Exploring the Sacred City of Varanasi: A 3-Day Itinerary
Saturday, October 7: Glimpses of Spiritual Varanasi
Start your trip in the morning by immersing yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi. Begin with a boat ride on the holy Ganges River, taking in the panoramic views of the ghats (steps leading to the river) and witnessing the sunrise. Afterward, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old town, known as the "City of Temples." Discover hidden gems like Sarnath, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of Indian art. In the evening, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire lamps to honor the river.
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: INR 100 (approximately), 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Shree Cafe, known for its wide range of vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Keshari Restaurant, offering authentic North Indian cuisine in a cozy setting. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at The Great Kebab Factory, a renowned restaurant serving an array of succulent kebabs and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8: Cultural Immersion and Local Delights
On the second day, delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. Start the morning by exploring the renowned Banaras Hindu University, home to the New Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Kala Bhavan. Marvel at the intricate architecture and serene surroundings. In the afternoon, take a heritage walk through the ancient bazaars of Varanasi, such as Godowlia Market, Thatheri Bazaar, and Vishwanath Gali, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles. Indulge in local culinary delights like kachori sabzi, chaat, and lassi. As the evening approaches, witness the mystical Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat, a quieter spot with a serene atmosphere.
Banaras Hindu University: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Heritage Walk in Old Bazaars: Cost varies based on shopping, 2-3 hours
Local Cuisine Exploration: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Situated near Banaras Hindu University, Shri Ram Sweets is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious samosas and jalebis. The average cost for a meal here is about 100 INR per person.
Located in the heart of Vishwanath Gali, Ksheer Sagar is a must-visit for lunch, offering a variety of North Indian vegetarian dishes like thalis and rajma chawal. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Brij Rama Palace, a luxurious heritage hotel with a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges. Indulge in their delectable Awadhi cuisine while enjoying the panoramic view. The average cost for a meal here is about 1000 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Exploring Varanasi's Artistic Charms
On your final day, discover the artistic side of Varanasi. Begin the morning by exploring the vibrant silk-weaving industry in the village of Sarai Mohana. Witness the intricate process of creating Banarasi silk sarees and visit local workshops. In the afternoon, visit the Ramnagar Fort, an impressive 18th-century fort with a museum displaying vintage cars, royal artifacts, and manuscripts. Take a leisurely walk along the fort's ramparts for panoramic views of the Ganges River. In the evening, enjoy a classical music and dance performance at the renowned Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, known for its rich cultural heritage.
Silk Weaving Industry Visit in Sarai Mohana: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at The Brown Bread Bakery & Café. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, and healthy breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Shree Cafe. This vegetarian restaurant serves delicious Indian and international dishes, including mouthwatering thalis and flavorful wraps. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a flavorsome dinner at Bana Rasoi. This popular restaurant specializes in authentic North Indian cuisine, with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to discover some off-the-beaten-path attractions and places loved by locals. Head to the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the main cremation ghats, to gain a deeper understanding of Hindu funeral rituals and spirituality. Another hidden gem is the Chunar Fort, located about 45 kilometers from Varanasi, which offers stunning views of the Ganges and a fascinating history. To experience Varanasi's local flavor, explore the street food scene near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where you can savor delicious snacks like malaiyo, tamatar chaat, and banarasi thandai.
For hotel and flight options, you can check prices on Kayak.