Welcome to Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world! Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up. In the morning, head to the ghats of the River Ganges for a captivating boat ride. Witness the sunrise and observe the locals performing their daily religious rituals along the riverbanks. Afterward, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, to experience the spiritual ambiance. In the evening, indulge in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a ritual of worship using fire and oil lamps.
Boat Ride on the Ganges: INR 200 (~$2.70), 2 hours
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Blue Lassi for a delicious and refreshing breakfast. This famous lassi shop offers a variety of flavors such as mango, banana, and chocolate. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Savor authentic Indian cuisine at Bhoj Restaurant for lunch. With a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, this restaurant is known for its flavorful curries and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe. Indulge in their wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and refreshing beverages while enjoying the serene garden ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Exploring Varanasi's Spiritual Side
Embark on a guided walking tour of the old city of Varanasi, known as the "City of Temples." Begin the morning by visiting the iconic Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation site in Varanasi, and gain insight into Hindu death rituals. Continue your exploration to the historic temples of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, and Tulsi Manas Temple. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the bustling narrow streets lined with shops selling silk sarees, handicrafts, and traditional Banarasi sweets. Don't miss the opportunity to savor delicious street food at the famous Kachori Gali.
Walking Tour: INR 500 (~$6.75), 4-6 hours
Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Free, 1 hour
Durga Temple: Free, 1 hour
Tulsi Manas Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery, a charming cafe offering a variety of freshly baked goods and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Open Hand Cafe, a popular vegetarian restaurant with a rooftop seating area overlooking the Ganges River. Enjoy their diverse menu featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Keshari Restaurant, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine and panoramic views of the Ganges River. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Cultural Heritage Exploration
Start your day by visiting the renowned Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art and archaeological museum located inside the Banaras Hindu University campus. Discover a vast collection of exquisite paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that depict the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi and India. Afterward, take a short excursion to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and delve into the tranquility of the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple. Return to Varanasi in the evening and witness the magical Ganga Aarti from a boat.
Bharat Kala Bhavan: INR 20 (~$0.30), 2-3 hours
Sarnath Excursion: INR 500 (~$6.75), 4-5 hours
Dhamek Stupa: Free, 1-2 hours
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madhur Milan Cafe, known for its authentic Indian dishes and great vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Enjoy a hearty lunch at The Great Kabab Factory, offering a wide variety of mouthwatering kababs, biryanis, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Biryani Art, a popular restaurant famous for its flavorful biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Varanasi's Cultural Delights
Start your day with a heritage walk through the charming lanes of Varanasi, observing the ancient architecture and traditional way of life. Explore the vibrant markets, including the famous Chowk and Vishwanath Gali, where you can shop for traditional textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Visit the renowned Ramnagar Fort, situated on the banks of the Ganges and known for its exquisite architecture and collection of vintage cars. In the evening, treat yourself to a classical music and dance performance, showcasing the cultural essence of Varanasi.
Heritage Walk: INR 300 (~$4), 3-4 hours
Chowk and Vishwanath Gali: Free, 2-3 hours
Ramnagar Fort: INR 50 (~$0.70), 2-3 hours
Classical Music and Dance Performance: INR 500 (~$6.75), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Varanasi is Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its mouthwatering chaats and snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Baati Chokha, a local restaurant famous for its traditional Bihari cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, head to Varuna, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the Ganges. Indulge in their delectable Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a deeper cultural immersion, consider exploring the lesser-known sites of Varanasi. Visit the Ramnagar Village, located across the river, to witness rural life and interact with the locals. Take a day trip to Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can enjoy nature walks amidst lush greenery and spot unique wildlife. Don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine, such as Banarasi paan (betel leaf), Malaiyo (a winter delicacy), and Thandai (a refreshing drink), to truly experience the flavors of Varanasi.