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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Varanasi

Viewed by 60 travelers
Friday, December 15: Arrival in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi! Begin your trip by exploring the historic lanes of the Old City in the morning. Witness the serene sunrise at the ghats (steps leading to the river), particularly Dashashwamedh Ghat. After a delicious breakfast at a local eatery, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Ganges River to experience the spiritual essence of Varanasi. End your day with an evening aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing ritual performed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

  • Old City & Dashashwamedh Ghat: No entrance fee, time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: No entrance fee, time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Ganges River Boat Ride: Approx. INR 500 per person, time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Evening Aarti Ceremony: Free, time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
  • For a satisfying lunch, head to Baati Chokha, a popular local eatery serving authentic Bihari cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, baati chokha, a combination of roasted wheat bread and mashed potato curry. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
  • Enjoy a memorable dinner experience at The Great Kebab Factory, renowned for its wide range of delectable kebabs and Indian delicacies. Indulge in their mouthwatering kebab platters, biryanis, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Saturday, December 16: Sarnath Excursion

Embark on a day trip to Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi. In the morning, visit the Dhamek Stupa, a magnificent ancient structure. Explore the ruins at the Sarnath Archaeological Site and learn about the rich Buddhist history. Visit the Sarnath Museum to see a collection of artifacts. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely picnic at Deer Park, surrounded by peaceful greenery. Return to Varanasi in the evening and relax.

  • Dhamek Stupa: No entrance fee, time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Sarnath Archaeological Site: INR 5 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (foreign nationals), time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Sarnath Museum: INR 5 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (foreign nationals), time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Deer Park: Free, time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Ganga Cafe, located in Varanasi. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
  • For a satisfying lunch, head to Bati Chokha, a local favorite in Varanasi. Try their traditional Bihari cuisine, including the famous litti chokha. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
  • End your day with a delightful dinner at Brown Bread Bakery & Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and wide variety of international dishes. Don't miss their wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, December 17: Varanasi Silk Shopping

Begin your day with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, renowned for its beautiful campus. Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to admire its impressive collection of art and artifacts. In the afternoon, continue to the Weaver's Village to witness the traditional process of weaving Varanasi silk sarees. Purchase some authentic silk products as souvenirs. Enjoy a relaxing evening boat ride along the Ganges River, admiring the illuminated ghats and temples.

  • Banaras Hindu University: Free, time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: INR 10 (Indian nationals), INR 50 (foreign nationals), time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Weaver's Village: Free, time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Evening Ganges River Boat Ride: Approx. INR 500 per person, time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, December 18: Ramnagar Fort and Chunar Fort Excursion

Embark on a day trip to explore the historical forts near Varanasi. Start with a visit to Ramnagar Fort, located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River. Explore the museum inside the fort, showcasing vintage cars, royal artifacts, and weaponry. Afterward, head to Chunar Fort, known for its strategic location and architectural charm. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the fort. Return to Varanasi in the evening.

  • Ramnagar Fort: INR 15 (Indian nationals), INR 200 (foreign nationals), time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Chunar Fort: No entrance fee, time spent: 2-3 hours
Tuesday, December 19: Rural Village Experience

Experience the rural charm of Varanasi by visiting a nearby village. Engage in agricultural activities, learn traditional crafts, and interact with the locals. Enjoy a traditional village-style lunch with authentic flavors. Afterward, visit the Ramnagar Museum to learn more about the local culture and history. Return to Varanasi in the late afternoon and spend the evening exploring the local markets for handicraft shopping.

  • Rural Village Visit: Price varies, contact local tour operator, time spent: 5-6 hours
  • Ramnagar Museum: INR 10 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (foreign nationals), time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 20: Dev Diwali - Festival of Lights

Witness the grandeur of Dev Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrated in Varanasi. Experience the city adorned with thousands of lit earthen lamps (diyas), creating a magical ambiance. In the morning, visit the Golden Temple (Kashi Vishwanath Temple) to seek blessings. Enjoy a boat ride along the Ganges River in the evening, surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of illuminated ghats. Attend various cultural performances and witness a spectacular fireworks display.

Thursday, December 21: Departure from Varanasi

Spend your last morning in Varanasi exploring the local markets for some last-minute shopping. Pick up handicrafts, silk products, and traditional items as mementos of your trip. Bid farewell to this enchanting city and cherish the wonderful memories you've created. Depart from Varanasi with a desire to return and explore more in the future.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore Manikarnika Ghat, one of the busiest cremation ghats in Varanasi, to understand the unique Hindu funeral rituals and spiritual practices. Take a peaceful walk along the Assi Ghat, known for its calming atmosphere, yoga centers, and cafes serving healthy food options. Don't miss the opportunity to relish the famous Varanasi street food, including kachoris, chaats, and sweets, at popular local stalls like Kashi Chat Bhandar and Blue Lassi.

For hidden gems, venture to the nearby Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls, offering a refreshing escape in nature. These scenic waterfalls are located around 70 kilometers from Varanasi and are worth a day trip for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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

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