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Ultimate 5-Day Banaras Relaxation & City Experiences Itinerary

Viewed by 274 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on River Ganges

Start your day with a serene boat ride along the mystical River Ganges. Witness the daily life and rituals of the locals.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to catch a boat
INR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Experience the spiritual aura at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a short walk to the temple
Free entry, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a mix of Indian and Italian flavours at this cosy cafe near the ghats. Try their wood-fired pizzas and refreshing drinks.
It's a short walk from the temple
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Varanasi Markets

Wander through the bustling streets of Varanasi's old markets. Shop for traditional Banarasi sarees, brassware, and local street snacks.
Walk or take a rickshaw to the markets
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Banaaras Cafe

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Banaaras Cafe, known for its riverside ambience and fusion cuisine. Don't miss their Banarasi Paan dessert!
Head to the cafe near Dashashwamedh Ghat
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 2: Historical Exploration

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Explore the ancient Buddhist monument, Dhamek Stupa, which marks the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sarnath
INR 100 (round-trip), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Discover a rich collection of sculptures and artefacts from the ancient times at the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
Walk from Dhamek Stupa to the museum
INR 20 (entry fee), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Narmada Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty Indian meal at Narmada Restaurant, known for its authentic flavours and casual dining ambiance.
Located near the museum
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Chaukhandi Stupa

Visit the ancient Chaukhandi Stupa, a peaceful place that tells the history of the arrival of Buddhism in Sarnath.
Short drive from the museum
INR 50 (entry fee), 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and relax after a day of exploring Sarnath. Consider visiting a local market or cafe for a leisurely evening.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw back to Varanasi
INR 100 (round-trip), 1 hour
Find Hotels in Sarnath

Day 3: Fort & Palaces Visit

Ramnagar Fort, India

9:00AM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Discover the grandeur of Ramnagar Fort, a historic fortification palace complex with scenic views of River Ganges.
Take a boat or ferry to cross the river to reach the fort
INR 100 (entry fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ganga View Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with a view at Ganga View Restaurant, offering a variety of North Indian dishes and overlooking the river.
Near the fort premises
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Ride on River Ganges

Embark on another boat ride on the River Ganges and admire the picturesque ghats and temples from a different perspective.
Boat services available near the fort
INR 300, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relaxation Time

Spend the late afternoon unwinding at a riverside cafe or take a leisurely walk along the ghats. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Explore the area near Ramnagar Fort
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Raga Restaurant

Dine at Raga Restaurant and sample their authentic Indian dishes while enjoying live classical music performances.
Head to the restaurant for dinner
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ramnagar Fort

Day 4: Spiritual and Culinary Delights

Assi Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath Temple, India

7:00AM

Morning Yoga at Assi Ghat

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session at Assi Ghat, surrounded by the serene ambiance of Varanasi.
Take a morning walk to Assi Ghat
INR 200 (yoga class), 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at Open Hand Cafe, known for its organic and vegetarian options. Try their fresh juices and smoothie bowls.
Located near Assi Ghat
INR 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Revisit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple during the day to witness the different rituals and ceremonies taking place.
Walk from Assi Ghat to the temple
Free entry, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ganga Fuji Home

Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Ganga Fuji Home, a hidden gem near the ghats. Their sushi and ramen bowls are highly recommended.
Short walk from the temple
INR 700, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ayurvedic Massage at Vishwanath Clinic

Indulge in a traditional Ayurvedic massage at Vishwanath Clinic to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Near the temple area
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Baati Chokha

Treat yourself to a traditional Bihari meal at Baati Chokha, known for its rustic ambience and authentic regional dishes.
Take a short walk to the restaurant
INR 600, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Assi Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Day 5: Academic & Cultural Day

Banaras Hindu University, India

9:00AM

Explore BHU Campus

Spend the morning exploring the vast and green campus of Banaras Hindu University, known for its academic excellence and cultural significance.
Take a taxi or rickshaw to reach the university
INR 150 (one way), 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Discover the rich collection of Indian art and artefacts at Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum within the BHU campus.
Located within the university premises
INR 100 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Madras Cafe

Enjoy a South Indian culinary delight at Madras Cafe, offering a variety of dosas, idlis, and filter coffee in a casual setting.
Located near the museum
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at New Vishwanath Temple Market

Explore the bustling market near the New Vishwanath Temple within BHU campus. Shop for souvenirs, books, and traditional crafts.
Walk around the temple area
Variable, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Cultural Performance at Swatantrata Bhawan

Attend a cultural performance or lecture at Swatantrata Bhawan, a historic building within BHU known for its cultural events.
Near the temple market
INR 200 (entry fee), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Spicy Bites Restaurant

Conclude your day with a flavoursome dinner at Spicy Bites Restaurant, serving a mix of North Indian and Chinese cuisines.
Head to the restaurant for dinner
INR 800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Banaras Hindu University
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