A Week in Lucknow and Varanasi: Family-Friendly Itinerary
Tuesday, October 10, 2023: Lucknow Arrival
Welcome to Lucknow, the City of Nawabs. Begin your trip by exploring the architectural wonders of Bara Imambara in the morning. This grand structure with its labyrinthine passages and historic significance will leave you in awe. In the afternoon, visit the Lucknow Zoo, a great place for kids to see a variety of animals. In the evening, take a stroll in Hazratganj, the heart of the city, filled with shops, restaurants, and vibrant street markets.
Bara Imambara: Free, 2-3 hours
Lucknow Zoo: INR 60 per person, 2-3 hours
Hazratganj: As per your preference, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Ahmedabad Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Ahmedabad Cafe, known for its wide range of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Tunday Kababi: Enjoy a mouthwatering lunch at Tunday Kababi, famous for its Lucknowi kebabs and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Oudhyana: Indulge in a luxurious dinner at Oudhyana, located in the Taj Mahal Lucknow. This fine-dining restaurant offers a delectable spread of Awadhi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023: Exploring Lucknow
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Rumi Darwaza, an iconic gateway and a symbol of Lucknow's rich cultural heritage. Head to the State Museum of Lucknow to delve deeper into the city's history and art. In the afternoon, visit the British Residency, a historical landmark that played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Enjoy a serene boat ride on the beautiful Lucknow Zoo lake in the evening.
Rumi Darwaza: Free, 1-2 hours
State Museum of Lucknow: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
British Residency: INR 20 per person, 2-3 hours
Lucknow Zoo Lake: INR 50 per person for boat ride, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Mughal's Dastarkhwan, known for its flavorful Awadhi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Royal Cafe and indulge in their famous basket chaat, a unique blend of flavors and textures. Average cost for a meal is about $7 per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a dinner at Oudhyana, known for its luxurious ambiance and delectable Lucknowi dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Thursday, October 12, 2023: Varanasi Arrival
Travel from Lucknow to Varanasi, one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in India. After reaching Varanasi, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the morning. Witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the sacred Ganges River and experience the captivating spiritual rituals. Stroll along the ghats, such as Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat, and absorb the vibrant energy of this ancient city.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Free, 1-2 hours
Exploring Ghats: Free, As per your preference
Restaurants
Nanumal Bhojraj: Start your day with a delicious vegetarian breakfast at Nanumal Bhojraj. This popular restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Indian breakfast items such as idli, dosa, and sambar. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Varanasi Thaliwala: Enjoy a satisfying lunch at Varanasi Thaliwala, known for its authentic North Indian thali. Feast on a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a traditional thali plate. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Palika Bazaar: Indulge in an evening dinner at Palika Bazaar, a bustling street food market offering a plethora of options. From delicious chaats and kebabs to sweet treats like jalebi and rabri, you'll find a diverse range of culinary delights here. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, October 13, 2023: Varanasi Heritage Walk
Embark on a guided heritage walk in Varanasi in the morning to explore the city's narrow lanes, ancient temples, and old structures. Experience a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the sunrise and the divine rituals performed by pilgrims. In the afternoon, visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Marvel at the Dhamek Stupa and explore the ruins and museum.
Heritage Walk: INR 500 per person (approx.), 2-3 hours
Boat Ride on Ganges: INR 200-300 per person (approx.), 1-2 hours
Sarnath: INR 20 per person (approx.), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery. This charming bakery offers a variety of freshly baked goods and healthy options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Open Hand Cafe. This cozy cafe serves a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with refreshing smoothies and juices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Biryani Mahal. Known for their flavorsome biryanis and kebabs, this restaurant offers a great dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, October 14, 2023: Varanasi Cultural Exploration
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi by visiting the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in the morning. Explore the sprawling campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to admire its extensive collection of Indian art and artifacts. In the afternoon, attend a classical music or dance performance at the renowned Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Enjoy an evening boat ride to witness the illuminated ghats and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.
Banaras Hindu University: Free, 2-3 hours
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: INR 20 per person (approx.), 1-2 hours
Sankat Mochan Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Evening Boat Ride: INR 200-300 per person (approx.), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Brown Bread Bakery in Varanasi. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, and a selection of hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Keshari Restaurant near the ghats in Varanasi. It serves authentic North Indian cuisine with a focus on vegetarian dishes. Don't miss their thali, which offers a variety of flavors and is priced at around 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Baati Chokha in Lucknow, which offers traditional Awadhi cuisine. Try their signature dish, Baati Chokha, consisting of roasted dough balls served with dal, chokha, and a variety of condiments. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 15, 2023: Varanasi Silk and Sweets
Indulge in some retail therapy in the morning by exploring the local markets known for their exquisite Banarasi silk sarees and fabrics. Witness the handloom weaving process and shop for authentic silk products. In the afternoon, satisfy your sweet tooth by visiting one of the famous sweet shops in Varanasi, such as Ksheer Sagar or Ram Bhandar, and try local delicacies like Malaiyo and Kachori Sabzi.
Shopping for Banarasi Silk: As per your preference
Visiting Sweet Shops: As per your preference
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madhur Milan Cafe, known for its mouthwatering Puri Sabzi and Chai. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Baati Choka, a popular restaurant serving traditional Rajasthani cuisine like Daal Baati Churma and Gatte Ki Sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, experience the fine dining at Tattva, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the city along with a diverse menu featuring dishes from various cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 16, 2023: Departure
Say goodbye to Varanasi as you depart for your onward journey. If time permits, you can visit the Alamgiri Mosque or explore the traditional markets of Varanasi for some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Alamgiri Mosque: Free, 1-2 hours
Last-Minute Shopping: As per your preference
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, take a day trip to the nearby village of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the serene surroundings, visit the ancient Chaukhandi Stupa, and interact with locals to learn more about their way of life. You can also try a boat ride on the Varuna River or indulge in local street food delights like Tamatar Chaat and Banarasi Paan.
For finding the best hotel and flight prices, use Kayak.