Spiritual Journey Through Varanasi

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges River

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing the morning rituals and the spiritual energy of Varanasi.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to find boat services.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, experiencing the architectural beauty and religious fervor.
The temple is located near the Ganges River, easily accessible from the ghats.
Free entry, but donations appreciated, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor authentic Bihari cuisine at Baati Chokha, known for its delicious thali meals and rustic ambiance.
Address: C 27/283, A 2, Rathyatra Sigra Road, Varanasi
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the ancient site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, immersing yourself in the peaceful surroundings and rich history.
Sarnath is about 13 km from Varanasi; you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Assi Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, where priests offer prayers to the river as the sun sets, creating a magical ambiance.
Assi Ghat is easily accessible from the main city area.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Discovering Rural Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the grand Ramnagar Fort, a historical edifice with a museum showcasing vintage cars, weaponry, and artifacts from the royal era.
Located on the eastern bank of the Ganges, accessible by boat or road.
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at El Parador

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at El Parador, a cozy restaurant known for its Spanish and Indian fusion cuisine and rooftop seating.
Address: D 58/6-7, Sigra, Varanasi
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Chunar Fort

Venture to Chunar Fort, a historic fortification with stunning views of the Ganges, and steeped in legends of Mughal and British invasions.
Chunar Fort is around 40 km from Varanasi; hiring a taxi is the best option.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Relish a hearty dinner at Shree Cafe, a popular spot for delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, offering a peaceful ambiance to unwind.
Address: D 37/53 Godowlia, Varanasi
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature and Culture

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Boating in Chunar

Embark on a scenic boat ride in Chunar, exploring the natural beauty of the area and witnessing the confluence of the Ganges and Vindhya mountains.
Chunar is around 40 km from Varanasi; you can hire a taxi to reach the boat dock.
INR 300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Flavours Cafe

Indulge in a delicious meal at Flavours Cafe, known for its diverse menu and cozy ambiance, perfect for a midday break.
Address: B1/128, Assi Ghat Road, Near Assi Ghat, Varanasi
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan

Explore the rich collection of Indian art and artifacts at Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, offering insights into the cultural heritage of the region.
Located within the Banaras Hindu University campus.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, known for its wood-fired pizzas and serene garden setting, ideal for a relaxing evening.
Address: B1/178, Assi Ghat Road, Varanasi
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Spiritual Immersion

Varanasi, India

5:00AM

Sunrise Yoga at Assi Ghat

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at Assi Ghat, embracing the tranquility of the morning and the spiritual vibes of Varanasi.
Join a local yoga class at Assi Ghat.
INR 300 (for yoga class), 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Open Hand Cafe

Relish a healthy breakfast at Open Hand Cafe, popular for its organic and vegetarian menu, perfect for a post-yoga meal.
Address: B1/128, Assi Ghat Road, Near Assi Ghat, Varanasi
INR 400, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Tulsi Manas Temple

Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to the poet-saint Tulsidas, known for its intricate marble carvings depicting the Ramayana.
Located near Durgakund, easily accessible by rickshaw.
Free entry, but donations appreciated, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ksheer Sagar

Enjoy a traditional Indian thali meal at Ksheer Sagar, a local favorite for authentic vegetarian cuisine in a peaceful setting.
Address: IP Mall, Sigra, Varanasi
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Explore the vibrant Durga Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga and adorned with colorful paintings and sculptures, reflecting Hindu mythology.
Located in the heart of Varanasi, near the Vishwanath Temple.
Free entry, but donations appreciated, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals amidst the chanting of hymns and the glow of lamps.
Join the crowds at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the aarti.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Chunar

Chunar, India

9:00AM

Explore Chunar Town

Discover the charming town of Chunar, known for its historical significance, picturesque landscapes, and the famous Chunar Fort overlooking the Ganges.
Explore the town on foot or hire a local guide for insights into its history.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganga View Restaurant

Enjoy a riverside lunch at Ganga View Restaurant, savoring local delicacies with a panoramic view of the Ganges and the fort.
Address: Chunar Fort Road, Chunar
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Boating in Ganges

Experience a boat ride on the Ganges River, soaking in the beauty of the surroundings and the historical charm of Chunar.
Head to the boat dock near Chunar Fort for boat services.
INR 200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi, reminiscing about the day's experiences in Chunar and the scenic beauty of the Ganges.
Take a taxi or public transport back to Varanasi.
INR 200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Varanasi Cultural Delights

Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University, home to various colleges, museums, and the famous Bharat Kala Bhavan showcasing Indian art and culture.
The university is easily accessible by rickshaw or taxi.
Free entry, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a variety of toppings and a serene garden setting for a relaxed meal.
Address: B1/178, Assi Ghat Road, Varanasi
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Browse through the bustling Vishwanath Gali, known for its vibrant markets selling silk sarees, handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional Banarasi goods.
Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali for shopping.
Variable based on purchases, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ksheer Sagar

End your day with a delightful dinner at Ksheer Sagar, known for its comforting Indian thali meals and serene ambiance.
Address: IP Mall, Sigra, Varanasi
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Farewell to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Weaver's Village

Explore a traditional weaver's village near Varanasi, witnessing the intricate art of weaving silk sarees and understanding the local craftsmanship.
Take a taxi to the outskirts of Varanasi where the weaver's village is located.
INR 100 (donation for the village), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Great Kabab Factory

Indulge in a lavish lunch at The Great Kabab Factory, known for its delectable kebabs and Mughlai cuisine, a perfect farewell meal in Varanasi.
Address: The Gateway Hotel Ganges, Nadesar Palace Grounds, Varanasi
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Pay your respects at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred cremation ghats in Varanasi, witnessing the cycle of life and death along the Ganges.
Manikarnika Ghat is a short walk from the main city area.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Final Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Conclude your journey with a final Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, absorbing the spiritual essence of Varanasi before bidding farewell to this mystical city.
Join the evening aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability