Epic 5-Day Road Trip: Ayodhya, Banaras, Prayagraj & Gaya

Day 1: Spiritual Awakening

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ram Ki Paidi

Start your day with a traditional North Indian breakfast of poha and jalebi at this riverside eatery.
Located along the Saryu River, perfect for scenic morning views.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance of the site.
A short 10-minute drive or 15-minute walk from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shri Ram Restaurant

Savor some delicious vegetarian thali which is the local specialty.
5-minute drive from Ram Janmabhoomi.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Climb the 76 steps to the Hanuman temple, a significant pilgrimage site with stunning views.
Just a 10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Nageshwarnath Temple

An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, rich in history and architecture.
Another quick 10-minute drive from Hanuman Garhi.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Saryu River Evening Aarti

Experience the mesmerizing evening aarti that takes place on the banks of the Saryu.
Right next to where you visited earlier; a short walk.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ramayana Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner with vegetarian options and local flavors.
A quick 5-minute drive from the aarti.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Banaras, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Indulge in the famous Kachori with chutney and chai, setting the tone for a busy day.
Located near the ghats in Banaras, approximately 2.5-hour drive from Ayodhya.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Admire the intricate architecture of one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A short 10-minute auto rickshaw ride from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll along the Ganges Ghats

Take a leisurely walk along the vibrant ghats, experiencing the local culture.
Walking distance from the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Varuna Restaurant

Savor a hearty vegetarian meal featuring local delicacies.
A short rickshaw ride from the ghats.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the serene site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, rich with history and tranquility.
20-minute drive from lunch.
INR200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Banaras Evening Aarti

Witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a grand sight accompanied by prayer chants.
Return to the ghats, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Deena Chaat Bhandar

Conclude your day with local street food like chaat and lassi.
Centrally located; a quick auto rickshaw ride.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Art & Culture

Banaras, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Shop

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with fluffy pancakes and coffee to gear up for the day.
Located in the heart of Banaras.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the vast campus and check out the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum featuring local arts.
10-minute drive from breakfast.
INR100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama, showcasing exquisite carvings.
15-minute rickshaw ride from the university.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Cafe

Grab a light lunch featuring delicious local snacks and drinks.
Nearby; a short stroll.
INR250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience Banaras from the water with a scenic boat ride exploring the ghats.
Head back to the ghats, around 15-minutes drive.
INR400, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the Ayurvedic College

Learn about traditional Indian medicine and perhaps try out herbal teas.
5-minute drive from the ghats.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

End your day with flavorful chaat and other local street food.
A short drive from the college.
INR200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Historical Insights

Prayagraj, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shree Balaji Dosa

Start your day with a light yet delightful South Indian breakfast.
Leave Banaras early; about a 2.5-hour drive.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Triveni Sangam

Experience the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
Nearby; approx. 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Allahabad Fort

Explore the historic fort with its impressive structures and scenic views of the river.
Just a short drive from Triveni Sangam.
INR100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Prayag Restaurant

Enjoy a wholesome Indian meal packed with regional flavors.
A short drive from the fort.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Anand Bhawan

Explore the historical home of the Nehru family and its connection to India's freedom struggle.
15-minute drive from lunch.
INR200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Khusro Bagh

Visit the beautiful Mughal gardens and tombs for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
Short 10-minute drive from Anand Bhawan.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Tandoori Hut

Wrap up your day with some delicious kebabs and naans.
Close to the city center; about 15 minutes by car.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 5: Heritage & Spirituality

Gaya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bodh Gaya Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with a mix of Indian options and continental meals.
The drive to Gaya will take about 3 hours; start early.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mahabodhi Temple

Explore the UNESCO site where Buddha attained enlightenment, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Located in Bodh Gaya, about 15 minutes from the restaurant.
INR500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Bodhi Tree

Spend some time in meditation under the sacred Bodhi tree, a must-visit in this holy site.
Very close to the Mahabodhi Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tergar Restaurant

Savor a blend of local and Tibetan foods, enjoying the serene surroundings.
A short walk from the Bodhi Tree.
INR350, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore great Stupa

Visit the beautiful Great Stupa, a significant site for Buddhists.
Short drive or rickshaw ride from lunch to the stupa.
INR200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Meditate at a local monastery

Engage in guided meditation at one of the local monasteries for an uplifting experience.
Various monasteries in the area; allow for a short ride.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Buddhi

Conclude your journey with some delectable Italian fare infused with Indian flavors.
Located near the monasteries, within a short distance.
INR500, 1 hour
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