I am Rohit, a guide. I've been guiding pilgrims for eight years now. Although I live in Braj, I have taken several groups on tours of Kashi and Ayodhya — two of the most important cities to Hindus.
The ghats at Varanasi have received centuries of prayers as they line the banks of the Ganges River; Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Rama, has attracted pilgrims for thousands of years. Travelling from one to the other will be like moving from the city of Lord Shiva to the city of Lord Rama.
The guide will cover everything you need to know about planning a Varanasi and Ayodhya trip — the distance, travel options, suggested itinerary, approximate cost of the trip, when it's ideal to plan a visit to both locations, and some useful tips to ensure you have a pleasant and memorable experience.
Let us begin.
Why Plan a Combined Varanasi and Ayodhya Trip?
Varanasi and Ayodhya are two of India's seven holiest cities. They are connected by faith, history, and geography. And they are close enough to cover in a single trip.
The Spiritual Connection:
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Varanasi (Kashi): The city of Lord Shiva, where the Ganga flows and the ghats witness life and death
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Ayodhya: The birthplace of Lord Rama, home to the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
The Practical Connection:
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Just 200 km apart
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Connected by train, road, and bus
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Both have airports
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Both can be covered in 4 to 5 days
From a local guide's perspective: "Most pilgrims who come to Kashi also want to see Ayodhya. And most who go to Ayodhya want to dip in the Ganga at Kashi. The two belong together."
How to Reach Varanasi
By Air:
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Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) — connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities
By Train:
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Varanasi Junction (Cantt) — major railhead
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Kashi Station and Banaras Station — for some trains
By Road:
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Well-connected by national highways to Lucknow, Prayagraj, and other cities
How to Travel from Varanasi to Ayodhya
There are three main ways to travel from Varanasi to Ayodhya. Each has its own advantages.
By Private Cab (Recommended)
The most comfortable and flexible option, especially for families with elders or children.
Why It Works: Door-to-door pickup, no transfers, luggage freedom, and the flexibility to stop at Jaunpur's medieval mosques along the way.
By Train
The most affordable and reasonably fast option.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~200 km |
| Time | 3.5–5 hours |
| Cost | ₹100–₹800 depending on class |
| Popular Trains | Ganga Gomti Express (14235), Vande Bharat |
| Nearest Station | Ayodhya Dham Junction |
Why It Works: Comfortable for the 4-hour journey, and the station is close to the main temples.
By Bus
The cheapest option, though slower.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~200 km |
| Time | 5–7 hours |
| Cost | ₹200–₹500 |
| Operators | UPSRTC and private buses |
Why It Works: Budget-friendly, with over 31 buses operating daily.
Distance and Travel Time Comparison
| Mode | Distance | Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Cab | 200–220 km | 4–5 hours | ₹3,300–₹5,400 |
| Train | ~200 km | 3.5–5 hours | ₹100–₹800 |
| Bus | ~200 km | 5–7 hours | ₹200–₹500 |
Local Tip: The road distance is around 200 km, while the rail distance is about 196 km. The difference is negligible.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi and Ayodhya
Recommendation: October to March. If you can, plan around Dev Deepawali — it is one of the most spectacular sights in India.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
A tight but doable trip for those with limited time.
Note: This itinerary is rushed. If you have the time, take 5 days.
Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
The comfortable, unhurried version.
Optional Add-On: Add Prayagraj (Allahabad) for the Triveni Sangam. This extends the trip to 6 days.
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 |
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 |
Ram Mandir Darshan Timings and 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varanasi | Near Dashashwamedh Ghat | Ghat access, aarti | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Varanasi | Near Assi Ghat | Quieter, less crowded | ₹1,000–₹3,500 |
| Varanasi | Cantt area | Train access, budget | ₹800–₹2,000 |
| Ayodhya | Near Ram Mandir | Walking distance to temple | ₹1,500–₹5,000 |
| Ayodhya | Near Railway Station | Easy train access | ₹800–₹2,000 |
| Ayodhya | Near Saryu River | Scenic, peaceful | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
Important: Book your stay 2–3 months in advance, especially during festival seasons.
What to Eat
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
Ayodhya:
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Ayodhya Peda – The signature sweet
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Kachori Sabzi – Similar to Varanasi
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Lassi in Kulhad – Thick, creamy
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Thandai – Cooling spiced drink
Note: Both cities are 100% pure vegetarian.
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 Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (Varanasi to Ayodhya) | ₹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: A mid-range budget runs roughly ₹2,000–4,000 per person per day, covering decent hotels, local transport, meals and temple visits.
Tour Package Options
| Package | Duration | Price (per person) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSTDC Spiritual Triangle | 5 Days | ₹14,400 (sedan, min 4) | Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya |
| IRCTC Varanasi-Ayodhya | 4N/5D | ₹38,000 (twin sharing) | Train, hotel, meals |
| Kashi Taxi 3-Day Package | 3 Days / 2 Nights | From ₹5,499 | Cab, hotel, darshan help |
| Kashi Taxi 4-Day Package | 3N/4D | From ₹8,499 | Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj |
| Customized Package | 3–6 Days | On request | Built around your dates |
What is typically included: AC vehicle, hotel stay, breakfast, local guide, darshan assistance, tolls and parking.
What is typically excluded: Lunch and dinner, personal expenses, entry tickets, boat rides.
Conclusion
Varanasi and Ayodhya 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 4 days. Sit at the ghats. Attend the aartis. And when you stand before Ram Lalla after dipping in the Ganga, you will understand why this journey is unlike any other.
This is Kashi. This is Ayodhya. This is an experience of a lifetime.
Jai Shri Ram. Har Har Mahadev.
Plan Your Varanasi and Ayodhya Trip
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Our Services:
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Varanasi Ayodhya Tour Packages
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Local Guides in Both Cities
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Hotel Reservations in Varanasi / Ayodhya
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Ganga Aarti and Saryu Aarti Arrangements
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Customized Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Groups
