Tuesday, November 21: Arrival and Ghats Exploration
Begin your cultural immersion in Varanasi by exploring the city's famous ghats along the sacred Ganges River. In the morning, visit the Assi Ghat and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Afternoon can be spent exploring the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you can take a boat ride during sunset to experience the beautiful ghats from the river. Evening can be dedicated to exploring the narrow lanes of the Old City, known as Varanasi's heart and soul.
Assi Ghat & Ganga Aarti: Free, 2-3 hours
Dashashwamedh Ghat Boat Ride: INR 500-800 per person, 1-2 hours
Old City Exploration: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly baked goods and hearty breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe. This hidden gem serves mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and other Italian specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Keshari Restaurant. Known for its authentic North Indian cuisine, this restaurant offers a range of flavorful dishes in a traditional setting. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Temples and Sarnath Excursion
On this day, dive deeper into Varanasi's spiritual side by visiting several ancient temples. Start your morning with a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afterward, explore the serene atmosphere of Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. In the afternoon, venture out to Sarnath, the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa and visit the Sarnath Museum to learn about the rich history and teachings of Buddhism.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Sarnath Excursion: INR 200-400 per person (including transportation), 3-4 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Tadka Cafe, known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Maatuz, a local favorite near Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. This vegetarian restaurant offers a variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For dinner, try Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, located near Sarnath. This cozy cafe serves delicious wood-fired pizzas along with a variety of Italian and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Thursday, November 23: Varanasi Cuisine and Handicrafts
Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Varanasi on this day. Start your morning with a delicious breakfast of local specialties like kachori, jalebi, and lassi. Afterward, visit the famous Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia Market to experience the local flavors, sweets, and street food. In the afternoon, explore the craft heritage of Varanasi by visiting the renowned silk weaving workshops. Witness the intricate process of creating Banarasi sarees and browse through the beautiful handcrafted textiles.
Breakfast at a local eatery: INR 200-300 per person
Vishwanath Gali and Godowlia Market: Free, 2-3 hours
Silk Weaving Workshops: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a visit to Ram Bhandar, a local breakfast joint known for its delicious kachori and jalebi. Indulge in a plate of these crispy snacks for an average cost of about INR 50 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Keshari Restaurant and try their mouthwatering thali. Enjoy a variety of traditional Indian dishes served on a platter for an average cost of about INR 200 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Baati Chokha. This restaurant serves authentic Bihari cuisine, with their signature dish being dal baati churma. Savour this delectable meal for an average cost of about INR 300 per person.
Friday, November 24: Ghat Photography and Evening Music
Utilize this day to capture the vibrant essence of Varanasi through photography. Early morning, head to the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the main cremation ghats, to witness unforgettable scenes of life and death intertwined. Afterward, visit the famous Tulsi Ghat and capture its splendid architecture and views. In the evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Indian classical music by attending a live sitar and tabla performance.
Photography at Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Tulsi Ghat: Free, 1-2 hours
Classical Music Performance: INR 500-1000 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at "Chowk Ki Puri Wale". This local gem offers mouthwatering puris served with aloo sabzi and creamy lassi. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head over to "Kashi Chat Bhandar" where you can indulge in the famous Varanasi chaat. Their crispy aloo tikki, tangy pani puri, and refreshing kulfi will leave you craving for more. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at "Bati Chokha" and savor the authentic flavors of traditional Bihari cuisine. Their signature dish, litti chokha, made with roasted gram flour balls and mashed potatoes, is a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Saturday, November 25: Morning Boat Ride and Hidden Gems
End your Varanasi journey with a serene morning boat ride on the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing sunrise and experience the magical atmosphere of the ghats. Afterward, explore some of Varanasi's hidden gems and local favorites, such as the offbeat Lolark Kund and the tranquil Ramnagar Fort across the river. These places off the beaten path offer unique insights into Varanasi's cultural richness.
Morning Boat Ride: INR 500-800 per boat (shared), 2-3 hours
Lolark Kund: Free, 1-2 hours
Ramnagar Fort: INR 100-200 per person (including transportation), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Head to "Blue Lassi" for a delicious and refreshing start to your day with their famous yogurt-based lassi. Average cost for a meal is about INR 100 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit "Kashi Chat Bhandar" known for their mouthwatering street food delicacies like pani puri and aloo tikka. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try the traditional vegetarian thali at "Baati Chokha." With its rustic ambiance and authentic flavors, this restaurant offers a taste of India's heartland. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an authentic cultural immersion experience, consider exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi's Old City beyond the main tourist spots. As you wander through the labyrinthine streets, you'll discover hidden temples, local markets, and traditional artisans practicing their crafts. Engage in conversations with locals, taste the street food, and participate in activities like pottery-making or henna painting. These encounters will provide lasting memories and a deeper understanding of Varanasi's vibrant heritage.