Start in Old Lucknow at Bara Imambara, allowing about two hours for the complex and its famous Bhul Bhulaiya labyrinth. It’s generally open during daylight hours; arrive early, and check locally for Friday prayer-time restrictions around the mosque. Budget roughly ₹50–₹100 for entry, with any guide fee extra; the labyrinth is confusing enough that a guide is worthwhile. Wear shoes that are easy to remove if asked, and bring water.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Rumi Darwaza, the striking 18th-century gateway nearby. Twenty minutes is plenty for a look and photos; traffic can be busy, so take care crossing and don’t linger in the roadway. Continue by auto or cab to Chota Imambara for its ornate interiors and courtyard—allow about an hour. Opening and ticket arrangements can vary, so confirm at the entrance, especially on Friday.
Finish at Tunday Kababi in Aminabad. A cab or auto from Chota Imambara usually takes around 20–35 minutes, depending on Old Lucknow traffic. Order the celebrated kebabs with paratha or ulte tawe ka paratha; expect roughly ₹300–₹700 per person. The Aminabad outlet is typically open from lunchtime into the evening, but check its hours before setting out.
Start at the Western Group of Temples as soon as it opens; allow 2–3 hours to explore the UNESCO-listed complex without rushing. The temples are generally open from sunrise to sunset, but check current ticketing and entry arrangements before you go. Bring water and sun protection, and allow extra time for the entrance queue—especially if you need to arrange tickets on arrival.
Walk to the nearby Archaeological Museum, Khajuraho for about an hour with the sculptures and temple fragments; check its current opening hours before setting out, as museum schedules can change. Then settle in for lunch at Raja Cafe, close to the temple complex. Expect roughly ₹400–₹900 per person and keep the meal relaxed, but not too long: the drive back makes this a very tight day.
A same-day return to Lucknow after the temple visit is not a comfortable plan. The road journey via Mahoba, Hamirpur and Kanpur takes roughly 7–9 hours, plus a rest stop, so leaving by early afternoon means a late arrival—and any delay or longer temple visit pushes it later still. The sensible option is to spend the night in Khajuraho and make the return the following day. If you must go today, arrange a private car in advance, agree on the rest stop and drop-off details with the driver, and leave promptly after lunch; budget around ₹10,000–₹16,000 one way.
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