Exploring Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Chitrakoot
Monday, November 20: Varanasi
Start your trip in the spiritual city of Varanasi. In the morning, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire and offer prayers to the sacred River Ganges. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old town, known as the cultural heart of the city. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples, and experience the spiritual energy of the place. In the evening, take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony from the river itself.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2 hours
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Boat Ride on the Ganges: INR 200-300, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bread of Life Cafe. This charming cafe offers a variety of freshly baked breads, pastries, and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Lotus Lounge. This vegetarian restaurant serves a range of Indian and international dishes in a peaceful ambience. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Indulge in an authentic dinner experience at Shree Sai Keshav Satvik Bhojanalay. Known for its pure vegetarian cuisine, this restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Prayagraj
Head to Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, in the morning. Start your day by visiting the famous Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the holy rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Take a boat ride to immerse yourself in this sacred site. In the afternoon, explore the historic Allahabad Fort, which offers panoramic views of the city. Don't miss the stunning architecture of the Akshaya Vat tree inside the fort. Before evening, visit Anand Bhavan, the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, which now serves as a museum showcasing their lives and contributions.
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at The Hideout Cafe, a cozy eatery offering a variety of delicious dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a mouthwatering lunch, head to Spice Kitchen, a popular restaurant known for its flavorful Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Tandoori Villa, a vibrant restaurant serving authentic Indian tandoor dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Ayodhya
On this day, visit Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Hanuman Garhi, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the city from the top. Afterward, explore the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, where Lord Rama was believed to be born. Visit the beautiful Kanak Bhavan Temple, which houses the idols of Lord Rama and Sita. In the evening, witness the captivating evening aarti ceremony at the banks of the Sarayu River.
Hanuman Garhi: Free, 1-2 hours
Ram Janmabhoomi: Free, 1-2 hours
Kanak Bhavan Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Sita Ram Bhandar, a popular eatery known for its delicious puri sabzi and sweet jalebi. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Biryani Center, a local favorite serving mouthwatering biryanis and kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Dasaprakash, a renowned vegetarian restaurant offering a wide range of South Indian delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Chitrakoot
Embark on a journey to Chitrakoot, a place closely associated with Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana from the epic Ramayana. Start your day by visiting the Kamadgiri Temple, a sacred hill believed to grant wishes. Explore the Ramghat area and take a dip in the holy Mandakini River. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Bharat Milap Temple, where Lord Rama and his brother Bharat are said to have reunited. Spend the evening exploring the tranquil beauty of the Sphatik Shila and Sati Anusuya Ashram.
Kamadgiri Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Ramghat and Mandakini River: Free, 2 hours
Bharat Milap Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Sphatik Shila and Sati Anusuya Ashram: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Shri Ram Sweets for a delicious breakfast spread of traditional Indian sweets and savory snacks. Their mouthwatering offerings are priced at around INR 50 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Madhur Milan Restaurant, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful dishes like butter chicken and daal makhani, with an average cost of about INR 200 per person.
Indulge in an exquisite dinner at Hotel Ram Kripa Grand, where you can relish a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is around INR 400 per person.
Friday, November 24: Varanasi
Return to Varanasi for your last day of the trip. Start your morning by witnessing the sunrise at the picturesque Assi Ghat. Take a boat ride along the Ganges and marvel at the beauty of the ghats and the ancient temples lining the riverbanks. In the afternoon, visit the famous Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum to learn about Buddhism's rich history. Spend the evening shopping for traditional Banarasi silk sarees and exploring the bustling markets of Varanasi.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Brown Bread Bakery, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe for some mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Bana Lassi Wala, a popular restaurant famous for its creamy and refreshing lassi accompanied by a variety of Indian street food snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the chance to visit the hidden gem called Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred cremation ghats. Experience the spiritual atmosphere and witness the Hindu rituals of death and rebirth. Another local favorite is the Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. This magnificent fort exhibits a unique blend of Indian and Islamic architectural styles and houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the royal family's history.