Tuesday, August 15: Exploring the Spiritual Capital
Begin your journey in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. In the morning, witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the sacred Ganges River from the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. Experience the spirituality and ancient rituals by taking a boat ride along the river, passing by various ghats. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple to seek blessings. As the evening approaches, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a captivating ritual of fire and prayer.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2-3 hours
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast choice near Dashashwamedh Ghat is Deena Chat Bhandar, known for its delicious and authentic Indian street food. Average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, head to Shree Cafe, a charming riverside restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Varanasi Kitchen, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Ganges River. They serve a mix of Indian and continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Wednesday, August 16: Exploring the Ancient City
Immerse yourself in the historical lanes of Varanasi in the morning by exploring the narrow streets of the Old City (Varanasi's maze-like alleys). Witness the age-old silk weaving tradition at the Banaras Silk Emporium. In the afternoon, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum located within the Banaras Hindu University campus, which houses a vast collection of Indian art and archaeological artifacts. For a peaceful evening, head to the Sarnath Archaeological Site, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Old City Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
Banaras Silk Emporium: Varies, 1-2 hours
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: INR 50 (approx. $0.70), 2-3 hours
Sarnath Archaeological Site: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for their delicious dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Savor authentic Varanasi cuisine for lunch at The Great Kabab Factory, offering a wide range of delectable kebabs and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Bread of Life, known for their global cuisine and panoramic views of the Ganges River. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, August 17: Tranquil Temples and Ghats
Start your day by visiting the serene Assi Ghat in the morning, where pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. From there, explore the beautiful and less crowded Tulsi Ghat, known for its tranquility. In the afternoon, visit the New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, which is a masterpiece of architectural grandeur. Enjoy a peaceful evening boat ride, starting from Manikarnika Ghat, to witness the fascinating cremation rituals that are an integral part of Varanasi's culture.
Assi Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Tulsi Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
New Vishwanath Temple (Birla Temple): Free, 1-2 hours
For breakfast, head to the popular Blue Lassi shop located near Assi Ghat, known for its delicious and refreshing lassi flavors. Average cost for a breakfast at this shop is about ₹100 per person.
For lunch, visit the quaint Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, situated near Tulsi Ghat, where you can enjoy mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes. Average cost for a lunch at this cafe is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, dine at the renowned Keshari Restaurant, located close to Manikarnika Ghat, offering a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes at affordable prices. Average cost for a dinner at this restaurant is about ₹250 per person.
Friday, August 18: Cultural Exploration
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi by starting your day with a visit to the renowned Ramnagar Fort, which is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. In the afternoon, explore the traditional markets of Varanasi, such as the Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazaar, to indulge in local shopping and try delectable street food. In the evening, attend a classical music and dance performance at the famous Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts.
Ramnagar Fort: INR 25 (approx. $0.35), 2-3 hours
Vishwanath Gali: Varies, 1-2 hours
Thatheri Bazaar: Varies, 1-2 hours
Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varanasi is Kedar Nath Doodh Bhandar, known for its delicious milk-based drinks and snacks. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 100 per person.
For lunch, head to Deena Chaat Bhandar, a local favorite for its mouthwatering chaats and street food. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
For dinner, try Baati Chokha, a restaurant known for its authentic Bihari cuisine, specializing in Baati (wheat bread) and Chokha (spicy mashed potatoes). Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Saturday, August 19: Nature and History
In the morning, take a break from the city's hustle and bustle by visiting the serene and beautiful Sarnath Deer Park, home to a large population of deer. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument, and the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, a monastery. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath to gain insights into the city's rich history. Spend the evening at the beautiful and peaceful Nepali Temple, known for its stunning woodwork and exquisite architecture.
Sarnath Deer Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Dhamek Stupa: Free, 1-2 hours
Mulagandhakuti Vihara: Free, 1-2 hours
Archaeological Museum in Sarnath: INR 5 (approx. $0.07), 2-3 hours
Nepali Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a traditional Indian breakfast at Kashi Vishwanath Dhaba. This popular restaurant serves delicious samosas and parathas. Average cost for a meal is about 50-100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head over to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe. Enjoy their wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes in a peaceful garden setting. Average cost for a meal is about 200-400 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Bana Lassi, a famous lassi shop in Varanasi. Indulge in their refreshing lassi flavors and try their mouthwatering chaat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100-200 INR per person.
Sunday, August 20: Spiritual Retreat
Embark on a spiritual retreat by visiting the sacred Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the morning. Explore the peaceful and picturesque Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most ancient and prominent cremation ghats in Varanasi. In the afternoon, take a soothing boat ride to the tranquil Chunar Fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River, and witness the breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding area. Spend your evening at the divine and serene Annapurna Temple.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Boat Ride to Chunar Fort: Varies, 2-3 hours
Chunar Fort: INR 25 (approx. $0.35), 2-3 hours
Annapurna Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Brown Bread Bakery and try their delicious freshly baked breads and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Open Hand Cafe and enjoy their eclectic menu which includes both Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, dine at the historic Pizzeria Vatika, known for its wood-fired pizzas and cozy ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Monday, August 21: Serenity and Farewell
In the morning, seek serenity by visiting the tranquil and picturesque Ramnagar Vanarasi Ashram, a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery. Explore the famous Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, known for its sprawling gardens and peaceful environment. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the serene Assi Ghat, bidding farewell to the enchanting city of Varanasi.
Ramnagar Vanarasi Ashram: Free, 1-2 hours
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Campus: Free, 2-3 hours
Assi Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Mango Tree Cafe: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Mango Tree Cafe, located near Ramnagar Vanarasi Ashram. This cafe offers a variety of fresh fruit smoothies, homemade granola, and traditional Indian breakfast dishes. Breakfast prices range from 100-300 INR per person.
Lotus Lounge: For lunch, head to Lotus Lounge, a vegetarian restaurant located within the Banaras Hindu University campus. This cozy eatery serves a range of Indian and international dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and thali meals. Lunch prices range from 200-500 INR per person.
Varuna: Indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Varuna, a popular fine-dining restaurant situated near Assi Ghat. Known for its ambiance and exquisite Indian cuisine, Varuna offers a menu featuring a selection of kebabs, curries, and biryanis. Dinner prices range from 500-1000 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While in Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to explore the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the offbeat Man Mandir Observatory, an ancient astronomical observatory with stunning views of the city. Explore the narrow lanes and hidden corners of Varanasi's Old City, where you can witness local life and discover hidden temples. Indulge in local street food delicacies like kachori, jalebi, and lassi at popular local eateries such as Ksheer Sagar and Blue Lassi.
For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak to find the best deals and prices for your stay in Varanasi.