Cultural Immersion Journey in Varanasi and Lucknow

Day 1: Explore Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Start your day with the famous Kachori Sabzi and sweet lassi at this local gem.
Walk or take an auto-rickshaw to the Ganges River.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi with a serene boat ride as the city wakes up.
Board a boat from the Dasaswamedh Ghat.
INR300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Immerse yourself in the spirituality of one of India’s most sacred temples.
Walk from the ghat to the temple, it's about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor authentic Bhojpuri cuisine, particularly the Baati and Chokha, in this cozy restaurant.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the temple.
INR400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the site where Buddha gave his first sermon—perfect for history enthusiasts.
Hire a taxi for the 10km trip to Sarnath.
INR1000 (taxi round trip), 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Varanasi Roof Top

Enjoy delicious North Indian cuisine with a view of the Ganges.
Return to Varanasi city center by taxi.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Depth

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Assi Ghat Café

Start your morning with delightful pancakes or an Indian breakfast of parathas.
Head to Assi Ghat via taxi.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Participate in a Yoga Class

Enhance your spiritual experience by joining a local yoga session at Assi Ghat.
Walk to the yoga center next to the ghat.
INR500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the campus of one of the oldest universities in India, rich in history and architecture.
Take a taxi from Assi Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Varanasi Cafe

Indulge in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches and local thalis.
Walk to the nearby cafe.
INR350, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the ancient funeral customs of Varanasi, an essential part of the local culture.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the ghat.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Experience the mesmerizing evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual highlight of Varanasi.
Return to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht

Indulge in Awadhi cuisine, specifically their famous biryanis and kebabs at this upscale restaurant.
Take an auto-rickshaw back from the ghat.
INR1000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Art and Craft Tour

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pahalwan Lassi

Treat yourself to famous lassi and breakfast items like samosas and kachoris.
Take a short walk or auto-rickshaw.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Weaving Loom

Discover the art of Varanasi silk weaving on a guided tour of a local workshop.
Pre-arranged visits transport will be provided.
INR500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore the Local Markets

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of local markets, sourcing unique textiles and crafts.
Walk through the narrow alleys from the weaving workshop.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Chaat Gali

Savor local street foods like chaat and golgappa from the many vendors lining the street.
Located nearby, walk to this vibrant food hub.
INR300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Explore this historical fort museum to know more about the royal legacy of Varanasi.
Hire a taxi for the short trip across the river.
INR400 (entry fee incl.), 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend a Classical Music Concert

Enjoy an evening of Indian classical music, deepening your connection with Varanasi's culture.
Check the schedule for venues, most are within a close distance.
INR500, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Varanasi Spice

Feast on North Indian meals, with vegetarian options widely available.
Return to city center via taxi.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Journey to Lucknow

Lucknow, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel before departing Varanasi.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Lucknow

Take a morning train or taxi to the historical city of Lucknow.
Train is recommended; check timings in advance.
INR500 (train fare), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tunday Kababi

Savor their legendary Kebab Rolls, a must-try when in Lucknow.
Located close to the railway station, an easy rickshaw ride away.
INR400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Bara Imambara

Explore this architectural marvel and its impressive central hall which has no support beams.
Walk or take a local taxi to the site.
INR500 (entry fee incl.), 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Chota Imambara

Visit this beautiful mausoleum adorned with chandeliers and mirrored decoration.
Just a short distance from Bara Imambara, walk there.
INR250, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Shopping at Hazratganj

Stroll through this bustling market famous for traditional attire and local sweets like 'peda'.
Taxi to Hazratganj from Chota Imambara.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Mughal’s Dastarkhwan

End your day with a delectable North Indian meal at this well-known restaurant.
Take a short walk from Hazratganj.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Taste of Awadh

Lucknow, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast before exploring more of Lucknow.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Residency

Explore the museum and grounds of the Residency, a significant site from the 1857 uprising.
Take a taxi to the location.
INR300 (entry fee incl.), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Rumi Darwaza

Admire this iconic gateway and snap photos of its intricate Mughal architecture.
Taxi from the Residency.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Lebnani

Try their famous Lebanese shawarma or North Indian delicacies.
Short drive from Rumi Darwaza.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lucknow Zoo

Spend a relaxing afternoon at this centrally-located zoo, ideal for families.
Take a taxi to the zoo.
INR150 (entry fee incl.), 2 hours

5:00PM

Attend a Classical Dance Performance

Immerse yourself in the local culture with a performance showcasing traditional dances.
Check event schedule, venues are usually central.
INR500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bukhara

Enjoy an extravagant dining experience with their renowned Mughlai cuisine.
Short taxi ride from the venue.
INR1500, 2 hours
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Day 6: Lucknow Leisure

Lucknow, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dastarkhwan

Relish a traditional breakfast that embodies Awadhi flavors and hospitality.
N/A
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ambedkar Park

Stroll through this beautifully laid out park, honoring the social reformer B.R. Ambedkar.
Travel via taxi from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Unwind amidst lush greenery and exotic plants in this serene space.
Taxi to the gardens.
INR100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chatkare

Experience the unique twists on traditional dishes at this popular eatery.
Short taxi ride from the gardens.
INR500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the State Museum

Witness an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing Lucknow's rich cultural heritage.
Short taxi ride from Chatkare.
INR200 (entry fee incl.), 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening at Gomti Riverfront

Relax at the riverfront, enjoying views and possibly indulging in some local snacks.
Taxi to the riverfront area.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Pind Balluchi

Enjoy traditional North Indian dishes in an atmospheric setting before concluding your trip.
Walk or take a nearby taxi.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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