Allahabad, The city of confluence of the great rivers of Ganga, Yamun and the mythical Saraswati. The confluence known as sangam is believed to have great soul cleansing powers. According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator chose a piece of land on earth, for the 'Prakrishta Yagna', now where these rivers flow in a confluence. The land, blessed by the gods come to be known as 'Prayag'.

Kushinagar, The Buddha is believed to have breathed his last in this land with pastoral surrounding, the small hamlet of Kushinagar, 53 km west of Gorakhpur. The land is venerated as the site of the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, his death and cremation, that marked his final liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth.

Prayag ( Where three rivers meet.) is now known as Allahabad. Legends say this is the site of a famous sacrifice to Lord Bramha. It is the confluence (Sangam) of two of India's holiest rivers - the Ganga and Yamuna, and a mythical third called Saraswati. The site of the unforgettable Kumbh Mela, a dip at the Sangam frees a Hindu from the relentless cycle of births and deaths.

Sarnath is a major Buddhist centre in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the 'Awakened One', delivered his first sermon here.It was the sixth century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. This dwelling place of the rishis, it was also known as 'Rishipatana'( the place of the Rishis or sages). Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkhood. Buddhism found its roots in Sarnath, the birthplace of this way of life.

Varanasi, Known formerly as Kashi or Benares, this ancient city set on the banks of the river Ganga, is one of the holiest cities in India. This enchanting city is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva. Being one of the oldest living and most holy city's in India, Varanasi attracts a lot of tourists, who come to absorb the over 2000-year old history of learning and civilisation that the city has to offer. It was at Sarnath, only 10 km away from Varanasi, that the Buddha, first preached his message of enlightenment, 25 centuries ago.