Varanasi Cultural and Foodie Exploration

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

5:30AM

Sunrise at Assi Ghat

Start your day with a serene sunrise at Assi Ghat, where you can witness the beauty of the Ganges River coming alive with morning rituals.
Assi Ghat is a 15-minute walk from the main city centre. You can also take a cycle rickshaw for a quicker commute.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of one of the holiest temples in India.
From Assi Ghat, hire a cycle rickshaw to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It's a 20-minute ride.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Banarasi meal at a local restaurant to experience the authentic flavours of Varanasi.
Ask locals or your hotel for recommendations on nearby restaurants.
£10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, an important Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa.
Sarnath is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw for the journey.
£5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as priests perform rituals against the backdrop of the setting sun.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from the main city centre.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Ganges Exploration and Relaxation

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Manikarnika Ghat

Visit Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place, to witness the cycle of life and death.
Manikarnika Ghat is a short walk from the main city centre.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a boat ride on the Ganges River to see the ghats from a different perspective and observe the rituals and daily life along the riverbanks.
You can hire a boat from any of the ghats. Negotiate the price beforehand.
£5, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Relish a delicious meal at a local restaurant near the ghats before continuing your exploration.
Choose a restaurant along the ghats for a scenic dining experience.
£10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Banaras Hindu University

Visit Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore its vast campus and cultural heritage.
Banaras Hindu University is a short drive from the main city centre. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach there.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Panchganga Ghat

End your day with a relaxing evening at Panchganga Ghat, where you can sit by the river, watch the sunset, and reflect on your Varanasi experiences.
Panchganga Ghat is a short walk from the main city centre.
Free, 1 hour
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