Lucknow Ayodhya Varanasi in 2 days? Yes it can be done. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide and our personal experiences
Are you planning a trip from Lucknow to Varanasi, then to Ayodhya, and back to Lucknow? This comprehensive travel guide provides insights from my journey, offering tips and experiences to help you make the most of your adventure.
Day 1: Exploring Varanasi
7:00 AM: Departure from Lucknow
Our adventure began with an early morning departure from Lucknow, setting our sights on Varanasi. The drive promised a day filled with spiritual and culinary experiences.
10:30 AM: Breakfast Break
We stopped for fuel and a hearty breakfast, fueling our bodies for the journey ahead. The meal included traditional fare, providing a great start to our day.
Throughout the Journey: Tea and Snacks
As we continued our journey, we took intermittent breaks for tea and snacks, including crispy pakoras, making the trip to Varanasi both pleasant and leisurely.
3:15 PM: Arrival at Surya Kaiser Palace
We reached our hotel, Surya Kaiser Palace, and checked in. After freshening up, we enjoyed a late lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, preparing ourselves for the evening’s activities.
Arriving at Surya Kaiser Palace: A beautiful hotel in Varanasi where we enjoyed a comfortable stay and a delightful late lunch.
6:00 PM: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
As the sun set, we took a taxi to the ghat and boarded a boat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The synchronized ceremony, with its lamps and chants, created a magical ambiance, enhanced by the reflection of the lamps on the river and the collective prayers of hundreds of devotees. Following the Aarti, we captured the moment with photographs on the boat and released diyas into the river.
Sunset boat ride to Dashashwamedh Ghat for a unique perspective of the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Experience the divine Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests illuminate the night with lamps and hymns.
Release of diyas into the Ganges: A serene moment following the Ganga Aarti, symbolizing prayers and wishes.
8:00 PM: Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
We then visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s golden spire and intricate carvings left us in awe, and the devotion in the air made our visit deeply moving.
Discover the spiritual aura of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, adorned with a golden spire and exquisite carvings, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
9:30 PM: At Kashi Chat Bhandar
Our exploration continued with a stroll through Varanasi’s vibrant streets, where we indulged in a traditional Banarasi meal at Kashi Chat Bhandar. We savored tamatar chaat and other local delicacies, including the famous “launglatta” from a local shop. After a delightful evening of dining and socializing with friends, we returned to our hotel for the night.
“Morning Highlights: Temples, Breakfast, and Views”
Day 2: Discovering Varanasi
4:00 AM: Second Visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple
The next morning, we rose early to revisit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After submitting our mobile phones and standing in a queue for about an hour, we worshiped and collected prasad, specifically the delicious laal peda.
Early morning worship at Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A peaceful and spiritual start to the day
6:30 AM: Visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
We then proceeded to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, from outside we took some flowers and proceeded inside the temple, where we offered our prayers and attempted to read the Hanuman Chalisa. Despite struggling with the recitation, the experience was fulfilling and spiritually enriching.
7:30 AM: Breakfast at Chachi Ki Dukan
To warm up, we enjoyed a nearby fireplace before heading to Chachi Ki Dukan for a delicious breakfast of kachori and sabzi. The meal was a perfect start to our day.
8:30 AM: Unique Hajmola Chai and Assi Ghat Visit
Our morning continued with a visit to a famous chai shop for the unique Hajmola chai. We then proceeded to Assi Ghat, where we marveled at the sunrise, observed people practicing yoga, and captured the picturesque views.
Taste the unique Hajmola chai at the iconic Pappu Chai Wala near Assi Ghat, Varanasi.
10:00 AM: Final Stop for Kachoris
Before heading back to the hotel, we made one last stop to enjoy more kachoris. Satisfied with our culinary explorations, we returned to the hotel for some rest.
