Start your culinary adventure in the holy city of Varanasi. In the morning, head to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and witness the morning Aarti ceremony. Afterward, explore the vibrant lanes of the Old City, where you can indulge in mouthwatering street food like chaat, kachori, and lassi. Spend the afternoon exploring the ghats alongside the sacred River Ganges, and don't miss the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in the evening. Enjoy a traditional Banarasi thali at one of the local restaurants.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 2 hours
Old City Street Food: ₹500 ($7) for tastings, 3 hours
River Ganges Ghats: Free, 2 hours
Ganga Aarti: Free, 1 hour
Traditional Banarasi Thali: ₹400 ($5.5), 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Head to Kashi Chaat Bhandar for a delicious breakfast of aloo tikki, papdi chaat, and kachori. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try Baati Chokha where you can enjoy the traditional Bihari thali consisting of litti chokha, dal, rice, and sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe for wood-fired pizzas and a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Day 2: Saturday, August 26 - Varanasi Exploration
Start your day with a boat ride along the Ganges during sunrise, witness the city come alive, and observe the morning rituals. Afterward, visit the Banaras Hindu University and its famous Vishwanath Temple. For lunch, savor the delicious local delicacy called Malaiyyo, a creamy dessert. Spend the afternoon visiting Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and try some local sweets like jalebi and rabri. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Varanasi Thandai and enjoy the local nightlife scene.
Sunrise Boat Ride: ₹500 ($7), 2 hours
Banaras Hindu University: Free, 2 hours
Malaiyyo: ₹100 ($1.5), 1 hour
Sarnath: Free, 3 hours
Local Sweets: ₹200 ($3), 1 hour
Varanasi Thandai: ₹150 ($2), 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Nutcracker, known for its freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at Baati Chokha, a popular restaurant specializing in traditional Varanasi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Kedar Kashi Bhojnalay offering a wide variety of vegetarian dishes with authentic flavors. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Day 3: Sunday, August 27 - Prayagraj Excursion
Take a day trip to Prayagraj, also known as Allahabad, located around 120 kilometers from Varanasi. Explore the holy city's highlights, including the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Visit the historic Allahabad Fort and the iconic Akshaya Vat tree. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Mughlai cuisine specialties like biryani and kebabs. Wrap up the day by observing the sunset at the Chandrashekhar Azad Park before returning to Varanasi.
A popular breakfast spot in Prayagraj is Sharma Ji Ki Chai, known for its delicious chai and crispy samosas. Average cost for a meal is about 50 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Elachi Restaurant, a must-visit for Mughlai cuisine lovers. Indulge in their aromatic biryani and mouthwatering kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying dinner, try Tamarind Tree, a cozy restaurant offering a wide array of Indian and international dishes. Enjoy their flavorful curries and refreshing cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Day 4: Monday, August 28 - Varanasi Street Food Delights
Dedicate this day to exploring the diverse street food scene in Varanasi. Start your morning with a plate of steaming hot Kachori Sabzi and refreshing lassi. Stroll through the bustling streets and sample local favorites like Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha, and Malai Chai. For lunch, try the famous Banarasi Paan, a betel leaf preparation. In the evening, satisfy your sweet tooth with the delectable local desserts like Gulab Jamun and Balushahi.
Kachori Sabzi and Lassi: ₹100 ($1.5), 1 hour
Street Food Tastings: ₹400 ($5.5), 3 hours
Banarasi Paan: ₹50 ($0.7), 1 hour
Local Desserts: ₹200 ($3), 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day at Kachori Gali, a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious Kachori Sabzi. A meal here will cost you around 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Deena Chaat Bhandar, a famous street food joint offering tasty Tamatar Chaat and Baati Chokha. Expect to spend around 150 INR per person for a meal.
End your day at Choupal Restaurant and Lounge, a cozy dinner spot that serves authentic local cuisine. Enjoy a delicious meal here for around 400 INR per person.
Day 5: Tuesday, August 29 - Varanasi Cooking Experience
Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Varanasi with a cooking experience. Start your day by visiting the local markets to purchase fresh ingredients. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like Dum Aloo, Baingan Bharta, and Malai Peda under the guidance of a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges and witness the evening Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. End your day with a delightful dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of the river.
Local Market Visit: ₹200 ($3), 2 hours
Cooking Experience: ₹1,000 ($14), 3 hours
Boat Ride: ₹500 ($7), 2 hours
Evening Aarti: Free, 1 hour
Rooftop Dinner: ₹800 ($11), 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varanasi is Keshari. Known for its delicious Aloo Puri and Chole Bhature, this restaurant offers a delightful start to the day. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to Poonam Restaurant, a local favorite in Varanasi. With a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, their Thali meals are a must-try. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 rupees per person.
When it comes to dinner in Varanasi, Brown Bread Bakery & Cafe is a fantastic choice. This rooftop restaurant offers a stunning view of the river and serves a range of continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 rupees per person.
Day 6: Wednesday, August 30 - Varanasi Departure
Say goodbye to Varanasi with a memorable morning boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the city's spiritual rituals. Afterward, explore the local markets for some last-minute souvenir shopping, including Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts. Enjoy a final hearty meal of Varanasi's famous street food before departing for your next destination.
Morning Boat Ride: ₹500 ($7), 2 hours
Market Shopping: ₹500 ($7), 2 hours
Street Food Farewell: ₹400 ($5.5), 1.5 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varanasi is Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its delicious local street food. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Yadav Dhaba which serves authentic North Indian cuisine. Their thalis are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with dinner at Brown Bread Bakery, a cozy cafe that offers a variety of dishes including European and Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path experiences, venture into Varanasi's alleyways to discover hidden gems like the Blue Lassi Shop, renowned for its delicious lassis in various flavors. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local specialty, Banarasi Paan, at different paan shops. Explore the lesser-known ghats like Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat to experience the city's authentic charm. Indulge in a unique dining experience at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the Ganges while relishing authentic regional cuisine.