Begin your pilgrimage at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the spiritual heart of the city, where you can witness the morning rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Indulge in a quintessential Banarasi breakfast of kachori sabzi and sweet jalebis at the legendary Ram Bhandar in the Thatheri Bazaar.
Embark on a walking tour through the narrow, vibrant alleys of the Old City, discovering hidden shrines and traditional silk shops along the way.
Reach the historic Dashashwamedh Ghat to observe the bustling activity of pilgrims and priests against the backdrop of the sacred Ganges River.
Enjoy a late-night street food experience at Deena Chat Bhandar, where you can sample the famous Tamatar Chaat and other savory Banarasi delicacies.
Visit the historic Blue Lassi Shop near the Manikarnika Ghat to indulge in a hand-churned yogurt drink served in traditional clay pots.
Take a meditative late-night stroll at Assi Ghat, enjoying the tranquil views of the river under the moonlight as the city winds down.
Explore the textile stalls and jewelry shops along Vishwanath Gali as the evening lights create a vibrant atmosphere for late-night window shopping.
Observe the quiet, spiritual essence of Kedar Ghat, where the red-and-white striped walls of the temple are beautifully illuminated against the dark river.
Conclude your night with a visit to the Malviya Bridge, offering a sweeping, panoramic view of the crescent-shaped ghats and the tranquil Ganges River under the stars.
Begin your day with an ethereal sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River, watching the soft morning light touch the historic facades of the Darbhanga Ghat and Munshi Ghat.
Witness the vibrant Subah-e-Banaras cultural performance at Assi Ghat, featuring traditional Vedic chants, a morning Aarti, and classical music as the sun rises.
Refuel with a traditional breakfast of Chura Matar and steaming hot tea at the famous Laxmi Chai Walha nestled in the winding lanes near the Chowk area.
Enter the sprawling, tree-lined gates of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a renowned museum housing a vast collection of ancient Indian miniatures and sculptures.
Visit the striking Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (New VT) located within the campus, admired for its soaring marble tower and the peaceful gardens that surround it.
Enjoy a traditional North Indian thali for lunch at Baati Chokha, a rustic restaurant known for its authentic clay-oven flavors and village-style ambiance.
Visit the unique Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a magnificent relief map of undivided India carved entirely from marble rather than traditional religious idols.
Explore the vibrant red Durga Mandir, often called the Monkey Temple, admired for its intricate Nagara architecture and the sacred Durga Kund pond adjacent to it.
Walk to the nearby Tulsi Manas Mandir, a white marble temple where the entire Ramcharitmanas is inscribed on the walls, depicting the life of Lord Rama.
Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, one of the most sacred shrines in the city, to witness the peaceful evening prayers and soak in the spiritual energy.
Head to Scindia Ghat to witness the partially submerged Shiva Temple, an architectural marvel that leans into the water, appearing ghostly and beautiful under the evening lights.
Dine at the rooftop Dolphin Restaurant, which offers a spectacular elevated view of the Ganges River and the southern stretch of the ghats while serving various local specialties.
Explore the vibrant chaos of Godowlia Crossing, the city's pulse, where you can shop for traditional glass bangles and local perfumes at Scent of Benares.
Make a stop at the famous Rajbandhu sweet shop to try their signature Malaiyo, a seasonal frothy milk dessert that is a local winter delicacy in Varanasi.
Conclude your evening with a quiet, meditative walk at Mansarowar Ghat, observing the architectural influence of the Rajasthani style on the buildings that line the Ganges River.
Begin your morning with a quiet breakfast at Bona Cafe, a cozy spot known for its peaceful atmosphere and selection of fresh pastries and traditional light bites.
Depart for the sacred town of Sarnath, located just a short drive from the city center, and stand in awe before the towering Dhamekh Stupa, which marks the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Examine the ruins of ancient monasteries and the fragments of the famous Ashoka Pillar within the Sarnath Archaeological Park, reflecting on the deep historical roots of the region.
Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to witness the original Lion Capital of Ashoka and a stunning array of Buddhist sculptures carved from Chunar sandstone.
Enjoy a tranquil lunch at The Apple Tree Restaurant in Sarnath, sampling a variety of local Indian specialties in a relaxed, garden-side setting.
Visit the striking Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, a modern temple famous for its brilliant frescoes painted by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu and its serene surrounding gardens.
Make a final stop in Sarnath at the Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient tiered structure topped with an unusual octagonal Mughal tower that commemorates Buddha's meeting with his first five disciples.
Return to the city center and head to the Lallapura district, the historic hub of the weaving community, to see the intricate craftsmanship of Banarasi silk production firsthand.
Explore the Mehta International Silk Museum, where you can witness master weavers operating traditional handlooms to create the gold and silver brocade typical of authentic Banarasi sarees.
Head to the modern Namaste Ghat (also known as Khidkiya Ghat), where you can admire the large metal 'Namaste' sculptures and enjoy a spacious, artistic view of the sunset over the Ganges River.
Board a traditional rowboat for a silent journey downriver to observe the flickering lights of the Manikarnika Ghat from a respectful distance, witnessing the city's ancient rituals of life and transition.
Savor a farewell dinner at Vatika Pizzeria near Assi Ghat, a beloved local spot famous for its unique wood-fired pizzas and signature apple pie served in a calm garden setting.
Partake in a legendary local tradition by sampling a digestif at Keshav Tambul Bhandar, a decades-old shop known for serving the most authentic and aromatic Banarasi Paan in the city.
Observe the towering minarets of the Alamgir Mosque as they loom over Panchganga Ghat, an area rich with history where the confluence of five subterranean rivers is said to occur.
End your spiritual journey with a few moments of silent reflection at Shivala Ghat, soaking in the profound stillness and the rhythmic sound of the river against the ancient stone steps.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Free |
| Breakfast at Ram Bhandar | ₹150 |
| Old City Walking Tour | Free |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | Free |
| Deena Chat Bhandar | ₹200 |
| Blue Lassi Shop | ₹120 |
| Assi Ghat | Free |
| Vishwanath Gali | Free |
| Kedar Ghat | Free |
| Malviya Bridge | Free |
| Sunrise Boat Ride | ₹400 |
| Subah-e-Banaras | Free |
| Laxmi Chai Walha | ₹100 |
| Bharat Kala Bhavan | ₹50 |
| Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (New VT) | Free |
| Lunch at Baati Chokha | ₹450 |
| Bharat Mata Temple | Free |
| Durga Mandir | Free |
| Tulsi Manas Mandir | Free |
| Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple | Free |
| Scindia Ghat | Free |
| Dolphin Restaurant | ₹700 |
| Godowlia Crossing | Free |
| Malaiyo at Rajbandhu | ₹100 |
| Mansarowar Ghat | Free |
| Bona Cafe | ₹350 |
| Sarnath (Dhamekh Stupa) | ₹25 |
| Sarnath Archaeological Park | Free |
| Sarnath Archaeological Museum | ₹5 |
| The Apple Tree Restaurant | ₹500 |
| Mulagandha Kuti Vihara | Free |
| Chaukhandi Stupa | ₹25 |
| Lallapura district weaving tour | Free |
| Mehta International Silk Museum | Free |
| Namaste Ghat | Free |
| Evening Rowboat journey | ₹300 |
| Vatika Pizzeria | ₹600 |
| Keshav Tambul Bhandar | ₹50 |
| Alamgir Mosque | Free |
| Shivala Ghat | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹4125 |