Budget-Friendly Family Rail Trip Through Uttar Pradesh

Day 1: Exploring Agra

Agra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shankar Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of aloo paratha and chai at Shankar Restaurant, a local favorite that won't break the bank.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Taj Mahal

Explore the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the entry fee is affordable, providing a great educational experience for the family.
INR50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Joney's Place

Refuel with a delicious and inexpensive meal, including thalis and curries, at Joney’s Place, which offers a great family atmosphere.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Agra Fort

Discover the history of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and impressive architecture.
INR600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Mehtab Bagh

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Mehtab Bagh, with stunning views of the Taj Mahal during sunset, perfect for family photos.
INR25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dasaprakash

End your day with a fulfilling dinner at Dasaprakash, serving a variety of South Indian dishes at budget-friendly prices.
INR500, 1 hour

Day 2: Sacred Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

7:00AM

Breakast at Ram Restaurant

Fuel up with a traditional Indian breakfast of poha and upma at Ram Restaurant, perfect before heading to Ayodhya.
INR150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Ayodhya

Catch a train from Agra to Ayodhya; enjoy the scenic views along the journey.
INR100, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ayodhya Dham

Dig into some local vegetarian fare at Ayodhya Dham, known for its thalis, perfect for a family meal.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ram Janmabhoomi

Visit the famous Ram Janmabhoomi, exploring the grounds filled with historical and cultural significance.
Free Entry, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Head to Hanuman Garhi, a majestic temple situated on a hillock, offering a panoramic view of Ayodhya.
Free Entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Dolma Aunty's

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Dolma Aunty's; try their momos and soup for a flavorful end to the day.
INR350, 1 hour

Day 3: Historical Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby cafe, such as sandwiches and chai.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Fatehpur Sikri

Head to the station and take a train to Fatehpur Sikri; the UNESCO site is just a short ride away.
INR75, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Fatehpur Sikri

Visit the stunning Fatehpur Sikri complex, exploring the palatial structures and the grand architecture.
INR600, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local dhaba

Savor budget-friendly north Indian dishes like paneer and dal at a local dhaba near Fatehpur Sikri.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Tomb of Salim Chishti

Pay a visit to the tomb, notable for its exquisite marble lattice work and spiritual significance.
Free Entry, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel to Jhansi

Catch a train to Jhansi in the afternoon, spending the time admiring the passing landscapes.
INR150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at a local eatery

After settling in, have dinner at a local eatery, where you can try local Jhansi cuisine such as bhutte ki kees.
INR300, 1 hour

Day 4: Discovering Jhansi

Jhansi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast at the hotel consisting of bread, fruits, and tea.
INR0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Jhansi Fort

Explore the historical glory of Jhansi by visiting Jhansi Fort, steeped in legends of Rani Lakshmibai.
INR150, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Rani Mahal

Uncover the legacy of Rani Lakshmibai at the Rani Mahal, an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
INR59, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Relish local delicacies such as kachoris and samosas, perfect for an engaging family meal.
INR250, 1 hour

1:00PM

African Descent Museum

Explore the African Descent Museum, showcasing the intriguing history of African slaves in India.
INR50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Train to Lucknow

Catch a train directly to Lucknow, an enjoyable way to travel across the state.
INR150, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tunday Kababi

Experience the famed Tunday Kababi for dinner, where you can savor the iconic Awadhi kebabs.
INR500, 1 hour

Day 5: Cultural Lucknow

Lucknow, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel's buffet featuring fruits, tea, and cereals.
INR0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Explore Bara Imambara

Visit the iconic Bara Imambara, known for its grand architecture and the intriguing Bhul Bhulaiya (maze).
INR500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Chota Imambara

Just a short distance away, visit the elegant Chota Imambara, adorned with intricate decorations.
INR100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Prakash Kulfi

Try the famous kulfis as an obligatory lunch at Prakash Kulfi, along with some snack dishes.
INR150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Residency

Explore the scenic Residency area, rich in history, once a refuge during the uprising of 1857.
INR100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Hazratganj

Stroll through Hazratganj for some shopping, picking up local crafts and snacks.
Free (shopping varies), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Idrees Biryani

Cap off your day with delicious biryani at Idrees Biryani, beloved for its rich flavors.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 6: Spiritual Journey

Mathura, Prayagraj, Sarnath, Varanasi, Vrindavan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a busy day ahead.
INR0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mathura

Catch an early train to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, filled with vibrant religious history.
INR150, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi

Explore Krishna Janmabhoomi, a key pilgrimage site, immersing your family in the local culture.
Free Entry, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian meal at a local eatery, budget-friendly and delicious.
INR300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Travel to Prayagraj

Board a train to Prayagraj, known for the Kumbh Mela and its cultural significance.
INR150, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Triveni Sangam

Experience the confluence of three rivers at Triveni Sangam, where you can also opt for a boat ride.
INR100 + INR300 for boat ride, 2 hours

5:30PM

Travel to Sarnath

Catch a train to Sarnath, the location of Buddha’s first sermon.
INR150, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Exploring the Sarnath Stupa

Visit the Great Stupa and explore the archaeological site filled with history.
Free Entry, 1 hour

8:30PM

Travel to Varanasi and Dinner

Complete your spiritual journey with a train to Varanasi. Dine on local street food like chaat and lassi in Varanasi's vibrant atmosphere.
INR150 + INR200 for street food, 2 hours

10:00PM

End of Day at Vrindavan

Travel to Vrindavan for the night, immersing in the heart of Lord Krishna's folklore and spirituality.
INR300, 1 hour