Explore Banaras and Mirzapur: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary
Friday, October 20: Arrival in Banaras
Welcome to Banaras! Start your trip by checking into a family-friendly hotel. Take a leisurely walk along the ghats of River Ganges in the morning, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. As the evening sets in, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony on Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Shri Annapurna Mishtan Bhandar. This restaurant is known for its delicious Indian breakfast options such as hot samosas, jalebis, and poha. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to The Great Kebab Factory. Indulge in an extensive buffet spread of mouthwatering kebabs, biryanis, and curries. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Brown Bread Bakery & Pizzeria. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and desserts. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Saturday, October 21: Varanasi Exploration
Explore the cultural richness of Varanasi by taking a boat ride on the Ganges during sunrise. Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, in the morning. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the lanes of Varanasi's old city, known for its bustling markets and street food. Make sure to try the famous Banarasi Paan. In the evening, enjoy a traditional classical music and dance performance.
Banaras Hindu University: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Exploring Varanasi's Old City: Estimated cost for food and shopping: INR 500-1000, estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
Classical Music and Dance Performance: Ticket cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Sunday, October 22: Sarnath Excursion
Embark on a day trip to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to learn about the history and significance of Buddhism. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch in the beautiful gardens of Sarnath. Return to Banaras in the evening and relax.
Sarnath Excursion: Estimated cost for transportation and entrance fees: INR 1000-1500, estimated time spent: 6-7 hours
Monday, October 23: Mirzapur Exploration
Head to Mirzapur and check into a family-friendly hotel. In the morning, visit the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Take a boat ride on the Vindhya River, enjoying the scenic beauty of the region. In the afternoon, explore the famous carpet weaving industry of Mirzapur and witness the intricate craftsmanship. Spend the evening relaxing at the hotel or exploring the local markets.
Vindhyavasini Devi Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Boat Ride on Vindhya River: Estimated cost: INR 500-1000, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Mirzapur's Carpet Weaving Industry: Estimated cost for shopping: INR 1000-2000, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Yellow Chai, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options like aloo paratha and chai. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Spice Route, a popular restaurant serving a wide range of Indian and international dishes. Don't miss their flavorful biryani or butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at The Royal Tadka, a fine dining restaurant offering a mix of North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Try their aromatic chicken tikka masala or creamy dal makhani. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24: Chunar Fort and Vijaigarh Fort
Embark on a day trip to Chunar Fort, located near Mirzapur. Explore the historical fort, known for its architectural beauty and panoramic views of the surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the fort. In the afternoon, visit the Vijaigarh Fort, famous for its association with the historical ruler Maharaja Vikramaditya. Return to Mirzapur in the evening and relax.
Chunar Fort: Entry fee varies, estimated time spent: 4-5 hours
Vijaigarh Fort: Entry fee varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Wednesday, October 25: Nature Retreat at Vindhyachal
Visit the serene town of Vindhyachal, known for its natural beauty and religious significance. Explore the Vindhyavasini Devi Temple and enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the River Ganges. In the afternoon, take a nature trail in the nearby Vindhyachal Range, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Witness a beautiful sunset over the Ganges before returning to Mirzapur.
Vindhyavasini Devi Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Nature Trail in Vindhyachal Range: Estimated cost for guide: INR 500-1000, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café De Patio, known for its delicious continental and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Delightful Dhaba, a local favorite known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Tamarind Tree, offering a wide range of Indian and Chinese delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
Thursday, October 26: Departure
It's time to bid farewell to Banaras and Mirzapur. Check out from your hotel and make your way back home. Cherish the memories of your family-friendly trip to these culturally rich destinations.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Banaras and Mirzapur, don't miss the opportunity to visit Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful riverside fort showcasing the rich history of the region. Another hidden gem is the Chunar Sandstone Caves, which are believed to have existed since ancient times. These off-the-beaten-path attractions will provide unique insights into the local culture and heritage.