Budget-Friendly Family Pilgrimage Trip from Pune to Prayag, Varanasi, Mathura, Gaya, Ayodhya, and Puri by Train

Day 1: Travel to Prayag

Pune to Prayag (Allahabad), India on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Train departure from Pune

Board the train from Pune to Prayag to begin the pilgrimage journey. Opt for a budget-friendly sleeper class for comfort and affordability.
INR850, Train journey approx. 24h

8:00pm

In transit

Enjoy the scenic train journey towards Prayag, resting to prepare for next day religious activities.
Included, Overnight
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Day 2: Explore Prayag

Prayag (Allahabad), India on April 22, 2025

7:00am

Arrive in Prayag

Arrive early to maximize the day exploring the spiritual confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
Free, 30m

8:00am

Breakfast at local eatery

Enjoy traditional North Indian breakfast such as poha and chai at a budget-friendly local dhaba near the station.
INR50, 1h

9:30am

Triveni Sangam

Visit the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers, important for ritual bathing and prayers.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Anand Bhavan

Explore Anand Bhavan, the historic home of the Nehru family showcasing Indian heritage and freedom struggle exhibits.
INR20, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Feast on thali meals with dal, sabzi, and roti at a clean, affordable restaurant.
INR150, 1h

3:00pm

Allahabad Fort

Visit the historic Allahabad Fort by the riverside for panoramic views and spiritual atmosphere.
INR30, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Aarti at Sangam

Attend the evening Ganga aarti at Triveni Sangam, a spiritually moving experience as the sun sets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner and rest

Enjoy dinner at a budget-friendly eatery serving vegetarian North Indian cuisine and rest overnight at a budget guesthouse.
INR200, Overnight
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Day 3: Travel to Varanasi and Sightseeing

Varanasi, India on April 23, 2025

6:00am

Train to Varanasi

Take an early morning train from Prayag to Varanasi; the journey is short and budget-friendly.
INR150, 2h

8:00am

Breakfast near Varanasi Station

Eat local kachori and chai at a popular budget spot close to the station before starting sightseeing.
INR60, 45m

9:00am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; open from early morning for darshan.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Boat ride on Ganges

Take a boat ride along the ghats, viewing bathing rituals and historic temples along the riverbanks.
INR100, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy a thali lunch consisting of local specialties such as chana masala and rice at affordable prices.
INR120, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Sarnath

Visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site about 10 km from Varanasi, open till evening.
INR40, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Watch the famous Ganga Aarti at dusk, an electrifying spiritual event performed by priests along the river.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Try street foods such as chaat and lassi in the old city for an authentic budget experience.
INR150, 1h
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Day 4: Travel to Mathura, Explore Town

Mathura, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Train to Mathura

Depart for Mathura by train; journey is approximately 5-6 hours and budget-friendly.
INR300, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch in Mathura

Sample local vegetarian dishes like sabzi and puri at a popular local restaurant.
INR120, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Visit the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a key pilgrimage site with peaceful vibes and spiritual importance.
Free, 1h30m

5:15pm

Explore Dwarkadheesh Temple

Visit nearby Dwarkadheesh temple known for its vibrant evening aarti ceremonies.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Enjoy local savory snacks and sweets at a street vendor, minimizing budget impact.
INR80, 45m
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Day 5: Travel to Gaya and Bodh Gaya Visit

Gaya, Bihar, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Train from Mathura to Gaya

Early morning train trip to Gaya, about 10-12 hours; choose a budget sleeper class for comfort.
INR500, 12h

7:00pm

Arrive in Gaya and local dinner

Check into budget guest house and have an easy meal with local vegetarian thali.
INR150, 1h
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Day 6: Bodh Gaya Spiritual Visit

Bodh Gaya, near Gaya, India on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guest house

Start with a simple breakfast including parathas and tea.
INR50, 30m

8:30am

Visit Mahabodhi Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site where Buddha attained enlightenment; open early till evening.
INR25, 2h

11:00am

Explore other Buddhist monasteries

Visit Tibetan, Thai, and Japanese monasteries in Bodh Gaya to see diverse Buddhist traditions.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy North Indian vegetarian cuisine at affordable prices nearby the temple area.
INR120, 1h

3:30pm

Relax and local sightseeing

Visit nearby village markets or relax before evening activities.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Evening meditation session

Join free or donation-based meditation sessions at monasteries to experience peaceful contemplation.
Donation, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner

Sample local delicacies or simple dal-roti dinner at guesthouse or nearby café.
INR100, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India on April 27, 2025

6:00am

Train from Gaya to Ayodhya

Start early for a long but important journey to Ayodhya, a major pilgrimage center related to Lord Rama.
INR400, 10h

4:00pm

Arrival and local rest

Check into budget accommodation and freshen up before sightseeing the next day.
INR300, Rest
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Day 8: Explore Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a simple breakfast of poha or puri and chai.
INR50, 30m

8:30am

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the significant site believed to be birthplace of Lord Rama; open to devotees during daylight hours.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Hanuman Garhi Temple

Visit this prominent temple with magnificent views of the city and spiritual worship opportunities.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy traditional vegetarian thali meals at budget-friendly local restaurants.
INR120, 1h

2:00pm

Sarayu River Walk

Take a peaceful walk along the Sarayu riverbanks, ideal for reflection and photos.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Aarti

Attend the evening aarti on the river, a serene spiritual event.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Sample light snacks and dinner at small family eateries maintaining budget-friendliness.
INR100, 1h
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Day 9: Travel to Puri

Puri, India on April 29, 2025

6:00am

Train from Ayodhya to Puri

Begin the journey early by train to Puri, the final major pilgrimage city known for the Jagannath Temple.
INR600, 12h

6:00pm

Check-in and dinner

Arrive in Puri and check into budget accommodation. Enjoy an Odia thali for dinner at an affordable local restaurant.
INR150, 1h
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Day 10: Explore Puri

Puri, Odisha, India on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Start your day with fresh local breakfast delicacies such as aloo puri and tea.
INR60, 30m

8:00am

Visit Jagannath Temple

Explore this famous temple, a key pilgrimage site open to Hindus from early morning till evening.
Free for Indian pilgrims, 2h

10:30am

Raghurajpur Artist Village

Visit this heritage village known for Pattachitra paintings and traditional crafts; open from morning till evening.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy coastal cuisine like dalma and rice in a clean and affordable eatery.
INR150, 1h

2:30pm

Puri Beach

Relax and enjoy the scenic Puri beach, a perfect spot for family fun and sunset views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll in Puri Market

Explore the vibrant local market for souvenirs and street snacks.
Variable, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner

Try inexpensive street food like chaat or fried snacks to keep budget in check.
INR100, 1h
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Day 11: Return to Pune

Puri to Pune, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and pack up

Have breakfast and prepare for your return journey.
INR60, 1h

9:00am

Train departure from Puri

Board the train back to Pune, completing your spiritual family tour by rail.
INR900, Train journey approx. 36h
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