Exploring the Ancient City of Varanasi: A 6-Day Itinerary
Friday, December 8: Arrival and Evening Ganga Aarti
Start your trip to Varanasi by arriving at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. After checking into your hotel, head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony. The mesmerizing ritual involves the offering of prayers and lamps to the sacred river Ganges, accompanied by devotional music and chanting. Absorb the spiritual atmosphere and allow yourself to be immersed in the cultural heritage of Varanasi.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Zebaa: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Zebaa, located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Indulge in their popular Indian breakfast dishes such as aloo paratha and masala chai. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Banaras Ki Rasoi: For lunch, head to Banaras Ki Rasoi, a traditional restaurant known for its authentic Varanasi cuisine. Try their famous thali, a platter filled with a variety of vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Shivala Restaurant: For dinner, Shivala Restaurant is a must-visit. Located close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, this rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the Ganges. Enjoy their mouthwatering North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, December 9: Morning Boat Ride and Sarnath Excursion
Start your day by taking a serene boat ride on the Ganges River during sunrise. Witness the city waking up and observe the rituals and activities along the ghats. Afterward, visit the ancient site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the archaeological ruins, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and learn about the Buddhist heritage of the region.
Ganges Boat Ride: INR 200 per person, 2 hours
Sarnath: INR 100 per person, 3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Chowk Restaurant A popular local spot known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes like puri bhaji and jalebi. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Lunch: Baati Chokha Experience the flavors of Uttar Pradesh at Baati Chokha with their thali meals that include traditional dishes like baati and dal batti churma. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Dinner: Brown Bread Bakery Head to Brown Bread Bakery for a cozy dinner and enjoy their menu of international cuisine featuring homemade bread, wood-fired pizza, and salads. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Sunday, December 10: Varanasi Old City Exploration
Dedicate this day to exploring the narrow lanes and bustling markets of Varanasi's Old City. Begin your morning with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a walking tour through the colorful bazaars, where you can shop for silk sarees, spices, and handicrafts. In the evening, experience a traditional Ayurvedic massage to relax and rejuvenate.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 2 hours
Old City Bazaar: Cost varies, 4 hours
Ayurvedic Massage: INR 1,000 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
Situated in the heart of Varanasi's Old City, Morning Delight offers a delicious breakfast spread consisting of traditional Indian dishes like puri bhaji and poori sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Ganpati Restaurant, known for its lip-smacking vegetarian thalis. With a variety of dishes like dal, paneer, and chapati, you can enjoy a satisfying meal at an average cost of 200 INR per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at Lotus Lounge, a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the Ganges River. Known for its fusion cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of dishes like tandoori momos and butter chicken. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, December 11: Rural Village Visit and Saree Weaving
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the rural charm of Varanasi. Take a day trip to a nearby village and witness the traditional way of life. Interact with the locals, participate in agricultural activities, and enjoy a homemade lunch. Return to Varanasi in the afternoon and visit a saree weaving center to witness the intricate process of handloom weaving.
Rural Village Visit: INR 500 per person, 6 hours
Saree Weaving Center: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, a cozy cafe in Varanasi. Enjoy a variety of options from Indian specialties to traditional English breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Spice Garden for an authentic Indian dining experience. Indulge in flavorful curries, biryanis, and tandoori specialties. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Lotus Rooftop, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the ancient city. Savor a mix of Indian and international cuisines while enjoying the enchanting ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Sunrise Boat Ride and Banaras Hindu University
Start your day with another enchanting boat ride on the Ganges River, this time during sunrise. Witness the golden hues of the early morning and observe the rituals and rituals being performed by the riverbanks. Afterward, visit the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, known for its beautiful campus and renowned faculties. Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the New Vishwanath Temple.
Ganges Boat Ride: INR 200 per person, 2 hours
Banaras Hindu University: Free, 3 hours
Wednesday, December 13: Day Trip to Ramnagar Fort and Sonepur
Spend your last day in Varanasi with a day trip to Ramnagar Fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Explore the historical fort, visit the museum, and watch the fascinating Ramnagar Fort Museum. In the afternoon, head to Sonepur, a town famous for its cattle fair. Witness the vibrant atmosphere of the fair, where traders from all over the region gather to buy and sell livestock.
Ramnagar Fort: INR 50 per person, 3 hours
Sonepur Cattle Fair: Free, 4 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, make sure to visit the following hidden gems and local favorites to enhance your city experiences:
Bharat Mata Temple: This unique temple is dedicated to Mother India and features a relief map of India carved in marble. It symbolizes the unity and diversity of the nation.
Munshi Ghat: A peaceful and less crowded ghat, perfect for meditation and contemplation. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful views of the river.
Manikarnika Ghat: The main cremation ghat in Varanasi. While it may not be for everyone, witnessing the cremation rituals can provide insight into Hindu funeral customs and the cycle of life.
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