Undertaking a journey to perform ancestral rites is a profound act of devotion. The Teerth Shradh Package from Singapore to the holy triumvirate of Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Gaya requires meticulous planning to ensure the pilgrimage is seamless, allowing you to focus entirely on the sacred rituals.
This complete checklist covers every aspect of your preparation, from essential documents to the spiritual prerequisites of the ceremonies.
Our Package Overview: The 4-Night/5-Day Sacred Journey
This pilgrimage is specifically designed for performing Shradh and Pind Daan at three of India’s holiest sites. The journey is a spiritual passage through lands sanctified by gods, sages, and the holy Ganga itself, ensuring your duties to your ancestors are fulfilled with utmost reverence.
Complete Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Arrival at Varanasi Airport (VNS), followed by a Private AC Cab transfer to the holy city of Prayagraj (a 3-hour drive) and check-in to your hotel.
- Day 2: Morning Teerth Shradh at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. This is followed by a visit to the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple. Afterward, travel to Varanasi, check into your hotel, and witness the divine evening Ganga Aarti.
- Day 3: Perform Teerth Shradh rituals in the ancient city of Varanasi. Seek blessings at the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Devi Temple. The day concludes with an excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
- Day 4: Journey from Varanasi to Gaya/Bodhgaya (a 5-6 hour drive), the paramount site for ancestral rites, and check into your hotel.
- Day 5: Conduct the main Pind Daan rituals in Gaya at the Vishnupad Temple and on the banks of the Falgu River. After fulfilling your duties, you will be transferred to Varanasi or Gaya Airport for your departure.
Note: Find full details and complete itinerary here.
1. Travel Documents & Visa Requirements
Proper documentation is the foundation of a stress-free journey. Ensure every item is in order well before your departure date.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from your planned date of travel. It must also contain at least two completely blank pages for immigration stamps upon arrival and departure.
- Indian e-Visa/Tourist Visa: Citizens of Singapore require a visa to enter India. You must apply for this online through the only official government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Application Timing: Apply for your e-Visa between 6 and 120 days before your travel date. While most applications are approved within 3-5 business days, it is wise to apply at least two weeks in advance.
- Entry Point: Varanasi Airport (VNS), your arrival destination, is a designated entry point for e-Visa holders.
- Visa Type: A 1-year e-Tourist Visa is a suitable option, as it allows for multiple entries and a stay of up to 90 days per visit.
- Printed Visa Approval Letter (ETA): Once your e-Visa is approved, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. Print at least two copies. You will need to present one to the immigration officer upon arrival. Keep the second copy in separate luggage as a backup.
- Flight Tickets: You must have confirmed return or round-trip flight tickets, as this is a mandatory requirement for both the visa application and for boarding your flight.
- Hotel Booking Confirmations: Carry printed or digital copies of your hotel booking confirmations for all nights of your stay in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Bodhgaya.
- Travel Insurance: A comprehensive travel insurance policy is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation. For some visa types, it may be a mandatory requirement.
- Passport-Size Photographs: Carry 4-6 extra physical copies of a recent passport-size photograph with a white background. These can be useful for unforeseen administrative needs.
- Photocopies of Passport: Make at least three photocopies of your passport’s bio-data page. Store them separately from your original passport (e.g., in your checked luggage and with a family member back home).
- Printed Package Itinerary: Keep a printed copy of your complete tour itinerary, including all contact details for your tour operator, hotels, and driver.
2. Financial Preparations
Managing your finances effectively is crucial for a smooth pilgrimage.
- Indian Rupees (Cash): It is advisable to exchange a sufficient amount of Singapore Dollars (SGD) to Indian Rupees (INR) before your departure. As of October 2025, the approximate exchange rate is 1 SGD = ₹67.77 – ₹68.85 INR. Carry smaller denominations like ₹100 and ₹500 notes, as they are easier to use for daily expenses, tips, and offerings.
- International Credit/Debit Cards: These are useful for larger payments, but inform your bank in Singapore about your travel dates to prevent your cards from being blocked due to suspicious activity.
- Emergency Cash: Carry a backup of USD $200-300 in a safe and separate location. USD is widely accepted for exchange in case of an emergency.
- Secure Storage: Use a money belt or a hidden pouch worn under your clothes to securely carry your passport and the majority of your cash.
Budgeting for Package Exclusions
The price of our Teerth Shradh Package from Singapore is ₹36,000 per person on a twin-sharing basis (with 3 Star Hotels, 2 Meals Per day, Private AC Cab and complete Sightseeing with guide) covers core land services. You must budget separately for the following:
- Airfare: Your flights from Singapore to Varanasi/Gaya are not included. One-way flights typically cost between SGD 250-400, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
- All Lunches: The package includes daily breakfast and dinner. You will need to budget for your lunches, which can cost around ₹300-500 per person for a decent meal.
