Start your trip in Varanasi by immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the ghats along the Ganges River. In the morning, take a boat ride along the river to witness the rituals and ceremonies. Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place in the evening. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow lanes of the old city, known for its vibrant markets and temples. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing aarti ceremony and feel the spiritual energy of Varanasi come alive.
Boat Ride on the Ganges: Cost estimate: ₹200 ($3), Time spent: 2 hours
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Exploring the Old City: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 3 hours
Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Situated near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Morning Delights is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Located in the heart of the old city, Divine Flavors is a must-visit for lunch, offering a wide range of vegetarian thalis and local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Biryani Junction, known for its aromatic biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, May 26: Sarnath and Museum Visit
On the second day, visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located just a few kilometers from Varanasi. Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which houses ancient artifacts and sculptures. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple. Spend the afternoon exploring the peaceful gardens and ruins of Sarnath. Return to Varanasi in the evening to witness another enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Dhamek Stupa: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Try out the famous Blue Lassi Shop for a delightful breakfast. Located in Varanasi, this iconic spot offers a variety of lassi flavors, including traditional and exotic options. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Ksheer Sagar, a popular vegetarian restaurant near Sarnath. Enjoy their delicious thalis and North Indian specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Bana Lassi, a cozy restaurant known for its lassis and mouthwatering street food. Located in Varanasi, this eatery offers a range of flavorsome snacks and beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Monday, May 27: Varanasi Silk Weaving and Sankat Mochan Temple
Start your day by visiting a Varanasi silk weaving center to learn about the traditional art of silk weaving. Witness the intricate process of creating beautiful Banarasi sarees. Afterward, head to the Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Spend the afternoon exploring the temple complex and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, take a scenic walk along the Assi Ghat and enjoy a boat ride to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony from a different perspective.
Varanasi Silk Weaving Center: Cost estimate: Free (optional purchase of silk products), Time spent: 2 hours
Sankat Mochan Temple: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2 hours
Boat Ride from Assi Ghat: Cost estimate: ₹100 ($1.40), Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Delight: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cafe Delight, known for their delicious Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Baati Chokha: For lunch, head to Baati Chokha and savor authentic Bihari cuisine including baati, chokha, and dal pithi. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Varuna Restaurant: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Varuna Restaurant, offering a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, May 28: Ramnagar Fort and Bharat Kala Bhavan
On the fourth day, visit the Ramnagar Fort, situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges River. Explore the stunning architecture and the museum showcasing vintage cars, weapons, and artifacts. Afterward, head to the Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art and archaeological museum located within the Banaras Hindu University campus. Spend the afternoon admiring the exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Ramnagar Fort: Cost estimate: ₹20 ($0.28), Time spent: 2 hours
Bharat Kala Bhavan: Cost estimate: ₹10 ($0.14), Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madhur Milan Cafe, located near Ramnagar Fort. This cozy cafe offers a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Siddharth Cafe & Restaurant, a popular vegetarian eatery near Bharat Kala Bhavan. They serve a range of traditional Indian thalis and snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Olive Garden Restaurant, known for its rooftop seating and panoramic views of the Ganges River. They specialize in North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, May 29: Varanasi Food Tour and Ayurvedic Massage
Embark on a culinary adventure by joining a Varanasi food tour. Explore the local markets and taste a variety of street foods, including chaat, kachori, and lassi. Afterward, indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage to relax your body and mind. Spend the afternoon exploring the colorful markets and shops for souvenirs and handicrafts. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the river and soak in the magical atmosphere of the ghats.
Ayurvedic Massage: Cost estimate: ₹1000-1500 ($14-21), Time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Banaras Lassi Corner: Start your day with a refreshing lassi at Banaras Lassi Corner, famous for its creamy and flavored lassis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
Deena Chaat Bhandar: For a delicious and affordable lunch, head to Deena Chaat Bhandar. Indulge in their mouthwatering chaat dishes like bhel puri and pani puri. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Bhainsa Kund: Experience authentic Varanasi cuisine at Bhainsa Kund, known for its delectable thalis and local specialties like Malaiyyo and Kachori Sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Thursday, May 30: Chunar Fort and Silk Shopping
Take a day trip to Chunar, a historic town located about 40 kilometers from Varanasi. Explore the Chunar Fort, known for its strategic location and stunning views of the Ganges River. Spend the afternoon visiting the local silk shops and indulge in some silk shopping. Return to Varanasi in the evening to witness the mystical Ganga Aarti ceremony once again.
Chunar Fort: Cost estimate: ₹10 ($0.14), Time spent: 3 hours
Silk Shopping: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: 2 hours
Boat Ride from Varanasi: Cost estimate: ₹100 ($1.40), Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Pluck is a cozy breakfast spot in Varanasi, known for its delicious omelettes and refreshing chai. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Keshari Restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Indian dishes for lunch, including mouth-watering thalis and flavorful curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, head to The Great Kabab Factory. Indulge in their succulent kababs, biryanis, and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, May 31: Varanasi Yoga and Meditation
On your last day in Varanasi, immerse yourself in the ancient practice of yoga and meditation. Join a yoga session led by experienced instructors and learn the art of mindfulness. Spend the afternoon exploring the serene ghats and enjoying the peaceful ambiance. In the evening, witness a final Ganga Aarti ceremony to bid farewell to Varanasi and its spiritual energy.
Yoga Session: Cost estimate: ₹200-500 ($3-7), Time spent: 2 hours
Exploring the Ghats: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 3 hours
Final Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Head to Kashi Vishwanath Dhaba for a delicious breakfast of traditional Indian dishes like Aloo Paratha and Chole Bhature. Average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
For lunch, try the rooftop restaurant at Bana Lassi. Indulge in a refreshing lassi and enjoy a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 250 per person.
For dinner, experience the culinary delights at Dum Biryani House. Savor the flavorful biryanis and kebabs, and end your meal with a sweet treat. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat, to observe the rituals and understand the cycle of life and death. Explore the hidden alleys of Varanasi's old city, away from the tourist crowds, and discover charming temples and local markets. Don't forget to try the famous Banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation filled with a variety of mouth-refreshing ingredients.
For hotel and flight prices in Varanasi, you can check here.