5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Mahakumbh Mela and Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Day 1: Arriving in Prayagraj

Prayagraj, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Chaat Gali

Start your day with local Indian breakfast such as aloo paratha or chole bhature at Chaat Gali, famous for its street food.
Walk or take a cycle rickshaw.
INR 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Sangam

Visit the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, essential for any Maha Kumbh experience.
Reach Sangam by walking or local transport.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Vinayak Restaurant

Enjoy a budget-friendly vegetarian thali that showcases local flavors.
Take a local bus or auto rickshaw.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Attend an Aarti Ceremony

Participate in the tranquil Ganga Aarti, experiencing local spirituality up close.
Walking distance from Vinayak.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Anand Bhavan

The historic home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, now a museum showcasing India's freedom struggle.
Local transport will get you here quickly.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Prakash Shudh Shakahari Hotel

Wind down with a simple yet delicious meal featuring local vegetarian specialties.
Short walk from Anand Bhavan.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 2: Mela Exploration

Prayagraj, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at University Canteen

Savor an economical breakfast of poha and a cup of chai to gear up for a long day.
Take a local bus to the university.
INR 40, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit the Kumbh Mela Grounds

Experience the vibrancy, cultural activities, and religious significance of the Mahakumbh.
Bus or auto to the grounds.
Free, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Street Vendors

Indulge in local street food like pani puri and samosas near the Mela area.
Available at the Mela grounds.
INR 100, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Participate in Pilgrimage Activities

Engage in rituals, visit temporary camps, and interact with other devotees.
Explore on foot within the Mela.
Free, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Relax and Enjoy Cultural Performances

Find a spot to enjoy folk music and dance performances by local artists.
Various performance areas within the Mela.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at a Local Dhaba

End the day with a filling meal of the regional staple, dal and rice.
Several dhabas are located nearby the Mela.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading to Ayodhya.
Walking to the railway station.
INR 50, 30 minutes

8:00 AM

Train to Ayodhya

Catch an early train to Ayodhya, soaking in the scenic views along the way.
Train from Prayagraj Railway Station.
INR 100, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Check into Budget Hotel

Settle in at a budget hotel to freshen up and drop off your bags.
Approximately 10 min by auto rickshaw from the railway station.
INR 600 for the night, 30 minutes

11:00 AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, a pivotal site in Hinduism.
Accessible by local auto or on foot.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Shree Ram Restaurant

Relish a traditional vegetarian meal in a humble setting.
Walking distance from Ram Janmabhoomi.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Kanak Bhavan

Admire the architectural beauty of this temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita.
Local transport or a short walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Nageshwarnath Temple

Worship at one of the oldest temples in the region, infused with divine history.
Auto rickshaw for a short ride.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ram Diner

Enjoy a simple yet hearty meal featuring paneer and roti, highly recommended by locals.
Walk from Nageshwarnath Temple.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 4: Ayodhya Explorations

Ayodhya, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast available at your budget hotel.
In-house facility.
INR 50, 30 minutes

8:00 AM

Visit Saryu River

Experience the serenity of the Saryu River, taking in the beautiful early morning views.
Short walk or auto ride.
Free, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Treta Ke Thakur

Discover this historical site associated with the epic Ramayana.
Auto rickshaw will get you there quickly.
INR 30, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kashi Vishwanath Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal featuring local favorites, served in a bustling atmosphere.
Near Treta Ke Thakur.
INR 120, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Proceed to Ramkot Fort

Visit this historical fort that offers panoramic views of Ayodhya and its temples.
Auto rickshaw to Ramkot.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Return to the Hotel

Rest and freshen up at your hotel after a day of exploration.
Local rickshaw back to the hotel.
INR 30, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Dinner at Ram Harish Chandra Dham

Savor a vegetarian meal here that is well-loved by pilgrims and locals alike.
Short walk from your hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 5: Departure Day

Prayagraj, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Grab a light breakfast of idli and sambar at a nearby café.
Short walking distance.
INR 50, 30 minutes

8:00 AM

Return to Prayagraj

Catch a train back to Prayagraj while enjoying the landscapes.
From Ayodhya Railway Station.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit Allahabad Fort

Exploring this fort offers insights into its historical significance and stunning views of the rivers.
Take a local auto from the station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Aarya Restaurant

Enjoy North Indian fare at an affordable price before preparing for departure.
Local transport will take you there quickly.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Shopping at Local Bazaars

Spend some time purchasing local handicrafts or souvenirs at the vibrant local markets.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Departure from Prayagraj

Head to the station for your onward journey or back home.
Local transport options available.
Variable, 1 hour
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