Start your foodie adventure in Varanasi by arriving at the city. Check flight and hotel prices here.
Begin your day with a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. After seeking blessings at this sacred Hindu temple, savor a traditional Indian breakfast at one of the nearby local eateries. Try dishes like kachori sabzi and jalebi, which are popular breakfast options in Varanasi. Estimated cost: $5. Time spent: 1 hour.
Head to Assi Ghat, one of the famous riverfront ghats in Varanasi. Take a boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the vibrant morning rituals and ceremonies. Enjoy a cup of steaming hot tea and some delicious street snacks like samosas or pakoras. Estimated cost: $10. Time spent: 2 hours.
For lunch, visit Deena Chaat Bhandar, a legendary street food joint in Varanasi. Indulge in chaat delicacies like aloo tikki, pani puri, and dahi vada. The burst of flavors and spices will leave your taste buds craving for more. Estimated cost: $8. Time spent: 1 hour."
After a hearty lunch, take a short trip to Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site located near Varanasi. Explore the ancient ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum. Treat yourself to some refreshing falooda, a popular dessert, available in the nearby markets. Estimated cost: $15. Time spent: 3 hours.
Head back to Varanasi and make your way to Kedar Ghat. Experience the soothing Ayurvedic benefits of various types of chai (tea). Try different flavors like masala chai, ginger chai, and tulsi chai while enjoying the serene environment of the ghat. Estimated cost: $5. Time spent: 1 hour.
End your foodie adventure by exploring the buzzing streets of Godowlia, a famous market in Varanasi. Indulge in a variety of street food options such as Malaiyo (a delicate milk foam dessert), chaats, and lassi. Experience the vibrant local culture and the authentic flavors of Varanasi. Estimated cost: $10. Time spent: 2 hours.
For foodies looking to delve deeper into Varanasi's local cuisine, don't miss out on trying the famous "Banarasi Paan" at a local paan shop. Paan is a traditional Indian mouth freshener, prepared by wrapping betel leaf with various fillings and spices. The flavors and aromatic experience of Banarasi Paan are truly unique. You can also explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi to find lesser-known food stalls serving regional delicacies like litti chokha, aloo puri, and Malaiyyo.