Namaste. I am Rohit, a guide. I have been helping pilgrims for the past 8 years. While my home is in Braj, I have guided many guests through the sacred circuit of Ayodhya and Varanasi — two cities that sit at the very heart of Hindu civilisation.
Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva. They are just 200 km apart. And together, they form one of the most powerful pilgrimage circuits in India.
I have taken hundreds of families on this exact route. I have seen what works and what doesn't. This guide is that experience, written down properly.
Let us begin.
Why This Itinerary Works
Ayodhya and Varanasi are two chapters of the same story. Kashi is where Shiva watches over the world. Ayodhya is where Rama was born. And the road between them carries the prayers of millions.
The Key Advantage: The distance is short enough to cover comfortably, but long enough to feel like a proper journey. You can do Ayodhya first, then Varanasi, or vice versa. Either order works.
Why Start in Ayodhya?
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Ayodhya has fewer attractions, so you can cover it in 1–2 days
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Then you can spend the rest of your time in Varanasi, which has more to see
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If you are coming from Delhi or Lucknow, Ayodhya is the natural first stop
How to Travel from Ayodhya to Varanasi
There are three main ways to travel between these sacred cities.
By Train
The most affordable and reasonably fast option.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~200 km |
| Time | 2.5–5 hours |
| Cost | ₹100–₹800 depending on class |
| Trains | 11+ daily trains including Vande Bharat Express |
| Nearest Station | Ayodhya Dham Junction to Varanasi Junction |
The Vande Bharat Express (22489/22490) now runs between Varanasi and Meerut, passing through Ayodhya Dham. The fastest train on this route takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
By Private Cab
The most comfortable and flexible option, especially for families with elders or children.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~200 km |
| Time | 4–5 hours |
| Cost | ₹3,300–₹5,400 (sedan), ₹5,400+ (SUV) |
| Best For | Families, groups, elders |
By Bus
The cheapest option, though slower.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~204 km |
| Time | 5–6 hours |
| Cost | ₹351–₹899 |
| Operators | UPSRTC and private buses |
| Frequency | 40+ daily buses |
Distance and Travel Time Comparison
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Cab | ~200 km | 4–5 hours | ₹3,300–₹5,400 |
| Train (Vande Bharat) | ~195 km | 2h 40m | ₹500–₹1,300 |
| Train (Other) | ~195 km | 4–5 hours | ₹100–₹800 |
| Bus | ~204 km | 5–6 hours | ₹351–₹899 |
Note: The rail distance is about 195 km, while the road distance is around 200 km. The difference is negligible.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
A tight but doable trip for those with limited time.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Ayodhya. Ram Mandir darshan, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal. Evening: Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi |
| Day 2 | Morning: Mani Parvat, Sugriv Kila. Afternoon: Travel to Varanasi (200 km, 4–5 hours). Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Day 3 | Morning: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Vishalakshi Shaktipeeth. Afternoon: Sarnath. Evening: Boat ride on the Ganga. Departure |
Note: This itinerary is rushed. If you have the time, take 5 days.
Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
The comfortable, unhurried version.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Ayodhya. Check in to hotel. Visit Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan. Evening: Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi |
| Day 2 | Full day Ayodhya. Mani Parvat, Sugriv Kila, Nageshwarnath Temple, Sita Rasoi, Dashrath Mahal. Free time at Saryu Ghat |
| Day 3 | Morning: Travel to Varanasi (200 km, 4–5 hours). Afternoon: Check in. Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat |
| Day 4 | Full day Varanasi. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Vishalakshi Shaktipeeth, Kaal Bhairav Temple. Afternoon: Sarnath. Evening: Boat ride and second Ganga Aarti |
| Day 5 | Morning: Sunrise boat ride. Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir. Departure |
Optional Add-On: Add Prayagraj for the Triveni Sangam. This extends the trip to 6 days.
Must-Visit Places in Ayodhya
| Place | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir | The birthplace of Lord Rama; the main draw |
| Hanuman Garhi | Hilltop Hanuman temple; 76 steps; panoramic views |
| Kanak Bhawan | The golden palace of Rama and Sita |
| Dashrath Mahal | The royal residence of King Dashrath |
| Nageshwarnath Temple | Ancient Shiva temple |
| Saryu Ghats | Evening Saryu Aarti; boat rides |
| Mani Parvat | Hillock believed to be a piece of the Sanjeevani mountain |
| Sugriv Kila | Historic fort associated with Sugriva |
Must-Visit Places in Varanasi
| Place | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | One of the 12 Jyotirlingas; the holiest Shiva temple |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | The main ghat; site of the world-famous Ganga Aarti |
| Assi Ghat | Peaceful southern ghat; good for morning meditation |
| Sarnath | Where Buddha gave his first sermon; Dhamek Stupa and museum |
| Sankat Mochan Temple | Hanuman temple; deeply revered by locals |
| Kaal Bhairav Temple | The guardian deity of Kashi |
| Manikarnika Ghat | The ancient cremation ghat; deeply spiritual |
Ram Mandir Darshan Tips
The Ram Mandir is the heart of any Ayodhya trip. Here are the timings and tips.
| Aarti | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 4:00 AM |
| Shringar Aarti | 6:00 AM |
| Bhog Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:00 PM |
Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Practical Tips:
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Entry is free. There is no paid VIP darshan.