- Optional Boat Ride in Varanasi: While the boat for the Prayagraj ritual is included, an evening boat ride to view the Ganga Aarti from the river in Varanasi is an optional and highly recommended experience, costing approximately ₹200-500 per person.
- Personal Dakshina to Priests: Dakshina is a traditional offering given to the priest out of gratitude for their services. This is a personal and discretionary expense. It is wise to budget between ₹1,000-5,000 for each of the three ritual sites.
- Tips: Tipping your driver and guide is a customary way to show appreciation for their service. A reasonable amount would be ₹500-1,000 per day, to be shared between them.
- Personal Shopping: Any expenses for souvenirs, religious items, or other personal purchases are not included.
3. Ritual-Specific Requirements
The heart of your pilgrimage is the Shradh ceremony. Meticulous preparation of this information is a sacred duty in itself.
- Names of Ancestors: Prepare a clear and accurate list of the names of your ancestors. You should include at least three generations on both your father’s side (paternal grandfather, great-grandfather) and your mother’s side (maternal grandfather, great-grandfather).
- Gotra (Clan Lineage): Your family’s Gotra is a crucial piece of information required by the priest to conduct the rituals correctly. If you are unsure, consult with the elders in your family well in advance of your trip.
- Dates of Passing (Tithi): For Hindu rituals, the lunar date of an ancestor’s passing, known as the Tithi, holds more significance than the Gregorian calendar date. Try to gather this information if possible.
- Information Backup: This information is irreplaceable. Save it digitally on your phone and a cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox). Critically, also carry a physical copy in a waterproof folder to protect it from the elements.
Ritual Attire & Personal Items
- Ritual Clothing: Pack 2-3 sets of white or light-colored traditional Indian attire. Cotton kurta-pajamas for men and salwar kameez/Saree for women are ideal. White is the color of purity and is most appropriate for these ceremonies.
- Extra Clothes: You will be taking holy dips in the rivers at Triveni Sangam and the ghats of Varanasi. Pack an extra set of clothes to change into after these ritual baths.
- Waterproof Bags: Carry a few waterproof bags or ziplock bags to store your wet clothes after the holy dips.
- Sacred Thread (Janeu): If wearing the sacred thread is part of your family tradition, remember to bring it.
- Personal Prayer Items: While the package provides all ritual materials, you may wish to bring your own small deity idols, prayer beads (mala), or religious books for personal meditation.
4. Health & Medical Preparations
Your physical well-being is essential to fully experience this spiritual journey.
- Travel & Medical Insurance: For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) traveling from Singapore, comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable. Ensure your policy specifically covers India and includes medical emergencies, hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation of remains. A good policy can cost as little as ₹20-31 per day.
- Prescription Medications: If you take any prescription medications, carry at least double the required amount for your trip’s duration. Keep them in their original packaging and carry a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing your condition and the medications prescribed. This is crucial for avoiding issues at customs.
- Comprehensive Medical Kit:
- First-Aid Basics: Band-aids, antiseptic cream/wipes, pain relievers (e.g., Paracetamol), and fever medication.
- Stomach Medications: The change in water and food can affect digestion. Pack anti-diarrheal tablets (like Imodium) and several sachets of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to combat dehydration.
- Allergy Medication: Antihistamines for any unexpected allergic reactions.
- Mosquito Repellent: A strong, DEET-based repellent is essential for protection against mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Hygiene Supplies: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and your own supply of tissues/toilet paper (while not needed, but you can keep them) are indispensable.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen with SPF 30+ for outdoor rituals and a good lip balm.
- Face Masks: Useful for protection against dust and pollution, especially in crowded temple areas.
5. Clothing & Footwear
Packing appropriately for the October weather (typically warm and humid) and cultural norms is key.
- Modest and Traditional Wear: In addition to your ritual attire, pack 2-3 sets of modest clothing like kurta-pajamas or salwar kameez/Sarees for temple visits.
- Comfortable Daywear: Light, loose-fitting cotton clothes are best for comfort in the warm weather. Long-sleeve shirts and tops provide excellent sun protection.
- Footwear:
- Walking Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking. Pack a pair of comfortable, already broken-in sneakers.
- Easy-to-Remove Footwear: You must remove your shoes before entering temples. A pair of sandals or slip-ons is extremely convenient for this.
- Layering: Pack a lightweight cardigan or shawl for air-conditioned vehicles and cooler early mornings or evenings.
- Accessories:
- Sun Hat/Cap: Essential for protection during daytime rituals.
