Budget-Friendly Varanasi and Sarnath Exploration

Day 1: Varanasi Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the River Ganges, witnessing the morning rituals and vibrant ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat where you can easily find boat services. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there from the main Varanasi city area.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, experiencing the spiritual aura and intricate architecture.
The temple is located in the heart of Varanasi, around 10 minutes walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Deena Chat Bhandar

Indulge in delicious and affordable street food like chaat and kachori at this local favorite spot.
The eatery is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Assi Ghat and Attend Ganga Aarti

Visit the serene Assi Ghat, relax by the river, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.
Assi Ghat is a short auto-rickshaw ride away from the main city area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner with a variety of vegetarian dishes at this cozy cafe near Assi Ghat.
Shree Cafe is located close to Assi Ghat, easily accessible by walking.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Spiritual Exploration in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00 AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Begin your day with a visit to this revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its peaceful surroundings and spiritual vibes.
Sankat Mochan Temple is located a short distance from the main city area, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Stroll through the campus of BHU, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and admire the beautiful architecture and greenery.
BHU is a short auto-rickshaw ride away from Sankat Mochan Temple.
INR 50 (Museum entry fee), 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Relish delicious wood-fired pizzas and other Italian delights at this quaint cafe near BHU.
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is located within walking distance from BHU.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its beautiful marble structure, and the nearby Durga Temple with its vibrant artwork.
Both temples are a short auto-rickshaw ride away from BHU.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a visit to Blue Lassi and try their famous lassis in various flavors, a perfect way to cool off.
Blue Lassi is located in the main Varanasi city area, easily reachable by walking.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:30 AM

Visit Sarnath

Embark on a day trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Take a local bus from Varanasi to Sarnath, which takes about 1 hour.
INR 50 (one way), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafe

Enjoy a simple and delicious meal at a local cafe in Sarnath, soaking in the peaceful ambiance.
Sarnath Cafe is located near the main attractions in Sarnath.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Dhamek Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Visit the ancient Dhamek Stupa and the tranquil Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, absorbing the rich history and spirituality of the place.
Both attractions are within walking distance from Sarnath Cafe.
Free entry, donations accepted, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and spend the evening exploring the local markets and enjoying street food.
Take a local bus from Sarnath to Varanasi, which takes about 1 hour.
INR 50 (one way), 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Shri Dosa Corner

Treat yourself to delicious South Indian dosas and other dishes at this popular eatery in Varanasi.
Shri Dosa Corner is located in the main city area of Varanasi.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Exploring Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00 AM

Visit Chaukhandi Stupa

Begin your day with a visit to Chaukhandi Stupa, an important Buddhist monument marking Buddha's first meeting with his disciples.
Chaukhandi Stupa is a short walk from the main Sarnath area.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Archaeological Museum

Discover the rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, and relics related to Buddhism at the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath.
The museum is located near Chaukhandi Stupa.
INR 20 (Indian), INR 250 (foreigner), 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Nirvana Cafe

Relish a hearty meal with a view of the green surroundings at Nirvana Cafe, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines.
Nirvana Cafe is located near the Archaeological Museum.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Thai Temple and Tibetan Temple

Explore the beautiful Thai Temple and Tibetan Temple, experiencing the diverse Buddhist architectural styles.
Both temples are a short walk from Nirvana Cafe.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mahek Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner with Indian and Chinese dishes at Mahek Restaurant, a popular dining spot in Sarnath.
Mahek Restaurant is located in the main Sarnath area.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 5: Final Day in Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00 AM

Morning Meditation at Peace Park

Start your day with a peaceful meditation session at Peace Park, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility.
Peace Park is located a short distance from the main Sarnath area.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Japanese Temple and Chinese Temple

Visit the serene Japanese Temple and vibrant Chinese Temple, admiring the unique architecture and cultural influences.
Both temples are within walking distance from Peace Park.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a healthy and organic meal at Open Hand Cafe, known for its fresh ingredients and peaceful ambiance.
Open Hand Cafe is located near the Japanese Temple.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the historic Ramnagar Fort, known for its stunning architecture, museum, and scenic views of the Ganges River.
Ramnagar Fort is a short drive from Sarnath, easily reachable by auto-rickshaw.
INR 100, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Raj Rasoi

Indulge in flavorful Indian dishes at Raj Rasoi, a local restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Raj Rasoi is located in the Sarnath area.
INR 300, 1 hour
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