India Travel
Accommodation and eating to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh
Gorakhpur has a wide range of hotels from the budget-type near the station to the mid-range in the dull commercial hub around Golghar, lkm southwest. During the hot months, air-cooled or the more expensive a/c rooms are welcome, especially if you have just come down from the mountains. Cheap dhabos can be found in the vicinity of the station; a row of them stand outside the station gates. Elsewhere, the best eating new multi-cuisine Bobos restaurant in Golghar.
Bobina, Nepal Road. About 2km from the station: a tacky pastel-coloured and uniquely depressing museum of kitsch that may the familiar from your nightmares. Visit the lobby out of curiosity, then leave. Facilities include foreign exchange, a garden, restaurant and bar.
Elolra, opposite the railway station. One of the best of the station hotels, with a range of rooms including a/c and air-cooled. The best rooms are at the back, away from the station.
Ganges, Tarang Cinema crossing, towards Gorakhnath Temple. Pronounced gang-ez. one of Gorakhpur’s better hotels. All the mod cons, including two good restaurants and friendly staff. Shame about the decor but it’s no is in the more expensive hotels or the Golghar, worse than anywhere else in town.
Ganges Deluxe, Cinema Road. Golghar. Newish with all a/c rooms at same price.
Marina, Golghar. Tucked away behind the President Hotel in the same compound, this place is older, less ostentatious and more pleasant. Room service but no restaurant.
Retiring Rooms, railway station. Good value with a cheap dorm, ordinary and a/c rooms; recommended if you need to catch an early train.
Standard, Station Road. Reminiscent of station retiring rooms but good-value. Opposite the station gates.
Yark Inn, MP Building, Golghar. One of several similarly and reasonably priced establishments along this stretch.
Related Properties from Gurgaon
Gorakhpur north of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
GORAKHPUR. 230km north ofVaranasi, which rose to prominence as a way-station on a pilgrim route linking Kushinagar (the place of Buddha's enlightenment) and Lumbini (his birthplace, across the border in Nepal), is now known primarily as a gateway to Nepal. It was named after the Shaivite yogi Gorakhnath. and holds a large ashram and temple dedicated to him. Tourists and pilgrims tend to hurry through, their departure hastened by the towns infamous flies and mosquitoes; if you do get stranded, there's a bustling bazaar, adequate amenities and a few passable hotels.
Practicalities of Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh
Regular buses link Kushinagar with Gorakhpur (2hr) and Varanasi (8hr). Shared taxis and Jeeps also travel to and from Gorakhpur, but are a lot less comfortable. The airport is closed to commercial flights. UP Tourism maintains a low-key office and information desk at the tourist bungalow, Pathik Niwas. Both the Government of India and UP Tourism run comprehensive tours of the whole "Buddhist Circuit" ofUttar Pradesh, which can be booked either at che tourist office in Kushinagar or in Delhi. Accommodation is available in rooms for visiting pilgrims at some of the temples such as the Myanmar Buddhist emple (as
Practicalities of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh
There are three bus stands - the main Railway bus stand, 1km north of the centre, for buses from the Nepalese border at Sonauli and Kushinagar; the Kacheri bus stand, lkm southwest of the station, for services from Allahabad, Lucknow and Varanasi; and the main bus stand for Varanasi (6hr) and Nepal-Varanasi buses, at Pedleyganj, 2km southeast of the station. Major daily trains servicing Gorakhpur include the fast Vaishali Express #2553 to Lucknow and Delhi (5.10pm) and the Gorakhpur-Dadar Express #1028 for Mumbai via Varanasi (5am); among trains to Varanasi (6hr) are the fast Kashi Express #1028 (5am) and the Chauri-Chaura
Faizabad southwest of Ayodhya in the Uttar Pradesh
During the reign of Shuja-ud-Daula (1756-75), as the Moghul empire disintegrated. FAIZABAD, 6km southwest of Ayodhya, attracted craftsmen, artists and musicians from Delhi. However, the first capital of Avadh declined in tandem with the rise of Lucknow. Among the few monuments to survive is the lofty white marble Tomb of Bahu Begum, widow of Shuja-ud-Daula, close to the the nawab's own mausoleum. Faizabad's cantonment area is a legacy of British rule - caught up in the rebellion of 1857, it was thankfully spared the bloodshed seen in Kanpur and Lucknow. Cheap central accommodation can be found near the chowk in the
Accommodation and eating in Eastern Madhya Pradesh
Most of Bandhavgarh s new and established hotels, all of which are in Tala, cater for travellers on a higher budget, and offer "jungle-plan" prices - all-inclusive 24hr deals including meals and two Jeep safaris per person. However, there are also a few budget lodges and mid-priced hotels. The only option for eating outside your hotel is at one of the friendly, cheap dhabas on the main road.
