Family-Friendly Rail Trip in Varanasi

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges River

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals of locals and the beautiful sunrise.
Head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat for the boat ride, which is a short walk from most hotels in Varanasi.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Take a rickshaw from the ghats to the temple, which is a 20-minute ride.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Enjoy a traditional North Indian meal at Baati Chokha, known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
Baati Chokha is a short drive from the temple, and offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the historical site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the ancient stupas and ruins.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sarnath, which is around 30 minutes away from Varanasi.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Niyati

End your day with a delicious dinner at Niyati, offering a blend of Indian and Chinese cuisine in a cozy setting.
Niyati is a short drive back to Varanasi city center.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Sarnath

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and coffee.
The cafe is located in Varanasi city center, perfect for fueling up before the day trip.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Sarnath Museum

Discover the rich history of Sarnath at the museum, which houses ancient artifacts, sculptures, and relics from the Buddhist era.
The museum is a short walk from the main Sarnath site.
INR 20 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bona Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Bona Cafe, offering a peaceful ambiance and a variety of Indian and continental dishes.
Bona Cafe is located near the Sarnath site, perfect for a mid-day meal.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Explore the impressive Dhamek Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument in Sarnath, and admire its intricate carvings and historical importance.
Walk from Bona Cafe to Dhamek Stupa, which is a short distance away.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi city center to relax and unwind after a day of exploration in Sarnath.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw back to Varanasi, which is around a 30-minute ride.
INR 200, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Ganga Fuji Home

Enjoy a riverside dinner at Ganga Fuji Home, offering a peaceful setting and delicious Indian and Chinese dishes.
Ganga Fuji Home is located near the ghats, providing a scenic dining experience.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: 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 appreciate the blend of education and culture.
Take a rickshaw or taxi to the university, which is a short ride from the city center.
INR 100 (museum entry fee), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Weaver's Village

Discover the art of weaving at the Weaver's Village, where you can see traditional silk weaving techniques and shop for exquisite textiles.
The Weaver's Village is a short drive from Banaras Hindu University.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a healthy and organic meal at Open Hand Cafe, known for its fresh ingredients and support for local artisans.
Open Hand Cafe is located near the Weaver's Village, offering a peaceful dining experience.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historical Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, and learn about the royal heritage of Varanasi.
Take a taxi to Ramnagar Fort, which is located on the other side of the Ganges River.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dolphin Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at Dolphin Restaurant, offering a rooftop dining experience overlooking the Ganges River and the city lights.
Dolphin Restaurant is a short drive from Ramnagar Fort, perfect for a scenic dinner.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Yoga by the Ganges

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session by the banks of the Ganges River, immersing yourself in the spiritual energy of Varanasi.
Head to Assi Ghat for a morning yoga class, easily accessible from most hotels by a short walk.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to the Hindu epic Ramayana, and admire the beautiful marble carvings depicting the story of Lord Rama.
Take a rickshaw or taxi to Tulsi Manas Temple, which is a short ride away from Assi Ghat.
Free entry, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vatika Cafe

Indulge in wood-fired pizzas and refreshing drinks at Pizzeria Vatika Cafe, perfect for a casual lunch with family.
The cafe is a short distance from Tulsi Manas Temple, providing a relaxed dining experience.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Experience the vibrant colors and intricate architecture of Durga Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Walk or take a short rickshaw ride to Durga Temple, located in the heart of Varanasi.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Explore the bustling Vishwanath Gali for traditional handicrafts, saris, and souvenirs, perfect for some family shopping.
Vishwanath Gali is a vibrant market area in Varanasi, ideal for exploring on foot.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ksheer Sagar

Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at Ksheer Sagar, offering a variety of North Indian dishes and sweets for a delightful dining experience.
Ksheer Sagar is located in the city center, providing a convenient dinner option.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Varanasi Farewell

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Explore the unique Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, and marvel at the detailed map of the country carved in marble.
Take a short walk or rickshaw ride to Bharat Mata Temple, located in the heart of Varanasi.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shop at Godowlia Market

Browse through the bustling Godowlia Market for souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks, perfect for some last-minute shopping.
Godowlia Market is a vibrant shopping area in Varanasi, offering a variety of products.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Savor the flavors of street food at Kashi Chat Bhandar, known for its chaats, samosas, and other local delicacies.
Kashi Chat Bhandar is a popular spot in Varanasi for quick and tasty bites.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Alamgir Mosque

Explore the architectural marvel of Alamgir Mosque, showcasing a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Take a short walk from Kashi Chat Bhandar to Alamgir Mosque, located near the ghats.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, as priests perform rituals with fire, incense, and chants against the backdrop of the river.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat from Alamgir Mosque to secure a good spot for the evening aarti.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Vaatika Cafe, offering a variety of dishes and drinks in a relaxed garden setting.
Vaatika Cafe is a short walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat, perfect for a final meal in Varanasi.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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