- Dupatta/Scarf: A mandatory accessory for women to cover their heads as a sign of respect inside temples.
- Undergarments: Pack enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra sets.
6. Technology & Communication
Staying connected and prepared for technological needs is important.
- Smartphone: Your primary tool for communication, navigation, and photos.
- Connectivity: Either activate an international roaming plan with your provider in Singapore before you leave, or purchase a local Indian SIM card upon arrival at Varanasi Airport. A prepaid SIM can cost around ₹200-500.
- Power Bank: A high-capacity power bank (10,000+ mAh) is essential. Long days of travel and temple visits will leave little time to charge your phone.
- Chargers and Adapters: Pack your phone charger and an extra cable. India uses Type C, D, and M plugs with a voltage of 230V. Bring a universal travel adapter to ensure you can charge your devices.
- Offline Maps: Before you leave Singapore, download offline maps of Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gaya in the Google Maps app. This will allow you to navigate even without an active internet connection.
- Camera: If you wish to take high-quality photos, pack a separate camera.
7. Daily Essentials & Luggage
- Luggage Type: A soft-sided bag, backpack, or duffel bag is often more practical than a hard suitcase, as it can be more easily accommodated in the boot of the tour vehicle. If you are bringing hard suitcase, then also it is not a problem. The vehicle has plenty of space for your luggage.
- Day Backpack: A small, comfortable backpack is necessary for carrying your daily essentials like water, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, documents, and a power bank during sightseeing.
- Waterproof Pouch: Keep your passport, visa, cash, and other important papers in a waterproof document pouch for protection.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by drinking only packaged bottled water. A reusable bottle allows you to refill and reduce plastic waste.
- Other Essentials: A small umbrella is useful for both sun and unexpected rain showers. A notebook and pen can be handy for jotting down notes or tracking expenses. Ziplock bags of various sizes are incredibly useful for organizing small items and waterproofing electronics.
8. Package Inclusions – What’s Covered
Understanding what your Teerth Shradh Package from Singapore includes is vital for budgeting.
- Accommodation: 4 nights in clean, comfortable 3-star hotels (1 night in Prayagraj, 2 nights in Varanasi, 1 night in Bodhgaya).
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner are included at your hotels. Lunches are not included.
- Transportation: A dedicated, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle is provided for all airport transfers, inter-city travel (Prayagraj-Varanasi-Gaya), and local sightseeing.
- Ritual Services: The package includes the services of an assigned priest (Pandit) for all your Shradh and Pind Daan ceremonies in all three cities. All necessary ritual materials (Poojan Samagri) are also provided.
- Experienced Guide: A dedicated guide will be at your service at all 3 cities during your full tour and sightseeing.
- Boat Ride in Prayagraj: The boat ride required to reach the Triveni Sangam for the rituals on Day 2 is included.
- Taxes: All applicable government taxes (GST) at 5% will be charged extra.
9. Pre-Departure Final Checks (Last 48-72 Hours)
Go through this final checklist before you leave for the airport.
Confirm your e-visa status is ‘Granted’ and you have downloaded/printed the ETA.
Complete your flight’s online check-in (usually opens 24 hours before departure).
Reconfirm your hotel reservations with a quick call or email.
Notify your bank of your international travel dates to ensure your cards work smoothly.
Activate your travel insurance policy and check that the start date is correct.
Share your complete itinerary and contact details with an emergency contact in Singapore.
Check the latest weather forecast for Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Gaya to make any last-minute packing adjustments.
Download necessary apps: WhatsApp, Google Translate, Google Maps (with offline areas), and optionally Indian digital payment apps like PhonePe/Paytm if you have an Indian SIM.
Fully charge all your electronic devices: phone, power bank, and camera.
Save our contact numbers in your phone’s contacts.
10. Important Travel Information
- Flight Options: There are no direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Varanasi (VNS). Your journey will require 1 or 2 stops, commonly through major Indian hubs like Bengaluru, Chennai, or Delhi. Major airlines servicing these routes include IndiGo, Air India, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.
- Key Highlights of the Pilgrimage: This journey is not just about rituals but also about experiencing some of India’s most sacred spiritual sites. Key highlights include:
- The holy bath and Teerth Shradh at Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
- The mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at the ghats of Varanasi.
- Darshan (sacred viewing) at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- A visit to Sarnath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
- The main Pind Daan rituals at Gaya’s Vishnupad Temple, which houses a footprint of Lord Vishnu.
- A visit to the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
11. Bonus: Downloadable Checklist
A comprehensive checklist with all 101 items organized across 11 categories has been prepared for your convenience:
Download here.
Proper preparation for this sacred journey will free your mind from worldly concerns, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the blessings of your ancestors and the divine energy of these holy places.