Arrive in Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and check into your hotel. In the morning, take a boat ride along the sacred River Ganges, witnessing the morning rituals and immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the winding lanes of the old city, known as the "galis," and visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. As the evening sets in, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Boat Ride on the Ganges: Cost estimate - INR 500, Time spent - 2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your morning with a hearty Indian breakfast at Pahalwan Lassi Bhandar. Indulge in their famous lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, along with delicious stuffed parathas. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Baati Chokha Restaurant and savor the authentic flavors of Rajasthani cuisine. Try their signature dish, the baati served with dal and churma, a delectable combination of baked dough balls, lentils, and sweet crumbled bread. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at The Great Kebab Factory. Indulge in a wide variety of succulent kebabs, cooked to perfection with their special marinades and spices. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, August 12: Sarnath and Banaras Hindu University
Start your day by visiting Sarnath, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site located just outside Varanasi. Explore the ruins of ancient Buddhist monasteries and visit the Dhamek Stupa, where the Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon. In the afternoon, head to Banaras Hindu University, one of the premier educational institutions in India. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of art and archaeological artifacts.
Banaras Hindu University and Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Brown Bread Bakery and enjoy a variety of freshly baked breads, pastries, and organic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Dum Biryani House and savor the flavorful biryani prepared with aromatic spices and tender meat. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Canton Royale and indulge in a delectable feast of Chinese and Indian fusion cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, August 13: Varanasi Ghats and Temples
Explore the various ghats of Varanasi in the morning. Start with a visit to the Assi Ghat, known for its serene atmosphere, and then continue to other ghats such as Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, where Hindu cremations take place. Afterward, visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Durga Temple, known for its stunning architecture. In the evening, enjoy a magical boat ride to witness the Dev Deepawali festival.
Assi Ghat and other Ghats: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Dev Deepawali Boat Ride: Cost estimate - INR 1,000, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to What's Up Cafe, located near the Assi Ghat. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, including fresh fruit smoothie bowls and fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Baati Chokha, a popular local eatery near the Tulsi Manas Temple. This restaurant specializes in traditional Bihari cuisine, with their signature dish being baati - a type of bread served with dal and chokha. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Kashi Chat Bhandar, a famous street food joint near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Known for its mouthwatering chaat items like pani puri and aloo tikki, this place is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 150 INR per person.
Monday, August 14: Varanasi Silk and Shopping
Embark on a cultural journey by exploring Varanasi's renowned silk industry. Visit the Weaver's Village, where you can witness the intricate process of silk weaving, and shop for beautiful silk sarees and fabrics. In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets of Varanasi, such as the Vishwanath Gali and Thateri Bazaar, for handicrafts, jewelry, and local street food.
Shopping in Vishwanath Gali and Thateri Bazaar: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bread of Life Cafe, known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Kashi Chaat Bhandar and indulge in a variety of mouthwatering chaats, such as pani puri and papdi chaat. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Biryani Paradise, where you can savor flavorful biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Tuesday, August 15: Ramnagar Fort and Bharat Mata Temple
Visit the historic Ramnagar Fort, located on the opposite bank of the River Ganges, in the morning. Explore the fort's museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of vintage cars, weapons, and royal artifacts. Afterward, head to the Bharat Mata Temple, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, where each floor represents a different aspect of the country.
Bharat Mata Temple: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Wednesday, August 16: Morning Yoga and Departure
Start your final day in Varanasi with a rejuvenating yoga session. Join a yoga class at one of the renowned yoga centers in the city to experience the spiritual side of Varanasi. Afterward, check out of your hotel and depart from Varanasi, taking with you memories of this magical city.
While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Ramnagar village, located near the Ramnagar Fort. This quaint village offers a glimpse into rural life, with its charming mud houses and scenic surroundings. Another hidden gem is the Malviya Bridge, which connects Varanasi with the neighboring city of Chandauli. Take a walk on the bridge during sunset to enjoy breathtaking views of the Ganges and the city skyline.
For local favorites, indulge in the flavors of Varanasi by trying street food delicacies like kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, and lassi. The bustling streets near Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Godowlia Market are known for their mouthwatering street food stalls. Don't forget to try the famous Banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation that offers a refreshing burst of flavors.
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