Varanasi 3-Day Adventure & Cultural Immersion

Day 1: City Center Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and activities along the ghats.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat to hire a boat. It's a 10-minute walk from most city center accommodations.
INR 200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride from the ghats to the temple.
Free entry, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at this popular café known for its delicious vegetarian dishes.
Walk to Shree Cafe from the temple, it's a 15-minute walk.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Vishwanath Gali

Stroll through the bustling streets of Vishwanath Gali, filled with shops selling traditional items, sweets, and souvenirs.
Vishwanath Gali is a short walk from Shree Cafe.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset, a spiritual ritual involving fire offerings and chants.
Walk back to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Aarti ceremony.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Savor a delightful dinner at this rooftop café with a view of the Ganges River, offering a mix of Indian and continental cuisine.
Walk to Open Hand Cafe from the ghat, it's a 10-minute walk.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sarnath Excursion

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Explore the ancient Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, a significant Buddhist monument marking the spot where Buddha first taught the Dharma.
Take a taxi or hire an auto-rickshaw to Sarnath. It's a 30-minute journey from Varanasi city center.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Discover artifacts and sculptures dating back to the Gupta and Mauryan periods, showcasing the rich history of Sarnath.
The museum is a short walk from Dhamek Stupa.
INR 5 (Indian citizens) / INR 100 (foreigners), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafe

Enjoy a simple and tasty meal at this local café before heading back to Varanasi.
Sarnath Cafe is close to the museum.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Travel back to Varanasi city center and spend the evening at leisure exploring more of the vibrant streets and markets.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw back to Varanasi, a 30-minute journey.
INR 200, 30 minutes
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Day 3: Ganges River Experience

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Sunrise Yoga by the Ganges

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session by the banks of the Ganges, soaking in the peaceful morning atmosphere.
Walk to Assi Ghat for the yoga session, a 20-minute walk from the city center.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at this cozy bakery known for its freshly baked goods and organic ingredients.
Walk to Brown Bread Bakery from Assi Ghat, it's a 10-minute walk.
INR 400, 1 hour

11:00AM

Boat Ride to Manikarnika Ghat

Embark on a boat ride to Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, observing the cremation rituals from a respectful distance.
Take a boat from Assi Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Try the famous lassi at Blue Lassi, a local favorite spot offering a variety of delicious flavors.
Walk to Blue Lassi from Manikarnika Ghat, it's a 5-minute walk.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and known for its beautiful marble structure and religious significance.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple, a 15-minute journey from Blue Lassi.
INR 20 (entry fee), 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, and traditional items at the bustling Godowlia Market, a perfect place to pick up gifts for loved ones back home.
Godowlia Market is a short walk from the temple.
Variable, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

End your day with a delicious dinner at Baati Chokha, a popular restaurant serving authentic North Indian cuisine.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk to Baati Chokha from the market, it's a 10-minute ride.
INR 500, 1 hour
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