Surat to Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chitrakoot & Ujjain — Family Train Pilgrimage (June 2025)

Day 1: Travel to Ayodhya

Surat, India → Overnight train to Ayodhya on June 7, 2025

11:30AM

Light Breakfast at Hotel/Station

Eat a light Gujarati breakfast (poha, thepla, chai) before departure so children and elders are comfortable on the train.
INR150, 0h30m

1:30PM

Arrive at Surat Railway Station & Final Checks

Reach the station early to manage luggage, platform info and boarding — family should assemble 45–60 minutes prior to departure.
INR0, 0h45m

3:00PM

Board Train Surat → Ayodhya (overnight AC/3A recommended)

Overnight travel saves daylight for sightseeing on arrival; book AC coaches for family comfort.
INR800-1800 per person (varies by class), 18h0m approx

8:00PM

Dinner on Train / E-catering

Use IRCTC e-catering or packed hygienic thali; keep snacks and water for children.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 2: Ayodhya Sightseeing

Ayodhya, India on June 8, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival, Hotel Check-in & Breakfast

Check in and freshen up; enjoy a wholesome breakfast (parathas, curd, fruits) to prepare for temple visits.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30AM

Ram Janmabhoomi Complex Visit

Explore the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and museum to understand the site's history and significance; the complex is typically open from early morning until evening (approx 6:00AM–8:00PM) — verify current timings before visiting.
INR0, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Vegetarian Restaurant (e.g., Roti Ghar)

Family-friendly Awadhi thali and rotis — simple food suitable for children and elders with hygienic seating.
INR400-600, 1h0m

1:30PM

Hanuman Garhi & Nageshwarnath Temple

Visit Hanuman Garhi for panoramic views of Ayodhya and Nageshwarnath for historical significance; most temples are open through the day (check specific temple hours).
INR0, 1h30m

3:30PM

Saryu Ghats Stroll & Short Boat Ride

Relax at the Saryu ghats and take a short boat ride before sunset (boat services generally operate until sunset).
INR300 (boat), 2h0m

6:30PM

Evening Aarti at Saryu Ghats

Attend the serene aarti by the river at sunset — a calm spiritual experience suitable for all ages.
INR0, 0h45m

8:00PM

Dinner at Hygienic Local Eatery

Light dinner options such as kachori, dal, rice or simple sabzi to keep the family comfortable.
INR300-400, 1h0m

Day 3: Ayodhya → Prayagraj → Varanasi

Ayodhya to Prayagraj (Allahabad) & onward to Varanasi, India on June 9, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast & Checkout

Have a light, early breakfast and check out to catch the morning train to Prayagraj — breakfast options: fresh fruit, toast and chai.
INR250, 0h45m

8:00AM

Train Ayodhya → Prayagraj (2.5–4 hours approx)

Board a morning train to Prayagraj (Allahabad) for a short inter-city journey; train timings vary — check IRCTC for the best connection.
INR200-500 per person, 3h0m approx

11:30AM

Visit Triveni Sangam & Allahabad Fort

Explore the sacred Sangam where Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati meet (accessible anytime; boat rides and Sangam ghats are busiest at sunrise and afternoon). Allahabad Fort (outside viewing) gives heritage context — Anand Bhavan museum opens typically 9:00AM–5:30PM (check current hours).
INR0-150 (museum), 2h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Clean Pure-Veg Restaurant (e.g., Navratan Bhojanalaya)

Simple, hygienic vegetarian thali and dishes suited for family dining; avoid heavy street food for children.
INR300-500, 1h0m

3:30PM

Train Prayagraj → Varanasi (2.5–4 hours)

Board the afternoon train to Varanasi to reach before evening aarti; travel time is short—ideal to combine Prayagraj and Varanasi in one day.
INR200-500 per person, 3h0m approx

7:00PM

Check-in & Dinner near Varanasi Ghats

Freshen up and dine near the ghats — choose a hygienic restaurant (e.g., Keshari or a well-rated pure-veg place) to prepare for the aarti experience.
INR400-700, 1h0m

8:30PM

Optional Evening Walk at Assi/Dashashwamedh Ghat

If energy permits, take an easy walk along the ghats to feel the atmosphere; major aarti at Dashashwamedh is usually around sunset (timing shifts seasonally).
INR0, 0h45m

Day 4: Varanasi Highlights

Varanasi, India on June 10, 2025

5:30AM

Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take an early boat from Assi or Dashashwamedh ghat to watch morning rituals — sunrise rides are cool and peaceful and boats operate from early morning until sunset.
INR400-700, 1h0m

7:30AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery or Clean Thali Place

Family-friendly breakfast choices: sandwiches/pasta/south & north Indian options; choose hygienic, well-reviewed outlets.
INR300-500, 0h45m

9:00AM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Sankat Mochan / Tulsi Manas

