Family-Friendly Varanasi Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

Afternoon

Check-In at Hotel

Upon arrival in Varanasi, check-in at your hotel and freshen up before starting your exploration of the city.
From Varanasi Airport, take a taxi to your hotel. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.
N/A, 1 hour

Evening

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual experience for the whole family.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from the main ghats in Varanasi.
Free, 1 hour

Dinner

Dine at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Varanasi cuisine.
You can find many dining options near the ghats or in the city center.
Varies, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

Morning

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River, observing the ghats and morning rituals.
Head to the Dasaswamedh Ghat for boat rides, which can be easily arranged at the ghat itself.
500 INR per boat (approx. 7 USD), 1-2 hours

Lunch

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Grab lunch at a local cafe near the ghats, trying out some street food specialties.
Explore the lanes near the ghats for cafes offering local cuisine.
200 INR per person (approx. 3 USD), 1 hour

Afternoon

Visit Sarnath

Explore the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath, known for its stupas and the place where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Sarnath is about 13 km from Varanasi city center. Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach there in about 30-45 minutes.
200 INR entrance fee per person (approx. 3 USD), 2-3 hours

Dinner

Dine at a Rooftop Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ganges, a perfect end to the day.
There are several rooftop restaurants near the ghats offering beautiful views. Choose one as per your preference.
Varies, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

Morning

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Shiva temples in India.
The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi. It's recommended to reach early to avoid crowds.
Free entry, special paid darshan available, 1-2 hours

Lunch

Traditional Thali Lunch

Savor a traditional Indian thali lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing the variety of flavors.
Look for restaurants offering thali meals in the city center.
300 INR per person (approx. 4 USD), 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore its campus and museums.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach BHU from the city center. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.
Free entry to campus, museum entry fees vary, 2-3 hours

Dinner

Rooftop Dinner with Cultural Show

Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with live music and dance performances showcasing the culture of Varanasi.
Book a table at a restaurant offering cultural shows in advance to ensure availability.
800 INR per person including show (approx. 11 USD), 2 hours
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Day 4: Departure from Varanasi

Varanasi, India

Morning

Visit Assi Ghat for Sunrise

Head to Assi Ghat to witness a beautiful sunrise over the Ganges, a peaceful way to start your day.
Assi Ghat is easily accessible by walking or taking a short auto-rickshaw ride from the city center.
Free, 1 hour

Brunch

Brunch at a Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed brunch at a cozy cafe in Varanasi before preparing for your departure.
Explore cafes near the ghats or in the city center for a leisurely brunch.
250 INR per person (approx. 3.5 USD), 1-2 hours

Afternoon

Shopping at Varanasi Markets

Spend your last few hours shopping for souvenirs and traditional items at the bustling markets of Varanasi.
Head to the popular markets like Vishwanath Gali and Thatheri Bazar for shopping. Bargaining is common in these markets.
Varies, 2-3 hours

Evening

Departure

Bid farewell to Varanasi as you head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Depending on your mode of transport, arrange for a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the airport or railway station.
Varies, 1-2 hours
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