Kushinagar west of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh
Set against a pastoral landscape, the small hamlet of KUSHINAGAR, 53km west of Gorakhpur, is revered as the site of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana, his death and cremation that marked his final liberation from the cycles of death and rebirth. During the Buddha's lifetime, Kushinara, as it was then called, was a small kingdom of the Mallas, surrounded by forest. It remained forgotten until the late nineteenth century when archeologists rediscovered the site, and began excavations - based on the writings of the seventh-century Chinese pilgrims, including Xuan Zhang. Set in a leafy park in the heart of Kushinagar, the Nirvana Stupa, dated
Practicalities to Ayodhya in the Uttar Pradesh
Though Ayodhya has a small railway station of its own, most visitors come for the day from busy Faizabad, on buses and auto-rickshaws from the station there. If you want to stay in Ayodhya, the tourist bungalow Hotel Saket, next to the station, has a dorm (Rs50) and a wide range of rooms, as well as a poorly managed restaurant. Alternatively, the Birla Dhararnsala, on the main road, has very decent and cheap accommodation in its "VIP" rooms. Ayodhya is a vegetarian town.
Moving on from Varanasi to the Eastern UP
Indian Airlines' daily flight to Kathmandu gets very heavily booked in winter; there are two daily flights to Delhi, one via Khajuraho and Agra and two to Mumbai. Sahara India Airlines fly daily from Varanasi to Delhi, and Patna, and from Patna to Lucknow and Mumbai. Allow at least ninety minutes from the Old City to the airport due to gridlock. Most of the super-fast trains on the main east-west line between Delhi and Calcutta such as the Rajdhani, bypass Varanasi but stop at Mughal Sarai, an arduous 45 minutes away by road or a short train ride. Varanasi station has
Moving on from Varanasi in Eastern UP
Indian Airlines' daily flight to Kathmandu gets very heavily booked in winter; there are two daily flights to Delhi, one via Khajuraho and Agra and two to Mumbai. Sahara India Airlines fly daily from Varanasi to Delhi, and Patna, and from Patna to Lucknow and Mumbai. Allow at least ninety minutes from the Old City to the airport due to gridlock. Most of the super-fast trains on the main east-west line between Delhi and Calcutta such as the Rajdhani, bypass Varanasi but stop at Mughal Sarai, an arduous 45 minutes away by road or a short train ride. Varanasi station has
Eating of the Mathura in the Uttar Pradesh
Due to the city's spiritual significance, restaurants and cafes in Mathura tend to serve vegetarian food only. Aside from the hotel restaurants, the numerous sweetshops and dhabas around Holi Gate and the Shri Krishna Janamsthan serve snacks and thalis. Brijwasi Mithai Wala, opposite Shri Krishna Janamsthan. Very clean sweetshop with a number of other branches in Mathura. Offers a huge range of fresh sweets and snacks. Kwality, near Old Bus Stand. Formerly part of the famous chain, and retaining much of its typical look and feel, but now poorly maintained and run by indifferent management. Serves veg food. Prakash Hotel,
Travel details for Uttar Pradesh
Trains Note that most important trains to Varanasi stop at Moghul Sarai, requiring a change of trains or a connecting bus or taxi. Agra to: Ahmedabad (1 weekly; 27hr 30min); Alwar (1 dally; 4hr); Btiopal (16-19 daily; 5hr 30min-9hr): Bhubaneshwar (1 daily; 39hr); Chennai (1-2 daily; 34hr-42hr); Delhi (15 daily; 2hr-4hr 15min); Gwalior (15-19 daily; 1hr 15min-2hr); Indore (1 daily; 14hr 25min); Jaipur (3 daily; 7hr); Jalgaon (3-4 daily; 14hr 20min-19hr); Jhansi (15-19 daily; 2hr 25min-5hr); Jodhpur (3 daily; 13hr); Kanpur (4 daily; 7hr): Kolkota (Calcutta) (1 daily; 30hr); Lucknow (3 daily: 7hr-8hr 30min); Mathura (12 daily; 1hr 30min-2hr); Mumbai (2 daily;
Eating from Allahabad in the Uttar Pradesh
Most of the better cafes and restaurants are in the Civil Lines area, within walking distance from each other close to the main crossing. In the early evening, the snack stalls along MG Marg entice the populace with their individual and often legendary specialities. El Chico, MG Marg, Civil Lines. One of the city's best, a smart place with good Indian, Chinese and Western cuisine. Tasty fried chicken. Hot Stuff, 15 Elgin Rd, Civil Lines. Popular hangout for Allahabad's young and trendy, with burgers, shakes. Chinese food and ice creams. Jade Garden, MG Marg: Civil Lines. Small thatched garden restaurant, strong on
Mahaban and Gokul southeast City of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh
Across the Yamuna from Mathura, 10km southeast of the city and reachable by-boat, rickshaw or bus, Mahaban and Gokul are associated with Krishna's foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. There is a cluster of temples at MAHABAN, "the Great Forest", of which the most interesting is Nanda's Palace, also known as Lssi Khamba or "Eighty Pillars", an amalgam of several influences including kiddhist. Rebuilt as a mosque under Aurangzeb, the temple's pillars resemble the Qutb Minar in Delhi, and probably date back to the tenth century. On a high bank overlooking the river 2km from Mahaban, GOKUL, the cowherd encampment to which
Accommodation to the Mathura in the Uttar Pradesh
Despite being an important pilgrimage centre and a large industrial and military city, Mathura offers a very limited choice of accommodation, and none of its up market hotels is especially worthy of recommendation. Neighbouring Vrindavan also has a small, basic range of accommodation. Agra, Bengali Ghat, Charming, small place established in 1930, overlooking the river in the old city and redolent of the atmosphere of the ghats. Bengali food, and a choice of clean air-cooled rooms. Some a/c. International Guest House, Shri Krishna Janamsthan. Large institution-like building set in beautiful gardens beside the temple. Very affordable and clean, with a good
Around Mathura of the Braj in the Uttar Pradesh
At the very heart of Braj, Mathura is the obvious base for peregrinations into the pastoral landscape associated with the adolescent Krishna, where the sacred temple-crowned hills of Govardhan, Barsana and Nandagaon stand in striking contrast to the prevailing flatness. Very little survives of its idyllic legendary forests, and only serious pilgrims would choose to walk rather than catch one of the numerous local buses.
