Start your trip by immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of Varanasi. In the morning, visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the religious rituals and spiritual vibes of this revered place. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the River Ganges and witness the mesmerizing evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling narrow lanes of Varanasi, known as galis, and indulge in delicious South Indian food at the local restaurants.
Exploring Local South Indian Restaurants: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day at Cafe Delight, a charming breakfast spot known for its cozy ambiance and delicious homemade pastries. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Pizzeria Italia, a popular local joint serving authentic Italian pizzas and pasta dishes. With a friendly atmosphere and an average cost of around 300 INR per person, it's a great place to satisfy your cravings.
In the evening, dine at Lanterns Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delightful dinner under the stars in their rooftop seating area. With a fusion of Indian and International cuisines, the average cost for a dinner meal is approximately 500 INR per person.
Monday, December 25: Sarnath Excursion
On the second day, venture out to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Spend the morning exploring the ruins and ancient structures, including the Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. Gain insights into Buddhist philosophy and history. Afternoon, visit the Sarnath Museum to witness the rich collection of artifacts and sculptures dating back to the Mauryan era. In the evening, enjoy leisure time at Deer Park and experience a serene environment ideal for a family picnic.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Sarnath. This charming cafe offers a variety of breakfast options to suit all tastes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head over to Fusion Bites, a popular local eatery known for its delicious fusion cuisine. Experience a unique blend of flavors in their lunch menu. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience for dinner at Tandoori Nights. This elegant restaurant offers a wide selection of Indian dishes prepared with authentic flavors. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Tuesday, December 26: Ganges Ghats and Banaras Hindu University
Start your day by visiting the famous Assi Ghat, known for its spiritual significance and a popular spot for morning rituals. Witness the sunrise and mesmerizing views of the holy river. Afterward, explore the renowned Banaras Hindu University (BHU), known for its sprawling campus and beautiful architecture. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and see its extensive collection of ancient artifacts and artwork. In the afternoon, discover the many other ghats of Varanasi, like Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, where elaborate cremation ceremonies take place. Experience a boat ride along the ghats and witness the evening Aarti at the Manikarnika Ghat.
A popular breakfast spot in Varanasi is The Great Kabab Factory, located near Assi Ghat. They serve a variety of kababs, parathas, and other Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, situated near Banaras Hindu University. They offer a range of pizzas, pasta, and sandwiches. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about ₹400 per person.
For dinner, try the local favorite restaurant called Shri Rajbhog, located near Manikarnika Ghat. They serve delicious vegetarian thalis and traditional Indian dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Wednesday, December 27: Varanasi Crafts and Music
On the final day, dive into the local art and music scene of Varanasi. In the morning, visit the Weavers Village in the outskirts of Varanasi, known for its traditional silk weaving industry. Witness the intricate process of creating beautiful Banarasi sarees. Next, explore the cultural hub of Varanasi, Godowlia, and indulge in mouthwatering street food. In the afternoon, attend a live classical music and dance performance at the renowned Sankat Mochan Temple. End your day with a soothing Ayurvedic massage and spa session to relax and rejuvenate.
Ayurvedic Massage and Spa: Estimated Cost - INR 1500 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Madras, a charming local eatery known for its South Indian dishes like dosas and idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Kashi Chat Bhandar, where you can savor the famous Varanasi street food delicacies like samosa chaat and kachori with aloo subzi. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Pind Balluchi, a popular restaurant serving authentic North Indian cuisine. Enjoy flavorful dishes like butter chicken and paneer tikka in a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Varanasi, make sure to visit the less crowded Chet Singh Ghat, known for its peaceful ambiance and stunning architecture. Another hidden gem is the Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the royal heritage and houses a museum with vintage cars, weapons, and artifacts.