Enchanting Varanasi: A 7-Day Family Adventure

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 rituals and daily life of locals.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to hire a boat. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the ghat from your accommodation.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and admire its intricate architecture.
Walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the temple, which is approximately a 10-minute walk.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Indulge in authentic local cuisine at Baati Chokha, known for its traditional flavors and cozy ambiance.
Baati Chokha is a short drive from the temple.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Take a stroll around Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
From Baati Chokha, it's a 20-minute drive to the university.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as priests perform rituals with fire and incense, creating a spiritual ambiance.
Walk back to Dashashwamedh Ghat from the university, approximately a 15-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Spiritual Varanasi Continued

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the historic site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Take a taxi from your accommodation to Sarnath, which is around a 30-minute drive.
INR 300 (including return), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Open Hand Cafe, known for its organic and healthy food options.
Open Hand Cafe is within walking distance from the Sarnath site.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Varanasi Silk Weaving

Visit a local silk weaving center to witness the intricate art of handloom weaving, a traditional craft of Varanasi.
It's a short drive from Sarnath to the weaving center.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Explore the bustling Godowlia Market for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts, perfect for some evening shopping.
Drive back to Varanasi city center for shopping, approximately 30 minutes.
Variable, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Exploration at Chunar Fort

Chunar Fort, India

9:00AM

Explore Chunar Fort

Discover the rich history of Chunar Fort, a strategically important fort known for its architectural beauty and legends.
Travel from Varanasi to Chunar Fort by private car, which takes around 2 hours.
INR 100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fort View Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at Fort View Restaurant, offering delectable dishes amidst a scenic setting.
The restaurant is located within the fort premises.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on Ganges near Chunar Fort

Experience a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges River near Chunar Fort, soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
The boat ride starting point is a short walk from the fort.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Historic Ramnagar Fort

Ramnagar Fort, India

9:00AM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the grand Ramnagar Fort, a historical site with a museum showcasing artifacts, weapons, and vintage vehicles.
Travel from Chunar Fort to Ramnagar Fort by private car, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
INR 150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at River View Restaurant

Relish a meal at River View Restaurant overlooking the Ganges, offering a picturesque dining experience.
The restaurant is located near the fort and accessible by a short drive or walk.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum within the fort complex, housing a diverse collection of artifacts and artworks.
The museum is a short walk from River View Restaurant.
INR 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal, India

9:00AM

Visit Vindhyachal Temple

Explore the Vindhyachal Temple, a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its spiritual significance.
Travel from Ramnagar Fort to Vindhyachal by private car, which takes around 2.5 hours.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Temple Canteen

Enjoy a simple meal at the temple canteen, savoring local vegetarian dishes.
The canteen is located within the temple premises.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Vindhyachal Market

Discover the vibrant Vindhyachal Market for shopping souvenirs, religious items, and local crafts.
The market area is a short walk from the temple.
Variable, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Delights in Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot, India

9:00AM

Visit Kamadgiri Temple

Explore Kamadgiri Temple, a sacred hill believed to be the original Chitrakoot, and soak in the spiritual aura of the surroundings.
Travel from Vindhyachal to Chitrakoot by private car, which takes approximately 2 hours.
INR 20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chitrakoot Dham

Indulge in a traditional meal at Chitrakoot Dham, offering a taste of local flavors and hospitality.
Chitrakoot Dham is a short drive from Kamadgiri Temple.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gupt Godavari Caves

Visit the Gupt Godavari Caves, known for their mythological significance and natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape.
The caves are a short drive from Chitrakoot Dham.
INR 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Ram Ghat

Witness the evening Aarti ceremony at Ram Ghat, where lamps are lit and prayers are offered by the river.
Drive to Ram Ghat for the Aarti ceremony, which is a short distance from the caves.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Farewell Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and experience the peaceful ambiance of the temple.
Travel back to Varanasi from Chitrakoot by private car, which takes around 3 hours.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion meal at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian dishes in a charming setting.
The cafe is located in Varanasi city center.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Assi Ghat

Spend some time at Assi Ghat, known for its peaceful vibes and cultural gatherings by the river.
Assi Ghat is a short drive from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Lane

Explore Vishwanath Lane for souvenirs, clothing, and traditional items to take back as memories of Varanasi.
Vishwanath Lane is a short walk from Assi Ghat.
Variable, 2 hours
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