Its a 4 Night and 5 Days tour package around three religious cities of India.
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The ancient city of Ayodhya is a golden city for the Hindus from all over southeast Asia. The Indian epic poem Ramayana recites that this town was the birthplace of Lord Ram, ruled by his father, King Dasharth, hence the plot of the story of Ramayana. Ayodhya is one of the seven sacred Hindu cities. As myths recall, this town has been standing ever since life began and the gods ruled the earth. Therefore, for thousands of years, this town has been blessed with immense prosperity.
Thousands of years ago, during the 6th century BC, it is believed that Ayodhya was the capital of the Kosala Kingdom of the Buddhists. Legends say that it was once also called ‘Saketa’ where Lord Buddha had come to live for some time. There were more than a hundred monasteries built in different parts of the city. Ever since then, the town gained a major significance to the Buddhists as well. Later during the 16th century, the Mughal Empire took over the city, and in the 18th century, the East India Company considered it as one of its subordinates.
The ancient antiquity of Ayodhya has survived and traveled through thousands of years in time. It stands today as historical and archeological evidence of the stories and myths that gave birth to an entire religion. This package offers a trip to the primitive land of Ayodhya as an extension to the Varanasi tour.
A five-hour drive from Varanasi will take you to Ayodhya. Your single-day trip here will be packed up with things to do and places to visit every minute of every hour. The sacred river Sarayu passes through the city, and in its wharf and riverbanks reside many temples dedicated to different gods from the epic. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, as the name suggests, the place where Lord Ram is said to be born, is a major attraction of the city. As the birthplace of one of the main Hindu gods, the temple is home to statues of Ram and devotees worship near the wharf as it is recognized as a holy site.
To the north of Ram Janmabhoomi, lies the Swarg Dwar or Ram Ghat. People believe that Lord Ram was cremated here on the wharf of River Sarayu. That is why the place is named ‘Swarg Dwar’, a gateway to heaven as Lord Ram entered heaven from here. Ram Temple, Kala Ganga, Badi Narayan Temple, and Tamra Varaha are some of the major shrines in this area that were built around 200 years ago.
As you follow the waters of Sarayu, Laxman ghat is another holy shrine. Laxman, the younger brother of Lord Ram, is believed to have transferred to his true divinity where this temple now stands. Kalaram Temple is yet another shrine of the Hindus devoted to Lord Rama. It was constructed at a time between the seventh and the eleventh century. ‘Kalaram’, meaning ‘Black Ram’, is home to a black statue of Lord Ram, along with that of Goddess Sita and Lord Laxman. It is a significant pilgrimage site and thousands of devotees pay a visit every day. It is located in a place called Panchavati, which is believed to be the place where the gods lived as an exile for 14 years.
Kanak Bhavan Temple is again dedicated to Lord Ram and his wife Goddess Sita. The intricate details of the architecture of the temple resonate with how Ayodhya must have been once upon a time. It is believed that this temple was gifted to Sita after her marriage.
Ayodhya is also a center for Jainism and is home to various Jain shrines for centuries. It is believed that the town is the birthplace of five Tirthankaras of the Jains. During the 1700s, five main temples were built on the spot where they were born. One of the main and most popular temples, Adinath Temple is located near the Swarg Dwar. Other temples are the Anantanath Temple in GolaGhat, Sumatinath Temple in Ramkot, Ajitnath Temple in Saptasagar, and Abhinandannath Temple in Sarai.
S-20/52-3 The Mall Road Besides Hotel Costa River Nepali, Kothi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, India
View DirectionNear Naya Ghat, Ram Katha Park, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh 224123, India
View DirectionSarnath, located only 10 kilometers from the throbbing Varanasi, seems ever ready to host another great philosopher’s speech. Its large gardens filled with bird and scurrying squirrel press upon the visitors the gift of tranquility. Here, silence needs no prompting. The historical and spiritual significance of the fact that the Buddha delivered his first sermon somewhere in this expanse of gardens makes you more attentive to the surroundings. The senses are equally engaged by the hulking remain of the 34meter-high Dhamekh Stupa. Although the present edifice dates back to 500 AD, excavations of the site have yielded bricks dating back to 200 BC. The ruins of a large monastery and the partial Ashokan pillar all hark back to the heyday of Buddhism in the area.
The ghats of Varanasi are the venue of all the various spectacles associated with Hinduism. At any time, it is peopled with astrologers, mantra-chanting priests and their clients, barbers shaving heads, people stripping down for a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and, if you’re near the cremation ghats, funeral pyres devouring the deceased. But as darkness falls on the ghats, people take their seats beside the dais where priests perform the ancient Hindu ritual of aarti. To the accompaniment of bhajans (devotional songs) and the rhythmic clapping of the devotees, the priests perform elaborate movements with large lamp holders in which burn several oil lamps. Senses often fall captive to the sinuous movements of the lamps and their glow on the surface of the Ganges.
