Family Friendly Varanasi Rail/Train and Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Ganges River

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Arrival in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi! Start your day by exploring the bustling streets and local markets near your accommodation.
Arrive at Varanasi Railway Station and take a taxi to your hotel. It takes approximately 30 minutes.
N/A, 2 hours

1:00PM

Ganges River Boat Ride

Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi with a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River. Witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the boat ride. The Ganga Aarti takes place at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening.
Boat Ride: INR 200-500 per person, Ganga Aarti: Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Attend the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire, incense, and chants.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat from your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sarnath and Temples

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Sarnath Excursion

Visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sarnath. It's approximately 30 minutes away from Varanasi.
Entry fees may apply, 4 hours

2:00PM

Explore Varanasi Temples

Spend the afternoon visiting the famous temples of Varanasi including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, and Durga Temple.
Travel by auto-rickshaw or taxi to the temples within Varanasi.
Donations welcome at temples, 3 hours

6:00PM

Shopping and Street Food

Enjoy shopping for traditional Banarasi sarees and savour local street food delicacies like chaat, samosas, and lassi.
Explore the nearby markets and street food stalls on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
Varies based on shopping and food choices, 2 hours
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Day 3: Allahabad

Allahabad, India

9:00AM

Journey to Allahabad

Travel to Allahabad, a city known for its confluence of rivers. Visit the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
Take a train or hire a car for the approximately 2-hour journey from Varanasi to Allahabad.
Transportation costs vary, 5 hours (including travel)

3:00PM

Triveni Sangam

Explore the Triveni Sangam and take a boat ride to witness the meeting point of the three sacred rivers.
Triveni Sangam is easily accessible by road or boat from the city centre.
Boat ride fees may apply, 2 hours

6:00PM

Local Cuisine

Indulge in authentic Allahabadi cuisine at a local restaurant, trying dishes like Chhole Bhature, Puri Sabzi, and Allahabadi Paan.
Head to a recommended restaurant in Allahabad for a taste of traditional dishes.
Meal costs vary, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Ayodhya and Faizabad

Ayodhya and Faizabad, India

9:00AM

Ayodhya Sightseeing

Explore Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama. Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan temples.
Travel from Allahabad to Ayodhya by road, which takes approximately 3 hours.
Entry fees may apply, 4 hours

2:00PM

Faizabad Excursion

Visit Faizabad, known for its historical significance. Explore the Faizabad Fort, Gulab Bari, and Mausoleum of Bahu Begum.
Faizabad is a short drive away from Ayodhya. Hire a local guide or use public transportation to visit these sites.
Entry fees may apply, 3 hours

6:00PM

Evening Relaxation

Enjoy a leisurely evening in Ayodhya or Faizabad, strolling through local markets or relaxing in a garden.
Explore the nearby areas on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
N/A, 2 hours
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Day 5: Lucknow

Lucknow, India

9:00AM

Arrival in Lucknow

Arrive in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Start your day with a visit to the Bara Imambara, a historical monument with a unique labyrinth design.
Take a train or drive from Ayodhya/Faizabad to Lucknow, which takes around 4 hours.
Transportation costs vary, 5 hours (including travel)

2:00PM

Culinary Delights

Savour the famous Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow by trying kebabs, biryanis, and traditional sweets like Malai Gilori.
Head to a renowned restaurant or local eatery in Lucknow known for its authentic Awadhi dishes.
Meal costs vary, 2 hours

5:00PM

Historical Walk

Take a guided walking tour of the historical monuments in Lucknow, including Rumi Darwaza, Hussainabad Imambara, and Chota Imambara.
Join a local guide or tour group for the historical walk starting from Bara Imambara.
Tour fees may apply, 3 hours
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Day 6: Kanpur

Kanpur, India

9:00AM

Exploring Kanpur

Discover the industrial city of Kanpur, known for its leather and textile industries. Visit the Allen Forest Zoo and Phool Bagh for a relaxing morning.
Travel from Lucknow to Kanpur by train or road, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours.
Transportation costs vary, 4 hours (including travel)

1:00PM

Shopping and Lunch

Explore the bustling markets of Kanpur for leather goods, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a popular eatery.
Walk or take a cycle rickshaw to the markets and recommended restaurant in Kanpur.
Shopping and meal costs vary, 3 hours

5:00PM

Green Park Stadium

Visit the historic Green Park Stadium, a renowned cricket venue in Kanpur. Enjoy a leisurely evening in the surrounding green spaces.
Take a short taxi ride or walk to Green Park Stadium from the city centre.
Entry fees may apply, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Journey back to Varanasi

Return to Varanasi for your departure. Spend the morning revisiting any favourite spots or picking up souvenirs.
Travel by train or road from Kanpur to Varanasi, approximately a 5-hour journey.
Transportation costs vary, 5 hours (including travel)

2:00PM

Final Shopping and Farewell

Shop for last-minute souvenirs and gifts in Varanasi's markets. Bid farewell to the vibrant city before heading to the airport or train station.
Explore the markets near your accommodation for unique Varanasi souvenirs.
Shopping costs vary, 3 hours

6:00PM

Departure

Depart from Varanasi with unforgettable memories of your family-friendly rail and road trip through Uttar Pradesh.
Head to Varanasi Railway Station or the airport for your onward journey.
N/A, N/A
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