12:00 PM: Check-Out and Departure to Ayodhya
After checking out of the hotel, we began our journey to Ayodhya, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
Our trip from Lucknow to Varanasi and on to Ayodhya was a blend of spiritual experiences and culinary delights, each moment enriching our journey. Stay tuned for more as we continue exploring Ayodhya!
12:30 PM: Departure from Varanasi
Our journey to Ayodhya began at 12:30 PM on January 27, 2024. Filled with anticipation, we left Varanasi and set out for our destination, eager to experience the spiritual and cultural essence of Ayodhya.
4:00 PM: Arrival in Ayodhya and Parking
We arrived in Ayodhya around 4:00 PM and parked our car at the Ayodhya Police Line parking. From there, we walked to our first destination, the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama and holds deep significance for devotees.
4:20 PM: Tea Break and Photographs
As we walked through the streets of Ayodhya, we captured numerous memorable photographs and enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea from a local shop. The vibrant streets and the atmosphere added to our excitement for the temple visit.
Exploring the vibrant streets of Ayodhya: Capturing moments and memories.
Note: On the walkway from the Ayodhya Police Line parking area to the Ram Mandir, public amenities are available, including drinking water and toilets. These facilities are well-maintained and hygienic, ensuring a clean and comfortable experience for visitors.
Stay refreshed with accessible drinking water stations on the walkway from Ayodhya Police Line to Ram Mandir.
Well-maintained public toilets along the walkway from Ayodhya Police Line to Ram Mandir ensure a comfortable visit.
4:40 PM: Entry to Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
At 4:40 PM, we entered the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises. After walking about 70 meters, we reached the security check.
Entering the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: A spiritual journey begins.
Security check at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: Ensuring a safe and secure visit.
We then walked a bit further, submitted our shoes, electronic devices, and keys as required, and stood in the queue. Following the temple’s rules, we received a token for our belongings and proceeded with our visit.
Shoe rack deposit at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: A step in preparing for a respectful visit.
Lockers for electronic devices and personal items at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: Secure storage for a seamless visit.
We joined the queue for darshan, opting for the right side to get a better view of the deity. The peaceful ambiance and the sound of morning prayers made the experience truly mesmerizing.
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple after darshan.
To book a darshan at Ram Mandir, click here.
For booking the Aarti, click here for details in English or here for details in Hindi.
5:30 PM: Darshan and Prasad
The darshan process was smooth and well-organized, thanks to the diligent police and staff who provided clear guidance. After receiving prasad in the form of laddoos, we began our departure, appreciating the staff’s efforts in maintaining cleanliness throughout the area.
6:00 PM: Visit to Hanuman Garhi
Our next stop was Hanuman Garhi at 6:00 PM, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Known for its panoramic views of Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi is steeped in legend, with tales of Hanuman’s residence here to protect the city. The temple provided a serene environment and spectacular views.
Exploring Hanuman Garhi at sunset: Enjoying panoramic views and the serene ambiance of the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
6:45 PM: Refreshments and Local Delights
Feeling a bit tired, we took a break for some refreshments at 6:45 PM. We enjoyed a simple yet delicious meal, including chole samosas from a local shop, which added a delightful culinary touch to our visit.
Taking a break for refreshments: Relishing chole samosas and local delights after darshan in Ayodhya.
7:30 PM: Departure from Ayodhya
As the sun began to set, we prepared to leave Ayodhya at 7:30 PM. The day’s experiences left us with a deep sense of spiritual rejuvenation and a connection to Ayodhya’s rich history and culture.
11:00 PM: Dinner and Return to Lucknow
After departing Ayodhya, we stopped for dinner on our way back and arrived in Lucknow around 11:00 PM, concluding a fulfilling day filled with spiritual insights and culinary pleasures.
As we reflect on our time exploring the sacred and vibrant city of Ayodhya, we are left with a deep sense of gratitude and a treasure trove of cherished memories. This journey has not only deepened our connection to the spiritual heritage of India but also allowed us to enjoy the rich local culture and hospitality.
