Budget-Friendly 7-Day Varanasi Itinerary

Day 1: Ganges Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and spirituality of Varanasi.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat to board a boat. It takes about 10 minutes.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Head to one of the holiest temples in India, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, to experience the religious fervor and architecture.
Take a cycle rickshaw from the ghat to the temple. It's a 15-minute ride.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar

Enjoy a budget-friendly and delicious meal at Deena Chat Bhandar known for its local street food.
Walk to the restaurant from the temple. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Assi Ghat

Stroll around Assi Ghat, a peaceful spot by the river where you can relax and soak in the spiritual ambiance.
Take a leisurely walk from the restaurant to Assi Ghat. It's a 20-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

End your day with a simple and tasty dinner at Shree Cafe, offering a variety of vegetarian dishes at affordable prices.
Walk to Shree Cafe from Assi Ghat. It's a 10-minute walk.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sarnath Excursion

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Site

Embark on a day trip to Sarnath, an important archaeological site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Take a local bus from Varanasi to Sarnath. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
INR 50 (round trip), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Sarnath Cafe, offering a peaceful ambiance and delicious local cuisine.
Walk to the cafe from the archaeological site. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Chaukhandi Stupa

Visit the Chaukhandi Stupa, a historical Buddhist monument with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere.
Walk from the cafe to the stupa. It's a 10-minute walk.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and rest after a day of exploration in Sarnath.
Take a local bus from Sarnath to Varanasi. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
INR 50 (round trip), 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Open Hand Cafe, known for its vegetarian dishes and tranquil ambiance.
Walk to the cafe from your accommodation. It's a 15-minute walk.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

8:30AM

Morning Aarti at Assi Ghat

Witness the morning aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a beautiful ritual that offers a glimpse into the spiritual essence of Varanasi.
Walk to Assi Ghat from your accommodation. It's a 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore its campus and cultural heritage.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Assi Ghat to the university. It's a 20-minute ride.
Free entry, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Indulge in a different cuisine at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Indian and Italian dishes at reasonable prices.
Take a cycle rickshaw from the university to the cafe. It's a 15-minute ride.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum within the BHU campus, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts and artworks.
Walk from the cafe to the museum. It's a 10-minute walk.
INR 100, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Shri Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at Shri Restaurant, known for its authentic flavors and welcoming ambiance.
Walk to Shri Restaurant from the museum. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Exploring Temples

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and experience the morning prayers.
Take a cycle rickshaw from your accommodation to the temple. It's a 15-minute ride.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Durga Temple

Visit Durga Temple, known for its vibrant architecture and religious significance, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Walk from the Hanuman Temple to Durga Temple. It's a 10-minute walk.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor a traditional North Indian thali meal at Baati Chokha, offering a variety of flavors and local specialties.
Walk to Baati Chokha from Durga Temple. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore Tulsi Manas Temple, a modern temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its beautiful white marble architecture.
Take a cycle rickshaw from the restaurant to the temple. It's a 10-minute ride.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a sweet treat at Blue Lassi, a famous spot for delicious lassi flavors in Varanasi.
Walk to Blue Lassi from the temple. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 5: Local Markets

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Explore Godowlia Market

Spend your morning exploring Godowlia Market, a bustling hub of local shops selling everything from clothes to spices and souvenirs.
Walk from your accommodation to Godowlia Market. It's a 15-minute walk.
Depends on shopping, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Head back to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe for a relaxed lunch and refuel for more exploration in the afternoon.
Walk back to the cafe from the market. It's a 15-minute walk.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shop at Thatheri Bazaar

Visit Thatheri Bazaar to shop for traditional metalware, brass items, and handicrafts as souvenirs from Varanasi.
Take a cycle rickshaw from the cafe to Thatheri Bazaar. It's a 10-minute ride.
Depends on shopping, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Panchganga Ghat

Unwind at Panchganga Ghat, a lesser-known spot for a peaceful evening by the Ganges with a beautiful view of the river.
Walk to Panchganga Ghat from the market. It's a 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Lotus Lounge

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Lotus Lounge, offering a mix of Indian and Chinese cuisine in a cozy setting.
Walk to Lotus Lounge from the ghat. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 6: Rural Charms

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historical Ramnagar Fort, located across the Ganges River, and witness the grandeur of the ancient architecture.
Take a boat from the ghat to Ramnagar Fort. It's a 30-minute boat ride.
INR 100 (boat ride), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Chunar Fort

Embark on a day trip to Chunar Fort, a historic fort perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
Take a local bus from Varanasi to Chunar Fort. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
INR 100 (one way), 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Chunar Fort

Enjoy a meal at a local eatery near Chunar Fort, savoring traditional flavors and experiencing the rural charm of the area.
Walk to the eatery from the fort. It's a 5-minute walk.
INR 200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Chunar Town

Stroll around Chunar Town, interact with locals, and discover the quaint streets and markets of this rural town.
Walk around the town for exploration.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Chunar Town

Indulge in a local dinner at a street food vendor or small eatery in Chunar Town to taste authentic flavors of the region.
Explore for dinner options in the town.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 7: Farewell Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Weaver's Village

Explore a weaver's village near Varanasi to witness the traditional art of weaving silk sarees and textiles, and support local artisans.
Take a cycle rickshaw or local bus to the village. It's a 30-minute ride.
INR 50 (one way), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple and authentic lunch at a local eatery in the village, tasting homemade dishes and experiencing rural hospitality.
Explore the village for lunch options.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Craft Shopping

Shop for locally made handicrafts and textiles in the village as souvenirs to remember your time in Varanasi.
Explore the village for shopping opportunities.
Depends on shopping, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and spend your last evening in the city reminiscing about your budget-friendly and enriching trip.
Take a cycle rickshaw or local bus back to Varanasi.
INR 50 (one way), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your final day with a sweet treat at Blue Lassi, indulging in their famous lassi flavors as a farewell to Varanasi.
Walk to Blue Lassi for a delicious evening treat.
INR 100, 1 hour
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