Early morning flight to Kolkata to give you time to transfer north to Serampore the same day; flight duration is roughly 2h — book an early slot to maximise daylight in Serampore.
Classic Kolkata bakery-café serving continental breakfasts, Bengali sweets and egg dishes; Flurys usually opens around 09:00, making it a pleasant stop before travelling on to Serampore.
Drive or take the suburban EMU from Howrah — taxi is ~1–1.5 hours depending on traffic, EMU train ~40–60 minutes; trains depart frequently from Howrah Station.
Explore the historic Serampore College (est. 1818) and the old Danish church and colonial buildings; these sites are best visited during daylight (roughly 09:00–17:00).
Dine at a riverside or well-reviewed local restaurant and try Bengali specialties such as shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa) or chingri malaikari; most riverside places are open until around 22:00.
Short drive north (~20–30 minutes) to Chandannagar to see the Strand, Dupleix Palace and French-era architecture; museums and galleries generally open 10:00–17:00 so plan museum visits accordingly.
Back in Serampore, take a guided or self-led heritage walk around colonial streets and visit college archives or small museums (local opening times often 10:00–16:00).
Short ferry or boat ride along the Hooghly for river views and evening light; services depend on local operators — confirm availability locally (late afternoon/early evening).
Iconic riverside temple on the Hooghly, usually open 06:30–21:00; visit the main temple and nearby Ramakrishna Math to observe local devotion and colonial-era architecture.
Return to central Kolkata for a leisurely lunch — Oh! Calcutta offers refined Bengali cuisine while Peter Cat is famed for its Chelo Kebab; both serve from around 12:00 onwards.
Victoria Memorial (museum and gardens) is open 10:00–17:00; the Indian Museum is also 10:00–17:00 but check for special closures — both present colonial history, art and archaeology collections.
Watch the skyline and Howrah Bridge at sunset from Princep Ghat — the riverside promenade is public and lovely after dusk for photos and a relaxed stroll.
Early transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intl (CCU) for a morning flight to Gaya (≈1h15m) or take an overnight/early train; flights are fastest — check and book current schedules in advance.
Arrive in Gaya and head to the Bodh Gaya area; have a light breakfast or tea at a monastery café before starting visits (local cafés open from about 07:00–08:00).
The UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple marks Buddha’s enlightenment — normally open from around 04:00–21:00; explore the main shrine, the Bodhi Tree and monastic courtyards with respectful dress.
Many international monastery cafés and local eateries serve simple vegetarian Tibetan and Indian meals near the temple — ideal for a peaceful midday break.
See the 25-metre Great Buddha Statue and stroll the internationally run monastery gardens — these sites are open during daylight (roughly 06:00–19:00) and are excellent for photos and quiet reflection.
Sample Bihari specialties such as litti-chokha or a thali-style meal at a recommended local restaurant near Bodh Gaya; most eateries stay open into the evening.
This is a long overland leg — by train via Patna/Lucknow or by private car/coach; trains typically take 10–14 hours with connections, so depart early or check flights via Lucknow/Varanasi if you prefer faster travel.
Arrive in Ayodhya, check in and freshen up; the evening light over the Saryu River is serene and sets the tone for the pilgrimage elements of the trip.
Visit the Saryu ghats for a contemplative evening walk and to witness or join aarti ceremonies at sunset — ghats are public and atmospheric after dusk.
Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and Hanuman Garhi early to avoid crowds; temples typically open early (around 05:00–07:30 and again mid-morning) — dress respectfully and check any special access notices.
Take a morning flight from Ayodhya to Delhi (≈1h15m) if available, or board a direct train/bus (6–10 hours) — flights are fastest but check and book current schedules ahead of time.
Arrive in Delhi and enjoy lunch in Connaught Place for a variety of options or a local Punjabi dhaba for hearty fare; most restaurants open from midday.
Wrap up the trip with a favourite Delhi meal — Old Delhi street food for the adventurous or a fine-dining option in South Delhi; many places stay open late into the evening.