Varanasi Day-1
Lucknow to Varanasi Train Journey – A Foggy Winter Departure Full of Emotions
The morning in Lucknow didn’t just begin with sunlight—it began with a melody.
The soft chirping of birds, the calm winter air, and that unmistakable feeling of setting out on a new journey. As I stepped out, adjusting my travel backpack for family trip India, carefully packed the previous night using packing organizers for travel India, there was already a smile on my face.
There’s something magical about travel mornings—especially when the destination is as divine as Varanasi.
This wasn’t just another trip. This was a journey to the city of Mahadev.
And this time, we chose to travel the old-school way—the way that carries stories within its tracks—Indian Railways.
A Winter Morning & The Uncertainty of Fog Travel
December in North India comes with its own personality. Dense fog blankets the city, slowing everything down—including trains.
Wrapped in a winter jacket for North India travel, along with a woolen cap gloves set for travel, I could feel the sharp cold breeze brushing against my face as we stepped out.
And as expected, our train—Train No. 24204—was already running 2 hours late.
But instead of frustration, it gave us something unexpected—a relaxed start.
We utilized that delay smartly. Went back home, had breakfast, and returned to the station without any rush. Sometimes delays in India are not inconveniences—they are hidden blessings in disguise.
Standing at the platform, holding a warm cup of tea, hands slightly numb despite gloves, watching trains slowly emerge from the fog—it felt cinematic.
A scene straight out of a winter travel documentary.
Platform Confusion? Here’s a Pro Tip
We were waiting at Platform 8, slightly away from the main station area of Lucknow.
Here’s something most travellers miss:
Platforms 8 and 9 are not part of the main Charbagh station flow
They are slightly extended and located ahead
Many first-time travellers get confused and end up rushing last minute
If you’re traveling from Lucknow—always double-check your platform location.
With family and luggage, having everything secure inside an anti theft travel backpack India makes a big difference—especially in crowded stations where movement is constant.
Finally, The Departure Moment
Originally scheduled at 6:35 AM, the train was rescheduled to depart at 8:35 AM.
And interestingly, despite being late—it departed almost exactly on the revised time.
As the green signal was given and the train slowly started moving, there was a quiet excitement inside.
That moment when the train begins its journey—it’s always special.
The platform starts sliding backward, people fade into the fog, and suddenly—you’re no longer in your city.
You’re in transit. In between worlds.
With phones fully charged using a power bank for long travel India, and my vlogging setup ready—including a compact mobile tripod for travel vlog and a wireless mic for YouTube videos India—I knew this journey wasn’t just about reaching Varanasi.
It was about capturing memories.
Route Overview – Lucknow to Varanasi by Train
This route is not just a connection—it’s a nostalgic corridor of Uttar Pradesh.
Total Distance: ~280 km
Route Covered:
Lucknow
Rae Bareli
Amethi
Pratapgarh
Varanasi
The entire route is now electrified, making the journey smoother and faster compared to older times.
As the train picked up pace, I settled into my seat with a travel pillow for train journey India, realizing how small comforts can make long journeys significantly better.
A Personal Nostalgia Trigger
As the train moved ahead, I couldn’t help but drift into memories.
It had been nearly 20 years since I last travelled this route by train.
Back then, life was different. Daily up-down journeys between Lucknow and Amethi were routine. Diesel engines ruled the tracks, and travel felt slower—but more connected.
Now, with better roads, most journeys shifted to cars.
But sitting here again—camera in one hand, memories in the other—it felt like revisiting a part of life that was paused somewhere in time.
Early Route Highlights – Familiar Yet Changed
As we exited the yard area, I noticed something rare—a diesel engine parked nearby.
In today’s electrified routes, spotting a diesel locomotive feels like seeing a relic from another era.
Soon, we crossed:
Lucknow Cantt Underpass
Sadar Station
Vrindavan Yojana area
Utrehtia Junction
Each location carried familiarity. Every turn reminded me of how deeply connected I once was to this city.
When you travel through your own city—it doesn’t feel like tourism.
It feels like memory replay.
Family Travel Vibes
This wasn’t a solo journey—it was a family experience.
Suitcases packed not just with clothes—but with emotions, excitement, and shared moments.
Inside the coach:
Family members adjusting seats
Kids curiously observing everything
Conversations blending with the rhythmic sound of tracks
With essentials like wet wipes for travel hygiene and portable sanitizer spray travel, we ensured comfort and cleanliness—something especially important when traveling with family.
That’s the beauty of train journeys in India.
You don’t just travel—you live the journey.
Reality of Recording in Train
One practical challenge I faced (and something every vlogger will relate to):
Upper berths limited movement
Family occupied lower seats
Privacy + space constraints
Recording became tricky.
But honestly, that’s what makes content real.
Not everything is perfectly staged—and that’s where authenticity comes from.
Speed, Tracks & Changing India
As the train picked up speed, smooth acceleration and occasional overtakes made the journey feel modern and efficient.
Parallel tracks, freight corridors, and newly laid lines reflected one thing clearly:
Indian Railways is evolving fast.
We even passed a dedicated goods line—designed to reduce congestion at major stations.
Progress isn’t always loud.
Sometimes, it runs quietly alongside you.
The Emotional Start of a Spiritual Journey
While this section is about the train journey, the destination was always on our minds.
Varanasi.
Kashi.
The city older than history.
As the train moved further away from Lucknow, one feeling became stronger:
This is not just travel. This is transformation.
Arrival in Varanasi – Where Chaos Meets Spiritual Calm
After hours of rhythmic movement, the train finally slowed down.
As we stepped onto the platform, everything changed.
Energy. Sound. Vibration.
This wasn’t just arrival.
This was entry into Kashi.
First Steps Outside – Controlled Chaos
Stepping outside, the city greeted us in its raw form.
Auto drivers calling out
E-rickshaws lined up
Narrow exits buzzing with life
Holding onto our essentials, secured inside our anti theft travel backpack India, we navigated through the chaos with patience.
First Drive Through Varanasi
The city unfolded slowly:
Cows sitting peacefully in traffic
Shops glowing with devotional items
Walls echoing “हर हर महादेव”
Varanasi isn’t seen.
It’s absorbed.
First Glimpse of Maa Ganga
And then… the moment arrived.
The first glimpse of Maa Ganga.
Everything paused.
The chaos faded into calm.
Standing there, with camera ready on my mobile tripod for travel vlog, I realized—some moments are too sacred to capture.
They are meant to be felt.
Ganga Aarti – A Divine Spectacle
As evening approached, we reached Dashashwamedh Ghat.
And then it began.
Fire. Bells. Mantras.
A perfectly synchronized spiritual performance.
The river reflecting golden light.
The air vibrating with devotion.
This wasn’t an event.
This was an experience.
Dinner & Local Flavours
After the aarti, we explored local food.
Kachori-sabzi
Jalebi
Street-side delicacies
Simple food.
But unforgettable taste.
Night Walk – Varanasi After Dark
We walked through the narrow lanes.
Dim lights.
Temple bells.
Silence between chaos.
Varanasi doesn’t sleep.
It transforms.
Closing the Day – Reflection & Gratitude
Back in the hotel, the body rested—but the mind replayed everything.
From foggy Lucknow…
To divine Varanasi…
This wasn’t just a journey.
It was a shift.