7-Day Rail Adventure Through Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

10:00 AM

Arrival at Varanasi Junction

Arrive at Varanasi Junction and take a cab to your hotel to freshen up before beginning your exploration.
Taxi from station to hotel – approx. 30 minutes.
INR 300, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy local street food specialties such as chaats and bhallas at this famous eatery.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the historical site where Buddha gave his first sermon, featuring the Dhamek Stupa and a museum.
Take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw, approx. 30 minutes from the city center.
INR 1000 for taxi, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Join the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on the ghats, an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Head back to the ghats by taxi (approx. 30 mins).
Free (donation for seating may be appreciated), 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at BrijRama Palace

Dine on traditional Awadhi cuisine while enjoying views of the Ganges.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw from the ghats.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Palais de Varanasi

Savor a hearty breakfast of parathas and chai to start your day.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Spend the morning marveling at one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism.
Walk to the temple, approx. 15 minutes.
Free (donations welcome), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Varanasi Café

Try local dishes such as kachori and lassi, perfect for the midday break.
Short walk from the temple.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience Varanasi from the water with a scenic boat ride on the Ganges River.
Head to the riverside, walk 10 minutes.
INR 500, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through the vibrant markets of Varanasi where you can find silk, handicrafts, and more.
Walking distance from previous location.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Kashi Varanasi Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring North Indian dishes to round off your day.
Short drive or walk from the market.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Agra

Agra, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to the railway station.
Breakfast in-house.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Train to Agra

Board your train to Agra, a scenic journey that sets the stage for one of the world’s wonders.
Walk to Varanasi Junction.
INR 600, 2.5 hours

11:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Agra and check-in to your hotel to refresh after your train journey.
Pre-booked taxi from Agra station to hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Dasaprakash

Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a mix of South Indian and North Indian specialties.
20-minute taxi from the hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Taj Mahal

Head to the iconic Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Direct taxi from the restaurant, approx. 15 minutes.
INR 1000 (entry fee), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Agra Fort

Explore the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful views of the Taj Mahal.
5-minute drive from Taj Mahal.
INR 600 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Peshawri

Dine on North-West Frontier cuisine, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Taxi back to hotel or nearby area.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring Agra

Agra, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, fueling yourself for a busy day ahead.
Breakfast in-house.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Mehtab Bagh

Relax in this beautiful garden for stunning views of the Taj Mahal, perfect for photos.
Short taxi ride (15 minutes) from your hotel.
INR 200 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

See this exquisite mausoleum, often called the 'Baby Taj' for its intricate designs.
10-minute taxi from Mehtab Bagh.
INR 300 (entry fee), 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Salt Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch on a rooftop with a view of the Taj Mahal.
Short drive from the tomb.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Fatehpur Sikri

Explore this UNESCO site that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire, known for its stunning architecture.
Take a taxi, approx. 1 hour from Agra.
INR 600 (entry fee), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Golden Plate

Indulge in a delightful dinner with a mix of Italian and Indian cuisine post-exploration.
Return to Agra, approx. 1 hour drive.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Lucknow

Lucknow, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your Agra hotel before your journey to Lucknow.
Breakfast in-house.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Lucknow

Take a train to Lucknow for your next city's historical treasures.
Walk to the Agra Cantt railway station.
INR 500, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Lucknow and check-in to your accommodation.
Taxi from the Lucknow station to hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Moti Mahal

Enjoy a delicious meal of Awadhi cuisine including kebabs and biryanis.
Short drive from hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Bara Imambara

Explore this grand structure built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
Short drive from the restaurant.
INR 200 (entry fee), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Chotta Imambara

See the beautiful tomb of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, an exquisite blend of Indo-Islamic architecture.
10-minute taxi ride from Bara Imambara.
INR 250 (entry fee), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Oudhi

Savor traditional Lucknowi offerings for dinner, the perfect way to relish the regional flavors.
Short drive from Chotta Imambara.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Kanpur

Kanpur, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before you set off for Kanpur.
Breakfast in-house.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Kanpur

Take a morning train to Kanpur, an industrial city with historical significance.
Walk to the Lucknow railway station.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Kanpur, check in to refresh after your journey.
Taxi from Kanpur station.
INR 300, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Royal Café

Relish Punjabi and Mughlai dishes at this popular Kanpur restaurant.
Short taxi ride from hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Kanpur Memorial Church

Explore this beautiful Gothic-style church built in memory of British soldiers.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free (donations welcome), 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Allen Forest Zoo

Spend the afternoon among nature while enjoying wildlife and gardens.
Drive to the zoo, approx. 30 minutes.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Raghunath's

Enjoy traditional North Indian cuisine and try some local favorites.
Drive back to city center.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor your breakfast one last time in Kanpur before the journey back.
Breakfast in-house.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Varanasi

Take a train back to Varanasi, soaking in the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Walk to Kanpur railway station.
INR 500, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive back in Varanasi, and check-in to rest after the journey.
Taxi from Varanasi station.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Ganges View Restaurant

Enjoy lunch while taking in panoramic views of the Ganges River.
Short drive from the hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Assi Ghat

Explore Assi Ghat, a quieter ghat known for its serene ambiance, and watch local life unfold.
Short taxi ride.
Free (donations welcome), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Shop for Souvenirs

Visit local shops for some authentic Varanasi silk and handicrafts to take back home.
Walk through local markets.
Varying (optional), 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Farewell Dinner at Sarnath Restaurant

End your trip with a farewell dinner, reviewing the memories made and indulging in delectable dishes.
Short drive or walk from shopping area.
INR 1000, 2 hours
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