Discovering Ayodhya, Lucknow, and Banaras: A 5-Day Rail Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chaat Bhandar

Start your day with some local delicacies like breakfast chaat and jalebi at this famous eatery.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit to Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the revered birthplace of Lord Rama, rich in history and significance to Hindu culture.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ram Avtar Bhavan

Taste some authentic vegetarian Thali that will leave you satisfied and energised for the next journey.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit to Hanuman Garhi Temple

Climb the 76 steps to see this revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and enjoy stunning views.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Sarayu River

Take a serene boat ride on the Sarayu River to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the city's spirituality.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to hotel and freshen up

Head back to your accommodation to relaxation ahead of dinner.
N/A, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Temple View Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious South Indian meal with a view of the temples.
INR 500, 1 hour

Day 2: Historical Deep Dive

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pandit Ji’s Café

Try their special chai and poha, a great way to start your day.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Tour of Nageshwarnath Temple

Visit this ancient temple dedicated to Nageshwarnath, an ideal spot for devotees.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Treta Ke Thakur

Delve into the ancient culture at this archaeological site linked to the epic Ramayana.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ayodhya Treats

Enjoy a variety of North Indian dishes such as paneer butter masala and naan.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit to Kanak Bhawan

Admire the stunning architecture of this temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping and Strolling

Explore local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts, absorbing the vibrant local culture.
Varies, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Tea at Shree Ram Hotel

Relax with some masala chai before preparing for dinner.
INR 150, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at VIP Restaurant

Delight in a lavish vegetarian buffet featuring local specialities.
INR 600, 1 hour

Day 3: Journey to Lucknow

Lucknow, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Savour a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for the next destination.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lucknow

Catch a morning train (around 10:00 AM) to Lucknow, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check into hotel in Lucknow

Arrive and check into your accommodation, getting ready to explore.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Tunday Kababi

Savour the iconic galouti kebabs and local vegetarian dishes that made this place famous.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Bada Imambara

Visit this monumental mosque and the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula, a marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Rumi Darwaza

Admire the stunning gateway that symbolizes the grandeur of Lucknow.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Dastarkhwan

Enjoy a royal Awadhi meal with biryani and kebabs against a beautiful setting.
INR 700, 1 hour

Day 4: Exploring Banaras

Banaras, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a traditional breakfast before heading to Banaras.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Banaras

Board an early train (around 10:00 AM) to Banaras, famed for its ghats and temples.
INR 150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check into hotel in Banaras

Settle in at your hotel, a perfect base for your explorations.
INR 1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Delight in some tasty street food and local specialities at this popular joint.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the site where Buddha gave his first sermon, filled with historical significance.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Banaras

Head back to the city and freshen up ahead of the evening.
N/A, 1 hour

6:30PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Varuna Restaurant

Savour authentic Banarasi cuisine with a delightful view of the Ganges.
INR 600, 1 hour

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Banaras

Banaras, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a peaceful morning boat ride, soaking in the sunrise views of the ghats.
INR 150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of this famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar

Relish local street food delicacies like chaat and lassi at this beloved eatery.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Wander around the beautiful campus of one of the largest universities in Asia, famous for its architecture.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping and Local Culture

Spend your last afternoon purchasing Banaras silk and handicrafts in the local markets.
Varies, 2 hours

5:30PM

Enjoy Tea at Pahalwan Lassi

Unwind with a refreshing cup of tea or try their famous lassi before departure.
INR 100, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Departure from Banaras

Head to the railway station for your onward journey, cherishing the memories created.
INR 100, 1 hour