Start your cultural immersion in Varanasi by arriving at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. Check-in at one of the hotels near the airport. In the evening, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, where priests perform rituals with fire and chant mantras, creating a spiritual ambiance.
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Varuna Cafe, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe and indulge in their wood-fired brick oven pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Biryani Mahal, a local favorite for its flavorful biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, February 17: Morning Boat Ride and Sarnath Excursion
Start your morning with a boat ride on the holy River Ganges, observing the rituals and ceremonies taking place along the ghats. Afterward, visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum to delve deeper into Buddhism's history.
Boat Ride on the Ganges: INR 250 (approx.), 2 hours
Sarnath Excursion: INR 100 (approx.), 4 hours
Restaurants
Ram Bhawan: A popular breakfast spot offering a variety of delicious Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Silk Route: Enjoy a flavorful lunch at this restaurant known for its authentic Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Vegan & Gluten Free Kitchen: For dinner, head to this restaurant specializing in healthy and sustainable plant-based dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, February 18: Varanasi Temples Tour
Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting the renowned temples of Varanasi. Begin with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and the Durga Temple. In the evening, experience the Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat, a more serene and less crowded place to witness this beautiful ritual.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 2 hours
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Free, 1 hour
Durga Temple: Free, 1 hour
Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Indian breakfast experience at Shri Annapurna Restaurant, located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Indulge in traditional Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and puri bhaji. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Blue Lassi Shop, situated near the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. Try their famous lassis made with fresh fruits and yogurt. They also serve light snacks like samosas and pakoras. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Darbhanga Restaurant, located near the Durga Temple. This restaurant specializes in authentic North Indian cuisine and offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Monday, February 19: Varanasi Heritage Walk
Take a heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city, exploring the traditional markets and witnessing the local way of life. Visit the famous Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat, and gain insights into the fascinating rituals surrounding death and reincarnation. End the day with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University campus and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
Heritage Walk in Varanasi: Free, 3 hours
Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Banaras Hindu University campus and Bharat Kala Bhavan: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Bana Lassi, a popular local spot known for their delicious lassi and breakfast options. A meal here will cost you around 100 INR per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch, try Blue Lassi, a charming rooftop cafe that serves a variety of lassis and vegetarian snacks. Expect to spend around 200 INR per person for a meal.
For dinner, visit Keshari Restaurant, a renowned establishment serving authentic Indian cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful curries and biryanis, with a meal costing about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, February 20: Day Trip to Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort
Explore the outskirts of Varanasi by taking a day trip to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, and the Ramnagar Fort. In Sarnath, visit the Chaukhandi Stupa and the ruins of the ancient Buddhist monasteries. Later, head to Ramnagar Fort, an 18th-century fort housing a museum showcasing vintage cars, ancient weaponry, and intricately designed palanquins.
Chaukhandi Stupa: INR 20 (approx.), 1 hour
Ramnagar Fort: INR 50 (approx.), 2 hours
Wednesday, February 21: Varanasi Silk Shopping and Ghat Exploration
Indulge in the rich textile heritage of Varanasi by shopping for exquisite silk sarees and fabrics in the bustling markets. Visit the Weaver's Village to witness the intricate process of handloom weaving. Later, explore the lesser-known ghats, such as Man Mandir Ghat and Ahilyabai Ghat, for a more serene experience away from the crowds.
Silk Shopping in Varanasi: Variable, 3 hours
Weaver's Village: Free, 1 hour
Exploring Lesser-known Ghats: Free, 2 hours
Thursday, February 22: Varanasi Cuisine and Music
Savor the flavors of Varanasi's local cuisine by trying delicacies like Kachori, Tamatar Chaat, and Malaiyyo. Explore the vibrant streets of Varanasi while enjoying street food. In the evening, immerse yourself in the classical music traditions of Varanasi by attending a live performance of Hindustani classical music.
Varanasi Street Food: Variable, 2 hours
Hindustani Classical Music Performance: INR 500 (approx.), 3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a deeper cultural immersion, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of India carved out of marble. Another hidden gem is the Kriti Gallery, exhibiting the works of local and contemporary artists. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby village of Ramnagar, where you can witness rural life and traditions.