Family-Friendly Varanasi Exploration

Day 1: Ghats and Temples

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the River Ganges, witnessing the daily rituals and spiritual activities along the ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to catch a boat. It's a 10-minute walk from most hotels in the area.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the spiritual ambiance and intricate architecture.
Take a short walk from the ghats to reach the temple.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian meal with a view at this rooftop cafe, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisine.
It's a 15-minute walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 500 for a meal for two, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the historic site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins, museum, and Dhamek Stupa.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Varanasi to Sarnath, which is about 13 km away. It takes around 30 minutes.
INR 100 per person for entry to the museum, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Assi Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire, incense, and lamps, creating a spiritual ambiance.
Assi Ghat is a short drive from Sarnath. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Visit

Explore the sprawling campus of BHU, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and witness the grand architecture of the university.
BHU is a short taxi ride from the city center.
INR 50 per person for museum entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor authentic Bihari cuisine at this popular restaurant known for its traditional flavors and hospitality.
Baati Chokha is a 20-minute drive from BHU.
INR 800 for a meal for two, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the grand Ramnagar Fort, a historical fortification on the banks of the Ganges. Witness the museum and vintage cars collection.
Take a boat or drive to the fort, located across the river. It's a 30-minute journey.
INR 100 per person for entry, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Shop for traditional Banarasi silk sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs at this bustling market known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Godowlia Market is a 15-minute drive from Ramnagar Fort.
Variable, 2 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Retreat

Varanasi, India

8:30AM

Yoga and Meditation

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga and meditation session at a local ashram or wellness center.
Most ashrams offer morning classes. Enquire at your accommodation or nearby centers.
INR 500 per person, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion breakfast at this cozy cafe offering a mix of Italian and Indian delicacies.
The cafe is a short walk from popular ghats.
INR 300 for a meal for two, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the temple dedicated to the poet-saint Tulsidas, known for its detailed carvings depicting the Ramayana.
Tulsi Manas Temple is a 10-minute drive from the cafe.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Ride to Manikarnika Ghat

Take a boat ride to the cremation ghat of Manikarnika, observing the rituals and ceremonies from the river.
You can hire a boat from nearby ghats for the journey.
INR 300 per person, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Pay a visit to the unique temple dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of the country carved in marble.
Bharat Mata Temple is a short walk from the ghats.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Indulge in a variety of street food delights at this popular eatery known for its chaats and snacks.
Kashi Chat Bhandar is located near the ghats.
INR 400 for a meal for two, 1 hour
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