Visit Kashi Vishwanath (open early to late evening; queues vary), then Sankat Mochan or Tulsi Manas for quieter darshan and cultural context.
INR0, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Pure-Veg Restaurant

Light, hygienic meal; consider thali or khichdi for a family-friendly, easily digestible option.
INR400-600, 1h0m

2:00PM

Free Time / Alley Walks & Shopping (Silk, Sweets)

Explore the old city’s alleys, buy Banarasi silk or sweets (laddu/peda); keep purchases manageable for train travel.
INR500 (optional), 1h30m

5:30PM

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Attend the famous aarti — arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to secure family seating; ceremony times shift with sunset (approx 6:00–7:30PM).
INR0, 1h0m

8:00PM

Dinner & Rest

Choose a clean restaurant for dinner; keep meal light for children and elders before next day’s travel.
INR400-700, 1h0m

Day 5: Varanasi → Chitrakoot

Varanasi to Chitrakoot (via Manikpur/Manikpur Junction), India on June 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast & Checkout

Have a hearty breakfast and pack water/snacks for the journey; checkout and head to the station with time to spare.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30AM

Train Varanasi → Manikpur/Chitrakoot (6–8 hours approx)

Take a daytime train toward Manikpur or nearby railheads for Chitrakoot; travel time varies with chosen service — check IRCTC for best connections and book AC for comfort.
INR350-800 per person, 7h0m approx

4:30PM

Check-in & Rest at Chitrakoot Hotel

Relax and freshen up after arrival; choose accommodation near Ramghat for easy evening access.
INR2000-3000, 1h0m

5:30PM

Ramghat Stroll & Kamadgiri Evening Visit

Stroll Mandakini ghats and visit Kamadgiri foothills before sunset — Kamadgiri temples and parikrama paths are typically accessible until dusk.
INR0, 2h0m

8:00PM

Dinner at Hotel / Local Pure-Veg Restaurant

Home-style dal, chawal and sabzi to keep the family comfortable — opt for hygienic hotel dining if unsure about local outlets.
INR400-600, 1h0m

Day 6: Chitrakoot → Ujjain (Overnight)

Chitrakoot to Ujjain, India (long travel day / overnight train recommended) on June 12, 2025

6:00AM

Sunrise Darshan & Morning Walk at Kamadgiri

Take an early peaceful parikrama or short darshan at Kamadgiri; mornings are cool and best for elders and kids.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30AM

Breakfast & Checkout

Hearty breakfast at hotel and prepare for the long train journey; pack medicines, water and easy snacks for children.
INR250, 0h45m

9:00AM

Local Sightseeing (Sati Anusuya Temple / Bharat Milap Sthal)

Quick visits to nearby temples and sites in Chitrakoot for a full spiritual experience before departure — most sites open in the morning until evening.
INR0, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch & Transit to Railhead (Manikpur/Satna)

Lunch at a clean eatery and then travel to the nearest railhead for the long westward journey; allow buffer time for road transfer.
INR400, 1h30m

4:00PM

Board Overnight Train to Ujjain (AC Sleeper Recommended)

This is the longest leg — choose an overnight AC coach for family comfort. Train options vary; ensure confirmed berths and check e-catering availability.
INR700-1600 per person, 12h0m approx

8:00PM

Dinner on Train / Packed Meal

Order e-catering or use packed, sealed meals suitable for children; keep water and medicines accessible.
INR300, 0h45m

Day 7: Ujjain Darshan & Return

Ujjain, India → Return onward to Surat on June 13, 2025

7:00AM

Arrival, Hotel Check-in & Breakfast

Check into a hotel near Mahakaleshwar if possible; have a light breakfast (poha, jalebi, chai) and rest briefly before temple visits.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30AM

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Darshan (Bhasma Aarti if available)

Visit one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — main darshan is available through the day; Bhasma aarti has specific timings (very early) so check current schedule and aarti booking options.
INR0 (special aarti tickets vary), 2h0m

11:00AM

Harsiddhi Mata, Kal Bhairav & Local Market

Short visits to Harsiddhi and Kal Bhairav temples followed by a quick stop at local markets for souvenirs; temples are open throughout the day.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Thali Restaurant (Siyaram Bhojanalaya)

Enjoy a Malwa/Madhya Pradesh thali — wholesome, varied and filling for a family meal before onward travel.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30PM

Relax at Shipra/ Ram Ghat

Quiet afternoon stroll by the Shipra river to unwind after long travel and temple visits — good for photos and a calm end to the pilgrimage circuit.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00PM

Train from Ujjain → Surat / Onward Journey Home

Board the booked train back to Surat or proceed with your return plan; prefer AC coaches for family comfort on the long journey.
INR800-1600 per person (varies), Varies

8:00PM

Dinner at Station / Onboard

Have an early dinner at the station’s hygienic restaurant or order e-catering on the train; keep simple snacks for children during travel.
INR300, 1h0m
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