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Book Sugam Darshan online on the official portal, 15 days in advance.
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Carry original photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
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Arrive 30–45 minutes before your slot for security checks.
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Phones are not allowed inside. Free lockers are available.
Also Book:- Same Day Ayodhya Tour Package | Ram Mandir Darshan Tour
Ganga Aarti and Saryu Aarti
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Varanasi:
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Timing: 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM (approx.)
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Best view: From a boat on the Ganga
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Arrive 1–2 hours early for a good spot on the ghat steps
Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi, Ayodhya:
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Timing: 6:30 PM (winter) / 7:00 PM (summer)
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Arrive 30 minutes early for ghat-step seating
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The Saryu Aarti is more intimate than the Ganga Aarti
Where to Stay
| City | Area | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya | Near Ram Mandir | Walking distance to temple | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Ayodhya | Near Railway Station | Easy train access | ₹800–₹2,000 |
| Varanasi | Near Dashashwamedh Ghat | Ghat access, aarti | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Varanasi | Near Assi Ghat | Quieter, less crowded | ₹1,000–₹3,500 |
Important: Book your stay 2–3 months in advance, especially during festival seasons.
What to Eat
Ayodhya:
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Ayodhya Peda – The signature sweet
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Kachori Sabzi – Traditional breakfast
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Lassi in Kulhad – Thick, creamy
Varanasi:
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Kachori Sabzi – The traditional breakfast
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Banarasi Paan – The famous betel leaf
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Malaiyo – A winter delicacy
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Thandai – Cooling spiced drink
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Rabri – Thick, sweetened milk
Note: Both cities are 100% pure vegetarian.
Also Read:- Famous Food of Ayodhya - 15 Local Dishes, Thali & Best Sweet Shops
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Verdict |
|---|---|
| October to March | Best time. Pleasant weather, comfortable darshan |
| April to June | Very hot (30–45°C). Avoid if possible |
| July to September | Monsoon. Humid, occasional flooding |
| Ram Navami (Ayodhya) | Very crowded but deeply devotional |
| Dev Deepawali (Varanasi) | Spectacular but crowded |
Recommendation: October to March. Travel on a weekday for calmer darshan.
What to Carry
Essentials:
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Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
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Comfortable footwear
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Water bottle
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Cash in small denominations
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Government photo ID
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Power bank
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Sunscreen and cap
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Personal medicines
What Not to Carry:
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Large bags
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Expensive jewellery
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Electronics inside temples
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (Ayodhya to Varanasi) | ₹150–₹800 (train) | ₹3,300–₹5,400 (cab) |
| Hotel (3–4 nights) | ₹2,400–₹4,000 | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Food (4 days) | ₹1,600–₹2,400 | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
| Local transport | ₹500–₹1,000 | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Total | ₹4,650–₹8,200 | ₹13,300–₹25,400 |
Note: Temple darshan is free in both cities. There is no entry fee anywhere.
Conclusion
Ayodhya and Varanasi are not just two cities. They are two chapters of the same story. Kashi is where Shiva watches over the world. Ayodhya is where Rama was born. And the road between them carries the prayers of millions.
Plan your trip around October to March. Take the train or the cab. Spend at least 3 days. Sit at the ghats. Attend the aartis. And when you stand at the Triveni Sangam after darshan at Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath, you will understand why this journey is unlike any other.
This is Ayodhya. This is Varanasi. This is an experience of a lifetime.
Jai Shri Ram. Har Har Mahadev.
Plan Your Ayodhya-Varanasi Trip
For bookings, queries, and custom packages:
Call Us: +91 7078723132 | +91 9557104160
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Hours: 8 AM to 9 PM daily
Our Services:
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Ayodhya Varanasi Tour Packages
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Private AC Cab for the Full Circuit
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Ram Mandir Darshan Assistance
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Hotel Reservations in Ayodhya / Varanasi
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Ganga Aarti and Saryu Aarti Arrangements
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Local Guides in Both Cities
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Customized Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Groups
