Discovering Banaras in 2 Days

Day 1: Spiritual Exploration

Banaras, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the mystical morning rituals and the beautiful ghats lining the river.
Head to Assi Ghat to board a boat. It's a 10-minute walk from most hotels in the old city area.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most sacred temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and witness the mesmerising architecture and spiritual ambience.
From the ghats, take a cycle rickshaw to reach the temple. It's a short 15-minute ride.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar

Indulge in authentic Banarasi street food at Deena Chat Bhandar, known for its delicious chaat and local delicacies.
The restaurant is located near Godowlia Chowk, a 10-minute walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the ancient site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the museum showcasing Buddhist artifacts.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the city centre to Sarnath. It's a 30-minute drive.
INR 100 entry fee for foreigners, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire, incense, and lamps against the backdrop of the Ganges River.
Walk from Sarnath to Dashashwamedh Ghat or take a taxi for a quicker commute.
Free to attend, donations accepted, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Italian and Indian cuisine at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a cosy ambience and delicious wood-fired pizzas.
The cafe is located near Assi Ghat, a short walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 500 per person, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Heritage

Banaras, India

9:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Bharat Kala Bhavan

Explore the sprawling campus of BHU, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum to see a stunning collection of artifacts, and witness the grandeur of the university.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from the old city to BHU. It's a 20-minute ride.
INR 50 entry fee for Bharat Kala Bhavan, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savour traditional Bihari cuisine at Baati Chokha, known for its authentic dishes like litti chokha and the warm hospitality.
Baati Chokha is located near BHU, a 10-minute walk from the museum.
INR 400 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the historic Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful riverside fort showcasing the grandeur of a bygone era with its museum, vintage cars, and antique collections.
Take a boat ride from Assi Ghat to reach Ramnagar Fort, a 30-minute journey.
INR 100 entry fee, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Explore the bustling Vishwanath Gali, a vibrant market street offering a variety of Banarasi silk sarees, jewellery, and traditional handicrafts.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Ramnagar Fort to Vishwanath Gali, a 15-minute ride.
Variable as per shopping, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Relish a dinner at Open Hand Cafe, known for its organic and delicious vegan dishes, set in a peaceful garden ambiance.
The cafe is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, a short walk from Vishwanath Gali.
INR 600 per person, 1.5 hours
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