Start from Howrah for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata; allow about 45–90 minutes by road, depending on traffic, and aim to reach the airport around two hours before your flight. For seven adults and three children, arrange a pre-booked 12-seater or two suitable vehicles, and keep the group together through check-in and security. The flight to Delhi takes roughly 2½ hours; after landing, allow another 45–90 minutes for baggage and the drive into town, which can stretch in Delhi traffic.
After checking in and taking a breather, head to Connaught Place for an easy first stroll—its broad colonnades and central Central Park make a manageable introduction to Delhi, with plenty of cafés for a drink or snack break with the children. Give yourselves about an hour, and use a cab or app-based ride from your hotel if it’s not nearby. Then walk or take a short ride to Jantar Mantar, the open-air collection of historic astronomical instruments. Budget about an hour; it’s exposed to the sun, so bring water and hats. Opening hours and entry arrangements can change, so check on the day; Indian entry is usually inexpensive, around ₹25 per adult, with separate rates for children.
Finish at United Coffee House in Connaught Place, a grand, long-established spot that’s well suited to a relaxed family dinner after the journey. Allow about an hour and roughly ₹800–1,500 per person; booking ahead is wise for a group of ten, especially if you’re arriving at a busy dinner time. The restaurant is close to Jantar Mantar, so you can walk over rather than arrange another car.
Set out around 8:00am in your pre-booked 12-seater van for Qutub Minar in Mehrauli; allow roughly 45–75 minutes from central Delhi, depending on traffic. The complex generally opens at sunrise and is best explored before the midday heat—give yourselves about two hours for the minaret, carved ruins and shaded paths. Indian adult entry is usually around ₹35, with separate rates for children; check the current ASI ticket listing before you go. It’s a large site, so bring water and comfortable shoes.
From Mehrauli, drive about 30–45 minutes to Dilli Haat INA. Spend around 1½ hours browsing the craft stalls and choosing lunch from the rotating regional food counters; budget roughly ₹300–700 per person, plus the entrance ticket (typically around ₹30 for Indian adults, with a lower child rate). It’s a relaxed place for a group of ten because everyone can pick something different. Since October 2 is Gandhi Jayanti, expect holiday crowds and allow a little extra time at the entrance and food stalls.
Continue to Lodhi Garden in Lodhi Estate, around 15–25 minutes away by van. Set aside about 1½ hours for an easy walk among the tombs and lawns; entry is free, and the garden is generally open from early morning until evening. Take a quiet break under the trees, but keep an eye on the children around the historic structures and ponds.
Head to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib near Connaught Place (about 20–30 minutes from the garden). Allow an hour to visit the marble shrine and, if you wish, observe the community kitchen. Cover your head, remove shoes and wash your feet before entering; the shrine is open around the clock, and donations are optional. Finish with dinner at Sagar Ratna, Defence Colony, roughly 20–30 minutes away depending on traffic. It’s a dependable family-friendly choice for dosas, uttapam and other South Indian dishes; budget about ₹400–800 per person and check the specific outlet’s hours before setting off.
Book a morning train from Delhi to Agra Cantt; services, departure stations and journey times vary, so check the current schedule and fares before booking. For ten travellers, reserve seats together well in advance if possible, and reach the departure station with time to manage luggage and the group. Pre-arrange a large vehicle from Agra Cantt for the short onward ride; keep bags at your hotel or use its luggage storage before heading out.
Visit the Taj Mahal in Tajganj once you’ve arrived and had a chance to freshen up. Allow about 2½ hours, including the security queues and the walk from the vehicle drop-off; authorised shuttles are available from the parking area. The Taj is closed on Fridays, so confirm that it is open on your travel date and check current ticket and entry rules through the official Archaeological Survey of India ticketing site.
Take a local cab or pre-booked vehicle to Agra Fort in Rakabganj; allow around 1½–2 hours to explore the complex at a comfortable pace. Afterwards, head to Pinch of Spice on Fatehabad Road for an early dinner. Budget roughly ₹700–1,300 per person; with ten people, call ahead about seating. Keep the evening flexible, especially if the train is delayed or the group needs a rest after the journey.
Take the train from Agra to Ayodhya, checking current schedules and booking as early as possible for all ten travelers. Direct services and arrival times can vary, so compare the available trains before committing; if a change is needed, check the connection carefully and leave a generous buffer. Arrange station pickup in advance, especially with luggage and children, and keep the first afternoon flexible around the actual arrival time.
