Start your Varanasi adventure by visiting Assi Ghat, one of the most popular ghats along the sacred Ganges River. Observe the morning rituals, such as offering prayers and taking a dip in the holy river. Afterward, head to Kachori Gali, a narrow alley known for its delicious street food. Savor freshly made kachoris, a popular local snack, and other mouthwatering breakfast delights.
Assi Ghat: Free, 2 hours
Kachori Gali: INR 150 (approx.), 1 hour
Restaurants
Kachori Gali: Indulge in freshly made kachoris and other mouthwatering breakfast delights at this popular street food stall. Average cost for a meal is about 50 INR per person.
Ram Bhandar: For a delicious and filling lunch, head to Ram Bhandar. This iconic eatery serves delectable vegetarian thalis at an average cost of 150 INR per person.
Balaji Farsan: Enjoy a scrumptious dinner at Balaji Farsan, known for its authentic Indian snacks and street food. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Afternoon: Sarnath and Lunch at Lotus Lounge
In the afternoon, take a trip to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Explore the ancient ruins, including the Dhamek Stupa and the famous Ashoka Pillar. Dive into the rich history and spiritual significance of this serene place. Afterward, head to Lotus Lounge for a delightful lunch. Indulge in a variety of Indian and international cuisines amidst a serene ambiance.
Sarnath: INR 50 (entrance fee), 3 hours
Lotus Lounge: INR 800 (approx.), 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Evoke. This charming cafe offers a variety of breakfast options such as omelettes, pancakes, and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, indulge in the flavors of Vietnam at Pho & Co. This cozy and authentic restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Spice Garden. This upscale Indian restaurant offers a wide range of flavorful dishes made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The rich ambiance and attentive service make it a perfect choice for a special evening. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Evening: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Dinner at Vishnu Tea Emporium
Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as the sun sets. Experience the spiritual chants, rhythmic movements, and the grandeur of the rituals performed by priests. Afterward, head to Vishnu Tea Emporium for a fulfilling dinner. Relish traditional North Indian dishes, including mouthwatering curries, biryanis, and street delicacies.
Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2 hours
Vishnu Tea Emporium: INR 500 (approx.), 2 hours
Friday, November 17, 2023
Restaurants
Start your day off right at Sunrise Cafe, located just a few minutes away from Dashashwamedh Ghat. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a wide variety of options, from freshly baked pastries to hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Spice Garden Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian cuisine and picturesque view of the river. Indulge in flavorful curries, tandoori specialties, and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Varanasi Food Court, a charming restaurant offering a range of international dishes along with Indian classics. Savor their delectable kebabs, grilled seafood, and mouthwatering desserts. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Morning: Boat Ride on Ganges and Breakfast at Ram Bhandar
Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River. Experience the ethereal beauty of Varanasi's riverside ghats as you witness locals and pilgrims engage in their daily rituals. After the boat ride, head to Ram Bhandar, a popular spot known for its lip-smacking breakfast items. Savor fluffy puris, spicy chhole, and delicious aloo sabji.
Boat Ride: INR 200 (approx.), 2 hours
Ram Bhandar: INR 100 (approx.), 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Ram Bhandar, known for its lip-smacking breakfast items like fluffy puris, spicy chhole, and delicious aloo sabji. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to Brown Bread Bakery Cafe, a nearby restaurant that offers a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Enjoy their fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Lotus Lounge, a nearby restaurant with a serene ambience. They serve a range of delectable Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Afternoon: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar
Visit the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Seek blessings and immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this ancient temple. Afterward, head to Deena Chat Bhandar for a quick and tasty lunch. Try their famous tamatar chaat (spicy tomato snack) and delectable kachoris.
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free (VIP darshan available at extra cost), 2 hours
Deena Chat Bhandar: INR 200 (approx.), 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Sunrise is a cozy breakfast spot serving delicious omelettes, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Deena Chat Bhandar is the perfect lunch spot to try their famous tamatar chaat and delectable kachoris. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Tandoori Flames offers a delightful dinner experience with their flavorful tandoori dishes and aromatic curries. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Evening: Bengali Tola Walk and Dinner at Baati Chokha
Embark on a guided walk through Bengali Tola, a bustling local area known for its narrow lanes and hidden gems. Explore the colorful markets, interact with artisans, and sample local Varanasi sweets. As the evening approaches, head to Baati Chokha, a popular restaurant offering authentic Bihari cuisine. Feast on flavorful baatis (flour-based balls) served with chokha (mashed potatoes and eggplant).
Bengali Tola Walk: INR 400 (approx.), 2 hours
Baati Chokha: INR 600 (approx.), 2 hours
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Shree Cafe, a charming local eatery. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Kashi Chaat Bhandar, a popular street food joint known for its mouthwatering chaat dishes. Try their famous golgappas and samosas. Average cost for a meal is about $3 per person.
