6-Day Spiritual Family Tour of Banaras and Ayodhya: Sacred Journeys in India

Day 1: Explore Banaras Ghats

Banaras (Varanasi), India on April 17, 2025

6:00AM

Morning Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing morning Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a colorful and spiritual ceremony honoring the sacred river Ganges.
FREE, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy traditional North Indian breakfast delicacies such as kachori and jalebi at this iconic Banaras eatery, open from 7AM.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India, deeply revered and integral to Banaras’ spiritual landscape. The temple is open from 5:30AM to 10PM.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha Restaurant

Sample authentic Banarasi cuisine including litti chokha, a regional specialty, in a family-friendly ambiance.
INR300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a scenic and peaceful boat ride along the Ganges, gliding past the ghats and witnessing riverside rituals. Boats operate till sunset.
INR400 per boat, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk through Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Campus

Explore the sprawling campus of BHU, visiting the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum to see spiritual and artistic treasures. Open 10AM-5PM.
INR50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Experience the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat, a slightly less crowded but equally spiritual ceremony.
FREE, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at rooftop restaurant Vishnu Tea Shop

Relax with a light family dinner featuring Banarasi thali and refreshments with a view of the Ganges.
INR350, 1 hour

Day 2: Temple Visits & Spiritual Learning

Banaras (Varanasi), India on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Lassi Shop

Taste the famous Banarasi lassi and complementary snacks for a nutritious start, open from 7AM.
INR100, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Visit this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its spiritual fervor and peaceful surroundings, open 5AM-9PM.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir

Explore this temple where the epic Ramcharitmanas was written, noted for its engraved verses and spiritual significance.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy healthy organic Indian and continental dishes perfect for families, open till 4PM.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort and Museum

Tour the historic fort on the east bank of the Ganges showcasing artifacts and royal history of Banaras. Open 10AM-5PM.
INR100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Scindia Ghat and Local Market Shopping

Stroll the vibrant ghats and nearby markets to buy spiritual souvenirs such as prayer beads, handicrafts and banarasi silk.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Deena Chat Bhandar

Savor flavorful street food including chaat and samosas at this well-known local spot, open till 10PM.
INR200, 1 hour

Day 3: Cultural & Spiritual Immersion

Banaras (Varanasi), India on April 19, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Start the day with light breakfast options and coffee, open from 7AM.
INR150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Sunrise boat ride to witness bathing rituals

An early morning boat ride to see devotees performing purification baths and ancient rituals on the ghats. Departs around sunrise till 9:30AM.
INR400 per boat, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Unique temple dedicated to Mother India with a relief map of the country, illustrating patriotic spiritualism.
FREE, 1 hour

11:30AM

Check out and travel to Ayodhya

Start the journey to Ayodhya by hired car or taxi, approximately 4-5 hour drive.
INR3000 (taxi fare approx.), 5 hours

4:30PM

Arrival and check-in at hotel in Ayodhya

Settle into a family-friendly hotel, rest, and prepare for sightseeing.
Hotel cost varies, 1 hour

6:00PM

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Explore this famous temple featuring a grand view of Ayodhya, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, open till 8PM.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at local restaurant 'Moti Mahal'

Enjoy traditional Awadhi cuisine with family-friendly options, dinner service until 10PM.
INR400, 1 hour

Day 4: Ayodhya Spiritual Sites

Ayodhya, India on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Simple complimentary or à la carte breakfast to prepare for the day.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Complex

Explore the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, an iconic pilgrimage site with ongoing developments. Open from 6AM to 9PM.
FREE, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kanak Bhawan Temple

A beautiful temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, known for its stunning architecture.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ram Ki Paidi Restaurant

Enjoy local delicacies at a well-reviewed Ayodhya eatery serving wholesome dishes.
INR350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Treta Ke Thakur Temple

Visit the temple where Lord Rama is believed to have performed the Ashwamedha Yagna; a significant spiritual stop.
FREE, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax by Saryu River and attend evening Aarti

Attend the serene evening Aarti on the banks of the Saryu River, an uplifting spiritual experience.
FREE, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant 'Suruchi'

Enjoy vegetarian North Indian cuisine in a family-friendly setting open till 10PM.
INR300, 1 hour

Day 5: Heritage and Pilgrimage

Ayodhya, India on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to fuel the day’s sightseeing.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Guptar Ghat

Explore one of the oldest ghats of Ayodhya where Lord Rama is believed to have taken Jal Samadhi.
FREE, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Nageshwarnath Temple

Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, closely linked to the Ramayana tradition.
FREE, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at nearby café

Light lunch of Indian snacks and beverages to keep energy up, available till 3PM.
INR250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Bharat Kund and Lakshman Kund

Visit these sacred ponds where brothers Bharat and Lakshman are said to have meditated, perfect for a quiet reflective family stroll.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Free time for rest or local shopping

Spend some time at leisure or explore local markets for souvenirs such as religious art and handicrafts.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at hotel or local family restaurant

Final dinner enjoying local tastes and family moments.
INR350, 1 hour

Day 6: Departure Day

Ayodhya, India on April 22, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 45 minutes

8:30AM

Check-out and transfer to nearest transport hub

Arrange transportation for onward travel via train, bus, or airport to your next destination.
Varies, Varies