11 Nights / 12 Days Visit to Varanasi, Sarnath, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Lucknow with Homestays and Luxury Tented Accommodation

Homestay Kashi: This Homestay is managed by an Indian family, and those who prefer a homely abode and want to share the culture and taste of freshly made home-cooked vegetarian meals will find it very much to their liking. A traditional Indian house built in 1936, with complete teakwood work and antique hand-carved workmanship on the doors, windows, decorations and furniture. Lots of open space for sunlight and air, and a delightful small garden. The garden in front has a handy seat to repose in as well.

Some of the amenities at the property are:

• Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
• Free breakfast
• Airport transportation
• Baggage storage
• Non-smoking hotel
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry service
• Ironing service

The rooms feature:

• Air conditioning
• Room service
• Safe
• Bottled water
• Refrigerator
• Flatscreen TV

The Deluxe Double or Twin Rooms are available with a private bathroom. There are 2 Bathrooms in the 3-bedroom apartment: one room has an attached bathroom, and the other 2 rooms share a common bathroom with a door from the outside.

Special requests from Senior Citizens in wheelchairs are adhered to. The dining area is on the first floor, but meals may be served in the room for seniors.

The property has two types of accommodation: 1) Non-smoking rooms 2) Family rooms. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at New Delhi airport
To be received on the aircraft ramp and escorted to the parking area by a meet-and-greet assistant. Our company representative will welcome the guests at the arrivals gate of the terminal and transfer them to a nearby airport hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Arrival at Varanasi
After an early breakfast, be transferred to the airport for a flight to the city of Varanasi (also called Banaras or Kashi). The arrival time in the city would be around 11:50 AM. Be met upon arrival and transferred to the Homestay Kashi. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride to view the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat (riverbank). Return to the homestay for dinner and an overnight stay.

 

 

 

 

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Day 3: Varanasi Cultural and Spiritual Tour
Early morning boat ride on the Ganges River for sunrise rituals. Return to the homestay for breakfast. Guided walk through the heritage lanes (galiys) of Kashi, visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor, Annapurna Temple, and traditional silk-weaving quarters. Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay.

Day 4: Sarnath & Sacred Varanasi
After breakfast, transfer by car to Sarnath (where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon); explore the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and the Archaeological Museum. The distance by road from Varanasi to Sarnath is 10 kms ( 31 mins. ).

 

 

 

 

Dhamek stupa at Sarnath

In the afternoon, return to Varanasi. Suggested places for lunch are: Sushi Café & Continental restaurant ( Chinese, Japanese, Vegan options, cash payments), Behind Yellow Door Diner ( Italian, Chinese, Indian, Café, Asian Vegetarian friendly, accepts credit cards ), Aadha-Aadha Café ( French, Indian, Café, European, cash payments, vegetarian friendly ).

Post lunch, pay visits to Bharat Mata Temple and Banaras Hindu University campus (New Vishwanath Temple). BHU has a beautiful campus. It’s still chaotic but calmer than the usual touristy spots. There’s a beautiful Shiva temple on the campus. You can wander into the temple. There’s no fee. You can sit on the floor to observe or participate (if you wish). Overall, a calming experience. Shoes have to be removed for entering the temple premises. Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 5: Varanasi  Ayodhya (Drive: ~4.5 Hours)
After breakfast, check out and morning scenic drive to Ayodhya. Check in at Praveg Tent City, Saryu, Ayodhya. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the local market. Dinner at the resort.

 

 

 

 

Praveg Tent City, Saryu, Ayodhya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6: Ayodhya Heritage Tour
Full-day guided sightseeing: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Treta Ke Thakur.

Suggested place for lunch: Tipsy Town ( Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, vegetarian friendly, pizza, café, Asian, Central Italian, accepts American Express and Mastercard, full bar ). Evening visit to Saryu River Ghats for the evening prayers. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Day 7: Ayodhya – Prayagraj (Allahabad). Drive: ~3.5 Hours
After breakfast, check out and transfer by car to Prayagraj. Check into the hotel Zone Connect by the Park Prayagraj; leisure time in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 8: Prayagraj Spiritual Tour
Full-day guided sightseeing including Triveni Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers) with a boat ride, Prayagraj Fort, Anand Bhawan (Nehru family heritage home), and the reclining Hanuman Temple. Suggested places for lunch:
a) Lolo Cafe And Restaurant, Jhunsi ( Italian, American ) for pizzas. Only cash payments. No bar.
b) El Chico for Mexican and Indian cuisine, vegetarian-friendly and accepts all major credit cards.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

 

 

 

 

Boat ride at Triveni Sangam

Day 9: Prayagraj  Lucknow (Drive: ~4 Hours)
After breakfast and check-out, depart for Lucknow, the “City of Nawabs.” Check-in at the House of 27 – Boutique Homestay. The location of this homestay is peaceful, near the markets and the airport. Big terrace, greenery, cool, calm atmosphere. Evening at leisure to explore the Hazratganj market.

 

 

 

 

Dinner and overnight stay at the House of 27 – Boutique Homestay Lucknow

Day 10: Architectural Lucknow:
Explore Lucknow in one full day with a private guide. Sprinkled with Islamic and British Raj–era architecture, stuffed with fascinating bazaars and famed throughout India for its food, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is something to be relished unhurriedly and at leisure!

Guided historical tour featuring Bara Imambara (including the famous Bhulbhulaiya labyrinth), Chhota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, British Residency, and Chattar Manzil.

 

 

 

Bara Imambara

Suggested places for lunch: a) The Marine Room (Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Cash payments ). b) Azrak ( Vegetarian friendly, Full bar, Credit cards accepted ).

Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay.

Day 11: Culinary & Musical Lucknow
Morning visit to a classical music/dance institution (such as Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya).

Afternoon/Evening Awadhi culinary heritage workshop, including tasting authentic local specialties (Biryani, Kebabs, Sheermal).

Return to the homestay for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12: Departure from Lucknow
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) for your flight to Delhi. To be met on arrival. Rest of the day as planned.

Tour ends.