Three cities, countless stories. This 7-day Uttar Pradesh itinerary threads the sacred ghats of Varanasi, the newly consecrated Ram Mandir of Ayodhya, and the Krishna legends of Vrindavan. You’ll ride sunrise boats on the Ganges, listen to Sanskrit mantras at dusk, browse silk-weavers’ lanes, and step into temples that have anchored devotion for centuries.

Varanasi (Kashi/Banaras) is among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities; Buddha preached his first sermon just outside it in Sarnath. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, welcomes pilgrims to the magnificent Ram Mandir and the Saryu River ghats. Vrindavan, where Krishna is said to have spent his boyhood, hums with kirtans, flower-decked shrines, and evening light shows at Prem Mandir.

Practical notes: Dress modestly (knees/shoulders covered), remove shoes at temples, and bring small bills for offerings. Photography is restricted near cremation ghats in Varanasi and in parts of certain temples—ask first. Festival periods (Holi in Mathura–Vrindavan; Dev Deepawali in Varanasi; major Ayodhya yatras) draw huge crowds—book trains/hotels early.

Varanasi

Ancient, sensory, and unforgettable—Varanasi glows with dawn hymns and dusk lamps. Wander the labyrinthine galis, sip thick lassi in clay cups, and pause on timeless ghats where sages, wrestlers, priests, and pilgrims share the same steps to the sacred Ganges.

• Top sights: Dashashwamedh & Assi Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Corridor, Manikarnika Ghat (observe respectfully), Banaras Hindu University, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa, ASI Museum—closed Fridays).
• Local flavors: Tomato chaat at Kashi Chaat Bhandar; creamy lassi at Blue Lassi Shop; baati chokha at Baati Chokha; crisp dosas at Dosa Cafe; fine Awadhi at Varuna (Taj Ganges).
• Fun fact: Banarasi silk saris are handwoven—visit artisan homes in Madanpura to see the looms and buy ethically.

Where to stay (Varanasi): Palatial on the ghats at BrijRama Palace; resort-style comforts at Taj Ganges, Varanasi; heritage-value at Hotel Surya, Kaiser Palace; social-budget favorite Zostel Varanasi or backpacker-friendly Stops Hostel Varanasi. Browse more on Hotels.com (Varanasi) or VRBO (Varanasi).

Getting there: Fly into Varanasi (VNS) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Within the city, walk, take e-rickshaws, or use boats along the ghats.

Day 1: Arrive Varanasi, Ghats Walk, and Evening Aarti

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with a gentle orientation walk from Assi Ghat up to Dashashwamedh Ghat, tasting spiced tea in kulhads (clay cups) and peeking into tiny brassware shops.

Evening: Take a boat to watch the hypnotic Ganga Aarti—conches, lamps, and Sanskrit chants encircling the river. Book a guided experience for context and the best vantage.

Varanasi Evening Ganga Aarti Tour

Dinner: Sample tangy tomato chaat and crisp aloo-tikki at Kashi Chaat Bhandar or Deena Chaat Bhandar. For a quieter sit-down, try classic thalis at Varuna (Taj Ganges) with refined service and recipes rooted in Awadhi kitchens.

Day 2: Sunrise Boat, Old City Lanes, and Sarnath

Morning: Sunrise rowboat along the Ganges to watch prayers, wrestling akharas, and morning rituals. Post-ride, grab lassi (try pomegranate or saffron) at the Blue Lassi Shop and puri–sabzi from the bustling kachori stalls near Thatheri Bazar. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the new Corridor—store phones in lockers and expect security lines.

Afternoon: Head to Sarnath (30–40 minutes). See the Dhamek Stupa where Buddha gave his first sermon, plus Ashokan pillar remains and the excellent museum (closed Fridays). Return via BHU’s leafy avenues and Bharat Kala Bhavan if you love textiles and miniatures.

Evening: Taste Banaras bite by bite on a guided street-food walk—malaiyyo (in winter), chaat, jalebi, and paan with a primer on local culinary history.

Varanasi Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Tour)

Day 3: Varanasi in Depth (Temples, Ghats, and Rituals)

Dedicate a full day to Varanasi’s highlights with a local expert—sunrise and sunset boat rides, key temples, quieter ghats, and cultural pockets you might miss alone.

Full Day Varanasi Private Tour with Temples, Ghats & Rituals

Food breaks: Pause midday at Baati Chokha for rustic, ghee-lacquered wheat dumplings with chokha (roasted eggplant and tomato) and end with apple pie at the long-loved riverside bakery-café near Assi Ghat.

Ayodhya

Ayodhya centers the Ramayana’s living memory. The shimmering Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi’s hilltop shrine, and the Saryu’s broad steps host daily devotional rhythms that swell into luminous evening aarti.

• Top sights: Ram Mandir (Ram Janmabhoomi), Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Ram ki Paidi & Saryu Aarti, Guptar Ghat, and Sita ki Rasoi.
• Etiquette: Expect airport-style checks at major temples; keep ID handy. Dress conservatively; leather belts/bags may be restricted in some sanctums.
• What to eat: Early-morning kachori–jalebi near Naya Ghat, kulhad lassi on hot days, and simple vegetarian thalis at hotel dining rooms for a restful end to a temple day.

Where to stay (Ayodhya): Central and reliable picks include Hotel Krishna Palace, Hotel Ram Inn, and Hotel Shree Palace. For more options, browse Hotels.com (Ayodhya) or VRBO (Ayodhya).

Getting from Varanasi to Ayodhya: Morning trains take ~4.5–6 hours (AC chair/3A typically ~$8–20) via Trip.com Trains. A private car is ~4.5–5.5 hours.

