Itinerary

Planning a family-friendly itinerary for Prayagraj, Varanasi (Banaras), and Ayodhya sounds like a wonderful adventure! Each of these places is rich in culture, history, and spirituality, making them perfect for a family trip. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 4-day itinerary!

## Day 1: Arrival in Prayagraj

Morning:

• Arrival in Prayagraj: Settle into your hotel. There are several family-friendly options like the Hotel Kanha Shyam or the Prayag Inn.
• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or try a local eatery for some delicious kachoris and jalebis.

Mid-Morning:

• Triveni Sangam: Head to the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. You can take a boat ride, which is always a hit with kids! The serene environment is perfect for family photos.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Try some North Indian cuisine at places like The Grand or Moti Mahal.

Afternoon:

• Allahabad Fort: Explore this historical fort built by Emperor Akbar. The kids will love the vast grounds and the views of the river.

Evening:

• Anand Bhawan: Visit the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family. The museum is fascinating and offers insights into India’s freedom struggle.

Dinner:

• Head back to your hotel or try a local restaurant for dinner.

## Day 2: Prayagraj to Varanasi

Morning:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
• Travel to Varanasi: After breakfast, take a train or hire a cab to Varanasi (approximately 2-3 hours).

Mid-Morning:

• Check-in at your hotel in Varanasi: There are many family-friendly hotels like the Taj Ganges or Hotel Surya.

Lunch:

• Have lunch at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Try the famous Banarasi chaat!

Afternoon:

• Sarnath: Visit this important Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. The Dhamek Stupa and the museum are great for a family visit.

Evening:

• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Experience the mesmerizing evening aarti. The kids will be captivated by the lights, chants, and the overall atmosphere.

Dinner:

• Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges, like Kashi Chat Bhandar.

## Day 3: Exploring Varanasi

Morning:

• Early Morning Boat Ride: Wake up early for a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise. It’s a magical experience and a great way to see the ghats.

Breakfast:

• After the boat ride, enjoy breakfast at a local café. Try the famous Banarasi lassi!

Mid-Morning:

• Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This is one of the most famous temples in India. The kids will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Lunch:

• Have lunch at a local restaurant. Don’t miss out on the Banarasi pulao!

Afternoon:

• Explore the Ghats: Take a leisurely walk along the ghats. Visit Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, and let the kids enjoy some local snacks from street vendors.

Evening:

• Shopping in Varanasi: Explore the local markets for silk sarees, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Dinner:

• Enjoy a family dinner at a restaurant like The Brown Bread Bakery, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

## Day 4: Varanasi to Ayodhya

Morning:

• Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
• Travel to Ayodhya: After breakfast, head to Ayodhya (approximately 5-6 hours by road).

Lunch:

• Stop for lunch on the way or upon arrival in Ayodhya. Try some local vegetarian dishes.

Afternoon:

• Visit Ram Janmabhoomi: Explore the birthplace of Lord Rama. The site is significant and offers a peaceful environment for families.

Evening:

• Hanuman Garhi Temple: Visit this famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The climb to the temple is manageable and offers a great view.

Dinner:

• Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional North Indian dishes.

Departure:

• Depending on your travel plans, you can either stay overnight in Ayodhya or head back to your starting point.

Tips for a Family-Friendly Trip:

• Keep hydrated and carry snacks for the kids.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.
• Plan for some downtime to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌟