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4-Day Train Itinerary from Chennai to Ayodhya, Prayagraj & Varanasi (Kashi) – Detailed Timings & Costs

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Day 1 · Wed, Jan 21
Ayodhya

Chennai → Ayodhya: Overnight train, arrival early morning, Ram Janmabhoomi darshan

6:00 AM:

Arrive at Ayodhya Railway Station; a pre-booked taxi will whisk you to your hotel for quick luggage drop-off.

6:45 AM:

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Madhur Sweets & Restaurant, sampling their famous poha, jalebi, and fresh filter coffee.

8:00 AM:

Proceed to the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex for the first darshan of the day, joining pilgrims for the morning aarti.

9:30 AM:

Walk to nearby Hanuman Garhi; explore the hill-top shrine and enjoy panoramic views of the Sarayu River.

10:15 AM:

Visit the Tulsi Smarak museum to learn about the poet-saint's legacy and view rare manuscripts.

11:00 AM:

Return to the hotel for a short rest or freshen up before the afternoon itinerary.

12:30 PM:

Savour a traditional lunch at Ayodhya Rasoi, where you can try the famed aloo ke gutke and sweet lassi.

1:30 PM:

Explore the ornate Kanak Bhawan, the historic palace said to be gifted to Sita by King Rama.

2:30 PM:

Stroll through Ramkatha Park, enjoying its tranquil lake and occasional cultural performances.

3:30 PM:

Take a brief tea break at Shri Krishna Chaat House, sampling their paneer tikka chaat and masala chai.

4:30 PM:

Participate in the Evening Aarti at the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex, experiencing the devotional chants as the sun sets.

5:30 PM:

Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax before the evening dinner.

6:30 PM:

Witness the magical Saryu River Evening Aarti at the ghats, where flickering oil lamps glide on the water and devotional chants fill the air.

7:30 PM:

Dine at Sunder Mahal Restaurant, savoring local specialties such as kebabs, litti chokha, and aromatic biryani in a cozy ambience.

8:30 PM:

Enjoy a cultural showcase at the Ayodhya Cultural Centre, featuring classical dance, folk music, and devotional bhajans.

9:30 PM:

Take a leisurely stroll along the illuminated Saryu Riverfront, stopping for a quick bite at Madhur Chaat Corner for spicy aloo tikki and jalebi.

10:30 PM:

Return to your hotel, unwind with a cup of herbal tea on the balcony, and reflect on the day's experiences before retiring for the night.

Day 2 · Thu, Jan 22
Prayagraj

Ayodhya → Prayagraj: Morning local transport, Triveni Sangam darshan, evening Agyeyarath temple visit

6:00 AM:

Leave your Ayodhya hotel by a pre-booked taxi (≈ INR 300) and head to Ayodhya Railway Station.

6:30 AM:

Check-in for the 6:45 AM express train to Prayagraj (AC 2-Tier, approx. INR 600) and settle into your seat.

7:00 AM:

Enjoy the onboard breakfast service-fresh parathas, curd, and tea-as the scenery rolls by.

9:30 AM:

Arrive at Prayagraj Junction; a prepaid auto (≈ INR 150, 15 min) takes you to the Triveni Sangam area.

10:00 AM:

Begin your Triveni Sangam darshan, witnessing the sunrise aarti where the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati meet.

10:45 AM:

Savour a light breakfast at Moti Mahal Restaurant near the ghats-try the hot kachori, aloo sabzi, and a glass of fresh lassi.

11:15 AM:

Walk to the historic Anand Bhawan, the former residence of the Nehru family, and join a short guided tour (entry ≈ INR 50).

11:45 AM:

Return to your hotel, drop off any remaining luggage and freshen up before the afternoon program.

12:00 PM:

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Sagar Ratna - try their signature thali with dal, roti, rice, and a sweet gulab jamun.

12:45 PM:

Hire a prepaid auto (≈ INR 200, 20 min) to the historic Allahabad Fort perched on the banks of the Ganga.

1:15 PM:

Explore Allahabad Fort: wander its massive walls, visit the on-site museum (entry ≈ INR 30) and enjoy panoramic river views.

2:00 PM:

Take a short auto ride (≈ INR 150, 15 min) to the beautifully landscaped Khusro Bagh, home to Mughal tombs and serene gardens.

2:45 PM:

Sip a refreshing masala chai and a samosa at the modest Khusro Bagh Café while admiring the tomb of Prince Khusrau.

3:30 PM:

Return to your hotel for a quick refresh; store any belongings you wish to keep light for the evening.

