Family Friendly 3-Day Itinerary in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

Friday, October 6: Exploring Ancient Temples and Ghats

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi. In the morning, head to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the intricate architecture and witness the religious rituals. Afternoon is the perfect time to take a boat ride along the Ganges River and witness the evening Aarti ceremony, a captivating ritual performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. In the evening, stroll along the ghats, visit the bustling local markets, and indulge in some local street food.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ganges River Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 200-500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dashashwamedh Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, October 7: Exploring Art and Culture

Begin your day by visiting the Sarnath Archaeological Site, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ancient ruins, admire the Buddhist monuments, and visit the famous Dhamek Stupa. In the afternoon, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art, sculptures, and manuscripts. In the evening, enjoy a classical music and dance performance at the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts.

• Sarnath Archaeological Site: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10-50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts: Estimated cost - INR 100-500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, October 8: River Cruise and Silk Weaving

Embark on a morning cruise along the Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing sunrise. Visit the Assi Ghat and take part in a yoga session by the river. Afterward, explore the famous Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest residential universities in Asia. In the afternoon, visit the silk-weaving workshops in Varanasi and witness the intricate process of creating beautiful Banarasi silk sarees. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kathak dance performance at the Kathak Kendra.

• Ganges River Cruise: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Assi Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Silk-Weaving Workshops: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Kathak Kendra: Estimated cost - INR 100-500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar, known for their delicious and flavorful chaats. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For a mid-day meal, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe and Restaurant, a popular spot offering a variety of pizzas and Italian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• End your day with a memorable dinner at Brown Bread Bakery & Cafe, known for its cozy atmosphere and delectable European cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, make sure to visit the Chunar Fort, a historic citadel located near the city. Take a day trip to the nearby Ramnagar Fort, which offers panoramic views of the Ganges River. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can enjoy nature trails and spot wildlife. Locals also recommend exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old town (known as Varanasi Kachori Gali) to indulge in delicious street food like kachoris, lassi, and chaat.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability here.