Exploring Varanasi and Surroundings in 5 Days

Day 1: Discover Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Start your day with a peaceful boat ride along the sacred Ganges River, observing the morning rituals and activities.
Head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to board a boat. You can hire one on the spot.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, admiring its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
The temple is located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free entry, donations accepted, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Indulge in traditional North Indian cuisine with a hearty meal at Baati Chokha restaurant.
Address: S-21/44, PDR Mall Rd, Parade Kothi, Varanasi.
INR 500 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Banaras Hindu University

Stroll through the campus of one of the largest residential universities in Asia, appreciating its historic buildings and green surroundings.
Address: Banaras Hindu University Campus, Varanasi.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing ritual of Ganga Aarti at the serene Assi Ghat, experiencing the spiritual ambiance as prayers are offered to the river.
Make your way to Assi Ghat before the ceremony starts.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Blue Lassi

Conclude your day with a delicious lassi (yogurt-based drink) at the famous Blue Lassi shop, offering a variety of flavors.
Address: CK 12/1, Lalita Ghat, Varanasi.
INR 100 per person, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Day Trip to Sarnath

Sarnath, India

9:00AM

Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Site

Visit the ruins and stupas at Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Entry tickets can be purchased at the site.
INR 100 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shree Sai Kripa

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal at Shree Sai Kripa, known for its authentic Indian dishes.
Address: Sarnath Main Rd, Near Sarnath Museum, Sarnath.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Mulagandhakuti Vihara

Explore the Mulagandhakuti Vihara, a modern Buddhist temple with beautiful frescoes and a serene prayer hall.
Located within walking distance from the archaeological site.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop for Handicrafts

Browse through the local markets in Sarnath to purchase unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Various shops are scattered around the main road.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi in the evening and relax after a day of exploration in Sarnath.
Take a taxi or local transportation back to Varanasi.
INR 500 (approx.) for a taxi, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, offering a mix of Italian and Indian cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Address: D. 15/47 Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi.
INR 600 per person, 1 hour
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Day 3: Chunar Fort Exploration

Chunar Fort, India

9:00AM

Explore Chunar Fort

Embark on a journey to Chunar Fort, perched on a hill overlooking the Ganges, and delve into its historical significance as a strategic stronghold.
Chunar Fort is located approximately 40 kilometers from Varanasi.
INR 100 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chunar Royal Riviera Resort

Relish a meal with a view at Chunar Royal Riviera Resort, offering a blend of Indian and Continental cuisines.
Address: Mirzapur Road, Village - Pidara, Chunar.
INR 800 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Ganges River, taking in the scenic views of the fort and surrounding landscapes.
Boat rides can be arranged near the fort area.
INR 300 per person, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Travel back to Varanasi in the evening and unwind after a day of exploring the historic Chunar Fort.
Take a taxi or hire a private vehicle for the journey back.
INR 1000 (approx.) for a taxi, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Open Hand Cafe, known for its organic and healthy food options in a serene ambience.
Address: B-1/48, Assi Ghat, Varanasi.
INR 500 per person, 1 hour
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Day 4: Day Trip to Allahabad

Allahabad, India

8:00AM

Visit Triveni Sangam

Begin your day by visiting Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, a sacred site for Hindus.
Triveni Sangam is located in Allahabad.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Allahabad Fort

Discover the historic Allahabad Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, and explore its architecture and rich past with a guided tour.
Entry tickets can be purchased at the fort entrance.
INR 200 per person, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Chico Restaurant

Savor a delicious meal at El Chico Restaurant, offering a range of Indian and Chinese dishes with a modern twist.
Address: 96, Thornhill Rd, Civil Lines, Allahabad.
INR 400 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Anand Bhavan

Explore the historic Anand Bhavan, once the ancestral home of the Nehru-Gandhi family, now converted into a museum showcasing their legacy.
Anand Bhavan is located near the Allahabad Fort.
INR 50 per person, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi in the evening and relax after a day of exploring Allahabad.
Take a taxi or local transportation back to Varanasi.
INR 1500 (approx.) for a taxi, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Shree Cafe, known for its cozy ambience and delicious vegetarian dishes in Varanasi.
Address: D-27/79, K-2, Nepali Kothi, Godowlia, Varanasi.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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Day 5: Final Day in Varanasi

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Start your day by seeking blessings at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known as the 'God who removes all distress'.
The temple is located near the Assi Ghat in Varanasi.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Ramnagar Fort

Discover the grandeur of Ramnagar Fort, an 18th-century structure on the eastern banks of the Ganges, showcasing a blend of Indian and Islamic architecture.
Take a boat ride or drive to reach Ramnagar Fort from the city center.
INR 100 per person, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vishnu Tea Emporium

Enjoy a simple yet satisfying lunch at Vishnu Tea Emporium, known for its delicious street food and hot beverages.
Address: B-1/178, Assi Ghat, Varanasi.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Vishwanath Gali

Explore the bustling lanes of Vishwanath Gali for some souvenir shopping and local street food experiences.
The vibrant market street is a short walk from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the grandeur of the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, as priests offer prayers to the river amidst chants and music.
Arrive early to secure a good view of the ceremony.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Conclude your Varanasi journey with a flavorsome experience at Kashi Chat Bhandar, tasting a variety of popular street snacks.
Address: D 37/44 Godowlia Chowk, Godowlia, Varanasi.
INR 300 per person, 1 hour
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