Family-Friendly Rail Trip from Kolkata to Katra via Amritsar on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Kolkata

Kolkata, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Mohikan's

Start your day with delicious and budget-friendly traditional Bengali breakfast options such as Luchi and Alur Dom at Mohikan's.
Take a local train or tram to reach the eatery.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Victoria Memorial

Explore the iconic Victoria Memorial, a beautiful palace and museum showcasing Kolkata's history.
Travel to the monument by public bus or taxi.
INR30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Oudh Soup and Biryani

Enjoy a hearty, affordable meal of Biryani and Kebabs at this popular restaurant.
Take a short bus or auto-rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Maidan

Take a leisurely walk in Maidan, the largest urban park in Kolkata, to relax and let the kids play.
Walk from the restaurant to Maidan.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Howrah Bridge

Next, visit the iconic Howrah Bridge and take some family photos while enjoying the view.
Take a taxi or tram to Howrah.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Aahar

End your day with a simple, yet tasty local meal at Aahar, where kids can enjoy some Chaat.
Head back by taxi to Aahar.
INR250, 1 hour

7:00PM

Board Train to Amritsar

Catch the overnight train to Amritsar, making the most of your evening travel while you rest.
Make your way to Howrah Station.
INR700, Travel duration of 14 hours
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Day 2: Arrive in Amritsar

Amritsar, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba

Take a delightful breakfast break by trying their famous Amritsari Kulcha with butter at Kesar Da Dhaba.
Take local transport to the dhaba.
INR250, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Golden Temple

Head to the Golden Temple, a serene and splendid place of worship that is a must-visit for its beauty and peace.
It's a short walk from the restaurant to the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Community Lunch at Langar

Experience the radiance of hospitality as you enjoy a free meal served at the community kitchen inside Golden Temple.
Inside the temple complex.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jallianwala Bagh

Visit the historic site of Jallianwala Bagh, where history comes alive through its memorials.
A short walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Partition Museum

Explore the Partition Museum and understand the impact of the 1947 partition through personal stories and displays.
Walk to the museum.
INR10, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Amritsar Kitchen

Savor some delicious Amritsari fish and chicken at the local favorite Amritsar Kitchen.
A short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR350, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Amritsar

Amritsar, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Beera Chicken

Enjoy a traditional breakfast of Butter and Toast with an amazing Chicken Curry to kickstart your day.
Local transport to Beera.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Wagah Border Ceremony

Catch the iconic Beating Retreat Ceremony at the Wagah Border, an exhilarating show of national pride.
Travel by pre-booked car or auto to Wagah Border.
INR200 (transport), 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Brothers’ Dhaba

Indulge in a hearty lunch filled with authentic North Indian dishes at Brothers’ Dhaba.
Return to Amritsar for a meal.
INR300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Hall Bazaar

Explore the bustling Hall Bazaar, where you can purchase traditional handicrafts, clothes, and local delicacies.
Walk to the bazaar.
Free to explore (spending optional), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Crystal Restaurant

Treat yourselves with North Indian cuisine at Crystal Restaurant that caters to families.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR400, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Katra

Katra, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick continental breakfast at your hotel before your journey.
In-house dining.
INR150, 1 hour

7:30AM

Train to Katra

Board an early morning train towards Katra and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
Head to the train station.
INR250, Travel duration of 6 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Prabhat Restaurant

Once in Katra, refuel with delicious vegetarian meals at the affordable Prabhat Restaurant.
A short walk from the station.
INR250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Check-in to Hotel

Check into a budget-friendly guesthouse or hotel to freshen up.
Local taxi from restaurant.
INR500 (per night), 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Bhavan

Take local transport to Bhavan to visit the Vaishno Devi Temple, a spiritually enriching experience.
Pre-booked taxi or local bus.
INR100 (transport), 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Katra's Main Plaza

Enjoy dinner at one of the small eateries at Katra's main plaza, sampling authentic local dishes.
Walk to the plaza from your hotel.
INR300, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure at Vaishno Devi

Katra, India

5:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a simple breakfast at your hotel packed with energy for the day ahead.
In-house dining.
INR150, 30 minutes

6:00AM

Trek to Vaishno Devi Temple

Commence your trek to the famous Vaishno Devi Temple, witnessing the panoramic views along the way.
Walk from your hotel to the trailhead.
Free, Up to 6 hours depending on pace

12:00PM

Lunch at the Temple Canteen

Have a vegetarian meal at the canteen located at the temple complex, enjoying wholesome food.
Dine within the temple complex.
INR100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Temple Grounds

Spend time exploring the sacred grounds of Vaishno Devi, soaking in the spirituality of the place.
Walk around the temple.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Return Trek

Begin your trek back to Katra, taking in the wonderful ambiance around you.
Walk back to Katra.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Shudh Shakahari

Enjoy a wholesome dinner at Shudh Shakahari, where the focus is on no onion and garlic vegetarian meals.
Local transportation to the restaurant.
INR200, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relax and Depart

Katra, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your departure.
In-house dining.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Relax at the Valley

Spend some time relaxing in the beautiful natural surroundings of Katra, enjoying the mountain views.
Walk around the vicinity of the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Check-out and Departure

Check out from the hotel and prepare to head home after a fulfilling trip.
Local transport to the railway station or bus stand for your journey back.
INR100 (transport), 1 hour
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