Family Friendly Itinerary for Varanasi, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun

Day 1: Varanasi Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene morning boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the rituals and spirituality of Varanasi.
Boats are available near Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a 1-hour ride.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple known for its religious significance and stunning architecture.
The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi city and can be reached by a short walk or auto rickshaw.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Enjoy a traditional North Indian meal at Baati Chokha, known for its authentic flavours and local cuisine.
Baati Chokha is located in the Godowlia area.
INR 500 for a family of 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Sarnath is about 13 kilometres from Varanasi city centre. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus.
INR 100 per person for entry to the museum, 2-3 hours

7:00PM

Explore Dashashwamedh Ghat

End your day by witnessing the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual and cultural spectacle.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is easily accessible by walking from the city centre.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Varanasi Cultural Experience

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University, known for its educational excellence and cultural heritage.
The university is located in Varanasi and can be reached by auto rickshaw or taxi.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion meal at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian cuisines in a relaxed setting.
The cafe is located near the university campus.
INR 800 for a family of 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Old City

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city, experiencing the vibrant markets, street food, and ancient temples.
You can explore the old city on foot or hire a cycle rickshaw for a more immersive experience.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Attend a Classical Music Concert

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi by attending a classical music concert showcasing local talent.
Check local event listings for concert venues and timings.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours
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Day 3: Ayodhya Day Trip

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Begin your day with a visit to Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Rama, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Ram Janmabhoomi is located in the heart of Ayodhya town and can be reached by auto rickshaw.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ram Ki Paidi

Enjoy a riverside meal at Ram Ki Paidi, a popular spot overlooking the Sarayu River, perfect for a relaxing break.
Ram Ki Paidi is a short walk from Ram Janmabhoomi.
INR 600 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Explore Hanuman Garhi, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of Ayodhya town.
Hanuman Garhi is located on a hill and can be reached by climbing stairs or taking a vehicle.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Nageshwarnath Temple

Discover the ancient Nageshwarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its historical and architectural significance.
The temple is located in the heart of Ayodhya and is easily accessible by walk.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Sarayu River

Witness the evening aarti ceremony at Sarayu River, a peaceful and spiritual experience as the sun sets over Ayodhya.
Head to the riverbank for the aarti ceremony.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Haridwar Spiritual Exploration

Haridwar, India

9:00AM

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Begin your day by visiting Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the Ganges River, known for its religious significance and rituals.
Har Ki Pauri is located in the heart of Haridwar town and is easily reachable by foot or rickshaw.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chotiwala

Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at Chotiwala, a popular restaurant in Haridwar known for its delicious vegetarian dishes.
Chotiwala is located near the main market area.
INR 700 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Explore Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, offering panoramic views of Haridwar and the Ganges River.
You can reach the temple by cable car or trekking up the hill.
INR 200 per person for cable car ride, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri, a spiritual event that shouldn't be missed during your visit to Haridwar.
Return to Har Ki Pauri for the evening aarti ceremony.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Rishikesh Serenity

Rishikesh, India

9:00AM

Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Start your day by visiting Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, a famous Shiva temple nestled in the lush greenery of the Himalayas.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is about 32 km from Rishikesh and can be reached by taxi or private vehicle.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chotiwala

Enjoy a riverside meal at Chotiwala, a popular restaurant in Rishikesh known for its scenic views and delicious food.
Chotiwala is located near the Laxman Jhula area.
INR 800 for a family of 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Beatles Ashram

Discover the abandoned Beatles Ashram, where the band members stayed in the 1960s, now an artistic and graffiti-filled space.
The ashram is a short drive from Rishikesh town centre.
INR 150 per person for entry, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the serene Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, a peaceful and spiritual experience by the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
Triveni Ghat is easily accessible from the main town area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Rishikesh Adventure

Rishikesh, India

9:00AM

River Rafting on the Ganges

Embark on an exciting river rafting adventure on the Ganges River, experiencing the rapids and scenic beauty of Rishikesh.
You can book a rafting tour from one of the many operators in Rishikesh.
INR 1000 per person, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy a hearty meal at The Sitting Elephant, a riverside restaurant offering a variety of cuisines with a tranquil ambience.
The Sitting Elephant is located near the rafting starting point.
INR 1000 for a family of 4, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Parmarth Niketan

Explore Parmarth Niketan, a renowned ashram in Rishikesh known for yoga, meditation, and spiritual activities.
The ashram is located on the banks of the Ganges and welcomes visitors for spiritual experiences.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Shopping at Rishikesh Market

Spend your evening shopping for local handicrafts, spiritual items, and souvenirs at the bustling Rishikesh Market.
The market is located in the town centre and offers a wide range of products.
Price varies based on purchases, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Dehradun Leisure

Dehradun, India

9:00AM

Robber's Cave Exploration

Begin your day with a visit to Robber's Cave, a natural cave formation surrounded by lush greenery and streaming water, perfect for a leisurely walk.
Robber's Cave is located about 8 km from Dehradun city centre and can be reached by taxi or private vehicle.
INR 50 per person for entry, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Town Table

Enjoy a delicious meal at Town Table, a popular restaurant in Dehradun offering a variety of cuisines in a cosy setting.
Town Table is located in the heart of the city.
INR 800 for a family of 4, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Forest Research Institute

Explore the impressive Forest Research Institute, a renowned institution for forestry research, housed in a colonial-era building with beautiful architecture.
The institute is located in Dehradun and offers guided tours for visitors.
INR 50 per person for entry, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Paltan Bazaar

Indulge in some shopping at Paltan Bazaar, a vibrant market in Dehradun known for its local handicrafts, clothing, and street food.
Paltan Bazaar is easily accessible from the city centre.
Price varies based on purchases, 1-2 hours
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