6-Day Cultural and Spiritual Journey Through Varanasi and Ayodhya with Affordable Stays

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Varanasi, India on May 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kachori Gali

Start your day with a traditional and budget-friendly breakfast of kachori and chai from Kachori Gali, a famous street food hub in Varanasi.
INR50, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, open from 7am to 11pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check into cheap hotel - Hotel Shiva Ganges

Affordable lodging near the ghats providing basic amenities and easy access to major attractions. Typical room rates start at INR500 per night.
INR500, Check-in

1:00pm

Lunch at Blue Lassi Shop

Enjoy refreshing lassi and simple Indian snacks at this budget-friendly spot loved by locals.
INR100, 0h45m

3:00pm

Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Take an affordable early evening boat ride (available 4pm to 6pm) to witness the spiritual river life and ghats bathing rituals.
INR150, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at K D Kachori Wala

End your day with a cheap and tasty dinner featuring Varanasi’s famous kachoris and sabzi.
INR120, 1h
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Day 2: Temples and Ghats

Varanasi, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Morning Ghat Walk and Aarti Viewing

Witness the magical sunrise along Dashashwamedh Ghat and enjoy the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony at 6:30pm.
Free, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at the hotel or local stalls

Try local poha, jalebi or chai from street vendors at a very cheap price.
INR50, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir

A beautiful temple built of marble, famous for inscriptions of the Ramcharitmanas. Open 5am to 12pm and 4pm to 9pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Explore Bharat Mata Temple

Dedicated to Mother India, this unique temple houses a relief map of the Indian subcontinent carved in marble.
INR10, 45m

1:30pm

Lunch at Baati Chokha Restaurant

Affordable traditional Bhojpuri cuisine with hearty dishes such as litti chokha.
INR150, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore this historical fort and museum showcasing artifacts from the region. Open 8am to 5pm. Entry fee applies.
INR50, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mama’s Restaurant

Enjoy budget-friendly North Indian dishes close to the ghats with great views.
INR150, 1h
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Day 3: Local Culture and Markets

Varanasi, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Deena Chat Bhandar

Try popular street breakfast items like tamatar chaat and jalebi at this budget-friendly spot.
INR50, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Explore the sprawling campus, Bharat Kala Bhavan museum (art and archaeology) open 10am to 5pm except Mondays.
INR40, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at a local eatery near BHU

Simple and affordable thali meals are available near the university.
INR120, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping at Varanasi’s Silk Market

Explore vibrant silk sarees and handicrafts, ideal for souvenirs at various price points.
Free to browse, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Aagaah Restaurant

Budget-friendly classic Indian dishes with vegetarian options, a local favorite.
INR150, 1h
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Day 4: Transfer and Ayodhya Temples

Ayodhya, India on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Check out from Varanasi hotel

Prepare for travel to Ayodhya with early morning check-out; local transport or bus options available.
INR200, 30m

7:30am

Travel to Ayodhya (Approx 4.5-5h by bus or train)

Enjoy scenic journey from Varanasi to Ayodhya by economical road transport or train.
INR300, 5h

12:30pm

Check into budget hotel in Ayodhya - Hotel Ram Residency

Affordable and clean hotel located near major temples, rooms start at INR450 per night.
INR450, Check-in

1:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba

Sample local vegetarian meals at dirt-cheap prices at dhabas near the hotel.
INR100, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Complex

Discover the spiritual core of Ayodhya, open from 6am to 8pm. Entry is free, but check timings for guided access.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Walk along the Sarayu Riverbank

Enjoy a peaceful sunset walk along the holy Sarayu River with beautiful temple views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ram Ki Chaat

Budget-friendly street food offering traditional chaat and samosas in the heart of Ayodhya.
INR80, 1h
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Day 5: Ayodhya Temples and Culture

Ayodhya, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast included with your lodging or from nearby affordable stalls.
INR50, 0h30m

8:00am

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Famous fort-temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman with panoramic views, open 5am to 9pm. Entry free.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Explore Kanak Bhawan Temple

An important temple with beautiful architecture believed to be the residence of Lord Rama and Sita. Open 6am to 8pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at local vegetarian restaurant

Dine cheaply on classic North Indian vegetarian dishes popular in this spiritual town.
INR120, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Treta Ke Thakur

A sacred temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama, open for visits from 6am to 8pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Attend evening aarti at the ghats along Sarayu River

Experience the spiritual aarti ceremony at the riverbanks starting around 6pm for a serene close to the day.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at nearby local eatery

Affordable and tasty dhaba meals serving simple Indian thali or snacks.
INR100, 1h
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Day 6: Final Explorations and Departure

Ayodhya, India on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last morning with a modest breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
INR50, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Guptar Ghat

Explore this quieter holy spot on the Sarayu River associated with Lord Rama's exile, open all day.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Pack and check out from hotel

Prepare for departure from Ayodhya.
Included in hotel rate, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at nearby budget restaurant

Have a light meal before your onward journey with affordable local cuisine.
INR100, 1h
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