Explore the cultural wonders of Varanasi with your family on this 6-day itinerary. With a medium budget in mind, you can enjoy a mix of iconic attractions and off-the-beaten-path experiences. From ancient temples to peaceful boat rides on the Ganges River, Varanasi offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Tuesday, October 24: Arrival and Temple Exploration
Begin your trip by arriving in Varanasi and checking into your hotel. After settling in, head out to explore the city's famous temples. Start with a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the ghats, the steps leading down to the Ganges River, and witness the evening Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Wrap up your day with a traditional vegetarian dinner at a local restaurant.
Boat ride along the ghats: Estimated cost - INR 200-500 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Traditional vegetarian dinner: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Krishna Chandra Sweets, known for their delicious and affordable breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Café De Boulangerie is a great lunch option, offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Enjoy a satisfying meal here for an average cost of 300 INR per person.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, head to Pizzeria Vatika for dinner. This rooftop restaurant offers a stunning view of the city and serves delicious wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 25: Sarnath and Cultural Exploration
On the second day, take a trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site located just outside Varanasi. Explore the ruins of ancient monasteries and visit the Dhamek Stupa, where Buddha is said to have given his first sermon. In the afternoon, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum to learn more about the art and culture of Varanasi. Wrap up the day by enjoying a boat ride during sunset, witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti from the river.
Sarnath: Estimated cost - INR 200-500 per person (including transportation), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Bharat Kala Bhavan museum: Estimated cost - INR 100-200 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Boat ride during sunset: Estimated cost - INR 200-500 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti from the river: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery and Cafe. This cozy bakery offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and breads, along with a selection of healthy breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Kashi Chat Bhandar. This popular local eatery is known for its mouthwatering chaat dishes, such as pani puri and aloo tikki. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Vishnu Tea Emporium and Restaurant. This charming restaurant serves delicious North Indian cuisine, including a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 400 per person.
Thursday, October 26: Varanasi Food Tour
Embark on a culinary adventure through the streets of Varanasi. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of kachori and jalebi, a popular local delicacy. Explore the bustling lanes of the old city and sample various street food, including chaat, lassi, and paan. In the evening, indulge in a traditional thali dinner, consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes. End the day with a relaxing evening stroll along the ghats.
Varanasi street food tour: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Traditional thali dinner: Estimated cost - INR 300-600 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Mona Lisa Café is a popular breakfast spot in Varanasi, known for its delicious kachori and jalebi. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 100 per person.
Blue Lassi is a must-visit for lunch in Varanasi, offering a wide variety of delectable lassis. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 150 per person.
Situated near the ghats, Baati Chokha is a recommended dinner option in Varanasi, serving authentic Bihari cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 250 per person.
Friday, October 27: Ganges River and Silk Shopping
Experience the spiritual side of Varanasi by taking an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River. Witness devotees performing rituals and see the city wake up to the sounds of prayer. After the boat ride, visit the Banaras Hindu University and explore the bustling market of Vishwanath Gali, known for its silk products. In the evening, enjoy a Kathak dance performance, a classical dance form native to Varanasi.
Boat ride on the Ganges River: Estimated cost - INR 200-500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Banaras Hindu University: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Vishwanath Gali shopping: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Kathak dance performance: Estimated cost - INR 300-600 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A must-visit breakfast spot is Brown Bread Bakery, located near the Ganges River. Indulge in their delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Aum Café, known for its vegetarian menu and peaceful ambiance. Try their thali, a traditional Indian platter, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from their rooftop seating. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Keshari Restaurant, a popular rooftop restaurant offering a stunning view of the Ganges River and the cityscape. Feast on their delectable Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, October 28: Ramnagar Fort and Nature Walk
Explore the historical Ramnagar Fort, located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River. Marvel at the impressive architecture and visit the museum inside the fort. Afterward, take a nature walk in the nearby Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot various bird species and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at one of Varanasi's rooftop restaurants.
Ramnagar Fort: Estimated cost - INR 100-200 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Dinner at a rooftop restaurant: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning at Madhur Milan Cafe, known for its delicious Indian breakfast specialties like Puri Bhaji and Masala Dosa. Enjoy a wholesome breakfast here for an average cost of about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Brown Bread Bakery & Cafe. This quaint eatery offers a variety of healthy salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts. You can enjoy a tasty lunch here for an average cost of about 300 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit Biryani Paradise. This restaurant specializes in flavorful biryanis and kebabs, prepared with authentic spices. Treat yourself to a delightful dinner here for an average cost of about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 29: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, explore some of Varanasi's hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, and marvel at the detailed marble relief map of the country. Explore the narrow lanes of the Bengali Tola area, known for its beautiful silk weavers and their handcrafted creations. End your trip with a sunset boat ride to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat.
Bharat Mata Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Bengali Tola area: Estimated cost - Free (shopping costs vary), Time spent - 2-3 hours
Sunset boat ride and Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat: Estimated cost - INR 200-500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions, Varanasi has several hidden gems worth exploring. Head to the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Varanasi, to gain insight into the rituals and customs surrounding death in Hinduism. Another hidden gem is the Nagwa neighborhood, where you can witness the process of silk weaving and purchase authentic handwoven silk products directly from the weavers. These lesser-known attractions offer a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of Varanasi.