
The Journal
Travel stories, expert guides, and inspiration for your next divine journey. Curated by the people who know India best.
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Festivals & EventsOct 20, 2026
Dev Diwali in Varanasi 2026: Date, Timings, Rituals and How to See It
Dev Deepawali (Dev Diwali) in Varanasi in 2026 falls on Tuesday, 24 November 2026, on Kartik Purnima. The diya lighting begins around 5:15 PM across all 84 ghats, with the grand Ganga Aarti about 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM and a laser show around 7:30 PM at Chet Singh Ghat. Over ten lakh lamps are lit. Reach the riverfront by about 3:30 PM, as the roads around the ghats close and the crowds are huge. For a planned viewing with a booked boat and a guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 18, 2026
Lucknow to Gaya Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Lucknow to Gaya distance is about 541 km by the fastest road route, via the Purvanchal Expressway and NH 120, which takes around 9 hours 49 minutes by car. Other routes via NH731 or NH 19 run 571 to 578 km and are slower. Because it is a very long drive, most pilgrims prefer the train, which runs to Gaya Junction in roughly 8 to 12 hours or fly into Gaya or Patna. For a pind daan trip a train or a well-rested car journey with a driver is best. To arrange a Lucknow to Gaya pind daan trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 18, 2026
Lucknow to Naimisharanya Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Lucknow to Naimisharanya distance is about 90 km by the best road route, via NH 30 and the Sidhauli - Misrikh road, which takes around 2 hours 16 minutes by car. Two near-identical alternatives via NH 230 and NH 30 run about 91 to 92 km in a similar time. A direct train is limited, so most pilgrims travel by road from Lucknow, the nearest major city and airport. For pilgrims a private car is the most comfortable and flexible choice. To arrange a Lucknow to Naimisharanya trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 17, 2026
Lucknow to Chitrakoot Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Lucknow to Chitrakoot distance is about 235 km by the best road route, via the Raebareli road, which takes around 5 hours 33 minutes by car. The alternatives run 238 to 271 km: one via NH 30 (about 5 hours 44 minutes) and one via the NE 6 expressway (about 5 hours 29 minutes but a longer 271 km). A direct train is limited, so many pilgrims travel by road or by rail via Prayagraj. For pilgrims a private car is the most comfortable and flexible choice. To arrange a Lucknow to Chitrakoot trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 17, 2026
Lucknow to Prayagraj Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Lucknow to Prayagraj distance is about 206 km by the fastest road route, via the Ganga Expressway, which takes around 3 hours 58 minutes by car. The alternatives run 201 to 215 km: one via the Raebareli road and NH 30 (about 4 hours 13 minutes) and one via NH 30 all the way (about 4 hours 42 minutes). You can also take a train to Prayagraj Junction in roughly 3.5 to 5 hours or fly into Lucknow or directly into Prayagraj. For pilgrims a private car is the most comfortable and flexible choice. To arrange a Lucknow to Prayagraj trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 16, 2026
Lucknow to Varanasi Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Lucknow to Varanasi distance is about 314 km by the fastest road route, via the Purvanchal Expressway, which takes around 5 hours 23 minutes by car. The alternatives run 296 to 310 km: one via the Lucknow - Sultanpur road and NH731 (about 5 hours 29 minutes) and one via NH731 (about 6 hours 14 minutes). You can also take a train to Varanasi in roughly 5 to 7 hours or fly into Lucknow or directly into Varanasi. For pilgrims a private car is the most comfortable and flexible choice. To arrange a Lucknow to Varanasi trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 16, 2026
Varanasi to Ayodhya Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Varanasi to Ayodhya distance is about 219 km by the fastest road route, via NH731 and NH 330, which takes around 4 hours 33 minutes by car. An alternative via NH 135A runs about 223 km in a little over 5 hours and a longer expressway route via NH 28 and the Purvanchal Expressway is about 268 km. You can also take a train to Ayodhya Dham Junction or fly between the two cities' airports. For pilgrims a private car is the most comfortable and flexible choice and the whole trip is easily done in a day. To arrange a Varanasi to Ayodhya trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
Travel GuideOct 15, 2026
Lucknow to Ayodhya Distance: Routes, Time, Trains and How to Reach
The Lucknow to Ayodhya distance is about 137 km by the fastest road route, via NH 27, which takes around 2 hours 46 minutes by car. Two alternatives run about 155 to 156 km: one via Purvanchal Expressway and NH 330A (about 2 hours 49 minutes) and one via the Udauli - Sirauli Gauspur road and NH 27 (about 3 hours 26 minutes). You can also take a train to Ayodhya Dham Junction in roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours or fly into Lucknow and drive on. For pilgrims a private car is the most comfortable and flexible choice. To arrange a Lucknow to Ayodhya trip with a local guide, call or WhatsApp +91 7302265809.