Assistance at the airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
This Ghat is situated on the bank of river Saryu, named after the name of Laxman, the younger brother of Lord Ram. A Sahastradhara (thousand-current) exists in its vicinity. It is believed that Laxman got reverted to his original divine nature at this place. There exists a small fort famous as Laxman Quila.
The Kalaram Temple is an old Hindu shrine dedicated to Rama in the Panchavati area of Nashik city in Maharashtra, India. It is probably the most important Hindu shrine in the city. The temple derives its name from a black statue of Lord Rama. The literal translation of kalaram is "black Rama".
Kanak Bhawan Temple in Ayodhya is dedicated to Lord Ram and his divine consort Goddess Sita. The magnificence of this place and the deities installed in the sanctum leave the devotees spell bound. Built more as a sprawling palace rather than a shrine, the Kanak Bhawan Temple resembles the magnificent palaces of Bundelkhand and Rajasthan region of India. The history of the temple dates back to Treta Yug. According to local legends, Queen Kaikayi, Lord Rama’s stepmother had gifted this palace to Goddess Sita, her newly arrived daughter-in-law and stepson Rama.
Ayodhya is not only the birthplace of Lord Rama but is also held on high esteem because of its association with Jainism as a religion. Several followers of the Jainism faith from all over India frequent Ayodhya every year. This is because of the fact that there are several Jain temples in Ayodhya.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Ram Janmabhoomi is the name given to the site that is birthplace of Rama where he spent most of his childhood, believed to be the seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. The Ramayana states that the location of Rama's birthplace is on the banks of the Sarayu river in a city called "Ayodhya".
Drive to Ayodhya by Private vehicle
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva Temples.
To start a day in Varanasi beside the Ganges is to follow the routine people of Varanasi have observed for time immemorial. The common sight of the rising sun bathing the waters in gold and red here becomes special because of the river’s status in the Hindu world. A boat ride on the Ganges is a great way to get a feel of the river Hindus to call Ganga Maa, Mother Ganga.
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to the Ganges.
Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Allahabad.
Breakfast at hotel and travel back to Varanasi.
Tulsi Manas Mandir is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism since the ancient Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas was originally written at this place by Hindu poet-saint, reformer and philosopher Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple is a Hindu temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman. The temple was established by famous Hindu preacher and poet saint Sri Goswami Tulsidas in the early 16th century and is situated on the banks of the Assi river.
Durga Mandir, also known as Durga Kund Mandir and Durga Temple, is one of the most famous temples in the holy city of Varanasi. This temple has great religious importance in Hinduism and is dedicated to the Maa Durga. Durga Mandir was constructed in 18th century by Rani Bhabani of Natore.
Bharat Mata Mandir is located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus in Varanasi, India. Instead of traditional statues of gods and goddesses, this temple has a huge map of undivided India carved in marble. This temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata and claims to be the only one of its kind in the world.
Banaras Hindu University, formerly Central Hindu College, is a public central university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1916 by Madan Mohan Malaviya, with co-operation from Annie Besant. With over 30,000 students residing on campus, it is the largest residential university in Asia.
Leisure time for shopping and travellers can have their own time before travelling back to Nepal.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for final departure to Varanasi.
Passports, visas, and entry requirements
PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for you to travel internationally. Similarly, your passport must have a minimum of 6 months validity remaining to travel in most countries. We recommend you take copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well. And also please ensure that the name on your passport and airline ticket matches exactly.
VISAS
Entry necessities can alternate at any time. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time.
NEPAL :
All foreign nationals (except Indian passport holders) require a visa to enter Nepal. In the arrivals hall, you’ll find electronic kiosks that read your passport, take your photo, and print out a completed form. Take your completed form to the payment counter where you'll pay for your visa, and then head to the immigration line for "Visa on Arrival". You may also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars (subject to change, cash only). Other currencies are also accepted although rates may differ. The following costs were correct at the time of writing:
- Multi-entry visa valid for 15 days - US$30
- Multi-entry visa valid for 30 days - US$50
- Multi-entry visa valid for 90 days - US$125
Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country.
Medical and health information
GENERAL HEALTH
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19. See your doctor or travel clinic to have a basic health check-up, ask if your travel plans may affect your health, and plan any vaccinations you need. Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
Vaccination Policy
All travelers on Nepal trips (outside Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands) are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. From 1 December 2021, all travelers on trips, including in Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
AIR POLLUTION:
Air quality in Nepal can be poor, especially in winter. Some towns, including Kathmandu, experience very high levels of seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution. Seek medical advice if you're concerned about the effects of air pollution.
MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES:
Malaria and Dengue fever are a risk in various parts of Nepal. Mostly, during the monsoon season. Protect yourself against insect bites by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, including repellent while sleeping under a net.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND TREATMENT:
Healthcare services are unevenly distributed across the country and access to care in some areas may be limited. Healthcare in Kathmandu generally meets international standards but healthcare throughout the rest of the country may be inadequate. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Hospitals in Nepal typically require upfront payment in cash or credit card, regardless if you have travel health insurance.
Food and dietary requirements
FOOD IN NEPAL:
In Kathmandu and Pokhara there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for all tastes and budgets. Nepal caters very well to vegetarians and vegans with almost all restaurants having a veg section on the menu.
Accommodation
Transport
LUGGAGE LIMITS:
Domestic flights in Nepal have strict weight limits - 10kg of check-in luggage and 5kg of carry-on hand luggage per person is included with your flight ticket. Excess baggage (up to 5kg per person only) will be charged at your own expense.
ROAD TRAVEL:
Roadwork and infrastructure projects can cause significant delays on major roads within cities and highways between destinations. Road travel can also be disrupted due to demonstrations and strikes without warning. Major roadworks are currently ongoing in and around Kathmandu and the roads to Chitwan National Park. Delays, heavy traffic, poor road conditions, and dust are a reality of road travel in Nepal.
MONSOON:
The monsoon season is from June to September and weather conditions can disrupt travel during this time due to flooding and landslides. Disruption of air travel and airport closures are also possible. Be prepared that the itinerary may need to change at short notice.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS:
There have been a number of air accidents in Nepal. We only use airlines that have passed strict safety audits for including internal flights in Nepal, including Buddha Air, Yeti Air & Tara Air.
Money matters
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). Its symbol is often displayed as Rs. ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur. Make sure you carry sufficient cash to cover your needs when traveling outside of these cities. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Namche, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park), and Bhaktapur. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
Packing
You are responsible only for the personal clothing and gear listed below. We'll take care of everything else. A gear check will be completed before you depart for the trail. This list does not include additional clothing/items you may want for travel or for your time off the trail. Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday.
- Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, trip notes
- Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance, and air tickets
- Spare passport photos
- Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
- Money belt
- Small padlocks
- Personal first-aid kit
- Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
- Electrical adapter plug
- Toiletries/roll of toilet paper/travel wipes
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunhat, and sunglasses
- Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
- Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
- 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
- Refillable water bottle
- Phrasebook
- Warm clothes - when traveling in cooler climates
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good walking socks
- Camera/phone (with charger)
- Binoculars
Informal clothing is all that is required. Remember to dress in a modest fashion. Light clothing is usually all that will be required for most of the year. During the winter months, December to February, it will be chilly and possibly foggy in the early mornings, with temperatures dropping down to a minimum of around 0ºC on some days. A warm, windproof jacket will be required.
Climate and seasonal information
Nepal's climate varies greatly depending on the season:
JUN - SEP: the monsoon rains (mostly at night) bring landslides in regional areas. Cloud cover often obscures mountain views with rain, mud, and leeches deterring most trekkers at this time of year. Treks running in September can be hot and very humid at lower altitudes.
MAR-APR: Spring brings warm weather and spectacular rhododendron blooms. A popular time to visit and one of the peak times to trek.
OCT - NOV: Clear skies and warm days make autumn the peak season.
DEC - FEB: Winter brings cold temperatures and snow to the mountains. Good trekking, but remember to rug up.
Phone and internet access
Hotels in Kathmandu generally have excellent WiFi connections. Most hotels offer free WiFi in public areas, with some also offering in-room WIFI, sometimes for an additional fee.
Group Leader
The goal of the group leader is to make your travels easier and to help you have the best trip possible. Have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Safety
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash, and other valuable items. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy.
Strikes :
Strikes happen on a very frequent basis in Nepal. Most, but not all, of the recent strikes are political in nature and are generally called for the night before with little or no warning. If you arrive as a tourist during a busy political time of year there's a strong chance you might not be able to travel the country as much as you would normally.
INSURANCE:
Travel protection is highly recommended to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may occur during or before your trip. Make sure your insurance covers you for your intended activities, including travel and trekking above 3000m if this is included on your itinerary, mountain rescue services, and helicopter evacuation costs.
FESTIVALS:
The weather is not the only factor when thinking about when to go to Nepal. This Himalayan nation has a rich history, which can be discovered through its festivals. Nepal’s festival calendar fills every month of the year with colorful celebrations that offer interesting insights into the local culture. Stumbling onto a local festival may prove to be the highlight of your travels in Nepal – and given the sheer number of them, you’d be unlucky not to. Festivals may be Hindu, Buddhist, animist, or a mix of all three. Traveling in Nepal during Holi Festival (28-29 March 2021, 27-28 March 2022), can at times be dangerous due to revelers consuming intoxicating substances. The day is often associated with physical violence and danger. Traveling during the Hindu festival Diwali (4 November 2021, 24 November 2022) can also be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks.
