How many days do you need in Varanasi?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Varanasi, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Varanasi?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Varanasi. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 1 hour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

INR 500, 1 hour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

INR 700, 1 hour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 1 hour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

INR 200, 1 hour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

INR 500, 1 hour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 1 hour

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

Spiritual Journey Through Varanasi

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Discovering Rural Varanasi

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Nature and Culture

8:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Spiritual Immersion

5:00AM

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Day Trip to Chunar

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Varanasi Cultural Delights

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Farewell to Varanasi

9:00AM

12:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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