Start your trip by exploring the spiritual heart of Banaras, the ghats along the sacred River Ganges. In the morning, take a boat ride on the river to witness the mesmerizing sunrise and observe the daily rituals performed by devotees. Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and immerse yourself in the divine ambiance.
Boat Ride on the Ganges: Estimated Cost: INR 500 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore its beautiful gardens, museums, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan, which houses a vast collection of Indian art and artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the vibrant markets of Varanasi, known for their exquisite silk products.
Banaras Hindu University: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
Varanasi Markets: Estimated Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
In the evening, experience the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Witness the synchronized rituals, hear the enchanting chants, and see the illuminated lamps floating on the river. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Banaras.
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Estimated Cost: INR 500 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Madhur Milan for a delicious breakfast of traditional Banarasi dishes. This family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of options, including hot jalebis, kachoris, and samosas. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Lotus Lounge which offers a mix of Indian and international cuisines. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience while trying their mouthwatering biryanis or savoring the flavors of their wood-fired pizzas. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Indulge in an unforgettable dinner experience at Pizzeria Vaatika Café. This rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of the city while serving a delectable range of wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and sizzlers. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Restaurants
The Brown Bread Cafe: This cozy cafe offers a delicious breakfast menu with options like freshly baked bread, omelettes, and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Shivayya's Lunch Home: Enjoy a traditional Banarasi thali at this popular lunch spot. The restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian dishes, including dal, rice, roti, and flavorful curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Zaika Restaurant: End your day with a delightful dinner at Zaika Restaurant, known for its mouth-watering kebabs and biryanis. The cozy ambiance and delectable North Indian cuisine make it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Restaurants
Eatery & Co.: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Eatery & Co., known for its wide range of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Zaika: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Zaika, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic Indian flavors. Their thali meals offer a variety of dishes at an average cost of about ₹300 per person.
Spice Kitchen: For a memorable dinner experience, head to Spice Kitchen, a fine dining restaurant offering a blend of Indian and international cuisines. Indulge in their flavorful curries and tandoori specialties, with an average cost of about ₹600 per person.
Monday, August 7: Exploring Cultural Delights
Start your day with a visit to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and discover the rich history and spirituality of Buddhism.
In the afternoon, indulge in a delightful culinary experience by taking a Banaras food tour. Sample various local delicacies like kachori, chaat, lassi, and the famous Banarasi paan. Learn about the culinary traditions and the significance of food in Banaras culture.
Banaras Food Tour: Estimated Cost: INR 1000 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
In the evening, enjoy a classical music and dance performance at the famous Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. Witness the mesmerizing display of Indian art forms like Kathak dance and Hindustani classical music.
Shri Ram Bharatiya Kala Kendra: Estimated Cost: INR 500 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Shree Cafe. This popular eatery offers a variety of delicious South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Deena Chat Bhandar. This iconic street food joint is known for its mouthwatering chaat dishes like pani puri, aloo tikki, and dahi puri. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For dinner, experience the Rajasthani thali at Vaatika Cafe. Enjoy an array of delectable Rajasthani dishes served in a traditional thali, including dal baati churma, gatta curry, and bajre ki roti. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Tuesday, August 8: Glimpses of Rural Banaras
Embark on a day trip to the nearby village of Ramnagar. Visit the magnificent Ramnagar Fort, a splendid example of Mughal architecture. Explore the museum inside the fort, showcasing a unique collection of vintage cars, royal artifacts, and ancient manuscripts.
Afterward, immerse yourself in the rural charm of Banaras by visiting the Sarai Mohana village. Experience the simplicity of village life, interact with locals, and learn about their traditional crafts like pottery and handloom weaving.
Sarai Mohana Village: Estimated Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
In the evening, enjoy a serene sunset boat ride on the Chunar Beach. Admire the scenic beauty of the river and relax in the tranquil surroundings. End your day with a delicious dinner at a riverside restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region.
Chunar Beach Boat Ride: Estimated Cost: INR 500 per person, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant: Estimated Cost: INR 500 per person, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Banaras, make sure to explore the less crowded Rajghat Bridge area. It offers a beautiful view of the Ganges and is a perfect spot for a picnic with your family. Another hidden gem is the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, known for its tranquil ambiance and the melodious evening aarti. Locals love spending time at Assi Ghat, which has a more relaxed and less touristy atmosphere compared to the main ghats in the city. You can enjoy a boat ride from Assi Ghat as well.