4‑Night Varanasi Road Trip from Kolkata

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning: Depart Kolkata early by car, enjoying scenic views of West Bengal and Jharkhand while stopping for a quick refreshment at a highway dhaba.

Afternoon: Cross the Ganges into Uttar Pradesh and arrive in Varanasi, checking into the Airbnb accommodation (two family rooms).

Evening: Stroll along the ghats and witness the vibrant Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Explore the historic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, marveling at its golden spire and intricate carvings.

Afternoon: Visit the expansive Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, including the iconic Shri Vishwanath Mandir and the serene Saraswati Kunj garden.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Ganges, watching the sunset reflect off the ancient ghats.

Day 3: Spiritual Sites & Heritage

Morning: Take a short drive to Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon, and explore the Dhamek Stupa and museum.

Afternoon: Return to Varanasi for a guided walk through the bustling Old City alleys, sampling street foods like kachori and jalebi.

Evening: Attend the serene Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat, a quieter alternative to the main ghats.

Day 4: Relaxation & Local Experiences

Morning: Join a yoga session at a riverside ashram, followed by a traditional Ayurvedic breakfast.

Afternoon: Browse the vibrant silk and handicraft markets of Chowk, picking up souvenirs and Banarasi sarees.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges, savoring local specialties such as thandai and kebabs.

Day 5: Departure

Morning: Pack up and enjoy a final walk along the ghats, taking photos of sunrise over the river.

Afternoon: Begin the drive back to Kolkata, stopping for a comfortable rest at a highway lounge.

Evening: Arrive in Kolkata, concluding the memorable Varanasi adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – 2 hrs, entry donation ₹200 per person
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – 2 hrs, free entry
• Ganga Aarti (Dashashwamedh) – 1 hr, free
• Boat Ride on the Ganges – 1.5 hrs, ₹500 per boat (up to 5 passengers)
• Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa & Museum) – 3 hrs, ₹250 per adult, ₹150 per child
• Old City Walk & Street Food – 2 hrs, ₹800 total for the group
• Yoga Session at Ashram – 1 hr, ₹300 per person
• Chowk Market Shopping – 2 hrs, variable (budget ₹3,000 for souvenirs)
• Fuel (round trip) – 98.6 L, ₹10,350 total
• Toll Charges – ₹1,900 round trip
• Accommodation – 2 families × ₹1,500/night × 4 nights = ₹12,000
• Estimated Food & Miscellaneous – ₹4,000 for the stay
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹24,250

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day for a sunrise boat ride and a visit to the nearby Vindhyachal temple complex; to shorten it, skip the yoga session and combine the Old City walk with the evening Aarti, allowing departure on Day 4 afternoon while still experiencing the main highlights.