Day 4: Varanasi to Ayodhya, First Darshans and Saryu Sunset

Morning: Depart Varanasi by train to Ayodhya (aim for an early departure). Carry snacks and plenty of water.

Afternoon: Check in and visit Hanuman Garhi (a steep flight of steps to a lively temple) and Kanak Bhavan (where Sita is said to have received a golden palace). Pause for lassi and peda at sweet stalls around the bazaars.

Evening: Join the serene Saryu Aarti at Ram ki Paidi. The broad river steps glow with lamps as priests chant and bells ring across the water. Dine early on a light vegetarian thali at your hotel restaurant.

Day 5: Ayodhya in a Day (Ram Mandir, Ghats, and Old Quarters)

Cover the essentials of Ayodhya with a local guide—timed Ram Mandir darshan, key shrines, storytelling walks, and riverside time at Guptar Ghat.

Ayodhya Full Day Guided Tour

Tips: Arrive at Ram Mandir early to avoid queues. Lockers are often available; follow signage for prohibited items. End with tea at the ghats as twilight settles over the Saryu.

Vrindavan

In Vrindavan, the air hums with kirtan. Temples brim with flowers and flute music, and evenings bring illuminated facades and singing devotees. It’s the devotional heartland of Krishna lore, paired naturally with nearby Mathura.

• Top sights: ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir (Mangala Aarti before sunrise), Banke Bihari Temple (darshan timings vary by season), Prem Mandir (spectacular evening light show), and Keshi Ghat (sunrise boat rides).
• Eats: Govinda’s (ISKCON campus; sattvic fare), MVT Restaurant (consistent vegetarian meals), rooftop breakfasts at 11 Flowers Café, and Mathura sweets runs for peda and rabri.
• Good to know: Vrindavan is strictly vegetarian—avoid bringing meat or alcohol. Dress modestly; some temples limit bags/phones.

Where to stay (Vrindavan): Look near ISKCON and Prem Mandir for easy walks. Browse options on Hotels.com (Vrindavan) or apartment-style stays on VRBO (Vrindavan).

Getting from Ayodhya to Vrindavan (via Mathura): Morning trains to Mathura Jn typically take ~7–9 hours (AC classes ~$10–25) via Trip.com Trains, then a 30–40 minute taxi/auto to Vrindavan. A private car is ~7–8 hours door to door.

Day 6: Ayodhya to Vrindavan, ISKCON and Prem Mandir

Morning: Travel to Mathura/Vrindavan. Grab a simple train breakfast (idlis, poha) and plenty of water.

Afternoon: Check in and stroll ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir. Sit for aarti, browse the bookshop, and enjoy a sattvic lunch at Govinda’s or MVT Restaurant (think paneer gravies, fresh rotis, and kheer).

Evening: Prem Mandir dazzles after dark with intricate marble sculptures and musical fountain shows. For dinner, try 11 Flowers Café’s rooftop for light curries and fresh juices.

Day 7: Vrindavan Temples and Departure (Optional Agra Excursion)

Morning: Early darshan at Banke Bihari Temple (check seasonal timings); continue to Keshi Ghat for a peaceful Yamuna-side boat ride. Brunch on stuffed parathas and chai near Loi Bazaar, then pick up tulsi bead malas and incense.

Afternoon: Depart for your onward journey—Delhi airport is ~2.5–4 hours by road from Vrindavan; Mathura–New Delhi trains take ~1.5–2.5 hours via Trip.com Trains. For flights, check Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Optional full-day add-on: If you have a late-night flight, make a day trip to Agra (~1.5–2 hours each way) for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with a guided city tour.

Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Baby Taj & Mehtab Bagh Private City Tour

Getting Between Cities: Quick Planner

• Arrival (Day 1): Fly into Varanasi (VNS) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Varanasi → Ayodhya (Day 4): Train ~4.5–6 h via Trip.com Trains; private car ~5 h.
• Ayodhya → Vrindavan/Mathura (Day 6): Train ~7–9 h to Mathura Jn; taxi 30–40 min to Vrindavan.
• Vrindavan → Delhi for departure (Day 7): Road 2.5–4 h; trains 1.5–2.5 h from Mathura Jn via Trip.com Trains.

Daily Coffee & Meal Ideas (Highlights)

• Varanasi breakfasts: Blue Lassi Shop’s kulhad lassi; kachori–sabzi near Thatheri Bazar; Aum Cafe’s porridge and fruit bowls close to Assi Ghat.
• Varanasi lunches/dinners: Dosa Cafe (compact, excellent dosas), Baati Chokha (rustic UP–Bihar fare), Kashi/Deena Chaat Bhandar (snacks), Varuna at Taj Ganges (elegant Awadhi).
• Ayodhya eats: Morning kachori–jalebi and kulhad chai near Naya Ghat; simple vegetarian thalis at your hotel dining room; evening sweets runs for peda and rabri by the ghats.
• Vrindavan eats: Govinda’s and MVT Restaurant (sattvic vegetarian staples), 11 Flowers Café (casual rooftop), Mathura Brijwasi-style sweets (peda, khurchan).

Responsible travel notes: Don’t photograph cremations at Manikarnika or Harishchandra Ghats; tip boatmen and priests fairly; remove shoes and leather items where required; and hydrate often, especially from March to June.

Optional add-ons for enthusiasts: Photography lovers in Varanasi can add a specialist workshop:

Photo Tour in Holy Varanasi

That’s a week of temple bells, river light, and living epics. You’ll leave with sandalwood on your sleeves, mantras in your head, and a map of Uttar Pradesh drawn in memories—one ghat, one aarti, one prayer at a time.