Last Updated on 9 November 2025 by Poorna & Brinda
Here’s your perfect Ayodhya and Kashi 3 day itinerary!
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, the magnificent Ram Mandir now shines as a beacon of devotion.
In Kashi, the ghats of the Ganga, the Vishwanath Temple, and the ancient lanes reflect India’s living spirituality.
This trip blends faith, history, and food — and whether you reach Ayodhya early or late, you’ll experience both cities comfortably and meaningfully. BTW, we visited both places last week. It was our first visit to Ayodhya after Ram Mandir was built – we had been there earlier in 2010 and Poorna much before in 1987 while in Army – and fifth visit to Banaras!
Before diving into the itinerary, take a quick visual journey through Ayodhya and Kashi — from the serene Saryu Ghats to the glowing lamps of Dashashwamedh Ghat. Click on this picture below for a photo album of Ayodhya and Banaras.
The Perfect Ayodhya and Kashi 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Ayodhya Darshan & Travel to Kashi
10:00 AM – Arrival in Ayodhya
Arrive by morning flight and check into a hotel (you can book a budget property for a day).
Head for darshan at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, followed by Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhavan, both nearby.
1:30 PM – Lunch
Try Udupi Express or Bangalore Café — clean, reliable vegetarian spots just 500 m from the temple.
3:00 PM – Ram Ki Paidi & Saryu Ghat
Walk along the Saryu riverfront, take a short boat ride, and feel the calm of this sacred town.
5:00 PM – Depart for Kashi
Board Vande Bharat Express (22549) from Ayodhya Dham Junction at 5:20 PM → arrives Varanasi Junction 7:30 PM.
Alternatively, hire a cab (≈ 4.5 hours). Vande Bharat is highly recommended.
Evening
Check into your hotel near Dashashwamedh Ghat or Godowlia. Enjoy dinner overlooking the river.
Day 2 – The Essence of Kashi: Temples, Ghats & Food
5:30 AM – Sunrise Boat Ride
Start your day on the Ganga — watching the city awaken to chants and bells is unforgettable. Sunrise boat ride on Ganga is a fantastic experience!
7:00 AM – Kashi Vishwanath & Kala Bhairav Darshan
After the ride, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, then Kala Bhairav Temple, guardian of Kashi. You can buy Sugam Darshan tickets online or buy in counter at gate. If you are entering via Gate 2 – through Mir Ghat Galli – hawkers will fool you to keep your mobile and footwear with them. No need to keep them as cloakroom to keep them are available inside the temple premises. However keep your shoulder bags etc with them.
9:00 AM – Breakfast @ Satyanarayan Bhandar
Famous puri-jalebi breakfast in Thatheri Bazaar.
10:30 AM – Sankat Mochan & Durga Kund
Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Durga Kund, and Tulsi Manas Mandir.
1:30 PM – Lunch
Authentic Banarasi thali at Baati Chokha or Keshari Restaurant.
3:00 PM – Ramnagar Fort
Cross the bridge to explore Ramnagar Fort and museum. Stop at Shiv Prasad Lassi Shop for their famous rabri-topped lassi.
5:30 PM – Evening Aarti @ Dashashwamedh Ghat
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti — the defining moment of Varanasi.
7:00 PM – Explore Vishwanath Galli & Dinner
Shop for souvenirs and sweets in Vishwanath Galli, then dinner nearby or at your hotel.
Day 3 – Sarnath, BHU & the Spirit of Kashi
8:00 AM – Breakfast @ Keshari Restaurant
9:00 AM – Visit Sarnath
Drive (≈ 45 min) to the site where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Explore Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Archaeological Museum.
1:00 PM – New Vishwanath Temple & Kala Bhavan (BHU)
Visit Banaras Hindu University for the New Vishwanath Temple and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
2:00 PM – Lunch
At Vaishali Restaurant or Green View Café near BHU or in town.
4:00 PM – Bharat Mata Mandir, Mani Karnika Ghat & Sunset Ride
Visit Bharat Mata Mandir, visit Manikarnika Ghat for a deeper spiritual glimpse and then take a sunset boat ride.
Evening
Shop for Banarasi silk, rudraksha beads, or wooden toys before your return journey.
Day 4 – Departure
After breakfast, head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Stay Options
In Ayodhya:
Stay near Ram Mandir Road or Naya Ghat for easy walking access to the temple and river.
In Varanasi:
Best zones — Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Godowlia. Perfect for walking to Ganga Aarti and temples.
📝 Tip: Check reviews on Booking.com, TripAdvisor, or Airbnb before confirming.
💡 Travel Tips
- All timings are indicative; adjust based on crowd and festival days.
- On Ram Navami, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, and Dev Deepawali or special occassions, long weekends, expect long queues and heavy crowds.
- Both cities require a fair bit of walking — wear comfortable footwear.
- Add one extra day in Ayodhya or two in Varanasi if you prefer a slower pace and wish to explore in detail.
🪔 Ayodhya Tips
- Footwear: Only slip-ons; shoes not allowed inside temple complex.
- Dress code: Modest clothing; light cottons ideal.
- Temple access: Book Sugam Darshan and other seva tickets online.
- Lockers: Available inside temple for mobiles, shoes, and small bags.
- Distance: Around 1 km walk from main road; wheelchairs available.
- Local transport: Auto rickshaws — negotiate before travel.
- Food: Try Udupi Express or Bangalore Café; buy Kurcham Peda near Hanuman Garhi.
- Boat ride: Best at sunset from Naya Ghat.
- Cloakroom: Available at Ayodhya Railway Station.
- Late arrival: If after 12 PM, stay overnight and take Vande Bharat (3:55 PM) next day.
🕉️ Kashi Tips
- Start early: Begin temple visits by 7 AM .
- Temple visits:
- Kashi Vishwanath: Sugam Darshan and other seva tickets can be booked online. Only Sugam Darshan tickets are avaialbe at counter at gates too. Mobiles/footwear stored inside the temple before you enter sanctum santorum or Garba Gudi; bags are to be kept outside the temple in lockers available with hawkers.
- Sankat Mochan & Kala Bhairav: Must-visit; expect narrow lanes and queues at Kala Bhairav temple.
- Buy laddu prasad at Sankat Mochan — it’s delicious!
- Exploring: Walk the gullies around Dashashwamedh and Vishwanath Mandir.
- Boat rides: Fix the price; sunrise/sunset are best. Go in individual small boats. Wear safety jacket. Charges are normally between Rs 1200-1500
- Ganga Aarti – This happens not only at Dashashwamedha Ghat but also at Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat
- Assi ghat – Well known for cool vibes and lovely restaurants.
- Transport: Autos ₹800–₹1000/day for Ramnagar Fort, BHU, Bharat Mata.
- Food:
- Check out all details about food options – Chaats, Lassi, Breakfast etc here –https://traveltwosome.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Banaras-Food-Options-2.pdf
- Cash: Keep some handy; not all shops accept UPI.
- Photography: Banaras is photograhpers paradise! Avoid clicking pyres in cremation ghats. It is disrespctful.
- Safety: Generally safe, but stay alert during Aarti crowds.
❓ FAQs
Can I visit both Ayodhya and Kashi in three days?
Yes! With Vande Bharat Express and efficient planning, this Ayodhya and Kashi 3 day itinerary works well.
Should I stay overnight in Ayodhya?
Yes, if your darshan takes longer or you arrive after 12 PM.
Are mobiles allowed inside temples?
Yes, in outer areas but not inside sanctums; lockers are provided inside temple premises.
When’s the best time to visit?
October – March: pleasant weather and ideal for walking and boat rides.
✨ In Conclusion
This journey through Ayodhya and Kashi isn’t just travel — it’s an immersion into India’s spiritual and cultural soul.
From the chants at Saryu Ghat to the golden glow of the Ganga Aarti, every moment feels eternal.
And as every traveler says — “You don’t plan Kashi. Kashi calls you.”
Planning your own Ayodhya and Kashi 3-day trip?
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