Budget-Friendly Varanasi Exploration

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Day 1: City Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Assi Ghat

Start your day with a peaceful walk along the Assi Ghat, where you can witness locals performing morning rituals by the Ganges River.
Assi Ghat is a 20-minute walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Take a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Assi Ghat to reach the temple.
Free (donations accepted), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Deena Chaat Bhandar

Indulge in delicious and budget-friendly street food at Deena Chaat Bhandar, known for its variety of chaats.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Explore the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
BHU is a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat as the sun sets, a mesmerizing ritual filled with music, fire, and spirituality.
Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from BHU or a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride.
Free (donations appreciated), 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a visit to Blue Lassi, a famous spot offering a wide variety of lassi flavors at affordable prices.
Walk to Blue Lassi from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 100 per person, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Sarnath Excursion

Take a day trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum.
Sarnath is a 30-minute drive from Varanasi. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus.
INR 100 for bus, INR 500-800 for taxi, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafeteria

Enjoy a simple and tasty meal at the Sarnath Cafeteria before heading back to Varanasi.
The cafeteria is near the Sarnath Museum.
INR 150 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Varanasi Streets

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Old Varanasi, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local life.
Get back to Varanasi city center and explore on foot.
Variable based on shopping, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a more serene and less crowded experience compared to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Assi Ghat is a short walk from the city center.
Free (donations welcome), 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Relish a vegetarian dinner at Shree Cafe, offering a variety of Indian and international dishes at reasonable prices.
Shree Cafe is located near Assi Ghat.
INR 250 per person, 1 hour
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Day 3: Return to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Manikarnika Ghat

Visit Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, known for its continuous cremation ceremonies.
Take a boat ride or walk along the ghats to reach Manikarnika Ghat.
Free (boat ride may cost INR 100-200), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a healthy and affordable meal at Open Hand Cafe, known for its organic food and relaxed ambiance.
Walk or take an auto-rickshaw to the cafe.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historic Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River, and admire its architecture and museum.
Cross the river by boat or take a short drive to reach Ramnagar Fort.
INR 100 for boat, INR 50 entry fee, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Boat Ride

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Ganges River during the magical evening hours, witnessing the ghats come to life with prayers and rituals.
Hire a boat from the ghats or book a sunset boat tour in advance.
INR 200-300 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Savor the flavors of traditional Bihari cuisine at Baati Chokha, a local favorite known for its authentic dishes.
Take an auto-rickshaw to reach the restaurant.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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Day 4: Ghats Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Yoga at Assi Ghat

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session by the Ganges River at Assi Ghat, surrounded by a serene atmosphere.
Walk to Assi Ghat from your accommodation or take a short auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Alamgir Mosque

Explore the architectural marvel of Alamgir Mosque, also known as Beni Madhav Ka Darera, reflecting a blend of Hindu and Mughal styles.
Alamgir Mosque is a short walk from Assi Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Relish wood-fired pizzas and other Italian delights at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, a cozy spot overlooking the river.
Walk to the cafe from Alamgir Mosque.
INR 400 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk Along Dasaswamedh Ghat

Take a leisurely walk along Dasaswamedh Ghat, absorbing the vibrant energy and observing various activities by the river.
Start walking from Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe towards Dasaswamedh Ghat.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Lane

Explore the bustling Vishwanath Lane for souvenirs, traditional clothing, and local handicrafts at budget-friendly prices.
Walk from Dasaswamedh Ghat to Vishwanath Lane.
Variable based on shopping, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Sunset Boat Ride

Experience a mesmerizing sunset boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing the ghats and temples glowing in the evening light.
Hire a boat from Dasaswamedh Ghat for the ride.
INR 200-300 per person, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Lotus Lounge

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Lotus Lounge, offering a mix of Indian and international cuisine with a beautiful view of the river.
Walk to Lotus Lounge from the ghats.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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Day 5: Ganges Ghat Experience

Varanasi, India

5:00AM

Sunrise Boat Ride

Embark on a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges to witness the city waking up and the ghats bathed in the early morning light.
Pre-book a boat or hire one from the ghats for the ride.
INR 200-300 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kachori Gali

Savor a traditional Varanasi breakfast at Kachori Gali, known for its delicious kachoris and chai.
Walk to Kachori Gali from the ghats.
INR 100 per person, 1 hour

9:00AM

Free Time at the Ghats

Spend some leisure time exploring the various ghats along the Ganges, interacting with locals, and absorbing the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi.
Walk along the ghats at your own pace.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganga Cafe

Enjoy a riverside lunch at Ganga Cafe, offering a range of Indian and continental dishes amidst a tranquil setting.
Walk to Ganga Cafe from the ghats.
INR 250 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to the Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas, and admire its beautiful marble architecture and serene surroundings.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to reach the temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts at Godowlia Market, a bustling place offering a variety of budget-friendly items.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the market.
Variable based on shopping, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Final Ganga Aarti

Attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at one of the ghats, bidding farewell to Varanasi with the mesmerizing sight of lamps floating on the river.
Choose a ghat near your accommodation for the ceremony.
Free (donations welcomed), 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Bati Chokha

Relish another meal at Bati Chokha, ending your Varanasi journey with the flavors of authentic Bihari cuisine.
Head back to Bati Chokha for dinner.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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