For dinner, indulge in the delectable seafood at Attic Restaurant and Bar. Enjoy their flavorful grilled fish and prawn curry while enjoying the panoramic views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Restaurants
Start your morning off right with a visit to The Breakfast Club, a charming café known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head over to The Green Garden, a vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of healthy and tasty dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at The Seafood Shack for dinner, where you can enjoy the catch of the day prepared in various mouthwatering styles. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Morning: Sunrise at Manikarnika Ghat and Breakfast at Pizzeria Vaatika Café
Experience the magical sunrise at Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat of Varanasi. Witness the age-old funeral rituals and gain insight into the circle of life and death in Hinduism. Afterward, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Café for a unique breakfast experience. Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas with Indian toppings, along with a variety of refreshing beverages.
Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1.5 hours
Pizzeria Vaatika Café: INR 400 (approx.), 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Ponderosa Café. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For lunch, visit Spice Garden Restaurant and indulge in their authentic Indian cuisine. Try their flavorful curries and aromatic biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Savor a memorable dinner at The Grill House. Feast on their succulent steaks, grilled seafood, and delectable desserts. Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.
Afternoon: Bharat Kala Bhavan and Lunch at Dumraon
Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, located within the premises of Banaras Hindu University. This museum showcases a vast collection of Indian art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and archaeological artifacts. Dive deep into the rich cultural heritage of India. Afterward, head to Dumraon for a hearty lunch. Feast on traditional Bihari thali, consisting of various curries, dal, rice, and roti.
Bharat Kala Bhavan: INR 200 (approx.), 2 hours
Dumraon: INR 300 (approx.), 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Madras Cafe. This South Indian restaurant offers a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to Rajdhani Thali Restaurant and indulge in a traditional Rajasthani thali. Enjoy an array of flavorful curries, chutneys, and desserts. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at The Great Kabab Factory. This restaurant specializes in succulent kebabs and a wide range of Indian delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Evening: Banarasi Paan Tasting and Dinner at Niyati Café
No trip to Varanasi is complete without trying Banarasi paan, a betel leaf preparation with various fillings. Visit a renowned paan shop and savor different flavors, such as meetha paan, saada paan, and chocolate paan. In the evening, head to Niyati Café for a cozy dinner. Relish their delightful fusion dishes, including Indo-Italian pasta and innovative desserts.
Banarasi Paan Tasting: INR 100 (approx.), 1 hour
Niyati Café: INR 800 (approx.), 2 hours
Sunday, November 19, 2023
Restaurants
A must-visit breakfast spot is Kashi Vishwanath Thandai Stall, known for its refreshing thandai and traditional Indian breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Café and enjoy their wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, try Kashi Chat Bhandar, famous for its mouthwatering chaat delicacies and street food. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Morning: Gyanvapi Mosque and Breakfast at Blue Lassi Shop
Discover the architectural grandeur of Gyanvapi Mosque, a historic mosque located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Marvel at its intricate designs and spiritual ambiance. Afterward, head to Blue Lassi Shop for a refreshing breakfast. Treat yourself to their famous lassis blended with various delicious flavors and toppings.
Gyanvapi Mosque: Free, 1.5 hours
Blue Lassi Shop: INR 200 (approx.), 1 hour
Afternoon: Excursion to Ramnagar Fort and Lunch at Tadka Cafe
Take an excursion to Ramnagar Fort, situated on the eastern bank of the Ganges River. Explore the magnificent architecture, vintage collections, and the museum inside the fort, providing insights into the royal history of Varanasi. For lunch, head to Tadka Cafe, a popular spot serving delectable Indian and continental dishes with a modern twist.
Ramnagar Fort: INR 100 (approx.), 3 hours
Tadka Cafe: INR 500 (approx.), 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at The Breakfast Club, a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and savory omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Ganges Express, a waterfront restaurant offering stunning views of the river while you enjoy a variety of Indian and international cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Spice Garden, a fine dining restaurant specializing in authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Evening: Varanasi Street Food Tour and Dinner at Keshav Chura Matar
Embark on a fascinating street food tour of Varanasi. Explore hidden alleyways and taste a wide variety of local street food delicacies, including litti chokha, chowmein, kachoris, and sweets. Experience the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city's street food scene. For dinner, head to Keshav Chura Matar and enjoy a hearty serving of chura matar, a popular local dish made with flattened rice and spicy peas.
Varanasi Street Food Tour: INR 800 (approx.), 2.5 hours
Keshav Chura Matar: INR 300 (approx.), 1.5 hours
Monday, November 20, 2023
Morning: Banaras Hindu University and Breakfast at Madhur Milan
Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore the sprawling campus, visit the famous Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (if you missed it earlier), and witness the academic fervor. Afterward, head to Madhur Milan for a scrumptious breakfast. Try their delectable sweets like malaiyo (fluffy milk dessert) and malai peda (milk-based sweet).
Banaras Hindu University: Free, 2 hours
Madhur Milan: INR 200 (approx.), 1 hour
Afternoon: Visit Silk Weaving Center and Lunch at Ganga Fuji Home
Explore a silk weaving center to witness the intricate art of weaving Banarasi sarees, one of Varanasi's iconic crafts. Learn about the silk-making process and admire the stunning handwoven creations. Afterward, head to Ganga Fuji Home for a delicious lunch. Relish their authentic Japanese cuisine against the backdrop of the serene Ganges River.