How many days do you need in Varanasi?

This itinerary covers 4 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 4 days trip to Varanasi. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Spiritual Journey in Varanasi

Viewed by 75 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges River

Begin your spiritual journey with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and colorful ghats.

INR 200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Head to one of the holiest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva, marvel at its stunning architecture and spiritual ambiance.

Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at this cozy cafe known for its fresh bread and organic ingredients.

INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Visit this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its peaceful surroundings and spiritual significance.

Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual involving fire, music, and prayers, at one of the oldest ghats in Varanasi.

Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Savor a delightful dinner at this rooftop restaurant offering a panoramic view of the Ganges River and the cityscape.

INR 800, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 2: Spiritual Exploration Continues

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Begin your day with a visit to Assi Ghat, known for its peaceful ambiance and as a favorite spot for meditation and yoga enthusiasts.

Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Tulsi Manas Temple

Discover the temple dedicated to the Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas, adorned with beautiful inscriptions and sculptures depicting scenes from the ancient text.

Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Italian and Indian flavors at this charming cafe known for its wood-fired pizzas and serene garden setting.

INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Explore the vibrant temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, adorned with bright colors and intricate sculptures.

Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Experience the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a more serene and less crowded alternative to the main ghats.

Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Indulge in traditional North Indian cuisine at this popular restaurant known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.

INR 700, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 3: Excursion to Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Explore the museum showcasing artifacts and sculptures related to Buddhism and the history of the region, providing insights into Sarnath's significance.

INR 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Dhamek Stupa

Visit the ancient stupa marking the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, surrounded by peaceful gardens.

Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafe

Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal at this local cafe near the stupa, offering a taste of authentic flavors.

INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Chaukhandi Stupa

Explore the ancient stupa built as a memorial to the place where Lord Buddha met his first disciples, offering a tranquil atmosphere for reflection.

Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and relax after a day of exploring the historical sites of Sarnath.

INR 500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ganga View Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful dinner with a view of the Ganges River at this restaurant known for its regional Indian cuisine and scenic setting.

INR 900, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Sarnath

Day 4: Final Day in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the renowned university campus known for its academic excellence and lush greenery, offering a glimpse into the educational hub of Varanasi.

Free entry, 2 hours

11:00AM

Shop at Vishwanath Galli

Indulge in some local shopping at this bustling market street, known for its traditional Banarasi silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Varies, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Relish a vegetarian meal at this popular cafe known for its serene ambiance and delicious Indian dishes.

INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Pay homage to Mother India at this unique temple dedicated to the country, featuring a marble map of undivided India and showcasing national unity.

Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Enjoy Street Food at Godowlia Chowk

Delight your taste buds with a variety of local street snacks and sweets at the bustling Godowlia Chowk, a food lover's paradise.

INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Final Dinner at Blue Lassi

Conclude your Varanasi journey with a visit to this iconic lassi shop, offering a wide range of traditional and exotic lassi flavors.

INR 200, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Varanasi

Like this trip? Make your own version.

A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.

Create my version

Itinerary created by Plantrip Team February 16, 2024 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Spiritual Journey in Varanasi

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

8:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Spiritual Exploration Continues

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Excursion to Sarnath

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Final Day in Varanasi

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

More About Varanasi

Plan Your Varanasi Trip