Cultural Delights of Banaras: A 5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Banaras, India

Afternoon

Check-in at Hotel

After arrival, settle into your accommodation in Banaras and unwind after your journey.
The hotel can arrange a taxi or rickshaw for your pick-up from the airport or train station.
INR 0, 1 hour

Evening

Enjoy a Ganga Aarti

Head to the banks of the Ganges River to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Take a taxi or walk to the Dasaswamedh Ghat where the ceremony is held.
INR 0, 1 hour

Dinner

Dine at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Banarasi cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Ask your hotel for recommendations on nearby dining options.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring the Old City

Banaras, India

Morning

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Start your day with a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.
The temple is located in Vishwanath Gali and easily accessible by rickshaw.
INR 0, 2 hours

Lunch

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Try the iconic lassis at Blue Lassi for a delicious and refreshing midday treat.
Located in the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city, Blue Lassi is a popular spot.
INR 200, 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Stroll through the bustling Manikarnika Ghat and witness the rituals of life and death on the banks of the Ganges.
Manikarnika Ghat is a short walk from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

Dinner

Dine at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a rooftop dinner at Open Hand Cafe with a view of the Ganges and the ghats.
Located near Assi Ghat, the cafe offers a serene dining experience.
INR 800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Temples and Ghats

Banaras, India

Morning

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god.
The temple is located in the southern part of the city and can be reached by rickshaw.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

Lunch

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a fusion meal at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, a cozy spot near the ghats.
Located close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the cafe is known for its unique pizzas.
INR 400, 1 hour

Afternoon

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Embark on a boat ride along the Ganges River to witness the ghats and temples from a different perspective.
Boat rides can be organized at Assi Ghat or Dasaswamedh Ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

Dinner

Dine at Baati Chokha

Savor traditional Bihari cuisine at Baati Chokha for dinner.
Located near the BHU campus, this restaurant offers a cultural culinary experience.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Sarnath Excursion

Banaras, India

Morning

Explore Sarnath

Take a day trip to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Sarnath is about a 30-minute drive from Banaras and can be reached by taxi.
INR 500 (roundtrip taxi), 4 hours

Lunch

Lunch at Nirvana Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful lunch at Nirvana Cafe in Sarnath amidst serene surroundings.
Nirvana Cafe is a popular spot for visitors to Sarnath.
INR 300, 1 hour

Afternoon

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins and excavated structures at the Sarnath Archaeological Site, reflecting the history of Buddhism.
The site is walking distance from Nirvana Cafe.
INR 100, 2 hours

Dinner

Dine at Varanasi Chat House

Try local street food delicacies at Varanasi Chat House for an authentic dinner experience.
Located in the central part of Banaras, this eatery is famous for its chaats.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Local Food and Shopping

Banaras, India

Morning

Breakfast at Deena Chat Bhandar

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast of local street food delights at Deena Chat Bhandar.
This popular spot is known for its savoury snacks and sweets.
INR 200, 1 hour

Late Morning

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Explore the bustling Godowlia Market for traditional Banarasi sarees, brassware, and souvenirs.
Take a rickshaw to reach Godowlia Market from your hotel.
Variable, 2 hours

Lunch

Lunch at I:ba Cafe

Relish a vegetarian meal at I:ba Cafe, known for its organic and healthy food options.
Located in the heart of the city, the cafe offers a peaceful dining atmosphere.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

Afternoon

Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Explore the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University, known for its educational heritage and lush greenery.
The university is a short drive from the city center.
INR 0, 2 hours

Dinner

Dine at Kachori Gali

End your Banaras trip with a feast at Kachori Gali, indulging in local kachoris and sweets.
Kachori Gali is a food street near the Thatheri Bazar in the old city.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability