Spiritual Journey from Jaffna: Honoring Ancestral Duties and Exploring Varanasi to Delhi

Day 1: Travel and Rest

Jaffna / Chennai, India on June 12, 2025

12:10pm

Depart Jaffna for Chennai

Begin journey from Jaffna to Chennai via air, traveling by scheduled flights. Duration approximately 1.5 hours including airport transfers.
Flight cost varies, 3h0m

3:00pm

Arrival and Check-in at Chennai Hotel

Arrive Chennai, transfer to hotel for rest and overnight stay in preparation for next day flight.
INR0, Rest for evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Experience a variety of traditional South Indian vegetarian meals, comforting and familiar for Sri Lankan visitors.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 2: Flight to Varanasi & Rituals

Chennai / Varanasi, India on June 13, 2025

5:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before heading to the airport for your early flight.
INR300, 30m

6:00am

Transfer to Chennai Airport

Travel to Chennai International Airport to catch your flight to Varanasi.
INR800, 1h0m

7:50am

Flight Chennai to Varanasi

Fly from Chennai to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi. Flight duration about 2.5 hours.
Flight cost varies, 2h25m

10:15am

Arrival at Varanasi & Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Varanasi airport and proceed to hotel for check-in and brief rest.
INR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Ash Immersion Ceremony at River Ganges

Perform the sacred Hindu ritual of immersing your late father's ashes (Aashesh) at a ceremonial spot on the Ganges near the ghats in Varanasi, fulfilling ancestral duties.
Transport approx. INR300, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Enjoy traditional vegetarian street food and local specialties in a clean and popular setting near the ghats.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Spend contemplative time at one of the holiest Shiva temples in India, important for spiritual merit and personal prayer after your ritual.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Return to hotel for rest and preparation for evening rituals.
INR0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness and partake in the soulful evening prayer ceremony on the banks of the river Ganges. Doors open before 6:30 pm daily, lasts approx 1 hour.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at The Palate

Dine at a popular restaurant offering a mix of traditional and contemporary vegetarian dishes.
INR800, 1h0m

Day 3: Triveni Sangam Rituals

Varanasi, India on June 15, 2025

5:00am

Early Travel to Triveni Sangam

Depart early by boat or local transport to Triveni Sangam for the spiritual confluence ceremony involving the Ganga, Yamuna, and invisible Saraswati rivers.
Transport approx INR200, 6h0m

11:00am

Return to Hotel and Brunch

Enjoy some repose and light vegetarian brunch at the hotel after the morning rituals.
INR350, 1h0m

12:30pm

Meditation and Rest

Spend time meditating or resting to internalize the spiritual experience of the morning.
No cost, 3h0m

4:00pm

Market Visit for Puja Items and Souvenirs

Visit local markets near the ghats for religious items and mementos.
Variable, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Savor traditional Bihari vegetarian cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Ayodhya Visit and Night Delhi

Ayodhya / Delhi, India on June 16, 2025

6:00am

Early Public Transport to Ayodhya

Depart Varanasi early by public bus or train to Ayodhya for pilgrimage and temple visits. Journey approx 4.5-5 hours.
INR500, 5h0m

11:00am

Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

Visit the sacred temple marking Lord Ram's birthplace, one of the spiritual highlights in the region.
Free entry, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy simple vegetarian fare typical of the area, perfect for a spiritual traveler.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan

Explore these key temples in Ayodhya, rich with historical and religious significance.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Travel to Lucknow by Bus or Train

Move on to Lucknow for connection to Delhi. Travel time approximately 2 hours.
INR300, 2h0m

7:00pm

Light Dinner at Lucknow

Eat at a restaurant serving traditional Awadhi vegetarian dishes near the station.
INR400, 1h0m

9:00pm

Overnight Train from Lucknow to Delhi

Board overnight train for Delhi, journey approximately 6-7 hours. Book tickets in advance for comfortable seating/sleeping.
INR800, 7h0m

Day 5: Agra from Delhi

Delhi / Agra, India on June 17, 2025

5:00am

Arrive Delhi & Travel to Agra

Disembark at Delhi in early morning, catch public transport or fast train to Agra to start sightseeing.
INR600, 3h0m

8:30am

Taj Mahal Visit

Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal. Opens early morning; ideal to visit early to avoid crowds and heat.
INR1300 (foreigner), INR50 (Indian), 2h0m

11:00am

Agra Fort Tour

Tour the impressive Agra Fort nearby, showcases Mughal architecture and history. Open 6 AM - 6 PM.
INR650 (foreigner), INR40 (Indian), 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pinch of Spice

Enjoy North Indian vegetarian cuisine in this well-rated restaurant, suitable for families.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Mehtab Bagh Garden

Visit garden across river from Taj for sunset views and photos.
INR200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Delhi by Train or Bus

End the day with travel back to Delhi, plan train around 4:30-5:00 PM.
INR600, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Saravana Bhavan, Delhi

Dine on tasty South Indian vegetarian meals familiar to you and your family.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 6: Delhi Sightseeing & Departure

Delhi, India on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Enjoy authentic spicy chole bhature, a popular Delhi breakfast dish to energize your day.
INR200, 30m

8:30am

Akshardham Temple Visit

Explore this grand spiritual and cultural complex showcasing Indian traditions. Opens 9:30 AM; closed Mondays.
Free, 2h30m

11:30am

Lotus Temple Visit

Visit the architecturally stunning Bahá'í Temple open daily 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Haldiram's

Enjoy a variety of Indian vegetarian snacks and meals at this famous chain.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit India Gate & Rajpath

Walk and enjoy Delhi's iconic landmarks for sightseeing and photos.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Rest at Hotel & Prepare for Departure

Relax and pack for your night flight back to Chennai.
INR0, 3h30m

7:30pm

Early Dinner at Karim's

Enjoy Mughlai and vegetarian food in this iconic Delhi establishment before airport transfer.
INR600, 1h0m

10:00pm

Transfer to Delhi Airport

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

12:00am

Night Flight to Chennai

Overnight flight to Chennai, arriving early morning June 19 for onward journey to Jaffna.
Flight cost varies, 3h0m