Arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel. In the evening, head to the ghats along the Ganges River to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. As the spiritual chants fill the air, soak in the ambiance and enjoy the divine energy. Afterward, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the local riverside restaurants.
Dinner at riverside restaurant: ₹500-₹1000, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A must-visit breakfast spot is Bread of Life, where you can savor freshly baked bread, croissants, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a delightful lunch, head to The Great Kebab Factory, known for its wide variety of succulent kebabs served with a range of flavorful chutneys. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to the flavors of South India at Vaatika Cafe & Restaurant, offering a wide selection of delicious dosas and South Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
Saturday, October 21: Morning Boat Ride and Street Food Exploration
Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River during sunrise. Witness the city come to life and observe the rituals performed along the ghats. Afterward, embark on a street food exploration tour through the bustling lanes of Varanasi. Sample local delicacies like kachori, chaat, and lassi, immersing yourself in the vibrant food culture.
Morning boat ride: ₹200-₹500, 2 hours
Street food exploration: ₹300-₹500, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar, famous for their crispy kachoris and flavorful chole. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Vishwanath Gali and dine at Deena Chaat Bhandar, where you can indulge in mouthwatering chaat dishes like pani puri and aloo tikki. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at Brown Bread Bakery. This cozy cafe offers a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Italian, and continental. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Sarnath Excursion and Traditional Thali
Take a day trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site located just outside Varanasi. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and gain insights into the teachings of Buddha. Return to Varanasi and treat yourself to a traditional thali meal, which offers a variety of regional dishes on one platter.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Shree Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of breakfast options such as Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Keshari Restaurant. Known for its traditional Indian thali, this restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian dishes that will leave you wanting more. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Ganga View Restaurant. Located by the Ganges River, this restaurant offers stunning views and a diverse menu featuring Indian and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Spice Market Visit and Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Varanasi by visiting the local spice market. Experience the aroma of exotic spices and learn about their usage in Indian cuisine. Afterward, participate in a cooking class where you can learn to prepare authentic Varanasi dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring the delicious meal you've cooked.
Spice market visit: Free, 1-2 hours
Cooking class: ₹1000-₹2000, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Jalebi Shop, known for their freshly made jalebis, a popular Indian sweet. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Bana Lassi, a local favorite known for their refreshing and creamy lassis. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
End your day with a flavorful dinner at Biryani Junction, where you can indulge in delicious biryanis made with aromatic spices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Cultural Heritage Walk and Banarasi Paan
Embark on a cultural heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, immersing yourself in the city's rich history and architecture. Visit ancient temples, hidden alleys, and traditional workshops. In the evening, indulge in a quintessential Varanasi experience by trying Banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation filled with various sweet and savory ingredients.
Cultural heritage walk: Free, 3-4 hours
Banarasi paan: ₹20-₹50, 30 minutes
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varanasi is Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its delicious breakfast items like aloo puri and kachori. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 100 per person.
For lunch, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, where you can enjoy a variety of wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
In the evening, dine at Biryani Bazaar, a renowned restaurant offering a wide range of flavorful biryani options. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 250 per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Silk Weaving Demonstration and Biryani Feast
Visit a silk weaving center to witness the intricate art of Banarasi saree making. Learn about the traditional techniques and observe skilled artisans at work. Afterward, treat yourself to a flavorsome biryani feast, a fragrant rice dish layered with aromatic spices and tender meat, at a renowned local eatery.
Silk weaving demonstration: Free, 1-2 hours
Biryani feast: ₹300-₹700, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A cozy cafe called "Café Latte" is perfect for breakfast, offering a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to "Ganga View Restaurant" overlooking the sacred Ganges River. Indulge in a delicious thali, a traditional Indian meal comprising of various vegetarian dishes served with rice and bread. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit "Varuna Mehran" which specializes in authentic Mughlai cuisine. Feast on mouthwatering kebabs, rich curries, and fragrant biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Thursday, October 26: Varanasi Street Photography and Chaat Tasting
Explore the vibrant streets of Varanasi with your camera in hand, capturing the essence of the city through street photography. Interact with locals, marvel at the colorful markets, and document the cultural diversity. As you wander, don't forget to indulge in the famous Varanasi chaat, a savory street snack bursting with flavors.
Street photography: Free, 3-4 hours
Chaat tasting: ₹100-₹300, 1 hour
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day at Madhur Milan Cafe, a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious South Indian dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: For a satisfying vegetarian lunch, head to Deepak Tambul Bhojanalaya. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional North Indian thalis, including a wide selection of vegetable curries, dal, roti, and rice. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a rooftop dining experience at Dosa Cafe for dinner. This restaurant specializes in South Indian cuisine, serving mouthwatering dosas, idlis, and uttapams with a stunning view of the city. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, visit the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest cremation grounds in Varanasi, and witness the rituals surrounding death and rebirth. Explore the hidden alleyways of Vishwanath Gali, known for its traditional sweet shops and local food joints serving mouthwatering delicacies. Don't miss out on trying the famous "malaiyo," a seasonal milk-based dessert, available only during the winter months.