3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Banaras

Friday, November 24: Exploring the Spiritual Charm

Start your trip to Banaras by immersing yourself in the spiritual charm of this ancient city. In the morning, visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the tranquility as you witness the morning prayers and rituals. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River and witness the famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant and lively streets of the city, filled with local markets and shops.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Ganges River Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Dashashwamedh Ghat: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Cafe D Indian: Located near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Cafe D Indian offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian breakfast options. Enjoy dishes like masala dosa and aloo paratha. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
• Sarnath Cafe: After exploring the Ganges River, head to Sarnath Cafe for a delicious lunch. This restaurant serves a range of Indian, Tibetan, and continental dishes. Must-try items include momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• Peshawari: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Peshawari, known for its authentic Mughlai cuisine. Try their famous kebabs and biryanis for a flavorful experience. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.

Saturday, November 25: Cultural Immersion

On the second day, delve deeper into the cultural heritage of Banaras. Start your morning with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in India. Explore the beautiful campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, showcasing an impressive collection of Indian art. In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath archaeological site, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the ancient ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa. In the evening, enjoy a classical music and dance performance at the famous Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts.

• Banaras Hindu University: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3-4 hours
• Bharat Kala Bhavan: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Sarnath: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts: Estimated Cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, November 26: Varanasi Food Trail

On the last day, embark on a culinary adventure exploring the delicious flavors of Varanasi. Start your day with a traditional Banarasi breakfast at Ram Bhandar, known for its mouthwatering kachori and sabzi. In the afternoon, visit the famous Blue Lassi shop and indulge in their signature lassi flavors. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi and try local street food like chaat, samosa, and kachori. End your trip with a sunset boat ride, enjoying the panoramic views of the city and the famous evening Ganga Aarti.

• Ram Bhandar: Estimated Cost - INR 100-200 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Blue Lassi: Estimated Cost - INR 50-100 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Varanasi Street Food: Estimated Cost - INR 200-300 per person, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Sunset Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 500-800 per person, Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Banaras, don't miss the opportunity to visit the off the beaten path attractions and experience the local favorites. Take a walk through the serene and picturesque Ramnagar Fort, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Explore the fort's museum and witness the grandeur of the past. Another hidden gem is the Man Mandir Observatory, an ancient astronomical observatory with fascinating instruments. For a unique experience, visit the Assi Ghat in the early morning to witness the mesmerizing sunrise and participate in yoga and meditation sessions.

For more information on hotel and flight prices in Banaras, you can check kayak.com.