Family Fun in Varanasi: 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ghat Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride at Assi Ghat

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and the beautiful sunrise.
Assi Ghat is a short walk from most hotels in Varanasi.
200 INR, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
Take a taxi from Assi Ghat to the temple, approximately 20 minutes.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kachori Gali

Indulge in local street food delights like kachori, chaat, and lassi at this bustling food street.
Walk from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Kachori Gali, around 10 minutes.
300 INR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Assi Ghat Markets

Shop for traditional Banarasi sarees, jewelry, and souvenirs in the vibrant markets near Assi Ghat.
Stroll from Kachori Gali to Assi Ghat Markets, approximately 15 minutes.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy dinner with a view of the Ganges River at this cozy cafe offering a mix of Indian and Continental dishes.
Walk from Assi Ghat Markets to Open Hand Cafe, around 5 minutes.
500 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Explore a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi.
Take a taxi from Assi Ghat to Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, approximately 15 minutes.
100 INR, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Treat your taste buds to traditional North Indian cuisine like baati, chokha, and thali at this authentic restaurant.
Walk from Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to Baati Chokha, around 10 minutes.
400 INR, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Workshop at Shivala Ghat

Participate in a traditional art or music workshop conducted by local artisans near the sacred Shivala Ghat.
Take a leisurely walk from Baati Chokha to Shivala Ghat, approximately 20 minutes.
200 INR per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Tulsi Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Tulsi Ghat, filled with incense, lamps, and devotional songs.
Take a taxi or rickshaw from Shivala Ghat to Tulsi Ghat, around 15 minutes.
Free to attend, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Relish wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes in a cozy garden setting at this popular Italian restaurant.
Walk from Tulsi Ghat to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, around 10 minutes.
600 INR, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Journey in Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Explore Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Discover ancient artifacts, sculptures, and relics related to Buddhism and the history of Sarnath at this museum.
Travel from Varanasi to Sarnath by taxi, approximately 30 minutes.
50 INR, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian meal with a view of the Dhamek Stupa at this quaint cafe offering Indian and Tibetan dishes.
Walk from Sarnath Archaeological Museum to Sarnath Cafe, around 5 minutes.
300 INR, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Marvel at the impressive ancient stupa, a significant Buddhist monument marking the spot where Buddha first taught the Dharma.
Short walk from Sarnath Cafe to Dhamek Stupa, approximately 10 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Chaukhandi Stupa

Visit the historic stupa where Lord Buddha met his first disciples after attaining enlightenment.
Take a taxi from Dhamek Stupa to Chaukhandi Stupa, around 15 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Meditation at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Participate in a calming meditation session at the serene Mulagandha Kuti Vihar monastery, known for its peaceful ambiance.
Walk from Chaukhandi Stupa to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, around 15 minutes.
Donations appreciated, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring the Old City

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the renowned university campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, and stroll through the lush gardens.
Take a taxi from your hotel to Banaras Hindu University, approximately 20 minutes.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kashi Cafe

Savor organic and vegetarian dishes in a peaceful garden setting at this cafe known for its sustainable practices.
Walk from Banaras Hindu University to The Kashi Cafe, around 15 minutes.
500 INR, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Explore the bustling narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and Banarasi silk products.
Stroll from The Kashi Cafe to Vishwanath Gali, approximately 10 minutes.
Varies based on purchases, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Experience the vibrant colors and architecture of the Durga Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga.
Walk from Vishwanath Gali to Durga Temple, around 5 minutes.
Free entry, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

Treat yourself to delicious lassi with various flavors at this iconic lassi shop, a favorite among locals and tourists.
Walk from Durga Temple to Blue Lassi, around 10 minutes.
200 INR, 1 hour
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