Spiritual and Cultural Journey from Mathura to Central India: Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Khandwa Itinerary

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Mathura to Varanasi, India on June 8, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Brijwasi Sweets, Mathura

Enjoy traditional North Indian sweets and a hearty breakfast before departing. It's famous for its sweets and snacks.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30am

Travel to Varanasi by train

Board an early morning train from Mathura to Varanasi (approx 8-9 hours). Relax and enjoy scenic views en route.
INR700, 9h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Ganpati Guest House, Varanasi

Settle in near Dashashwamedh Ghat, central for most sightseeing.
INR1500, 0h30m

5:00pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the spiritually uplifting Ganga Aarti ceremony performed on the Ghats daily at sunset, a quintessential Varanasi experience.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Deena Chat Bhandar

Try local delicacies like chaat and kachori in a popular eatery open till late evening.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 2: Varanasi Sightseeing

Varanasi, India on June 9, 2025

6:00am

Boat Ride on River Ganges

Enjoy an early morning boat ride to see the sunrise and the Ghats waking up, a peaceful spiritual experience.
INR500, 2h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Relish authentic street food including tamatar chaat and lassi, a local favourite.
INR200, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India with rich religious history.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through old city markets

Experience vibrant bazaars selling silk fabrics, brassware, and antiques.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Baati Chokha Restaurant

Taste traditional Bhojpuri cuisine including litti chokha in a popular local restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Sarnath

A short drive from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore archaeological sites and museum.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Take some time to refresh and relax after a day of cultural sightseeing.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Taj Nadesar Palace

Enjoy a fine dining experience in a historic palace serving Indian and continental cuisine.
INR1500, 1h30m

Day 3: Varanasi to Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot, India on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple and wholesome breakfast to start the day before travel.
INR300, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Chitrakoot by car

6-hour scenic drive from Varanasi to Chitrakoot, a place of religious importance linked to Lord Rama.
INR3000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Ramtara, Chitrakoot

Rest and prepare for afternoon sightseeing.
INR2000, 0h30m

3:00pm

Visit Ramghat and Kesar Kund

Spend the afternoon visiting the sacred Ghats on the Mandakini river and the holy pond Kesar Kund.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at local guesthouse

Enjoy simple home-style Madhya Pradesh cuisine featuring dal, rice and vegetable preparations.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 4: Chitrakoot to Prayagraj

Prayagraj, India on June 11, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick and energizing breakfast prior to departure.
INR300, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive to Prayagraj

Approximate 3.5-hour trip, Prayagraj is famous for Triveni Sangam and historic sites.
INR1500, 3h30m

11:00am

Visit Triveni Sangam

Explore the confluence of three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sangam Restaurant

Enjoy local Awadhi dishes in a clean and comfortable setting near the Sangam.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Allahabad Fort and Anand Bhavan

Visit the ancient fort built by Akbar and the ancestral home of the Nehru family, now a museum.
INR40, 2h0m

4:30pm

Rest at hotel

Take some time to unwind after sightseeing.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Moti Mahal Tandoori Trail

Dine on authentic North Indian cuisine with signature dishes like tandoori chicken and butter naan.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Ujjain

Ujjain, India on June 12, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast to prepare for long travel.
INR300, 0h45m

7:00am

Train from Prayagraj to Ujjain

Long train journey of approx 12 hours; book an AC class for comfortable travel.
INR1200, 12h0m

7:00pm

Check into Hotel Manshi Residency, Ujjain

Relax after the long journey in comfortable accommodation close to Mahakaleshwar Temple.
INR1800, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy vegetarian Malwa cuisine in the hotel restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 6: Ujjain Sightseeing

Ujjain, India on June 13, 2025

6:30am

Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple

Explore one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, especially vibrant during morning rituals.
Free, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Global Cafe, Ujjain

Taste fresh and healthy options including South Indian dishes and herbal teas.
INR300, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Kal Bhairav Temple and Ram Ghat

See the fierce deity Kal Bhairav’s temple followed by a peaceful walk along Ram Ghat.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Palace Restaurant

Relish traditional meals with a mix of Rajasthani and Malwa flavours in a charming setting.
INR450, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Harsiddhi Temple and Sandipani Ashram

Explore these spiritual sites with deep cultural and religious importance in Ujjain.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Rest & Tea break at hotel

Relax and refresh after sightseeing.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rasbhari

Enjoy local vegetarian delights and tasty desserts in this welcoming restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 7: Khandwa Excursion

Khandwa, India on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the day with a hearty breakfast.
INR300, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive/train to Khandwa (approx 3-4 hours)

Travel to Khandwa, a less-touristed city with important temples and historical sites.
INR1500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba

Enjoy traditional Central Indian vegetarian food at an authentic roadside eatery.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Omkareshwar Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, set on an island on the Narmada River; a must-see pilgrimage spot nearby Khandwa.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Khandwa town and explore local markets

Walk through bustling markets purchasing local handicrafts and snacks.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel New Shalimar

A popular restaurant serving Indian and Chinese dishes, good for an easy dinner before departure.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 8: Return or Onward Travel

Khandwa or onward, India on June 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Enjoy one last Indian breakfast before departing.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel from Khandwa to onward destination

Arrange your next travel leg, either returning to Mathura, Ujjain, or continuing further.
Varies based on mode, Varies