Spiritual and Cultural Journey from Jaffna to Varanasi and Northern India

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Varanasi, India on June 12, 2025

10:00am

Arrival at Varanasi Airport

Arrival at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, transfer to hotel to rest and freshen up before beginning your spiritual journey.
INR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Enjoy authentic local vegetarian cuisine specializing in flavorful street snacks and light meals famous in Varanasi.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, significant for spiritual awakening and devotion.
INR50, 2h0m

4:00pm

Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Experience a serene late afternoon boat ride along the ghats witnessing spiritual rituals and the sunset.
INR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Palate

Relish a fine dining Indian meal featuring traditional and contemporary dishes in Varanasi.
INR800, 1h30m

Day 2: Heritage and Culture

Varanasi, India on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Lassi

Try famous lassis and breakfast snacks in a popular local spot near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR200, 30m

8:15am

Visit Sarnath

Tour the archaeological site where Buddha gave his first sermon, including the Sarnath Museum and ancient stupas.
INR300, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy light Indian and Continental fare in a cozy cafe setting near the ghats.
INR450, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Visit the sprawling campus including the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum showcasing Indian art and culture.
INR100, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the grand spiritual ceremony with chanting and fire offerings on the Ganges, starting at 6:30pm daily.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Keshari Restaurant

Savor traditional vegetarian Thali meals in a well-known family restaurant in Varanasi.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Preparation for Triveni Sangam

Varanasi, India on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Open Air Cafe

Fresh healthy options with a river view to energize your day for spiritual activities.
INR250, 30m

8:00am

Gangasagar Boat Trip Preparation and Local Shopping

Prepare for the Sangam visit with some local shopping for puja items and spiritual souvenirs.
Variable, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Taste organic breads and wholesome vegetarian meals, a popular spot for healthy eating in the area.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rest and Meditation at Hotel

Relax and meditate to prepare mentally and physically for the Triveni Sangam event on June 15.
INR0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Evening Walk Along the Ghats

Enjoy the calm riverfront for spiritual reflection and photography.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taj Cafe

Dine on delicious Indian dishes in a comfortable setting close to the main temple areas.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 4: Triveni Sangam Day

Varanasi, India on June 15, 2025

5:00am

Early Morning Departure to Triveni Sangam

Travel to the sacred Triveni Sangam for spiritual rituals. Arrive early to witness the morning prayers and bathe in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
INR200 (transport), 6h0m

11:00am

Return to Hotel and Brunch

Rest and enjoy a light vegetarian brunch at the hotel after the Sangam rituals.
INR350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Free Time and Optional Spa

Relax at hotel or opt for an Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate after a fulfilling morning.
INR1000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Varanasi Markets

Visit local markets for souvenirs, religious items, and traditional fabrics.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Savor the flavors of traditional Bihari cuisine in a cozy setting.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 5: Ayodhya and Night Delhi

Ayodhya / Delhi, India on June 16, 2025

6:00am

Early Train or Bus to Ayodhya

Take an early public transport option to Ayodhya for a full day of spiritual exploration, approx 4.5-5 hours travel.
INR500, 5h0m

11:00am

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Complex

Explore the famous temple dedicated to Lord Ram, a key site for Hindu pilgrimage and spirituality.
Free entry, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba in Ayodhya

Taste authentic North Indian vegetarian food with simple flavors ideal for spiritual travelers.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan

Visit these important temples within Ayodhya that highlight its rich religious history.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Travel to Lucknow

Take public transport to Lucknow, a major rail hub, to prepare for night train to Delhi.
INR300, 2h0m

7:00pm

Light Dinner in Lucknow

Enjoy a relaxed vegetarian dinner with local Awadhi flavors near the station.
INR400, 1h0m

9:00pm

Night Train to Delhi

Board an overnight train from Lucknow to Delhi (approx 6-7 hours). Book tickets in advance.
INR800, 7h0m

Day 6: Agra from Delhi

Delhi / Agra, India on June 17, 2025

5:00am

Arrival Delhi Train Station and Transfer to Agra

From Delhi, catch a fast morning train or bus to Agra to begin sightseeing, approximately 2-3 hours travel.
INR600, 3h0m

8:30am

Visit Taj Mahal

Explore the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of love. Opens at 6:00 AM.
INR1300 (foreigner), INR50 (Indian), 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Agra Fort

Tour the historic Agra Fort, a magnificent Mughal structure open 6 AM - 6 PM.
INR650 (foreigner), INR40 (Indian), 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pinch of Spice

Enjoy upscale North Indian cuisine with excellent vegetarian options in Agra.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Mehtab Bagh

Stroll the gardens opposite Taj Mahal for unparalleled sunset views.
INR200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Delhi by Train

Catch an evening train back to Delhi. Book tickets for 4:30-5:00 PM.
INR600, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Delhi

Enjoy delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes, a familiar cuisine for Sri Lankans.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 7: Explore Delhi and Flight

Delhi, India on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Sample famous chole bhature for a hearty and traditional Delhi breakfast.
INR200, 30m

8:30am

Visit Akshardham Temple

Explore the grand Akshardham Temple complex, showcasing Indian culture and spirituality. Opens 9:30 AM, closed Monday.
Free, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Lotus Temple

Visit this architecturally stunning Bahá'í House of Worship open 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Haldiram's

Enjoy a vast range of vegetarian Indian snacks and meals, perfect for a quick, tasty lunch.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit India Gate and Rajpath

Walk the iconic India Gate and surrounding gardens, great for sightseeing and photos.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax and Prepare for Airport Transfer

Return to hotel or rest before your night flight to Chennai.
INR0, 3h0m

7:30pm

Early Dinner at Karim's

Have a delightful Indian Mughlai dinner before traveling. Recommend vegetarian options are available.
INR600, 1h0m

10:00pm

Transfer to Delhi Airport

Travel to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your night flight to Chennai (MAA).
INR800, 1h0m

12:00am

Flight to Chennai

Night flight departs late June 18, arrive in Chennai on June 19 early morning for onward journey to Jaffna.
Flight cost varies, 3h0m