7-Day Cultural Immersion Eco-Friendly Itinerary in Varanasi and Ayodhya

Day 1: Exploring Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the Ganges River, witnessing rituals and daily life.
Head to Assi Ghat to hire a boat for the ride.
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples in India and experience the spiritual energy of Varanasi.
Take a rickshaw to the temple located in the heart of the city.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Enjoy a traditional North Indian thali meal that showcases the flavors of the region.
Baati Chokha is located near Lanka Gate.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk through the Narrow Alleys of Varanasi

Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Varanasi, witnessing local life and vibrant markets.
Explore the lanes around Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend the Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Witness a mesmerizing evening prayer ritual dedicated to the Ganges River, filled with lights and chants.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the ceremony.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploring Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

9:00AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the birthplace of Lord Rama, a site of great religious and historical significance in Ayodhya.
Ram Janmabhoomi is located in the heart of the city.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mani Ram Ki Mashoor Thali

Indulge in a delicious vegetarian thali meal at a popular local restaurant.
The restaurant is located near Naya Ghat.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hanuman Garhi

Visit the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of Ayodhya from its hilltop location.
Hanuman Garhi is a short drive from the city center.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk along the Saryu River

Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Saryu River, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Access the riverbank near Guptar Ghat.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Back to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the ancient Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Sarnath is a short drive from Varanasi.
INR 100 (entry fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Parador

Enjoy a fusion meal at a restaurant known for its international cuisine with local influences.
El Parador is located near Sarnath.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Browse through the colorful market stalls offering a variety of local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Take a rickshaw to Godowlia Market in the city center.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy wood-fired pizzas and Italian dishes in a cozy outdoor setting.
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is located near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Attend a Yoga Class

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session to experience the spiritual and physical benefits of the practice.
Join a class at a local yoga studio or center.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore the Banaras Hindu University

Visit one of the largest residential universities in Asia, known for its beautiful campus and cultural significance.
Take a rickshaw to reach BHU's main entrance at Lanka.
Free entry, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a sustainable meal at a cafe that promotes fair trade and supports local artisans.
Open Hand Cafe is located inside the BHU campus.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Weaver's Village at Bajardiha

Explore the traditional handloom industry and interact with skilled weavers to learn about the craft.
Take a short taxi ride to Bajardiha, known for its weaving community.
Free (unless purchasing), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Savor organic and vegetarian dishes at a peaceful cafe overlooking the Ganges River.
Aum Cafe is situated near Assi Ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Ayodhya Cultural Exploration

Ayodhya, India

9:00AM

Visit Gulab Bari

Explore the beautiful garden complex with Mughal-style architecture and serene surroundings.
Gulab Bari is located near Moti Mahal.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shri Agrasen Dhaba

Enjoy a hearty North Indian meal at a popular local dhaba known for its authentic flavors.
The dhaba is located near Tulsi Smarak Bhawan.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Nageshwarnath Temple

Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and witness intricate architecture and religious practices.
The temple is situated in the central part of Ayodhya.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Sightseeing at Kanak Bhawan

Admire the ornate interiors and colorful artwork of the temple dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
Kanak Bhawan is easily accessible from the city center.
Free entry, 1 hour
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Day 6: Varanasi's Art and Crafts

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Benaras Art Gallery

Explore a gallery showcasing traditional Indian art and textiles, perfect for art enthusiasts.
Benaras Art Gallery is located near Digpatiya Crossing.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Attend a Silk Weaving Workshop

Participate in a hands-on experience to learn about the intricate process of weaving Varanasi silk sarees.
Take a short cab ride to a weaving workshop near Bajardiha.
INR 500 (workshop fee), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Dosa Cafe

Enjoy South Indian delicacies at a cozy cafe offering a break from traditional North Indian cuisine.
Dosa Cafe is situated near Sigra.
INR 300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop at Vishwanath Gali

Explore the famous street lined with shops selling Banarasi silk products, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Navigate through the alleys near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Great Kebab Factory

Indulge in a delicious array of kebabs and North Indian delicacies at a renowned restaurant.
The Great Kebab Factory is located near the Varanasi Cantt area.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Visit to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Start your day with a visit to this revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its spiritual ambiance.
The temple is located in the southern part of Varanasi.
Free entry, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the Ramnagar Fort

Discover the historical fort overlooking the Ganges River, housing a museum with artifacts from the region's past.
Ramnagar Fort is a short boat ride away from Assi Ghat.
INR 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vatika

Savor Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas at a charming restaurant with a serene ambiance.
Pizzeria Vatika is close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Ghats of Varanasi

Stroll along the ghats of Varanasi, observing daily rituals, ceremonies, and colorful scenes along the river.
Start from Assi Ghat and walk towards Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Bona Cafe

Enjoy a farewell dinner with a fusion of Indian and international dishes at a popular riverside cafe.
Bona Cafe is located near Rajendra Prasad Ghat.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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