A 7-Day Foodie Itinerary in Varanasi

Sunday, October 1: Arrival and Evening Ganga Aarti

Welcome to Varanasi! Begin your foodie adventure by exploring the famous evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on Dashashwamedh Ghat. Experience the spiritual ambiance as you witness the synchronized rituals performed by priests. Indulge in local street food delicacies like chaat, kachori, and malaiyyo nearby.

• Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2 hours
• Street Food Stalls: Estimated cost INR 200, 1 hour

Monday, October 2: Heritage Walk and Benares Hindu University

Embark on a heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, exploring hidden food gems and historical sites like Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat. Afterward, visit the renowned Benares Hindu University campus, where you can relish traditional banarasi paan and thandai.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 2 hours
• Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1 hour
• Benares Hindu University: Free, 2 hours
• Paan Shop: Estimated cost INR 100, 30 minutes
• Thandai Stall: Estimated cost INR 50, 30 minutes

Tuesday, October 3: Sarnath and Local Cuisine

Take a day trip to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and explore the ancient ruins and temples. Upon returning, dive into the local cuisine with a visit to Deena Chat Bhandar, where you can feast on mouthwatering chaat and lassi.

• Sarnath: Estimated cost INR 500 (transportation), 4 hours
• Deena Chat Bhandar: Estimated cost INR 200, 1 hour

Wednesday, October 4: Morning Boat Ride and Banarasi Sweets

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the mystical Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and ghats. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the famous Ksheer Sagar sweet shop, known for its delectable banarasi sweets like malai peda and lal peda.

• Morning Boat Ride: Estimated cost INR 500, 2 hours
• Ksheer Sagar Sweet Shop: Estimated cost INR 200, 1 hour

Thursday, October 5: Aromatic Spice Tour and Biryani Delight

Embark on an aromatic spice tour to explore the vibrant local markets of Varanasi, such as Godowlia Market. Immerse yourself in the flavors and scents of various spices. Later, relish the mouthwatering flavors of authentic Lucknowi biryani at Baati Chokha restaurant.

• Spice Tour: Estimated cost INR 300, 2 hours
• Baati Chokha: Estimated cost INR 300, 1 hour

Friday, October 6: Morning Ghat Experience and Lassi Delight

Witness the mystical morning rituals on the ghats of Varanasi, such as Assi Ghat. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and partake in a traditional Ganga snan (holy bath). Afterward, quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of creamy lassi at the iconic Blue Lassi Shop.

• Assi Ghat: Free, 2 hours
• Blue Lassi Shop: Estimated cost INR 100, 1 hour

Saturday, October 7: Food Walk in Old Varanasi

Embark on a flavorful food walk through the bustling streets of Varanasi's Old City. Taste the array of local specialties like tamatar chaat, paan, malaiyyo, and thandai from various renowned food stalls. Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the city.

• Food Stalls in Old City: Estimated cost INR 500, 3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Discover the hidden gems and local favorites in Varanasi, specifically for food enthusiasts. Explore the lane behind Kashi Vishwanath Temple, called Kachauri Gali, renowned for its mouthwatering kachoris. Visit the local sweet shops like Ram Bhandar and Sri Mithai for authentic banarasi sweets.

While exploring the streets, don't miss the taste of famous Varanasi specialties like malaiyyo (foam-like sweet dessert), banarasi paan (betel leaf), and thandai (spiced milk beverage). These culinary delights will leave you with an unforgettable gastronomic experience of Varanasi.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Varanasi trip, click here.