Welcome to Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. In the morning, start your trip by visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afternoon is the perfect time for a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River, where you can witness the evening Aarti ceremony, a beautiful ritual of offering prayers to the river. For the evening, explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi and indulge in some authentic local cuisine.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Entrance is free, time spent: 1-2 hours
Boat ride on the Ganges River: Estimated cost: INR 200-300 per person, time spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring local cuisine: Estimated cost: INR 500-800 per person, time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at the famous Madhur Jalpan restaurant, known for their mouthwatering kachori and samosa. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Deena Chat Bhandar, a popular eatery serving traditional Varanasi street food like chaat, golgappas, and aloo tikki. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Biryani paradise, known for their flavorful biryani dishes and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Saturday September 30: Varanasi
In the morning, visit the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the renowned Banaras Hindu University, known for its beautiful campus and educational heritage. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Sarnath: Estimated cost: INR 300-500 per person (including transportation), time spent: 3-4 hours
Banaras Hindu University: Entrance is free, time spent: 2-3 hours
Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Breakfast Club, a popular eatery known for its delicious pancakes and eggs Benedict. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try The Spice House, a restaurant specializing in traditional Indian cuisine. Their biryanis and curries are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at The Gateway Restaurant, offering a fine dining experience with a beautiful view of the Ganges river. Enjoy their gourmet international and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800-1000 INR per person.
Sunday October 1: Varanasi to Agra
Start your day by exploring the vibrant bazaars of Varanasi and indulge in some shopping for traditional handicrafts and silk sarees. In the afternoon, board a train or take a flight to Agra, the city famous for the iconic Taj Mahal. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day's adventure.
Shopping in Varanasi: Estimated cost: INR 1000-2000 per person, time spent: 2-3 hours
Transportation to Agra: Cost varies based on mode of transport, time spent: 4-5 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Head to Sharma Ji Ki Chai for a delicious breakfast of traditional Indian snacks like samosas and jalebis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Lunch: For a flavorful lunch, visit Banaras Restaurant and try their assortment of authentic Varanasi dishes like malaiyyo and litti chokha. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Great Kabab Factory, known for its delectable kababs and Mughlai cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday October 2: Agra
Start your morning by visiting the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the intricacies of this marble masterpiece and learn about its fascinating history. In the afternoon, visit the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the Taj Mahal. In the evening, explore the local markets and try some delicious Mughlai cuisine.
Taj Mahal: Estimated cost: INR 1300-2000 per person, time spent: 2-3 hours
Agra Fort: Estimated cost: INR 600-900 per person, time spent: 2-3 hours
Exploring local markets and dining: Estimated cost: INR 500-800 per person, time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Mughal Kitchen. Indulge in their authentic Mughlai specialties such as kebabs and biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Peshawri Restaurant for a truly mouthwatering experience. Their traditional Indian cuisine, especially the tandoori specialties, are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Dasaprakash. This vegetarian restaurant offers a wide range of South Indian dishes, including dosas and uttapams. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Tuesday October 3: Agra to Jaipur
Leave Agra in the morning and make your way to the enchanting city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Enroute, visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city filled with architectural marvels. In the afternoon, arrive in Jaipur and explore the City Palace, a majestic palace complex showcasing the rich heritage of the Rajputs. In the evening, visit the vibrant markets of Jaipur and shop for traditional handicrafts and jewelry.
Fatehpur Sikri: Estimated cost: INR 500-800 per person (including transportation), time spent: 2-3 hours
City Palace: Estimated cost: INR 500-800 per person, time spent: 2-3 hours
Shopping in Jaipur: Cost varies based on purchases, time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Tapri - The Tea House, a charming cafe known for its wide variety of tea options and delicious breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, try Spice Court, a popular restaurant serving authentic Rajasthani cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of Rajasthan at Handi Restaurant, where you can enjoy mouthwatering kebabs and curries. Average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Wednesday October 4: Jaipur
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Amber Fort, located on the outskirts of Jaipur. Explore the grandeur of this hilltop fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds, famous for its intricate windows and architectural beauty. In the evening, experience the cultural extravaganza of Chokhi Dhani, a traditional Rajasthani village resort.
Amber Fort: Estimated cost: INR 500-800 per person, time spent: 2-3 hours
Hawa Mahal: Estimated cost: INR 200-300 per person, time spent: 1-2 hours
Chokhi Dhani: Estimated cost: INR 1000-1500 per person, time spent: 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Anokhi Cafe, known for its organic food and serene ambience. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try LMB Restaurant, a local favorite for its authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in fine dining at Spice Court, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the chance to visit the off the beaten path attraction of Ramnagar Fort. This 18th-century fort is located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River and offers a glimpse into the royal history of Varanasi. Locals also love to visit Assi Ghat, a peaceful and less crowded ghat where you can sit by the river and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.