5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sarnath, and Sangam

Day 1: Exploring Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ramayana Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty North Indian breakfast, including aloo parathas and lassi at the renowned Ramayana Restaurant.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the historic Ram Janmabhoomi, the revered birthplace of Lord Ram, which is integral to Ayodhya's cultural significance.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Sightseeing at Hanuman Garhi

Climb the 76 steps to Hanuman Garhi and enjoy the panoramic views of the city along with a glimpse into the vibrant temple culture.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dasaswamedh Ghat

Enjoy authentic vegetarian thali at a local eatery near the ghat, taking in the scenic views of the river.
INR300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nageshwarnath Temple

This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is steeped in myth and offers a peaceful ambiance for families to explore.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Sunset at Ram Ki Paidi

Take a leisurely stroll along the ghats of Ram Ki Paidi while catching the serene sunset view over the river.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Ram Bhog

Indulge in a delicious dinner with options like paneer butter masala and dal makhani at this family-friendly restaurant.
INR400, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Travel to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before beginning your journey to Varanasi.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Varanasi

Depart for Varanasi, soaking in scenic rural views along the way, making your trip enjoyable.
INR5000 (for vehicle rental), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Delight in some international cuisine or pizza, providing a break from local flavors and a pleasant atmosphere.
INR350, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

River Ganges Boat Ride

Experience the magical river Ganges on a boat ride, particularly awe-inspiring with historical insights from your guide.
INR1000 (for family), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the sacred site of Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon, with its serene gardens and stupas, perfect for family exploration.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Lassi

Don’t miss out on the classic Blue Lassi for delicious lassi variants and local dishes in a casual yet vibrant ambiance.
INR300, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Cultural Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Rejuvenate with famous chaat, including pani puri and other savory delights at this local gem.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore this iconic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, its intricate architecture is mesmerizing for families to observe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Silk Weaving Workshops

Witness the traditional silk weaving process, and perhaps buy beautiful silk products as memorable souvenirs.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi BBQ

Enjoy a variety of grilled dishes and vegetarian options at this family-friendly eatery, which caters to all tastes.
INR350, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Assi Ghat

Visit Assi Ghat for some downtime, where the kids can play while you take a peaceful moment by the water.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti

Catch the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, which is a truly spiritual experience for the whole family.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Round off the day with a delightful dinner at Aum Cafe, known for its healthy and diverse menu options.
INR400, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Exploring Sarnath

Sarnath, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a wholesome breakfast at your hotel while preparing for another day of exploration.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Visit the impressive Dhamek Stupa, an important site for Buddhists which gave an insight into ancient architecture.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Sarnath Museum

Experience rich Buddhist history and artifacts at the Museum of Sarnath, which is engaging for both adults and kids.
INR20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bodh Gaya Restaurant

Enjoy traditional and simple vegetarian fare at this local spot known for its friendly atmosphere.
INR250, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Mulagandha Kuty Vihar

Visit this serene Buddhist temple known for its fresh lotus pond and beautiful architecture, quiet and peaceful for all.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Sarnath Park

Unwind at the scenic Sarnath Park, offering ample space for kids to play and for families to reflect upon the day's experiences.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Mountain View Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view, offering a variety of Indian and Asian dishes, making it a fitting end to the day's exploration.
INR350, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Sangam Experience

Sangam, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for the last day of your exploration.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sangam

Travel to Sangam, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati merge, known for its spiritual significance.
INR1000 (for vehicle rental), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Boat Ride at Sangam

Experience the serene merging of the rivers on a boat ride, offering an atmosphere of tranquility ideal for family reflection.
INR800 (for family), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Explore the Ghats

Walk along the ghats, soaking in the ambiance of the junction, a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Neelkanth Restaurant

Revel in traditional Indian food at Neelkanth, known for its cleanliness and variety to suit every palate.
INR400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Maha Kumbh Mela Site

Learn about the significance of this iconic festival, as interactions with locals provide a unique culturally enriching experience for the family.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi, taking a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences gathered over the past few days.
INR1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Varanasi Restaurant

Enjoy your last dinner in Varanasi, sampling dishes you may have missed during your trip at this favorite local restaurant.
INR500, 1.5 hours