Varanasi 3-Day Adventure, City Experiences, Nature Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Varanasi City

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Start your day with a visit to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and experience the spiritual aura of Varanasi.
From your accommodation in Varanasi, take a taxi to the temple. It takes about 20 minutes to get there.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1-2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Dashashwamedh Ghat

Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual that takes place every evening.
Walk from the temple to the ghat, it's a short 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a delicious meal at Brown Bread Bakery, known for its tasty vegetarian dishes and cozy ambiance.
Walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat to the bakery, approximately a 15-minute walk.
INR 500 per person, 1-1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore the beautiful campus and museums.
Take a taxi from the bakery to BHU. It's a 20-minute drive.
Free entry, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

End your day by shopping for souvenirs and traditional items at Vishwanath Gali, a bustling market street near the temple.
Walk from BHU to Vishwanath Gali, it's a 30-minute walk.
Depends on purchases, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Relax and have dinner at Open Hand Cafe, offering a rooftop dining experience with a view of the city lights.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from Vishwanath Gali to the cafe, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 800 per person, 1-1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Discover Ganges River

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and the ghats come to life.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation to Assi Ghat for the boat ride. It takes around 15 minutes.
INR 300 per person, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Assi Ghat to the temple. It's a 10-minute ride.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, a popular spot overlooking the Ganges River.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride from the temple to the cafe, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 600 per person, 1-1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Visit Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat in Varanasi, and witness the fascinating rituals and activities along the riverbank.
Walk from the cafe to Manikarnika Ghat, it's a 20-minute walk.
Free, 1-1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Durga Temple

Explore the Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, dedicated to the goddess Durga and known for its unique architectural style.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Manikarnika Ghat to the temple. It's a 15-minute ride.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Indulge in traditional North Indian cuisine at Baati Chokha, known for its authentic flavors and rustic charm.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from Durga Temple to the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 700 per person, 1-1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Embrace Nature at Sarnath

Sarnath, India

8:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Start your day with a visit to Dhamek Stupa, an ancient Buddhist monument with intricate carvings and historical significance.
Take a taxi from Varanasi to Sarnath. It's a 30-minute drive.
Free entry, 1-1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Discover the rich history of Sarnath at the Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts and sculptures from the ancient times.
The museum is within walking distance from Dhamek Stupa, just a 5-minute walk.
INR 20 for Indian visitors, INR 250 for foreign visitors, 1-1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganga Fuji Home

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Ganga Fuji Home, a quaint restaurant known for its traditional Indian dishes.
Walk from the museum to the restaurant, it's a short 10-minute walk.
INR 400 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Thai Temple (Wat Thai Sarnath)

Explore the Thai Temple, a beautiful Buddhist monastery showcasing Thai architecture and cultural elements.
Walk from the restaurant to the temple, it's a 15-minute walk.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Deer Park

Unwind and relax at Deer Park, a peaceful spot where you can connect with nature and enjoy some quiet time.
The park is a short walk from the Thai Temple, approximately 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi after a day of exploring Sarnath and experiencing the tranquil surroundings.
Take a taxi or public transportation from Sarnath to Varanasi, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Transportation cost varies, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability