Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Varanasi

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges River

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and colorful ghats.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at this popular bakery known for its fresh and healthy food options.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as the sun sets over the river.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Indulge in some delicious wood-fired pizzas and pasta at this cozy cafe.
INR 800, 1 hour

Day 2: Cultural Day in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and see the famous Vishwanath Temple.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy an organic meal at this cafe that supports local artisans and serves delicious vegetarian dishes.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Weaver's Village

Visit a local weaver's village to see the intricate process of weaving famous Banarasi sarees.
INR 200 (donation), 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Discover the historical Ramnagar Fort, known for its stunning architecture and collection of vintage cars.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Taste traditional Bihari cuisine at this authentic restaurant known for its Baati Chokha and Litti Chokha.
INR 700, 1 hour

Day 3: Spiritual Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Start your day with a peaceful yoga session by the Ganges River to rejuvenate your mind and body.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and experience the peaceful atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Great Kebab Factory

Savor a variety of kebabs and Indian delicacies at this renowned restaurant known for its kebab buffets.
INR 1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride to Manikarnika Ghat

Embark on a boat ride to Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place.
INR 300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a more serene and less crowded option for the evening ritual.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at El Parador

Enjoy a mix of Indian and international cuisine at this restaurant with a lovely rooftop seating offering views of the city.
INR 900, 1 hour

Day 4: Exploring Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Begin your day by exploring the ancient Dhamek Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument marking the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon.
INR 50 (entry fee), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Surya

Enjoy a delicious meal at this hotel's restaurant known for its traditional Indian dishes and serene ambiance.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Chaukhandi Stupa

Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, an ancient Buddhist stupa with intricate carvings and historical significance.
INR 20 (entry fee), 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop at Tibetan Market

Browse through the Tibetan Market in Sarnath to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and Buddhist artifacts.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this cafe known for its delicious Tibetan and Indian cuisine.
INR 600, 1 hour

Day 5: Ramnagar Exploration

Ramnagar, India

9:00AM

Explore Ramnagar Palace

Discover the grand Ramnagar Palace, a historical landmark with a museum showcasing vintage artifacts and royal collections.
INR 150 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganga View Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at this restaurant offering scenic vistas of the Ganges River and delicious Indian cuisine.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Durga Temple

Visit the Durga Temple in Ramnagar, an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga with intricate carvings and architecture.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Boat Ride on Ganges

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges River, taking in the scenic views and peaceful surroundings.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Lakshmi Chai Wala

Savor some authentic Indian street food and delicious chai at this popular local spot.
INR 300, 1 hour

Day 6: Chunar Fort Day Trip

Chunar Fort, India

9:00AM

Explore Chunar Fort

Discover the historic Chunar Fort, known for its strategic location and captivating views of the Ganges River.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at River View Resort

Enjoy a riverside meal at the River View Resort with a serene ambiance and delicious local cuisine.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Ride on Ganges

Embark on a boat ride on the Ganges River from Chunar Fort to experience the beauty of the surroundings.
INR 200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Gautam Buddha Cave

Explore the Gautam Buddha Cave near Chunar Fort, a peaceful spot with historical significance.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Chunar Fort Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant of Chunar Fort, offering a mix of Indian and continental cuisine.
INR 800, 1 hour

Day 7: Vindhyachal Day Trip

Vindhyachal, India

9:00AM

Visit Vindhyachal Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Vindhyachal Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga with a spiritual ambiance.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Maan Singh Dhaba

Enjoy a hearty meal at this local dhaba known for its authentic North Indian cuisine and warm hospitality.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ashtabhuja Temple

Visit the Ashtabhuja Temple, known for its unique architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop at Local Markets

Explore the bustling local markets of Vindhyachal to shop for souvenirs, religious items, and local handicrafts.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ganga Kinare Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at this riverside restaurant offering a range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
INR 700, 1 hour