Wednesday, October 11: Heritage Sites and Ganges River
Begin your trip by immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi. In the morning, visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, to witness the early morning Aarti ceremony. Afterward, take a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River, witnessing the sunrise and observing the ancient rituals performed by pilgrims. In the afternoon, explore the narrow labyrinthine lanes of the old city, known as Varanasi's heart. Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most important ghats, to witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony. End your day by enjoying a serene sunset boat ride on the Ganges.
Start your day at Madhur Milan Cafe, a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious vegetarian dishes and refreshing chai tea. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Brown Bread Bakery & Cafe, a cozy eatery offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Bana Lassi, a renowned restaurant famous for its mouthwatering lassis and traditional Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Thursday, October 12: Sarnath and Cultural Exploration
On your second day, visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site located just a few miles from Varanasi. In the morning, explore the ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and the Archaeological Museum to learn about the rich history and teachings of Buddhism. In the afternoon, head back to Varanasi and visit the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, and the Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its beautiful marble carvings depicting the Ramayana. In the evening, indulge in the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Sarnath: Estimated cost - INR 20-30 ($0.2-0.4) for entry fee, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Bharat Mata Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Dinner at a local restaurant: Estimated cost - INR 500-1000 ($7-14), Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madhur Milan Cafe, known for its wide range of breakfast options such as Indian street food, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Spicy Bites Restaurant which offers a variety of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryani and flavorful curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Ayushman Restaurant, renowned for its authentic vegetarian thali and tandoori specialties. Enjoy the beautiful ambience and excellent service. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, October 13: Varanasi's Cultural Extravaganza
On your last day, immerse yourself in Varanasi's vibrant cultural offerings. In the morning, visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore its beautiful campus. Take a stroll through the iconic Vishwanath Gali, known for its bustling markets and shops selling traditional handicrafts and textiles. In the afternoon, experience a mesmerizing performance of classical Indian music at the Sankat Mochan Music Festival. As the evening sets in, head to the famous Assi Ghat, which offers a serene and tranquil ambiance, perfect for reflecting on your Varanasi experience.
Banaras Hindu University: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Blue Lassi, a popular spot known for its variety of refreshing lassi flavors. Indulge in their creamy lassi and enjoy a delightful meal for an average cost of about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Kashi Chat Bhandar and treat yourself to authentic street food delicacies like kachori sabzi and aloo tikki. This bustling eatery offers flavorful dishes at an average cost of about 200 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Shiva Café, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the Ganges River. Relish their delectable vegetarian dishes like falafel wraps and pasta, with an average cost of about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, be sure to visit the lesser-known gem of Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest cremation ghats in Varanasi. It offers a unique insight into Hindu funeral rituals and the cycle of life and death. Additionally, make time to explore the colorful lanes of Bengali Tola, a bustling hub for artists and craftsmen, where you can witness artisans creating traditional Banarasi silk sarees and other handicrafts. End your trip with a visit to the Chunar Fort, located on the outskirts of Varanasi, offering panoramic views of the Ganges River and the surrounding landscape.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.