3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Varanasi

Thursday, September 7: Exploring the Spiritual Capital

In the morning, start your journey by visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Witness the morning aarti ceremony, a beautiful ritual involving lamps, incense, and devotional songs. Afterward, head to the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which showcases ancient artifacts and sculptures related to Buddhism. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the holy River Ganges and witness the evening Ganga aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. In the evening, explore the vibrant streets of Varanasi and savor some delicious local street food.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Cost - INR 10 (approx.), Time - 2 hours
• Boat ride on River Ganges: Cost - INR 200 (approx.), Time - 1 hour
• Ganga aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Deena Chaat Bhandar, a popular street food joint known for its delicious and budget-friendly chaat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• Enjoy a traditional Indian thali for lunch at Vishnu Tea Emporium, a local favorite. Their thali includes a variety of vegetarian dishes and is priced at around 200 INR per person.
• Savor the flavors of authentic Varanasi cuisine at Baati Chokha for dinner. This restaurant specializes in traditional Bihari and Uttar Pradesh cuisine, with a meal for two costing approximately 600 INR.

Friday, September 8: Cultural Immersion

In the morning, visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore its beautiful campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Indian art and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city, known as the "Galaxy of Alleys." Explore the bustling markets, witness the silk weaving process, and visit the famous Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest cremation grounds. In the evening, enjoy a classical music and dance performance at the Ramnagar Fort.

• Banaras Hindu University: Cost - Free, Time - 2 hours
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Cost - INR 20 (approx.), Time - 1.5 hours
• Rickshaw ride through the old city: Cost - INR 200 (approx.), Time - 2 hours
• Manikarnika Ghat: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour
• Classical performance at Ramnagar Fort: Cost - INR 100 (approx.), Time - 2 hours

Restaurants

• The Shiva Cafe is a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and refreshing chai. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• A visit to Sri Annapurna Restaurant is a must for a wholesome vegetarian lunch experience. Their thali meals are highly recommended. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For a memorable dinner, head to Blue Lassi, a legendary eatery famous for its variety of lassi flavors. Don't miss their signature malai lassi. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.

Saturday, September 9: Sacred Morning and Cultural Experiences

Start your day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to witness the mystical rituals performed by devotees along the riverbanks. Afterward, visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and explore the beautiful garden surrounding it. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Ramnagar Fort, known for its stunning architecture and museum displaying vintage cars, weapons, and artifacts. In the evening, experience a traditional Indian cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Varanasi cuisine with a local family.

• Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges: Cost - INR 200 (approx.), Time - 1.5 hours
• Tulsi Manas Temple: Cost - Free, Time - 1 hour
• Ramnagar Fort: Cost - INR 100 (approx.), Time - 2 hours
• Traditional cooking class: Cost - INR 500 (approx.), Time - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, don't miss out on visiting the charming Assi Ghat, located at the confluence of rivers Ganges and Assi. It offers a serene environment and is perfect for a peaceful evening stroll. Another offbeat attraction is the Banaras Ghats Museum, which provides insights into the history and significance of Varanasi's ghats. For a unique experience, head to the Aghor Ashram, where you can interact with Aghori Sadhus (holy men) and gain a deeper understanding of their spiritual practices. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the local culture and provide a different perspective on Varanasi's spiritual heritage.