 5: Gaya → Varanasi – Arrival & Evening Glow

Morning: Depart Gaya on a swift train to Varanasi, arriving by early afternoon. Check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out.

Afternoon: Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines, and admire its golden spire shimmering in the sunlight. Afterwards, explore the bustling lanes of the old city.

Evening: Embark on a memorable Ganga boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat, watching the river come alive with lamps, prayers, and the iconic evening aarti. Conclude with dinner at a riverside eatery, tasting famous “kashi chaat.”

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Day 6: Varanasi – Heritage Highlights & Return

Morning: Take a short drive to Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, and explore the Dhamek Stupa and archaeological museum. The tranquil environment offers a contrasting perspective to Varanasi’s bustling streets.

Afternoon: Return to the city to visit the Banaras Hindu University Museum, showcasing art, archaeology, and cultural artifacts. Stroll through the campus’s historic lanes, sampling street snacks like “kebabs” and “jalebi.”

Evening: Board an overnight train or flight back to Nashik, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural tapestry you’ve experienced across three iconic Indian cities.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Triveni Sangam (Prayagraj) – 2 hrs – ₹0
  • Allahabad Fort – 1.5 hrs – ₹30
  • Anand Bhavan – 2 hrs – ₹100
  • Kumbh Museum – 1 hr – ₹40
  • Travel Prayagraj → Gaya (train) – 5 hrs – ₹800
  • Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya) – 2 hrs – ₹50
  • Vishnupad Temple – 1 hr – ₹0
  • Bodhi Tree – 0.5 hr – ₹0
  • Dungeshwar Caves – 2 hrs – ₹30
  • Travel Gaya → Varanasi (train) – 4 hrs – ₹600
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple – 2 hrs – ₹100
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat – Ganga Boat Ride – 1.5 hrs – ₹300
  • Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa & Museum) – 2 hrs – ₹50
  • Banaras Hindu University Museum – 1 hr – ₹20
  • Travel Varanasi → Nashik (overnight train/flight) – 8 hrs – ₹1,500
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹3,520

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider extending your stay in Varanasi to explore the lesser‑known ghats and take a sunrise yoga session by the river. Conversely, you can condense the trip to five days by skipping the Dungeshwar Caves and using a direct flight from Varanasi to Nashik, which saves both time and transport costs while still covering the main highlights.

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