Private journeys across India · Replies within 24 hours
Reviewed by Mirza Shadab Beg, Founder, Travelage India, Agra · Last updated 24 October 2026
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Short answer: a North India spiritual journey takes about nine days. Start in Delhi, drive to Haridwar and Rishikesh, fly to Varanasi, then travel by road to Ayodhya and Prayagraj, following the Ganges from the mountains to the confluence. Temple hours, security rules and festival crowds shape each day.
The Ganges is the thread of India’s pilgrimage geography. It leaves the Himalayan foothills at Haridwar and Rishikesh, flows past the holy city of Varanasi, and meets the Yamuna at Prayagraj. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, lies a short way north of the river. This journey follows that line of holy places in nine days.
It starts in Delhi, drives north to Rishikesh, returns to fly to Varanasi, then travels by road to Ayodhya and Prayagraj. It is planned for travellers who want depth: the aartis, the ghats, the rituals and a guide who explains them. Each place has its own customs, and we plan around temple hours, security rules and crowds.
If you travel for devotion, tell us. We slow the pace and add time for darshan and quiet.
Met at the airport and taken to your hotel to rest.
Drive about 215 km (135 miles) to Haridwar (five hours). In the evening, watch the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, then continue about 25 km (16 miles) to Rishikesh.
Walk across the Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges, visit the ashrams, join a yoga or meditation session and see the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat.
Drive about 240 km (150 miles) to Delhi (five to six hours) and rest, ready for the flight to Varanasi.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Varanasi (about an hour and a half, flight not included). Met on arrival and taken to your hotel. In the evening, watch the Ganga aarti with your guide.
Take a boat on the Ganges at sunrise, then walk the old lanes. In the afternoon, drive about 10 km (6 miles) to Sarnath and visit the stupa and museum.
Drive about 200 km (125 miles) to Ayodhya (four to five hours). Visit the temples with your guide, subject to opening hours, queues and security. In the evening, watch the aarti on the Saryu river.
Drive about 170 km (105 miles) to Prayagraj (three and a half to four hours). In the afternoon, take a boat to the Sangam, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet.
Transfer to Prayagraj airport or station for your onward journey.
Four holy places have four sets of customs. Here is what we arrange.
Temples close for part of the afternoon and queues vary, so each day is planned around them.
Your guide explains the customs and the security rules before you go in, so you can be present and respectful.
A government-approved guide joins you in each city, matched to the language and pace you prefer.
Your guide is chosen for the language you prefer and the things you love. Ask for Japanese or Russian and we will arrange it where we can.
Here is every leg with its distance and likely drive time. Times vary with traffic and stops.
| Leg | Distance | Drive time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Haridwar | about 215 km (135 miles) | 5 hours | Arrive for the evening aarti |
| Haridwar to Rishikesh | about 25 km (16 miles) | 45 minutes | Riverside stay |
| Rishikesh to Delhi | about 240 km (150 miles) | 5 to 6 hours | Rest before the flight |
| Delhi to Varanasi | flight | about 1 hour 30 minutes | Flight not included |
| Varanasi to Ayodhya | about 200 km (125 miles) | 4 to 5 hours | Arrive by evening |
| Ayodhya to Prayagraj | about 170 km (105 miles) | 3.5 to 4 hours | Sangam boat in the afternoon |
A clear overview of what is included, how you are met, and what to expect. Tap a card to open it.
What is included in your journey
What is not included
Where and how your journey begins
Season, timing and what to pack
“We actually did 14 days which included a trip to Varanasi, then the Golden Triangle & out to Jaisalmer. Every step of the way we were accompanied by Bobby. Our Driver & coach was super, but focus on detail and ensuring that the safety & wellbeing of individual travellers was met, really put the trip at an all time high!”
“Shadab is a tireless worker. He has arranged our trip according to our wishes. He has also managed to promptly overcome any inconvenience or mistake during the trip.”
“…He was very responsive and was always available when we had any questions. He also recommended hotels and places to stay. He was very flexible with providing guides only for the requested days.”
“Very awesome experience.. extremely professional and courteous, the chauffeur and the guides were very knowledgeable and knew the way to maneuver the system. They were highly flexible in adapting to any changes in my schedule.”
“I went to India alone and had an amazing experience with my tour guide, shiraz. He showed me all the beautiful places that india has to offer and even brought to places that was not initially planned after requesting it to make sure that I was completely satisfied with my tour.”
“I had an amazing time with Kishan (driver) and Bobby (guide). They both are very polite, nice and easy going. Bobby taught me so many facts and interesting things about Taj Mahal and India Culture in general.”
The right route depends on your time and what you hope to see. The highlighted row is the journey on this page.
| Journey | Time needed | How you travel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Days Varanasi Spiritual Tour | 3 days / 2 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Varanasi and Sarnath, unhurried |
| Varanasi, Prayagraj & Ayodhya | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guides | Three holy cities in one journey |
| Golden Triangle with Varanasi | 8 days / 7 nights | Car, plus one flight | Monuments first, then the Ganges |
| Agra Mathura Vrindavan | 2 days / 1 night | Private luxury car | Krishna temples and the Taj Mahal |
| Varanasi & Bodh Gaya Buddhist Tour | 5 days / 4 nights | Private luxury car and guide | Ganges and the Buddha’s path |
| North India Spiritual Journey | 9 days / 8 nights | Car, plus one flight | Rishikesh to Prayagraj |
| Khajuraho & Varanasi Heritage Tour | 7 days / 6 nights | Car, plus one flight | Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi |
Cannot find your answer? Write to us and a specialist will reply personally.
This journey follows the Ganges: Haridwar and Rishikesh in the foothills, Varanasi in the middle plains, and Prayagraj at the confluence, with Ayodhya on the way. Nine days covers all of them at a comfortable pace.
One flight, from Delhi to Varanasi, about an hour and a half. We can book it for you. The rest of the journey is by road.
Benares is the older English name of Varanasi, the holy city on the Ganges. People often search for a Benares pilgrimage when they mean a Varanasi trip.
Yes, with the right pace. There are temple queues, steps and long drives, so tell us about mobility needs and we will adjust.
October to March is the most comfortable. Winter nights are cold, and fog can cause delays. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon swells the rivers.
Yes. Our 5 Days Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Varanasi tour and 3 Days Varanasi tour are shorter options.
Yes. You have your own luxury car, driver and licensed guides. Nothing is shared with other travellers.
Send your dates through the form on this page. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
Share when you plan to travel and what matters to you. A Travelage specialist will reply with a tailored proposal.
Your driver meets you at Delhi airport arrivals or your hotel, and a Travelage representative meets you at each new city. Share your flight details and we confirm everything the day before.
9 days / 8 nights. Starts in Delhi and ends in Prayagraj, with private luxury cars and licensed guides.
Temples in Ayodhya and Varanasi have security checks and may not allow phones, cameras or bags inside. Haridwar and Rishikesh are alcohol- and meat-free in the main areas. Rules and timings change, and your guide confirms them on the day. Dress modestly, remove shoes at temples, and ask before photographing people. Photography is not allowed at the cremation ghats. Your guide explains this on the day, and rules and timings can change.
October to March is the most comfortable. December and January nights are cold in the foothills, and fog can delay flights and drives. April to June is very hot, and July to September is monsoon, when rivers are high.
The Kumbh and Magh Mela periods at Haridwar and Prayagraj, Dev Deepawali at Varanasi and Ram Navami at Ayodhya draw very large crowds, and hotels fill early. Dates follow the lunar calendar. Tell us your plans and we will advise.
