Budget-Friendly Varanasi Exploration

Day 1: Riverside Bliss

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Begin your day with a serene boat ride along the River Ganges, witnessing the morning rituals and the ghats come to life.
Head to Assi Ghat and hire a boat for the ride, it takes about 1 hour.
INR 200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Explore Assi Ghat, a peaceful spot for meditation and yoga enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the spiritual side of Varanasi.
Assi Ghat is a short walk from the boat docking area.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at Open Hand Cafe known for its healthy and budget-friendly options.
Walk to Open Hand Cafe from Assi Ghat, it's approximately a 10-minute walk.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Sarnath Excursion

Head to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Explore the ruins and visit the museum.
Take a shared auto-rickshaw from Assi Ghat to Sarnath, the journey takes around 1 hour.
INR 50 (one way), 3 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a mesmerizing spectacle of lights, music, and devotion.
Take an auto-rickshaw from Sarnath to Dashashwamedh Ghat, it takes about 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Start your day with a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and experience the spiritual ambiance.
Walk from your accommodation to the temple, it's a short distance.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Take a stroll through Banaras Hindu University campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and admire the stunning architecture.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to BHU, it's a 20-minute ride.
INR 50, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at I:ba Cafe

Relish a wholesome meal at I:ba Cafe, known for its organic food and relaxing ambiance.
Walk or take a cycle rickshaw to I:ba Cafe from BHU, it's a 15-minute ride.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Seek blessings at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from I:ba Cafe to the temple, it's a short distance.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Tulsi Ghat

Experience the serene Ganga Aarti ceremony at Tulsi Ghat, a lesser-crowded spot offering a more intimate setting.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple to Tulsi Ghat, it's a 15-minute ride.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Heritage Walk in Varanasi Old Town

Embark on a guided heritage walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's Old Town, discovering hidden temples, bustling markets, and traditional crafts.
Join a heritage walk group near Dashashwamedh Ghat, the walk lasts for 2 hours.
INR 300 (guided tour), 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Durga Temple

Explore the vibrant Durga Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, and admire the beautiful red color dominating the architecture.
Walk from the end point of the heritage walk to Durga Temple, it's a short walk.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a traditional Indian thali at Shree Cafe, a local favorite known for its authentic flavors and pocket-friendly prices.
Walk to Shree Cafe from Durga Temple, it's a 10-minute walk.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Visit the historic Ramnagar Fort, an architectural marvel showcasing the grandeur of the bygone era with its museum and scenic views.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Shree Cafe to Ramnagar Fort, the ride takes about 30 minutes.
INR 100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Views at Rajendra Prasad Ghat

Relax at Rajendra Prasad Ghat and witness a stunning sunset over the River Ganges, offering a peaceful end to the day.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Ramnagar Fort to Rajendra Prasad Ghat, it's a 20-minute ride.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Historical Wonders

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Alamgir Mosque

Explore the architectural beauty of Alamgir Mosque, a unique blend of Hindu and Mughal styles, offering insights into Varanasi's diverse history.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from your accommodation to Alamgir Mosque, it's a short distance.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Chunar Fort

Head to Chunar Fort, a historic fort with panoramic views of the Ganges, and delve into tales of valor and conquest.
Take a local bus from Alamgir Mosque to Chunar Fort, the journey takes around 2 hours.
INR 50 (one way), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Raman Cafe

Savor a simple yet delicious meal at Raman Cafe, a budget-friendly eatery popular for its local cuisine and friendly vibe.
Walk or take a cycle rickshaw to Raman Cafe from Chunar Fort, it's a 15-minute ride.
INR 200, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Bharat Mata Temple

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a relief map of undivided India carved in marble.
Walk from Raman Cafe to Bharat Mata Temple, it's a short distance.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Spend your evening exploring the bustling Godowlia Market, known for its vibrant street shopping offering everything from souvenirs to traditional clothing.
Walk from Bharat Mata Temple to Godowlia Market, it's a short walk.
Variable (as per shopping), 2 hours
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Day 5: Farewell Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit New Vishwanath Temple

Explore the New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, showcasing intricate marble work and peaceful surroundings.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from your accommodation to New Vishwanath Temple, it's a short distance.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Weaver's Colony

Visit the Weaver's Colony to witness the traditional art of Banarasi saree weaving and shop for authentic handloom products.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from New Vishwanath Temple to Weaver's Colony, it's a 15-minute ride.
Variable (as per shopping), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Indulge in some fusion cuisine at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian flavors in a cozy setting.
Walk or take a cycle rickshaw to Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe from Weaver's Colony, it's a 10-minute ride.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum within BHU campus, showcasing a rich collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
Take a cycle rickshaw or walk from Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe to Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, it's a 20-minute ride.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Final Shopping at Vishwanath Lane

Spend your last evening exploring Vishwanath Lane for some souvenir shopping and street food delights before bidding adieu to Varanasi.
Walk from Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to Vishwanath Lane, it's a short walk.
Variable (as per shopping), 2 hours
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