Efficient Pune to Varanasi and Ayodhya Train Trip Itinerary - May 2025

Day 1: Travel to Varanasi

Pune to Varanasi, India on May 23, 2025

8:00PM

Train Departure - Pune to Varanasi

Board the train from Pune to Varanasi at night to maximize daytime usage upon arrival. Overnight journey to experience relaxed travel.
INR 700-1500 (depending on class), 12h-18h (overnight)

Day 2: Varanasi Arrival & City Exploration

Varanasi, India on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival in Varanasi

Reach Varanasi early morning and freshen up at accommodation.
Varies, 1h

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Try classic Varanasi street breakfast like kachori sabzi and Jalebi here. Opens early and popular with locals.
INR 100-200, 1h

10:00AM

Banaras Ghats Visit

Explore the famous ghats including Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness religious rituals and river activities.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy great quality Indian and Continental dishes in a peaceful rooftop setting near the ghats.
INR 300-600, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Sarnath

Take a short drive to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha gave his first sermon.
INR 30 entrance, 2h

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Ghats

Experience the spiritual evening Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a must-see cultural event.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Enjoy authentic local cuisine featuring baati chokha and other flavorful Bihari dishes in a traditional ambiance.
INR 400-700, 1h

Day 3: Varanasi to Ayodhya & Explore

Varanasi to Ayodhya, India on May 25, 2025

6:00AM

Train from Varanasi to Ayodhya

Catch an early morning train to Ayodhya, allowing ample time to explore the city on the same day.
INR 200-600, 3h-4h

10:00AM

Breakfast in Ayodhya

Enjoy a light breakfast with local delicacies at a popular restaurant in Ayodhya.
INR 100-200, 1h

11:00AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi & Temples

Explore the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi site and surrounding temples significant to Hindu mythology and history.
Free, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Ayodhya Eatery

Taste traditional Awadhi cuisine, known for its rich flavors and royal flavors at a recommended local restaurant.
INR 300-500, 1h

3:00PM

Explore Hanuman Garhi

Visit the famous Hanuman Garhi temple with its panoramic views and spiritual importance.
Free, 1h

4:30PM

Evening walk along Sarayu River

Enjoy a peaceful stroll on the banks of Sarayu River, a notable religious and scenic area.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi by Train

Board an evening train back to Varanasi for your return journey preparations.
INR 200-600, 3h-4h

10:00PM

Overnight Stay in Varanasi

Rest overnight at your hotel in Varanasi.
Varies, 8h

Day 4: Varanasi Leisure & Train Home

Varanasi, India on May 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Lassi

Start your day with famous flavored lassis and snacks for a refreshing breakfast.
INR 100-200, 1h

9:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges

Join a sunrise boat ride from Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness Varanasi’s riverside life from the water.
INR 150-300, 1h

10:30AM

Visit Vishwanath Temple

Explore the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Jyotirlingas of Shiva.
Free, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy fresh bakeries and international dishes in this charming café.
INR 300-600, 1h

1:30PM

Relax and Shop

Explore local shops for souvenirs like silk scarves, brassware, and spiritual items around the ghats.
Varies, 2h

4:00PM

Early Dinner at Deena Chat Bhandar

Savor delicious street food snacks before your night travel back to Pune.
INR 100-200, 1h

6:00PM

Board Overnight Train to Pune

Catch the evening train from Varanasi returning to Pune for overnight journey back home.
INR 700-1500, 16-18h

Day 5: Return Home

Pune, India on May 27, 2025

10:00AM

Arrive in Pune

Arrive back to Pune in the morning to conclude your trip, ready for the rest of your day.
Varies, N/A