Exploring Banaras on a Budget: A Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary
Thursday, January 4: Arrival and Cultural Immersion
Welcome to Banaras! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. In the morning, visit the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and seek blessings for a memorable journey. Experience the spiritual energy as you take a dip in the holy Ganges River during the afternoon. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals accompanied by devotional songs and the lighting of oil lamps.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Ganges River Ghat: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madras Cafe, known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Baati Chokha Restaurant and indulge in their traditional Bihari thali, consisting of dal, baati, chokha, and a variety of other delectable dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a delightful meal at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe where you can savor wood-fired pizzas and a range of Italian delicacies amid a cozy garden setting. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, January 5: Heritage Walk and Sarnath Excursion
Embark on a guided heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Banaras, exploring its hidden gems and ancient architecture. Discover the charm of Manikarnika Ghat, known for its cremation rituals, and marvel at the intricate carvings of the centuries-old buildings. In the afternoon, take a short trip to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum to learn about the Buddhist history and artifacts.
Heritage Walk: Guided tours start from INR 200 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Manikarnika Ghat: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Sarnath: Entrance fee for Dhamek Stupa - INR 20 per person, Sarnath Museum - INR 5 per person, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Ashok Chaat Corner: Start your day with the famous Banarasi breakfast at Ashok Chaat Corner, known for its delectable assortment of chaats and crispy kachoris. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
Pizzeria Vaatika Café: Enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Café, offering a wide range of wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Evergreen Restaurant: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Evergreen Restaurant, known for its scrumptious local and North Indian cuisine. From traditional thalis to mouthwatering kebabs, this restaurant has it all. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Saturday, January 6: Silk Weaving and Banaras Hindu University
Experience the exquisite art of silk weaving by visiting a local Banarasi saree workshop in the morning. Witness skilled artisans create intricate designs using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Afterward, explore the prestigious Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India's top educational institutions. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to admire a vast collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, and textiles.
Silk Weaving Workshop: Free entry, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Banaras Hindu University: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Entrance fee - INR 10 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Morning Bite: Start your day at The Breakfast Corner, a charming cafe offering a variety of delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Quick Bite: For a quick and satisfying lunch, head to Spice Street, a local favorite known for its flavorful Indian street food. Try their mouthwatering chaat, spicy samosas, and refreshing lassi. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Evening Delight: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Essence of India, a cozy restaurant specializing in authentic Banarasi cuisine. Indulge in their rich curries, fragrant biryanis, and melt-in-your-mouth kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Sunday, January 7: Ghat Sunrise Boat Ride and Ramnagar Fort
Rise early for a serene sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River, observing the city's ghats come to life and witnessing Hindu rituals being performed. Afterward, explore the historic Ramnagar Fort, situated on the eastern bank of the river. Discover the royal collection of vintage cars, ancient manuscripts, and weaponry as you delve into the rich history of the region.
Sunrise Boat Ride: Shared boat ride starts from INR 100 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Ramnagar Fort: Entrance fee - INR 15 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Monday, January 8: Banaras Food Trail and Shopping
Indulge in a flavorsome Banaras food trail, savoring local delicacies like chaat, kachori, and lassi. Explore the bustling lanes of Godowlia Market and Lahurabir Market, known for their vibrant atmosphere and a wide range of traditional handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry. Collect souvenirs to cherish your Banaras memories and enjoy a final evening stroll along the ghats, immersing yourself in the city's captivating ambiance.
Banaras Food Trail: Estimated cost - INR 500 per person, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Shopping at Godowlia Market and Lahurabir Market: Personal budget, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Ghat Stroll: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Banaras, don't miss out on these hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, where each floor represents a different era of Indian history. Take a boat ride to the picturesque Chunar Fort, located on the banks of the Ganges, and delve into its fascinating past. Enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, known for its spiritual ambiance and soothing surroundings.
For more information on flights and hotel prices, check out Kayak.