After checking in and freshening up, head to Ram Janmabhoomi only if there is enough time and energy. Allow 2–3 hours for security and queues, and confirm the latest entry arrangements beforehand; travel light, as rules for phones and bags may change.
If the group is up for more sightseeing, continue to Hanuman Garhi, then Shri Kanak Bhawan. Both are in the central area, but local traffic and pedestrian access can make short distances take longer than expected. Check visiting times locally and skip a stop rather than rushing the children.
Finish with an easy walk at Ram ki Paidi, then have dinner at a family-friendly vegetarian restaurant near Ram Path. Budget roughly ₹200–500 per person for a simple meal. If the train arrives late, prioritize checking in, dinner and rest; save the temple visits for another time rather than squeezing them into a tired evening.
For this leg, travel by train from Ayodhya Dham Junction to Varanasi Junction rather than making the road transfer. Train times and journey durations vary, so check the current timetable and book seats together as early as you can for seven adults and three children. Allow time to reach the station, board with your luggage, and continue by pre-booked vehicle from Varanasi Junction to your accommodation. Keep the afternoon flexible in case of delays.
Once everyone has checked in and rested, head to Assi Ghat for a relaxed riverside walk. It’s a good place to ease into Varanasi without committing to a long outing after the journey. Your vehicle may need to drop you a short walk away, depending on traffic and access.
Leave plenty of time to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat from Assi; the drive can take around 30–45 minutes, and the final approach may be on foot through busy lanes. Arrive 45–60 minutes before the Ganga Aarti to find a comfortable place together. Watching from the ghat is free; boat viewing costs extra and should be arranged locally.
After the ceremony, walk towards Kashi Chaat Bhandar in Godowlia for an informal dinner. Budget roughly ₹150–350 per person, and ask about spice levels before ordering for the children. The lanes get crowded, so agree on a meeting point and pickup plan with your driver rather than expecting the vehicle to reach the restaurant.
Head to Assi Ghat around 5:15am for a sunrise boat ride, when the riverfront is cooler and less crowded. Agree the route, duration and total fare before boarding; a private boat may cost roughly ₹1,000–2,500 for about 1½ hours, depending on the boat and season. With children in the group, ask about life jackets and keep everyone seated.
After the boat ride, travel to Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Godowlia. Allow 2–3 hours for security checks and possible queues, and check current entry guidance before leaving. Keep belongings to a minimum and use the official cloakroom for anything not allowed inside. A taxi or auto can take you toward Godowlia, but traffic and restricted-access streets may mean walking the final stretch.
Pause for lunch and a rest, then take a taxi or auto to Banaras Hindu University and New Vishwanath Temple in Lanka; allow roughly 20–40 minutes from the old-city area, depending on traffic. Spend about 1½ hours exploring the campus and temple. Follow site instructions on dress, footwear and photography, and leave time for the children to take a break.
Continue by road to Ramnagar Fort, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes from the university, though traffic and the river crossing can affect the journey. Check the museum’s current opening status before setting out. Return to Lanka for dinner at Baati Chokha; budget about ₹400–800 per person. A taxi or pre-arranged van is the easiest option for ten people.
Since you’d like the remaining travel to be by train, arrange your Varanasi–Kolkata tickets in advance and check the departure station and timing before dinner; availability and journey times vary by service. Keep tickets and ID handy, and coordinate a van to the station for the whole group.
Head to Sarnath Archaeological Site in the morning and allow 2–3 hours for the ruins and grounds. The museum has separate opening arrangements and is generally closed on Fridays, so check its current status before setting out. Continue to The Great Buddha for a short visit nearby. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and keep the group of ten together as you move between the sites.
Return to Varanasi for an early lunch at Bati Chokha Restaurant; budget around ₹300–600 per person and allow extra time for a group order. Keep the afternoon light, with time to collect luggage and confirm your train details rather than trying to fit in another distant sight. A pre-arranged vehicle is practical for your group and bags.
Travel to Varanasi Junction with a generous buffer—ideally 60–90 minutes before departure, especially with ten travellers and luggage. Book a train to Howrah well ahead, preferably in the same coach or nearby berths; the journey is overnight, but duration and departure times vary by service and date. Check the current timetable and coach details when booking, and confirm your station transfer before leaving for dinner.
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