5-Day Family Friendly Cultural Immersion in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Arrive in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi! On arrival, check into your family-friendly hotel, which offers amenities catering to children.
Travel from the airport to your hotel in Varanasi, approximately 45 minutes by car.
INR1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chaat Cafe

Enjoy local street food at Kashi Chaat Cafe, known for their delicious Pani Puri and other chaat options.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to reach the cafe, about 15 minutes.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Walking Tour of Varanasi Ghat

Explore the famous ghats along the Ganges River, where you can learn about the culture, rituals, and spirituality of Varanasi.
Walk from the cafe through the narrow lanes to the ghats, approximately a 10-minute stroll.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience a serene boat ride on the Ganges River, perfect for families to enjoy views of the ghats and see the locals going about their daily lives.
Board a boat directly at the ghats.
INR800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Aarti Ceremony

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, an enchanting ritual of worship at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you can soak in the spiritual atmosphere with your family.
Stay at the same ghat for the ceremony.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht

Savor a delectable family meal at Dum Pukht, known for its authentic Awadhi cuisine.
Take an auto-rickshaw for about 15 minutes.
INR2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local and international dishes at your hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sarnath

Take a day trip to Sarnath, the famous Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Hire a taxi or arrange for a guided tour to Sarnath, approximately 30 minutes from Varanasi.
INR2000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aum Cafe

Relax at Aum Cafe in Sarnath with a selection of vegetarian-friendly meals and smoothies, catering to health-conscious families.
Walk from Sarnath's main area to the cafe, about 10 minutes.
INR800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit The Sarnath Museum

Explore the rich history of Buddhism through various artifacts and exhibits at the Sarnath Museum.
Walk to the nearby museum from the cafe, approximately 5 minutes.
INR50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and freshen up for the evening.
Use the same taxi to return, approx. 30 minutes.
Included in the prior taxi cost, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoy the vibrant environment around the temple complex.
Walk to the temple from your hotel or take a local rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Varanasi's Brown Bread Bakery

Taste delicious and freshly baked goods, pizzas, and Indian cuisine at this family-friendly eatery.
Take a rickshaw from the temple, about 10 minutes.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Festivals and Fun

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast buffet before heading out for the day.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Local Market

Stroll through the vibrant local markets of Varanasi, experiencing the colorful culture firsthand while shopping for unique souvenirs.
Take a local rickshaw, around 15 minutes from your hotel.
Free unless shopping, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Sweets

Sample traditional Indian sweets and snacks at this beloved local eatery, ensuring kids enjoy sweet treats.
Nearby within walking distance.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Pottery Workshop

Participate in a family-friendly pottery workshop to learn the art of pottery making, a traditional craft native to the region.
Arrange through your hotel or an online platform; it’s typically under 30 minutes travel.
INR1500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the enormous campus and vibrant culture of Banaras Hindu University, which also houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum.
Travel via local transport or hired car, approximately a 20-minute ride.
INR100, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Evening Free Time

Enjoy some free time in the university area or nearby gardens for children to play.
Explore on foot.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Green Leaf

Dine at The Green Leaf, a family-friendly restaurant offering a mix of Indian and Continental cuisines.
Travel to the restaurant conveniently by rickshaw, around 15 minutes.
INR1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Rituals and Festivals

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast to start your day off right.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Participate in a Yoga Class

Join a family-friendly yoga class, allowing kids to learn and enjoy the practice of yoga in a peaceful environment.
You can book a class at a local center, approx. 10 minutes from your hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Gain insight into the intriguing and unique culture surrounding cremation practices at Manikarnika Ghat, an essential place in Varanasi.
Travel by rickshaw, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Wayward Sun

A lovely spot known for its wholesome vegetarian dishes and a relaxed ambiance suitable for families.
Nearby within walking distance.
INR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore a Local Village

Take a short trip to a nearby village to interact with locals and learn about village life, tradition, and crafts.
Arrange via your hotel, costs will vary but it may be within 30 minutes by car.
INR2000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Varanasi

Journey back to Varanasi, where you can rest before your evening activities.
Same transport back, approx. 30 minutes.
Included, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Street Food Tour

Join a family-friendly street food tour to taste the best of Varanasi's local snacks and sweets, ensuring a delightful experience.
Typically arranged with local guides; explore various stalls by walking.
INR1000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Surya Restaurant

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring local and regional specialties, offering a warm atmosphere for families.
Reach via rickshaw in around 10 minutes.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day Relaxation

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Delight in your last breakfast, enjoying the views from the hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the beautiful Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its exquisite architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Travel by rickshaw, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Artisan Workshop Experience

Engage in an artisan workshop to learn about local crafts, such as embroidery or traditional painting, giving everyone a chance to be creative.
Arrange through your hotel, costs may vary.
INR1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Mark Restaurant

Savor your final meal in Varanasi, enjoying a variety of Indian dishes in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
Travel by rickshaw about 15 minutes.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Free Time for Last-minute Shopping

Use your last hours to explore the local shops for souvenirs to remember your journey!
Walk around the local markets as you please.
Free unless shopping, 2 hours

5:00PM

Departure from Varanasi

Bid farewell to Varanasi, cherishing memories of your cultural and family adventure.
Travel to the airport in your arranged vehicle, approximately 45 minutes.
INR1500, 1 hour
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