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4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Varanasi and Lucknow

Sunday, September 3: Arrival in Varanasi

Begin your family-friendly adventure in the sacred city of Varanasi. In the morning, head to the Ghats along the Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, where priests perform rituals and offer prayers. Afternoon can be spent exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi, visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and enjoying a boat ride on the river. In the evening, indulge in delicious street food at the vibrant Dashashwamedh Ghat.

  • Ghats along the Ganges River: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Boat Ride on the Ganges: INR 200-500 per boat, 1-2 hours
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Cost of food, 1-2 hours
Monday, September 4: Varanasi Exploration

Start the day with a visit to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Explore the ancient ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum. In the afternoon, take a heritage walk around the old city, witnessing the beautiful architecture and visiting the famous Banaras Hindu University. In the evening, enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Ganges, experiencing the tranquil atmosphere.

  • Sarnath: INR 10 (entrance fee), 2-3 hours
  • Dhamek Stupa: Free, 30 minutes
  • Sarnath Museum: INR 5 (entrance fee), 1-2 hours
  • Heritage Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Banaras Hindu University: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Sunset Boat Ride: INR 500-1000 per boat, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 5: Travel to Lucknow

On this day, travel from Varanasi to the charming city of Lucknow. In the morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to Lucknow by train or road. After reaching Lucknow, visit the Bara Imambara, an architectural marvel known for its labyrinthine Bhool Bhulaiya (maze) and Asafi Mosque. In the afternoon, explore the stunning gardens of Hazratganj and indulge in some shopping. For the evening, enjoy a cultural performance at the prestigious Kathak Dance Center.

  • Travel from Varanasi to Lucknow: Cost varies depending on mode of transportation, approximately 5-6 hours
  • Bara Imambara: INR 50 (entrance fee), 2-3 hours
  • Hazratganj Gardens: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Shopping: Cost varies
  • Kathak Dance Center: INR 200-500 per person, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, September 6: Lucknow Heritage

Dedicate this day to exploring the rich heritage of Lucknow. Start with a visit to the stunning Rumi Darwaza and the historic Chota Imambara. Take a heritage walk through the old city to admire the beautiful architecture, including the Residency and the British Residency Cemetery. In the evening, savor the renowned Awadhi cuisine at a local eatery.

  • Rumi Darwaza: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Chota Imambara: INR 25 (entrance fee), 1-2 hours
  • Heritage Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Residency: INR 10 (entrance fee), 1-2 hours
  • British Residency Cemetery: Free, 30 minutes
  • Awadhi Cuisine: Cost of food

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly experience off the beaten path, consider visiting the Regional Science City in Lucknow. This interactive science museum offers a range of exhibits and activities that are educational and entertaining for all ages. Another hidden gem is the Ramnagar Fort in Varanasi, located on the opposite side of the Ganges River. Explore the fort's architecture, museum, and enjoy the scenic views of Varanasi from a different perspective. Locals also recommend taking a boat ride to the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, one of the oldest and most revered cremation sites in the city, to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and rituals.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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