5-Day Cultural Journey Through Varanasi and Ayodhya

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Begin your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges, watching the sunrise illuminate the ghats in a golden hue.
Start from Dasaswamedh Ghat and enjoy the views as you go along the river.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat

Savor traditional North Indian breakfast items like kachoris and aloo sabzi at this popular local eatery.
Located just a short walk from the Ghats.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Experience the spiritual essence of one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It's a short auto-rickshaw ride to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Chaat Bhandar

Indulge in famous local chaats such as dahi puri and banarasi paan.
Located near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the historic site where Buddha gave his first sermon, complete with ruins and a museum.
A 30-minute drive from central Varanasi.
INR 300 for the museum, 3 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti Ceremony

Join the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the rituals create a beautiful atmosphere.
Located back at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Great Eastern Restaurant

Feast on an array of North Indian dishes, including kebabs and biryanis, at this well-known restaurant.
Short rickshaw ride from the ghats.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Varanasi

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Start your day with rejuvenating yoga sessions by the riverside for a perfect balance of body and soul.
Head to Assi Ghat for the best spots.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with options like pancakes and fresh juice in a cozy atmosphere.
Located nearby Assi Ghat.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus and admire the architecture of this world-renowned university.
A short auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Famous for its lassi, try a flavorful mango or banana lassi along with sandwiches.
Walkable distance from BHU.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Hindu Silk Weaving Workshops

Witness the artistry of traditional silk weaving unique to Varanasi.
Visit local workshops around the city.
Free to enter, purchase optional., 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Admire the exquisite architecture and tranquil atmosphere of this significant temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Located in the city center, accessible by rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Onion Grill

Relish kebabs and curries infused with exotic spices at this popular grill house.
Short rickshaw ride.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historical Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi's famous Bread-o-Bakery

Taste the freshly baked goods and authentic Indian breakfast offerings.
Located near the ghats.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historic fort which houses a museum showcasing the rich heritage of Varanasi.
Take a boat back to the opposite ghat and then ride to the fort.
INR 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bhatia Restaurant

Savor authentic Varanasi thali, cooked with local flavors.
Short drive from Ramnagar Fort.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Gyanvapi Mosque

Discover this historically significant mosque located next to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Short rickshaw ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Delve into the heritage of Indian art and culture through striking exhibits.
Located within the BHU campus.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening stroll at the Ghats

Enjoy the peaceful environment by the river as you witness local life at sunset.
Walking along the ghats from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Banaras Restaurant

Try delicious vegetarian dishes that showcase traditional recipes in a fine dining setting.
Located near the ghats.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Journey to Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

7:00AM

Travel to Ayodhya

Set off early for Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Book a taxi which could be organized through your hotel.
INR 2,000, 6 hours

1:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at Ramayana Restaurant

Check in to your hotel followed by a traditional meal at this famous Ayodhya eatery.
Located close to your hotel.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

Explore the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, steeped in religious significance.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Hanuman Garhi

Climb up the stairs to this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman for incredible views.
Short auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Walk along the Sarayu River

Spend a leisurely evening walking along the serene banks of the Sarayu River.
Walking distance from Hanuman Garhi.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Krishna Inn

Enjoy traditional vegetarian dishes in a cozy restaurant.
A short rickshaw ride back towards the hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Spiritual Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local specialties.
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining area.
Included with the hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Nageshwarnath Temple

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a significant cultural site.
A quick auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kanak Bhawan

Admire the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings at this temple dedicated to Sita and Rama.
Another short rickshaw ride from Nageshwarnath Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Satyug Restaurant

Relish a traditional meal with local flavors at this popular dining spot in Ayodhya.
Not far from Kanak Bhawan, easily accessible.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Chowk

Wander the lanes of Chowk, experiencing local culture and shopping for handicrafts.
Located within walking distance.
Free to explore, shopping optional., 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Treta ke Thakur Temple

Immerse in spirituality at this significant temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Quick rickshaw ride from Chowk.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Suruchi Restaurant

Conclude your journey with a delightful dinner featuring regional vegetarian dishes.
Located near the hotel.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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