Cultural and Spiritual Journey through Ayodhya, Banaras, and Gorakhpur | 11-Day North India Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Ayodhya, India on June 13, 2025

9:00am

Ram Janmabhoomi Complex

Visit the sacred birthplace of Lord Ram, featuring temples and ongoing historical significance. It’s a must-see for spiritual insight and architectural appreciation.
INR0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Govinda's Restaurant

Enjoy authentic North Indian vegetarian cuisine with a peaceful ambiance near the ghats.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hanuman Garhi

Explore this iconic temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering great views of Ayodhya and bustling religious activities.
INR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Saryu River Ghats

Experience the serene riverside ghats for an evening aarti ceremony, a spiritual spectacle not to miss.
INR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Grand Bhagwati

Dine on a mix of traditional and modern Indian dishes in a comfortable setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 2: Temples and Heritage

Ayodhya, India on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel including local Indian breakfast items like poha and chai.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Kanak Bhawan Temple

Marvel at this beautifully constructed temple dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
INR0, 1h0m

11:30am

Treta Ke Thakur

Visit this historically important temple where the Ramayana events are commemorated with intricate artwork and carvings.
INR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Zaika Restaurant

Sample traditional Awadhi cuisine with dishes like kebabs and biryanis in a local setting.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Local Market Visit

Stroll through Ayodhya’s vibrant markets to shop for local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
Free to browse, shopping extra, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and prepare for next day’s travel.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a comfortable meal featuring vegetarian North Indian cuisine close to your accommodation.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 3: Transfer to Banaras

Banaras (Varanasi), India on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Have breakfast at your hotel in Ayodhya before departing for Banaras by road or train (approx. 4-5 hours).
INR200, 1h0m

12:00pm

Arrive in Banaras and Check-in

Settle into your hotel in Varanasi, ready to explore the city.
Included, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Taste famous local street foods and chaat delicacies to get a flavour of Banaras.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat

Explore one of the most vibrant ghats along the Ganges, famous for its views and lives up to its name meaning 'ten horse sacrifice'.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the spectacular evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, a deeply spiritual and visually stunning ritual.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Blue Lassi Shop

Try traditional lassis and local snacks, along with dinner options in a casual setting by the river.
INR300, 1h0m

Day 4: Spiritual and Cultural Focus

Banaras (Varanasi), India on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Boat Ride on Ganges

Enjoy an early morning boat ride along the Ganges to see the ghats at sunrise, capturing the spiritual atmosphere.
INR400, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Babu Ji's Cafe

Relish freshly made kachori and jalebi with tea, local breakfast favourites.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; a key pilgrimage site in Banaras.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Visit this large university campus and its Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a notable art collection.
INR50, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Baati Chokha Restaurant

Taste traditional Bhojpuri food like litti chokha in an authentic setting.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Vishwanath Gali

Explore the narrow bustling alleys with shops selling silk, incense, and religious items.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Palate

Enjoy a fine dining experience offering Indian and continental cuisines with elegant ambiance.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 5: Day Trip & Local Culture

Banaras (Varanasi), India on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a diverse breakfast including fruits, cereals, and Indian delicacies.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sarnath

Travel 10 km from Varanasi to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon, with stupas and museums open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
INR100, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sarnath Restaurant

Enjoy a light vegetarian meal near the Sarnath complex.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Banaras and Rest

Relax at your hotel and prepare for evening excursions.
Included, 2h0m

5:30pm

Evening Walk at Assi Ghat

Experience the lively Assi Ghat area with cafes, street vendors, and spiritual ambience.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Try a fusion of Italian and Indian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere by the river.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 6: Travel to Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur, India on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy a morning breakfast before departure to Gorakhpur (approx. 3-4 hours by train or road).
INR200, 1h0m

11:30am

Arrive in Gorakhpur and Check-in

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for local sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at New Friends Vegetarian Restaurant

Try simple and tasty vegetarian meals popular locally.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Gorakhnath Temple

Explore this important spiritual temple dedicated to Saint Gorakhnath, offering a glimpse of the region’s religious history.
INR0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Ramgarh Tal Park

Relax in this local park featuring a beautiful lake, perfect for an afternoon stroll and bird watching.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Royal Dhaba

Enjoy traditional North Indian cuisine in a rustic environment.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 7: Local Exploration

Gorakhpur, India on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin with a wholesome breakfast offering Indian and continental options.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Gorakhpur Zoological Garden

Spend the morning at this well-maintained zoo featuring native wildlife and family-friendly activities. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Geeta Press

Tour one of the world’s largest publishers of Hindu religious texts which hosts a small museum. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel

Relax with lunch offered at your accommodation or nearby cafes.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Local Markets

Visit local crafts and textile markets to buy souvenirs and experience local life.
Free to browse, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Anand Restaurant

Sample local delicacies and enjoy a quiet end to your day in Gorakhpur.
INR400, 1h0m