Practicalities of Vrindavan in the Uttar Pradesh
Buses, shared tempos, and taxis run out to Vrindavan from Mathura for about Rs70 per head one way. Three local trains also cover the same route, leaving from Mathura Junction (6.30am, 3.40pm & 7.40pm) for the station in the south of Vrindavan (they return at 7.30am, 4.35pm & 8.05pm). Besides the numerous dhammshalas, several ashrams offer good-value accommodation at fixed rates, as well as food. Some are, however, open only to Indian pilgrims. Away from the centre, the Krishna Sadhak Seva Ashram on Gurukul Road, set in extensive grounds, is quiet and has comfortable suites; more central is the large,
Eating in Mumbai
In keeping with its cosmopolitan credentials, Mumbai (and Colaba above all) is crammed with interesting eating places, whether you fancy splashing out on a buffet lunch-with-a-view from a flashy five-star revolving restaurant, or simply tucking into piping-hot roti kebab by gaslight in the street.
Travel details in Delhi
Trains To Rajasthan: Abu Road (3-4 daily; 11hr 10min-14hr 15min); Ajmer (5-6 daily; 7hr 1 Omin-11 hr 5min); Bharatpur (5 daily; 2hr 50min-4hr 15min): Bikaner (3 daily; 1Ohr 20min-11hr 4Dmin): Chittaurgarti (2 daily: 16hr 30min); Jaipur (10-12 daily; 4hr 25min-11hr 35min); Jodfipur (2 daily; 10hr 55min-13hr 40min); Kota (7-9 daily; 4hr 40min-10hr 45min); Sawai Madhopur (7 daily; 5hr 15min-8hr 15min); Udaipur (2 daily: 15hr 10min-21hr 15min). To Uttar Pradesh: Agra (18-20 daily: Itir 55min-4br 40min); Allahabad (10-12 daily; 7-14tir), Delira Dun (2-3 daily; 5hr 25min-10hr 20min); GoraKhpur (4-5 daily; 13hr 30min-22hr 5fnin); Kanpur (18-22 daily; 4tir 25min-8hr 20min); Lucknow (5-6 daily;
Practicalities to the Chitrakut in Uttar Pradesh
For, the few tourists in this region, Chitrakut serves as a centre for catching connecting buses and trains between Allahabad, Kalingar and Khajuraho. Long-distance transport connections are best made via Karbi. From the main Karbi Bus Stand numerous daily buses run to Allahabad (3-4hr), passing through Serai Akil, 15km from the Buddhist ruins of Kausambi, and also to historic Mahoba, a possible stopoff en route to Khajuraho. The railway station at Karbi has services to Allahabad and Mahoba, as well as Varanasi, 374km northeast (9hr). From the Satna Bus Stand in Chitrakut, buses head south into Madhya Pradesh; connecting buses
Accommodation to Jhansi in the Uttar Pradesh
With Orchha just down the road, it's hard to see why you might stay in Jhansi unless you arrive too late to move on. Most of its hotels are too far from the railway and bus stations to be easily reached on foot. The cheaper ones operate 24-hour check-out, as opposed to noon in the mid-price and more expensive hotels. Jhansi, Shastri Marg. Former haunt of British burra-sahibs. Comfortable rooms, some a/c, plus satellite TV, verandas, and a big garden. There is a well-stocked and atmospheric colonial bar and restaurant. Prakash, Station Road, Civil Lines. Pleasant if basic bungalow accommodation including