Family Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Varanasi

Day 1: Ghat Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Assi Ghat

Start your day with a traditional breakfast overlooking the Ganges River at Assi Ghat.
Assi Ghat is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw from most parts of Varanasi.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the ancient ruins and Buddhist monuments at Sarnath, an important pilgrimage site.
Take a taxi or hire a guide for a 30-minute drive from Varanasi to Sarnath.
INR 500 (including guide), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at a local restaurant near Sarnath.
There are many eateries around Sarnath serving authentic Indian cuisine.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Varanasi

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Old Varanasi, shop for silk sarees and local handicrafts.
Walk or take a cycle rickshaw to navigate the maze-like streets of the old city.
INR 0 (shopping expenses extra), 2 hours

6:00PM

Watch Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Walk from Old Varanasi to Dashashwamedh Ghat along the ghats.
INR 0, 1 hour
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Day 2: Temple & University Visit

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the heart of Varanasi.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a short walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 100 (for special darshan), 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Discover the sprawling campus of BHU, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum and the iconic Vishwanath Temple.
Take a cycle rickshaw or taxi from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to BHU.
INR 50 (rickshaw ride), 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at a cafe near Banaras Hindu University.
There are several eateries around BHU offering a variety of cuisines.
INR 250, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Streets of Varanasi

Take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets of Varanasi, shop for souvenirs.
Explore on foot or hire a cycle rickshaw for convenience.
INR 0 (shopping expenses extra), 2 hours

6:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Experience the spiritual energy at one of the oldest and busiest cremation ghats in Varanasi.
Manikarnika Ghat is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride from the city center.
INR 0, 1 hour
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