Family-Friendly Varanasi Exploration

Day 1: Sightseeing and River Ganges

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the sacred River Ganges, witnessing the morning rituals and colorful ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to board a boat. It takes about 15 minutes to get there from the city center.
500 INR, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Shiva, experiencing the spiritual ambiance and intricate architecture.
The temple is a short walk from the ghats, approximately 10 minutes away.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar

Indulge in delicious street food like chaat and kachori at this popular local eatery, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Deena Chat Bhandar is located near Godowlia Chowk, around 15 minutes from the temple.
300 INR, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the ancient ruins and museums.
Sarnath is about a 30-minute drive from Varanasi city center. Hire a taxi for convenience.
100 INR (entry fee), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Aarti at Assi Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a spiritual experience with prayers, music, and lamps floating on the river.
Assi Ghat is around 20 minutes away from Sarnath. Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach in time.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Enjoy a traditional North Indian meal at Baati Chokha, known for its authentic flavors and rustic ambiance.
Baati Chokha is located in the Cantonment area, about 20 minutes from Assi Ghat.
800 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Shopping

Varanasi, India

9:00 AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Explore the sprawling campus of BHU, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and soak in the educational and cultural atmosphere.
BHU is a short drive from the city center, approximately 15 minutes away.
200 INR (museum entry), 2 hours

11:30 AM

Shop at Vishwanath Gali

Stroll through the bustling Vishwanath Gali, known for its vibrant markets selling silk sarees, handicrafts, and traditional items.
Vishwanath Gali is a 10-minute walk from BHU campus.
Variable, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Relish wood-fired pizzas and other international delights at this charming cafe offering a break from traditional Indian cuisine.
The cafe is located near Godowlia Chowk, about 20 minutes from Vishwanath Gali.
600 INR, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Weaver's Village

Visit a traditional weaver's village to witness the art of weaving Banarasi sarees firsthand and shop for authentic textiles.
The village is a short drive from the city center, around 30 minutes away. Hire a taxi for convenience.
Free entry, costs for purchases, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat

Experience the grandeur of the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat, a must-see spectacle in Varanasi.
Dasaswamedh Ghat is a 20-minute drive from the weaver's village. Take a taxi to reach on time.
Free, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Indian and international dishes at Open Hand Cafe, known for its rooftop seating and cultural ambiance.
The cafe is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, about 15 minutes from Dasaswamedh Ghat.
700 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Retreat and Local Cuisine

Varanasi, India

9:00 AM

Morning Yoga Session at Parmarth Niketan

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at Parmarth Niketan, immersing yourself in the peaceful and spiritual surroundings.
Parmarth Niketan is located near Ravidas Gate, around 20 minutes from the city center.
300 INR (yoga session), 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its beautiful marble structure and walls inscribed with verses from the Ramcharitmanas.
The temple is a short drive from Parmarth Niketan, approximately 10 minutes away.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Return to Baati Chokha for another delicious meal, savoring the flavors of regional North Indian cuisine once again.
Baati Chokha is a 15-minute drive from Tulsi Manas Temple.
800 INR, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Old Varanasi Markets

Wander through the narrow lanes of Old Varanasi markets, shopping for souvenirs, spices, and traditional items.
The markets are a short walk from Baati Chokha, approximately 10 minutes away.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Evening Snacks at Kachori Gali

Treat yourself to local snacks like kachori and jalebi at the famous Kachori Gali, a paradise for street food lovers.
Kachori Gali is adjacent to the markets and easily accessible on foot.
200 INR, 1 hour
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