7-Day Itinerary: Banaras, Vrindawan

Thursday January 25: Arrival in Banaras

Welcome to Banaras! Begin your journey by checking into your hotel and getting settled. In the morning, take a boat ride along the holy Ganges River, offering a serene experience and breathtaking views of the ghats. In the afternoon, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. End your day by witnessing the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing ritual.

• Boat Ride on Ganges River: Cost varies, approximately 2 hours
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free entry, approximately 1-2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free to attend, approximately 1 hour

Restaurants

• Head over to The Brown Bread Bakery for a delightful breakfast experience. Enjoy their freshly baked bread and pastries while sipping on a hot cup of coffee. The average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
• For a satisfying lunch, visit Tom's Restaurant located near the ghats. Indulge in their authentic Indian thali, offering a variety of flavors. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• In the evening, dine at Rivatas By Ideal, a rooftop restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. Savor their delicious North Indian and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.

Friday January 26: Exploring Varanasi

Start your day with a visit to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Learn about the history and significance of this place at the Sarnath Museum. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi, known as the oldest inhabited city in the world. Witness the evening Aarti ceremony at the River Ganga, a mesmerizing spectacle.

• Sarnath and Sarnath Museum: Cost varies, approximately 3-4 hours
• Exploring Varanasi: Free, as per preference, approximately 3-4 hours

Saturday January 27: Trip to Chunar Fort

Embark on a day trip to the ancient Chunar Fort, located approximately 40 km from Varanasi. Admire the architectural beauty of this historical fort, which offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Explore the various structures within the fort and learn about its significance in Indian history. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the beautiful surroundings before returning to Varanasi in the evening.

• Chunar Fort Day Trip: Cost varies, approximately 6-8 hours

Sunday January 28: Discovering Sarnath

Dedicate a day to fully explore the sacred site of Sarnath. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, the exact spot where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ancient ruins of Sarnath, including the Mulagandhakuti Vihara and Ashoka Pillar. Find inner peace and tranquility at the nearby Thai Monastery and Japanese Temple before returning to Varanasi for the night.

• Dhamek Stupa and Ancient Ruins: Free entry, approximately 4-5 hours
• Thai Monastery and Japanese Temple: Free entry, approximately 1-2 hours

Monday January 29: Vrindavan Exploration

Today, embark on a journey to the holy city of Vrindavan, located approximately 150 km from Varanasi. In the morning, visit the famous Bankey Bihari Temple and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere. Explore other famous temples in Vrindavan, such as ISKCON Temple, Prem Mandir, and Radha Vallabh Temple. Witness the evening aarti ceremony at one of the temples before returning to Varanasi.

• Bankey Bihari Temple: Free entry, approximately 1-2 hours
• Other Temples in Vrindavan: Free entry, as per preference, approximately 4-5 hours

Tuesday January 30: Holy Bath at Triveni Sangam

Take an early morning drive to Allahabad to experience the spiritual Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. Take a dip in the holy waters and seek blessings. Visit the iconic Allahabad Fort, which houses ancient temples and offers panoramic views from its ramparts. Return to Varanasi in the afternoon and spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying street food.

• Triveni Sangam Holy Bath: Free, approximately 3-4 hours
• Allahabad Fort: Cost varies, approximately 2-3 hours

Wednesday January 31: Departure

On your last day, bid farewell to Banaras. Take some time to revisit your favorite spots or explore any attractions missed during your stay. Depart for your onward journey with beautiful memories of this enchanting city.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, don't miss out on visiting the charming Assi Ghat, especially during sunrise or sunset. It offers a peaceful ambiance and is a favorite spot for locals to meditate and practice yoga. Another hidden gem is the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, showcasing a vast collection of artworks, sculptures, and historical artifacts, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Banaras, Vrindawan here.