Budget-Friendly Varanasi Exploration

Day 1: Spiritual Awakening

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Start your day by witnessing the mesmerizing morning Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spiritual experience like no other.
Walk from your accommodation to Dashashwamedh Ghat, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere.
Walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, around 20 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly vegetarian meal at Shree Cafe, known for its delicious local cuisine.
Walk to Shree Cafe from the temple, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, a renowned Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Take a rickshaw or taxi to Sarnath from Varanasi, about 30 minutes.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kachori Gali

Indulge in the local street food delights at Kachori Gali, known for its variety of snacks and sweets at affordable prices.
Take a rickshaw to Kachori Gali from Sarnath, around 40 minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical Charm

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the ancient Ramnagar Fort, known for its unique blend of Mughal and Indian architecture, and witness the daily royal traditions.
Take a boat ride or ferry across the Ganges River to reach Ramnagar Fort, approximately 30 minutes.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Enjoy a traditional Bihari meal at Baati Chokha, offering authentic flavors at affordable prices.
Take a boat or ferry back to Varanasi and walk to Baati Chokha, around 15 minutes.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Visit the sprawling campus of BHU, known for its iconic Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and beautiful architecture.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Baati Chokha to BHU, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Spend your evening browsing through the bustling Godowlia Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local handicrafts.
Take a cycle rickshaw from BHU to Godowlia Market, around 15 minutes.
Variable (depending on purchases), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

End your day with a visit to Blue Lassi, a famous spot for trying different varieties of lassi at pocket-friendly prices.
Walk to Blue Lassi from Godowlia Market, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 50-100, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

Explore the unique temple dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of India carved out of marble.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk to Bharat Mata Temple from your accommodation, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Italian and Indian flavors at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering affordable and delicious pizzas.
Take a walk to the cafe from the temple, around 10 minutes.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Weaver's Village

Visit the Weaver's Village to witness the traditional art of weaving silk sarees and other fabrics, a glimpse into Varanasi's rich textile heritage.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the Weaver's Village, about 20 minutes.
INR 50 (entry fee), 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Attend a Classical Music Concert

Immerse yourself in the melodious tunes of classical Indian music at a local concert, a cultural experience not to be missed.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the concert venue, around 30 minutes.
INR 200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vishwanath Chaat Bhandar

Savour the popular street food delicacies at Vishwanath Chaat Bhandar, known for its chaats and snacks at nominal prices.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the food stall, approximately 15 minutes.
INR 100, 1 hour
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Day 4: Riverside Tranquility

Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River during sunrise, witnessing the rituals and daily life along the ghats.
Walk to the nearest ghat for the boat ride, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 200, 1-2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kachori Gali

Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Kachori Gali, indulging in local specialties like kachoris and jalebis.
Walk to Kachori Gali from the ghat, around 15 minutes.
INR 100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Alamgir Mosque

Explore the historic Alamgir Mosque, a unique blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles, offering panoramic views of the city.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk to Alamgir Mosque from Kachori Gali, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Relish the flavorful chaats and snacks at Kashi Chat Bhandar, a local favorite for its delicious street food offerings.
Take a cycle rickshaw to the food stall from Alamgir Mosque, around 10 minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi, witnessing the traditional cremation rituals.
Walk to Manikarnika Ghat from the food stall, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Culinary Delights and Farewell

Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Cooking Class at Saffron Cooking Class

Participate in a cooking class at Saffron Cooking Class, learning to prepare traditional Indian dishes and flavors to take back home.
Take a taxi to the cooking class venue, approximately 20 minutes.
INR 500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Head back to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe for one last meal in Varanasi, savoring their delicious fusion pizzas.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the cafe, around 15 minutes.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts at Vishwanath Gali, a bustling street market.
Walk to Vishwanath Gali from the cafe, approximately 10 minutes.
Variable (depending on purchases), 2 hours

6:00PM

Boat Ride at Dasaswamedh Ghat

End your Varanasi journey with a peaceful boat ride at Dasaswamedh Ghat, admiring the illuminated ghats and temples along the river.
Walk to Dasaswamedh Ghat for the boat ride, around 15 minutes.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Open Hand Cafe, known for its organic and healthy menu options, providing a perfect end to your Varanasi trip.
Walk to Open Hand Cafe from the ghat, approximately 10 minutes.
INR 400, 1 hour
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