Culture shock
Not all cultures share the same beliefs and values. These differences can cause severe culture shock. Some culture shocks that travelers might find while traveling in Nepal are:
Don’t assume people speak your language. In cultures where you don’t speak the language, simple tasks suddenly become more complicated- like riding a bus or ordering food at a restaurant.
Some Asian cultures such as Indian, Korean, and Chinese openly spit on the sidewalk same with Nepal.
In some Asian countries such as Thailand, India, Nepal, and some Muslim countries such as Morocco, using water and your hands, not toilet paper, is considered much cleaner than using toilet paper.
There is poverty all over the world but it never seems real until you experience it firsthand. There is a number of homeless beggars and slums in Nepal. There are piles of the garbage next to rivers, people sleeping in gutters, and meat being butchered on a tarp next to the street.
After your arrival, you will run into people who will offer you a taxi ride or a cheap hotel. When you hop into a car and leave through the gate of the airport you will see the snake driving vehicles. There are dividers but the car might go to the wrong side to overtake, which is very normal here, and therefore no reason to worry.
When in Nepal, don’t expect things to go on time. You will face delays almost in all activities. There is even a phrase “Nepali Time” which is used sarcastically to point out delays in activities.
You might see guys holding hands when they are walking down the street. Guys holding hands in Nepal is a sign of a good friendship and brotherhood.
At monuments, museums, Durbar Squares, etc if someone starts following you and explaining things, they are hiring themselves as your guide and expecting to be paid at the end. Tell them clearly their services are not required pronto, or things are going to get awkward.
(Travel Restrictions, COVID Tests & Quarantine Requirements)
Vaccination Requirements: Nepal is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. However, vaccinated individuals can bypass the testing rules that require travelers to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. All travelers regardless of vaccination status must have travel insurance that covers health, immediate crisis, or rescue for the duration of the trip; proof of accommodation in Nepal; a completed International Travel Arrival Form; and either a Nepalese visa or a recommendation from the tourism board.
1. Passengers must have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. This does not apply to Nationals of Nepal, Passengers of Nepali origin (Non-Resident Nepali (NRN)), and their family members, or Passengers with a visa issued by a diplomatic representation of Nepal.
2. Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test result taken at most 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point. Tests accepted are Gene X pert, NAAT, and RT-PCR. This does not apply to passengers younger than 5 years.
3. Passengers must obtain an International Traveller Online Arrival Form at https://ccmc.gov.np/
4. Passengers must have a hotel reservation confirmation. This does not apply to nationals of Nepal, Spouses of Nepali nationals, Passengers of Nepali origin, and their family members.
5. Passengers could be subject to hotel quarantine for 10 days at their own expense. This does not apply to passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival.
6. Visa on arrival facilities restarted for eligible passengers with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. This does not apply to passengers traveling with an emergency passport, a temporary passport, or a temporary travel document.
The company accepts all major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa Cards).
The client also has the option to wire transfer the payment of booking the package to the following bank account in Nepal:
Name of Account Holder: Buddha Holidays Tours and Travel Pvt. Ltd., Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
Account Number (USD): 006 08082190011
Account Number (NPR/INR): 006 08082190019
Name of the Bank: Himalayan Bank Ltd, Patan Branch, Lalitpur
Swift Code: HIMANPKA
The following cancellation policies are applicable under the following scenarios:
1. If cancelled by the Company:
The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances. The company will not cancel a tour less than 30 days before the start date of the tour except for force majeure or failure on the client’s part to make all due payments or if the client fails to comply with any requirements of the booking conditions.
If the Company has to cancel, you will be informed as soon as possible.
If there is time to do so before departure and the cancellation does not result from your failure, then the Company will offer you a choice to purchase an alternative tour as a result of consolidation or another available tour offered by the company. In either case, paying or receiving a refund in respect of difference in price or receiving a full refund of all monies paid to the Company.
It is advisable to only book fully flexible transport and other arrangements which can be cancelled or changed without charges, as the Company is not liable to pay the Client any cancellation, amendment or other changes the Client may need to make as a result of the cancellation of the tour.
As a minimum, the Company, where compensation is due will pay a compensation of USD 100 per confirmed passenger. The Company is not liable for compensation if the booking is cancelled as a result of force majeure.
2. If Cancelled by the Clients
Clients have the option to cancel their booking as per the following policies of the Company:
In case of non-payment of the remaining balance before the due date, the Company reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled and 100% of the advanced payment will be retained as a cancellation charge by the Company.