Cultural and Religious Pilgrimage: Amritsar to Kashi Vishwanath, Ayodhya, Mathura & Surroundings in 8 Days

Day 1: Amritsar Spiritual Start

Amritsar, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba

Enjoy traditional Punjabi breakfast with popular dishes like Amritsari kulcha and lassi, setting a hearty start for your journey. The dhaba is well-known for its authentic regional flavors.

INR300 per head approx, 1h

9:30am

Explore the iconic Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, marvel at the stunning architecture and participate in the peaceful spiritual ambience. Open from 4:00am to 10:00pm.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Langar Hall in Golden Temple

Have a free community meal at the langar of Golden Temple, experiencing the spirit of selfless service and unity.

Free, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Bathinda by minibus or train

Depart for Bathinda, a journey of approximately 2 to 3 hours offering a comfortable route to prepare for onward travel south-east towards Varanasi.

INR500 per person approx, 3h

5:30pm

Check-in at Dharamshala in Bathinda

Stay overnight in a budget-friendly Dharamshala with rooms around INR 1500 offering basic amenities suitable for groups and families.

INR1500 per room, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at local Dhaba

Enjoy authentic Punjabi dinner with dishes such as tandoori roti and butter chicken at a well-reviewed local dhaba.

INR400 per head approx, 1h

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Day 2: Travel to Varanasi

Bathinda to Varanasi, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Dharamshala

Enjoy a simple breakfast at the Dharamshala before starting the long travel day.

INR200 per head approx, 45m

8:00am

Depart by train/minibus to Varanasi

Embark on a long journey towards Varanasi; train journey is around 15 hours, so a comfortable sleeper coach or minibus option is preferred for the family.

INR1000-1500 per person approx, 15h approx

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Day 3: Kashi Vishwanath Day

Varanasi, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Check-in at Budget Dharamshala

Stay in economical dharamshala near Kashi Vishwanath Temple with rooms approx INR1500 per night for family convenience.

INR1500 per room, Overnight

8:30am

Breakfast at Blue Lassi Shop

Try Varanasi’s famous sweet and salty lassis at this busy local favourite to begin your day.

INR100 per head approx, 30m

9:30am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore this sacred Shiva temple renowned worldwide; open from 5:00am to 11:00am and 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Try to attend the morning Aarti for a spiritually uplifting experience.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy wholesome organic food and baked treats at this popular café near the temple area.

INR350 per head approx, 1h

2:00pm

Boat ride on River Ganges

Take a cultural boat ride along the ghats, witnessing daily religious rituals and stunning views of Varanasi’s spiritual life, offered between 7:00am and 6:00pm.

INR300 per person approx, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Sarnath

Travel 10 km from Varanasi to Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, visiting the archaeological museum and stupas. Open till 5:00pm; reach early afternoon if possible or next morning.

INR40 entry per person, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Keshari Restaurant

Relish traditional North Indian vegetarian fare popular among pilgrims and tourists alike.

INR400 per head approx, 1h

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Day 4: Travel to Ayodhya

Varanasi to Ayodhya, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Dharamshala

Have a simple early breakfast before departing on the next leg of your pilgrimage journey.

INR200 per head approx, 30m

8:00am

Train or minibus journey to Ayodhya

Embark on a journey of approximately 6-7 hours heading north-east to the ancient city of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama.

INR700-1000 per person approx, 6-7h

3:30pm

Check-in at Ayodhya Dharamshala

Settle into a budget dharamshala costing around INR1500 per room, convenient for groups and near to major temples.

INR1500 per room, Overnight

4:30pm

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi Complex

Explore the sacred site believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace, along with related temples and attractions. Check opening times, typically 6:00am to 8:00pm.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at local vegetarian restaurant

Enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner with North Indian specialties popular in Ayodhya’s religious context.

INR350 per head approx, 1h

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Day 5: Ayodhya Religious Exploration

Ayodhya, India on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dharamshala

Enjoy a basic Indian breakfast before a full day of sightseeing.

INR200 per head approx, 30m

8:30am

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Explore this 10th-century fortress temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of Ayodhya. Open 5:00am to 9:00pm.

Free, 1.5h

10:30am

Visit Kanak Bhawan

Tour this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, known for its intricate architecture and vibrant worship ceremonies.

Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at local eatery

Sample simple thali meals offering a range of traditional vegetarian dishes at budget-friendly prices.

INR250 per head approx, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Guptar Ghat

Spend peaceful moments at the sacred ghat where Lord Rama is believed to have taken Jal Samadhi. Ideal for spiritual reflection and photography.

Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Treta Ke Thakur

View this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama; it is considered one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya located near the Saryu river.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Ajay International

Enjoy a mix of North Indian and multi-cuisine dishes in comfortable surroundings at reasonable prices.

INR400 per head approx, 1h

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Day 6: Travel to Mathura

Ayodhya to Mathura, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Dharamshala

Start the day with a quick breakfast before departing for Mathura by train or minibus.

INR200 per head approx, 30m

8:00am

Depart for Mathura

Travel approximately 7-8 hours south-west to Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, offering important pilgrimage sites.

INR700-1000 per person approx, 7-8h

4:30pm

Check-in at Dharamshala, Mathura

Stay overnight in budget dharamshala around INR1500 per room offering easy access to temples and local amenities.

INR1500 per room, Overnight

5:30pm

Visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

Explore the sacred temple marking Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Open from early morning till late evening, ideal for evening arti ceremonies.

Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at local vegetarian restaurant

Enjoy traditional vegetarian meals popular in Mathura focusing on regional flavours and prasadam style dining.

INR300 per head approx, 1h

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Day 7: Mathura and Vrindavan Temples

Mathura and Vrindavan, India on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dharamshala

Have a typical Indian breakfast before a day exploring multiple sacred sites.

INR200 per head approx, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Vrindavan

Short 30 minute drive to the holy town of Vrindavan richer with temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha.

INR50 per head for transport approx, 30m

9:00am

Visit Banke Bihari Temple

Experience the vibrant devotion and elaborate decorations at one of Vrindavan’s most famous Krishna temples. Open from 5:00am to noon and 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

Free, 1h