7-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Varanasi

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride on the River Ganges, witnessing the morning rituals and the beautiful ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat by walking (10 mins from most hotels), and hire a boat for the ride. The activity takes about 2 hours.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Experience the spirituality of Varanasi by visiting one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
From Dashashwamedh Ghat, take a rickshaw to the temple (15 mins ride). The visit usually takes about 1 hour.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar

Enjoy some delicious and affordable street food at this local favorite spot.
Walk to Deena Chat Bhandar from the temple (5 mins walk). Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 150 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the historical site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Take a taxi to Sarnath (30 mins ride). Spend a couple of hours exploring the ruins and museum.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Raju Tea Stall

End your day with a flavorful dinner at this popular local eatery.
Return to Varanasi and head to Raju Tea Stall (20 mins ride). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour
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Day 2: Sarnath and Return to Varanasi

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Explore the ancient stupa that marks the spot where Buddha gave his first teaching.
Start your day with a visit to Dhamek Stupa (10 mins walk from the main entrance). The visit usually takes about 1 hour.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Discover the monastery known for its beautiful frescoes and serene ambiance.
Walk to the monastery (5 mins walk). Spend around 1 hour exploring the site.
INR 20 (entry fee), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Keshari Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at this nearby restaurant known for its local cuisine.
Head to The Keshari Restaurant for lunch (10 mins walk). Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 250 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Learn more about the history of Sarnath through the artifacts and sculptures displayed in the museum.
Visit the museum (5 mins walk). Plan for about 1-2 hours to explore the exhibits.
INR 5 (entry fee), 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and relax after a day of exploring Sarnath.
Take a taxi back to Varanasi (30 mins ride).
INR 500, 30 mins

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Enjoy a traditional North Indian dinner at this popular restaurant in Varanasi.
Head to Baati Chokha for dinner (15 mins ride). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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Day 3: Varanasi Exploration

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Start your day by exploring one of the serene ghats in Varanasi, known for its peaceful ambiance.
Take a rickshaw to Assi Ghat (20 mins ride). Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Discover the sprawling campus of one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
Take a taxi to BHU (15 mins ride). Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the university and its attractions.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Indian and Italian flavors at this cozy cafe near BHU.
Head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe for lunch (10 mins walk). Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

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.
Take a rickshaw to the temple (15 mins ride). The visit usually takes about 1 hour.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Lane

Explore the bustling lanes near the temple for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Walk to Vishwanath Lane for shopping (5 mins walk). Spend a couple of hours browsing and bargaining.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a visit to this famous lassi shop known for its wide variety of flavors.
Head to Blue Lassi for dinner (10 mins walk). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 100 per person, 1 hour
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Day 4: Chunar Fort Day Trip

Chunar, India

9:00AM

Explore Chunar Fort

Discover the historic fort known for its strategic location and stunning views of the Ganges.
Take a taxi to Chunar Fort (2 hours ride). Spend 2-3 hours exploring the fort and its surroundings.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ganga View Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view of the river at this restaurant near Chunar Fort.
Head to Ganga View Restaurant for lunch (5 mins walk). Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on River Ganges

Experience a leisurely boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the scenic beauty of the river.
Take a boat ride near Chunar Fort (boat services available). The ride usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 100 per person, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and relax after a day trip to Chunar Fort.
Take a taxi back to Varanasi (2 hours ride).
INR 1000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at this rooftop cafe in Varanasi with a view of the city lights.
Head to Open Hand Cafe for dinner (15 mins walk). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 250 per person, 1 hour
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Day 5: Day Trip to Vindhyachal

Vindhyachal, India

9:00AM

Visit Vindhyavasini Devi Temple

Explore the temple dedicated to the goddess Vindhyavasini, a popular pilgrimage site.
Take a taxi to Vindhyavasini Devi Temple (2 hours ride). Spend 1-2 hours exploring the temple complex.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Temple Bhojanalaya

Enjoy a simple and delicious meal at the temple's dining hall.
Have lunch at Temple Bhojanalaya within the temple premises. Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
Donations accepted, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Ramgaya Ghat

Visit the picturesque ghat along the Ganges and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Take a leisurely walk to Ramgaya Ghat (5 mins walk). Spend some time relaxing by the river.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ashtabhuja Temple

Discover the temple dedicated to the goddess Ashtabhuja, known for its architecture and religious significance.
Take a taxi to Ashtabhuja Temple (20 mins ride). Spend about 1 hour exploring the temple.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi after a day trip to Vindhyachal.
Take a taxi back to Varanasi (2 hours ride).
INR 1000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at this cozy cafe in Varanasi known for its variety of dishes.
Head to Shree Cafe for dinner (15 mins walk). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the temple dedicated to the poet-saint Tulsidas, known for its beautiful marble carvings.
Take a taxi to Tulsi Manas Temple (20 mins ride). Plan to spend about 1 hour at the temple.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Durga Temple

Discover the temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, known for its vibrant red color and architectural beauty.
Walk to Durga Temple (10 mins walk). Spend about 1 hour exploring the temple.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Flavours Cafe

Enjoy a delicious meal at this cozy cafe known for its fusion cuisine.
Head to Flavours Cafe for lunch (5 mins walk). Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 250 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Experience the hustle and bustle of one of the main cremation ghats in Varanasi, a place of intense spiritual significance.
Take a rickshaw to Manikarnika Ghat (15 mins ride). Spend some time observing the rituals and atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Explore the vibrant market for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts.
Walk to Godowlia Market for shopping (10 mins walk). Spend a couple of hours browsing and shopping.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kachori Gali

End your day with a gastronomic adventure at this street food hub known for its variety of kachoris.
Head to Kachori Gali for dinner (5 mins walk). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 100 per person, 1 hour
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Day 7: Final Day in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Alamgir Mosque

Explore the historic mosque known for its unique blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles.
Take a taxi to Alamgir Mosque (15 mins ride). Spend about 1 hour exploring the mosque.
Free entry, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Monkey Temple

Visit the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its playful monkey residents.
Take a rickshaw to Monkey Temple (20 mins ride). Plan to spend about 1 hour exploring the temple complex.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a final meal at one of your favorite cafes in Varanasi before departure.
Head to Shree Cafe for lunch (15 mins ride). Lunch usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Thatheri Bazar

Spend your last afternoon in Varanasi shopping for unique handicrafts and souvenirs at this bustling market.
Take a rickshaw to Thatheri Bazar (10 mins ride). Enjoy a couple of hours shopping.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at one of the oldest and most famous ghats in Varanasi.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Aarti ceremony (5 mins walk). The ceremony usually lasts about 1 hour.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a final dinner with your family at this cozy cafe, reminiscing about your wonderful time in Varanasi.
Head to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe for dinner (10 mins walk). Dinner usually takes about 1 hour.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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