4:15 PM:

Stroll through Sadar Bazaar to browse local handicrafts, khadi textiles, and aromatic spice mixes - perfect for souvenirs.

5:00 PM:

Dine early at Madhur Bhojanalay, sampling the famed chole-bhature and a glass of lassi before heading to the evening temple program.

5:30 PM:

Catch a prepaid auto (≈ INR 200, 20 min) from your hotel to the Agyeyarath Temple.

6:00 PM:

Participate in the evening Agyeyarath Temple darshan and the soulful aarti as the lamps are lit.

6:45 PM:

Take a brief 10-minute walk to the nearby Maharishi Ashram for a quiet meditation session.

7:30 PM:

Dine at Raja's Dhabha, savoring North-Indian classics like paneer tikka, dal makhani and fresh naan.

8:30 PM:

Enjoy a cultural performance of classical music and folk dance at the Kalidas Raghavendra Hall.

9:30 PM:

Stroll along the illuminated Ganga Ghats, watching the river shimmer under the moonlight.

10:00 PM:

Return to your hotel, unwind with a warm cup of herbal tea, and rest for the next day's adventures.

Day 3 · Fri, Jan 23
Varanasi

Prayagraj → Varanasi (Kashi): Day train, Ganga ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple darshan

5:30 AM:

Leave your Prayagraj hotel in a pre-booked taxi (≈ INR 250) and head to Prayagraj Junction for the day's departure.

6:00 AM:

Check-in and board the 6:15 AM Express (train no. 12426, AC 2-Tier, approx. INR 550) bound for Varanasi.

6:30 AM:

Enjoy the complimentary onboard breakfast of hot parathas, curd, and masala chai while the countryside rolls by.

9:00 AM:

Arrive at Varanasi Junction; a prepaid auto-rickshaw (≈ INR 150, 10 min) takes you to Hotel Ganga View near the ghats.

9:30 AM:

Drop off luggage, freshen up, and step out for a quick snack of kacha aam at the hotel lobby.

10:00 AM:

Savour a hearty North-Indian breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar - try the famous aloo tikki chaat and a glass of fresh jal-jeera.

10:30 AM:

Walk to Assi Ghat and board a small wooden shikara for a 45-minute sunrise boat ride along the Ganga, spotting local devotees and river birds.

11:15 AM:

Disembark at Assi Ghat, wander the bustling ghats, and pause for a quick photo at the iconic Puran Singh Ghat.

11:45 AM:

Stroll to the historic Manikarnika Ghat to observe the traditional cremation rituals, a profound glimpse into Varanasi's spiritual heartbeat.

12:15 PM:

Savour a hearty lunch at Baati House, sampling their iconic litti chokha, dal bati and a glass of fresh mango lassi.

12:45 PM:

Walk to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for a midday darshan, witnessing the throng of pilgrims and the glittering gold spire.

1:15 PM:

Stroll through Vishwanath Gali, the bustling lane of silk saree boutiques, where you can pick up a handcrafted Banarasi silk piece.

1:45 PM:

Take a short auto-rickshaw ride (≈ INR 80) to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Museum and explore its archaeology and art collections.

2:15 PM:

Pause for a refreshing tea and a snack of peda at Mona Lisa Café, a popular spot among students and visitors.

2:45 PM:

Catch a local ferry (≈ INR 30) across the Ganga to Ramnagar Fort, the 18th-century palace of the Maharaja of Benares.

3:15 PM:

Enjoy a guided tour of Ramnagar Fort, admiring its marble halls, antique weaponry and the fascinating vintage toy train exhibit.

3:45 PM:

Return by ferry and alight near Tulsi Ghat, where you can watch local women offering flowers to the river.

4:15 PM:

Find a good spot at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the early Ganga Aarti, as priests chant and lamps flicker over the water.

4:45 PM:

Wander along the ghats, browsing stalls that sell incense, brassware and hand-painted umbrellas, perfect for souvenirs.

5:15 PM:

Return to Hotel Ganga View by prepaid auto (≈ INR 120), freshen up and relax before the evening program.

5:30 PM:

Sip a fragrant chai on the rooftop of Hotel Ganga View while watching the river's golden glow.

6:00 PM:

Join the captivating Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests chant and oil lamps flicker over the water.

7:00 PM:

Dine at The Great Kashi, tasting their signature Banarasi kebabs, dal makhani, and a sumptuous thali.

8:00 PM:

Take a short stroll to Ravidas Ghat for a tranquil riverside view and a few quiet photos.

8:30 PM:

Enjoy a cultural music show at Bharat Kala Bhavan, featuring classical sitar performances and a Kathak dance recital.

9:30 PM:

Return to the hotel by prepaid auto (≈ INR 120) and unwind in your room.

10:00 PM:

Relax with an optional nightcap at the hotel bar, ordering a Masala Chai Martini to end the day.

Day 4 · Sat, Jan 24
Varanasi

Varanasi full day: Sarnath visit, sunrise boat ride, night train back to Chennai

5:30 AM:

Wake up at the hotel, sip a steaming cup of Masala Chai on the balcony while watching the first light over the Ganga.

6:00 AM:

Walk to Assi Ghat and board a small wooden shikara for a 45-minute sunrise boat ride, gliding past chanting pilgrims and river birds.

6:45 AM:

Disembark at Manikarnika Ghat for a quick photo stop and then head back to the hotel.

7:15 AM:

Enjoy a light breakfast at Mona Lisa Café - fresh fruit, poha, and a glass of cool lassi.

7:45 AM:

Return to the room to freshen up and pack a small day-bag for the upcoming Sarnath excursion.

8:00 AM:

Leave the hotel in a prepaid taxi (≈ INR 350, 30 min) for Sarnath, the birthplace of Buddhism.

8:30 AM:

Arrive at the Dhamek Stupa and take in the serene sunrise glow before the crowds arrive.

9:00 AM:

Explore the towering Ashoka Pillar and the modest Mulayam Museum (entry ≈ INR 20) to see ancient relics and inscriptions.

9:30 AM:

Visit the tranquil Chaukhandi Stupa, offering a quiet spot for contemplation and photo-opportunities.

10:00 AM:

Treat yourself to a quick snack of kachori and sweet lassi at the popular Sarnath Café.

10:30 AM:

Take a short prepaid rickshaw ride back toward Varanasi, stopping at the Buddha Temple for a brief glimpse of its golden façade.

11:15 AM:

Arrive back at the hotel, drop off the day-bag, and relax with a cup of herbal tea before the lunch break.

12:30 PM:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mohan's Restaurant, renowned for its fragrant biryani, paneer tikka, and a glass of fresh mango lassi.

1:00 PM:

Return to the hotel to freshen up and store your belongings in preparation for the afternoon excursions.

1:30 PM:

Take a prepaid auto-rickshaw (≈ INR 80) to the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum at Banaras Hindu University and explore its impressive collection of Indian miniature paintings and ancient artifacts.

2:00 PM:

Stroll through the bustling Chowk Bazaar in the old city, where you can admire hand-woven Banarasi silk sarees and pick up brassware souvenirs.

2:30 PM:

Pause for a refreshing masala chai at Ganga Aarti Café on Tulsi Ghat, watching devotees perform gentle prayers by the river.

3:00 PM:

Walk along the Ganga Riverfront to the historic Ramanashila Ghat, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and snapping photos of the ornate ghats.

3:30 PM:

Treat yourself to a quick snack of pani puri and sweet jalebi at the popular street stall Kashi Khandar, famed for its crisp shells.

4:00 PM:

Return to Hotel Ganga View for a brief rest; enjoy a complimentary foot massage at the hotel's wellness lounge.

4:30 PM:

Gather your luggage and check out, then board a prepaid taxi (≈ INR 350) to Varanasi Junction for the night-train departure.

5:00 PM:

Arrive at the station, store your bags in the left-luggage office, and enjoy a light tea at the waiting lounge while the platform buzzes with travelers.

5:30 PM:

Finalize your ticket for the Kashi Express (departure at 9:45 PM), ensuring you have a comfortable seat for the overnight journey back to Chennai.

6:00 PM:

Dine at Moolya Restaurant, savoring tandoori kebabs, a fragrant paneer tikka thali, and a glass of fresh mango lassi.

6:30 PM:

Take a leisurely stroll to Assi Ghat, where the evening lights reflect on the Ganga and you can capture tranquil photos.

7:00 PM:

Enjoy a short cultural music performance at the Sarnath Cultural Centre, featuring classical Hindustani ragas on sitar and tabla.

7:30 PM:

Return to Hotel Ganga View to collect your luggage and freshen up before heading to the railway station.

8:00 PM:

Board a prepaid taxi (≈ INR 350, 20 min) and travel to Varanasi Junction, soaking in the lively station atmosphere.

8:30 PM:

Arrive at the station, store your bags in the left-luggage office, and enjoy a cup of tea in the waiting lounge.

9:00 PM:

Proceed to the Kashi Express platform, locate your reserved sleeper berth, and settle in for the overnight journey.

9:45 PM:

The Kashi Express departs for Chennai; relax, unwind, and drift off to the gentle rhythm of the rails.

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