How many days do you need in Varanasi?

This itinerary covers 3 days in Varanasi, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Varanasi?

Plan your perfect 3 days trip to Varanasi. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Spiritual Varanasi

Viewed by 128 travelers

Day 1: Sarnath Serenity

Sarnath, Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Explore Sarnath Ruins

Discover the ancient ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa, an important Buddhist monument.

INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath

Enjoy a traditional thali meal at a local restaurant.

INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Explore the beautiful Buddhist temple and its serene surroundings.

INR 50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and relax at the hotel before dinner.

N/A, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Indulge in a delicious dinner of authentic Bihari cuisine.

INR 500, 1.5 hours

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Day 2: Varanasi Vibes

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the spiritual aura of Varanasi with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges River.

INR 200, 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the river at this popular bakery.

INR 250, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

INR 100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Relish wood-fired pizzas and Italian cuisine in a serene garden setting.

INR 400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Old Varanasi Streets

Wander through the narrow lanes, visit local markets, and witness the vibrant chaos of the city.

N/A, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a rooftop dinner with a splendid view of the illuminated ghats and the Ganges River.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

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Day 3: Ganges Reverence

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Begin the day with the peaceful ambiance of Assi Ghat and witness the morning rituals.

N/A, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Discover the sprawling campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.

INR 200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Casa Piccola

Enjoy a delicious Italian meal in a cosy, artistic setting near the university.

INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ganges River Boat Tour

Embark on a serene boat tour on the Ganges to witness the evening aarti ceremonies.

INR 300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Relish a healthy and organic dinner with a view of the Ganges River.

INR 600, 1.5 hours

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When are you going?

Add your start date and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team January 3, 2024 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Spiritual Varanasi

Day 1: Sarnath Serenity

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Varanasi Vibes

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Ganges Reverence

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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