Train Delhi-Agra-Varanasi-Delhi

tararn

Hello All,
I am new to the forum. I am planning a trip to India in Mar-Apr 2007. I am looking for some help on details using the Train from Delhi-Agra-Varanasi-Delhi.

I am planning to stay 3 days in Agra and 2 days in Varansi. Do you think I should go to Agra first then Varanasi or Vice versa?

Is there an express train from Delhi- Varansi - Delhi. I did read there is an express from Delhi - Agra.

Any details on the train numbers, times, fares and any suggession on the best class to use sine it will be a 11 plus hrs trip will be very much appreciated.

Also any suggession on the Ghats in Varansi, renting of a boat and guest/hotels like the budget style.


Thanking you all in advance.

Tara

steven_ber

Hello and welcome to indiamike.com

3 days Agra and 2 Varanasi? The other way round would be better.

You'll find all the train info you need in the 'Train Information' thread below.

There's loads of great info on indiamike, try the search engine, or glick on 'forums' (top left) to help you find the info.

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Train information.

Lugubert

Having recently visted both cities, my preference is more like 4 days in Agra and 1 in Varanasi. In the latter, there's the compulsory sunrise trip on the Ganges. Interesting, but that's it. In Agra, you have the Taj, the Fort, Itimad-ud-Daula, Chini ka Rauza, and more in the surroundings. And I didn't even see the Jama Masjid.

steven_ber

We've had a thread each about the pro's and con's of both Agra and Varanasi, both threads were interesting and people had strong opinions either way.

I don't know why I suggested longer in Varanasi, it's a place that really interests me, but I've not been there yet.

But I only lasted 45 minutes in Agra before the touts drove me nuts and I left, to be fare, I'd had a very relaxing 5 week trip and Agra was just too much hassle at the end of it, I also wasn't too worried about seeing the Taj Mahal as I knew I'd be back soon.

ranjan154

Hi Tara ! Welcome to the india Mike travel forum. You may access the official railways website of Govt. of India. It will give you all the relevant train information needed.

http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

Have a graet time in India.

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nedhopkins

My preference would be three (2) days in Agra, two (2) in Varanasi.

AGRA: The Taj Mahal is worth most of a day. The fort and 'Baby Taj' plus some shopping would take up a second day. Akhbar's tomb and Fatehpur Sikri would be the third.

VARANASI: A morning 'cruise' on the Ganges is a must, followed by temple visits in the afternoon. On day two an excursion to nearby Sarnath, and its well-maintained Buddhist remains, is well worth your time.

BenV

I would personally stay a couple of days longer in Varanasi and only on the way back have a quick stop-over at Agra (arriving in the morning from Varanasi, leaving luggage at the cloak room at the station, visit the Taj & fort in the day, coming back to the station in the evening to take the express to Delhi).
As far as the liking of Varanasi goes: the atmosphere around the ghats is fantastic (be sure to visit the burning ghats and the Puja at the main ghat), the old centre is great to just stroll for hours and the city is vibrating with religion and devotion. Be sure to visit the silk shops to get yourself beautiful shawls and bedcovers: AFAIK you will not find them this cheap in Delhi, and if you are interested in buying a sitar do that in Varanasi as well!
I personally did not really care for Sarnath.

Enjoy!

Grantaustralia

Tararn,
I just got back and spent 7 days in Varanasi and 1 day in agra ... I think the balance was just right.

tararn

Hi All,

Thanks for the advised so far. I am looking forward for all of your honest advise.

My trip to India is in search of Lord Kashi Vishvanath (Shiva) and since Varanasi is his abode I definitely will be staying a bit longer there.

I also have a few more questions.

Does any one know the ropes of doing a Puja at the Kashi Vishwanauth Temple(Golden Temple) or any Temple? Like who do I talk to and what do I need to bring to do the Puja or Do they supply the Sarjam/Ingredients and I pay for the full package?


Thanking you in advance.
Tara

ranjan154

Hi Tara,

Dont worry about the puja arrangements, they can always be done once you are there, my advice be bit careful with the pandas or the local pujaris, first enquire the price at two thre places and then pay. They might charge you more seeing that you dont know about the price.