Budget-Friendly Family Train Journey: Pune to Prayag, Varanasi, Mathura, Gaya, Ayodhya, and Puri

Day 1: Travel to Prayag

Pune, India on April 22, 2025

6:00AM

Departure by train

Board an early morning train from Pune Junction to Prayag Junction. Booking a sleeper or 3AC coach will make the journey budget-friendly and comfortable.
INR1500, Approx. 24h
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Day 2: Prayag exploration

Prayag (Allahabad), India on April 23, 2025

10:00AM

Visit Triveni Sangam

Explore the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, a revered spot for spiritual bathing and prayers.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Mama Chicken

Enjoy flavorful local North Indian cuisine with budget-friendly pricing in the heart of Prayag.
INR300, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Allahabad Fort

A historical fort near Triveni Sangam built by Akbar; open from 9 AM to 5 PM, ideal for an afternoon cultural visit.
INR30, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Sky Lounge Restaurant

Affordable multi-cuisine restaurant with rooftop views offering family-friendly environment.
INR400, 1.5h
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Day 3: Prayag to Varanasi

Prayag to Varanasi, India on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Varanasi

Take an early morning train to Varanasi. The train journey is about 2 hours and is economical.
INR200, 2h

11:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Try famous Varanasi street food like kachori and jalebi near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR100, 1h

12:30PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the holiest Shiva temples known for its spiritual ambiance and architectural beauty.
Free, 2h

3:00PM

Boat Ride on Ganges River

Experience a sunset boat ride along the ghats for spectacular views and religious rituals; typically available from 4 PM to 6 PM.
INR150, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi Shop

Famous for delicious lassis and light local food at affordable prices right on the ghats.
INR200, 1h
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Day 4: Varanasi to Mathura

Varanasi to Mathura, India on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Mathura

Early morning train approximately 8-9 hours ride; choose sleeper class for budget convenience.
INR300, 9h

5:00PM

Check-in and rest

Settle into budget accommodation near Mathura junction for the night.
INR800, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Brijwasi Mithai Wala

Try traditional sweets and local vegetarian dishes at an inexpensive and famous eatery in Mathura.
INR250, 1h
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Day 5: Mathura sightseeing

Mathura, India on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

The birthplace of Lord Krishna, this temple complex is a must-visit for spiritual and cultural significance, open from 5 AM to 10 PM.
Free, 2h

10:30AM

Breakfast at Shri Krishna Rasoi

Enjoy pure vegetarian Rajasthani-style breakfast close to Janmabhoomi at budget prices.
INR150, 1h

12:00PM

Visit Dwarkadhish Temple

Another key Krishna temple with peaceful atmosphere, open until evening.
Free, 1.5h

2:00PM

Lunch at Gupta Vaishno Bhojanalay

Simple and affordable vegetarian meals favored by locals and pilgrims alike.
INR200, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Government Museum Mathura

Small museum showcasing regional art and history, open 10 AM to 5 PM, perfect for late afternoon cultural insight.
INR50, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Chaat Bhandar

Sample local street food dishes including chaat and samosas at family-friendly prices.
INR150, 1h
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Day 6: Mathura to Gaya

Mathura to Gaya, India on April 27, 2025

6:00AM

Train to Gaya

Board a morning train to Gaya, a roughly 10-hour journey, book sleeper or 3AC for affordability.
INR350, 10h

5:30PM

Check-in and rest

Arrival in Gaya with budget hotel check-in for overnight stay and rest.
INR700, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at local dhaba

Enjoy homestyle North Indian dishes with economical prices close to the hotel.
INR200, 1h
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Day 7: Gaya highlights

Gaya, India on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Visit Mahabodhi Temple

UNESCO World Heritage site where Buddha attained enlightenment, open 4:30 AM to 6:30 PM; an essential spiritual experience.
Free, 3h

11:30AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast or tea breaks available near the temple serving local delicacies.
INR150, 1h

1:00PM

Vishnupad Temple visit

Important Hindu pilgrimage site believed to have the footprints of Lord Vishnu.
Free, 1h

3:00PM

Lunch at Shree Hotel & Restaurant

Affordable place offering tasty vegetarian Indian meals favored by travelers.
INR250, 1h

6:00PM

Evening stroll around Gaya Market

Explore local shops and handicrafts; a budget-friendly way to enjoy local culture.
Free, 1.5h

8:00PM

Dinner at nearby local restaurant

Try traditional Bihari cuisine at a modest price to end the day well.
INR200, 1h
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Day 8: Gaya to Ayodhya

Gaya to Ayodhya, India on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Train to Ayodhya

Early train approximately 7-8 hours; sleeper class recommended for budget travel.
INR350, 8h

4:30PM

Arrival and hotel check-in

Settle into a budget hotel near the Ayodhya railway station for convenience.
INR800, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ram Lalla Restaurant

Economical vegetarian dining popular with pilgrims, serving traditional dishes.
INR200, 1h
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Day 9: Ayodhya pilgrimage

Ayodhya, India on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Sacred site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, accessible to visitors during daylight hours.
Free, 2h

10:30AM

Breakfast at local eatery

Sample local North Indian breakfast options like poha and jalebi at modest prices.
INR150, 1h

12:00PM

Hanuman Garhi Temple

Popular temple dedicated to Hanuman offering panoramic views of Ayodhya, open until evening.
Free, 1.5h

2:30PM

Lunch at Chawla Restaurant

Budget-friendly vegetarian meals with simple, local flavors.
INR200, 1h

4:00PM

Explore local markets

Experience Ayodhya’s culture by visiting handicraft and souvenir stores without spending much.
Free, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ram Ki Paidi Diner

Casual dining with affordable meals near pilgrimage sites.
INR200, 1h
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Day 10: Ayodhya to Puri

Ayodhya to Puri, India on May 1, 2025

6:00AM

Train to Puri

Long train journey approximately 12-13 hours; sleeper or 3AC recommended for budget comfort.
INR400, 13h
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Day 11: Puri beach day

Puri, India on May 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Affordable breakfast featuring local and Indian dishes.
INR150, 1h

9:00AM

Relax at Puri Beach

Enjoy the famous golden sands and the Bay of Bengal’s scenic beauty, free to visit and open all day.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Dalma Restaurant

Try authentic Odia cuisine at affordable rates, a local favorite.
INR300, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Jagannath Temple

World-famous temple with strict visiting hours for non-Hindus (6 AM–1 PM & 5 PM–9 PM inside premises), best to admire from outside if timing does not permit entry.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Wildgrass Restaurant

Budget-friendly multi-cuisine restaurant near beach offering family meals.
INR350, 1.5h
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Day 12: Return travel

Puri to Pune, India on May 3, 2025

8:00AM

Train back to Pune

Board a morning train for the return journey to Pune. Book in advance for sleeper or 3AC coaches to stay budget-friendly and comfortable.
INR1500, Approx. 30h
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