3-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Start your day with delicious organic bread and pastries at Brown Bread Bakery, popular among locals and tourists alike.
Simply walk from your accommodation if nearby, or take an auto-rickshaw.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Head to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, exploring the Dhamek Stupa and various museums.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw, approximately 10 km from Varanasi.
INR 1000 (taxi round trip), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Join your family for a cozy lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, known for its great pizzas and lovely outdoor seating.
Return to Varanasi and take a short walk to the cafe.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Take a stroll around the vast campus of Banaras Hindu University, admiring its beautiful architecture and scenic ambience.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the university.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Evening Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Ganges River as the sun sets, taking in the serene beauty around you.
Walk down to the ghats for access to the boat rides.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Experience local flavors at Kashi Chat Bhandar, where you can taste delicious street food like chaat and lassi.
Walk from the ghats to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Maikhana

Head to Maikhana for a hearty breakfast, enjoying dishes like poha and chai in a lovely ambiance.
Walk from your hotel or take an auto-rickshaw.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the unique rituals at Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat in Varanasi, which offers deep cultural insights.
Walk to the ghat from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Gateway Hotel Ganga

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch overlooking the Ganges at The Gateway Hotel, offering both Indian and global cuisines.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Dasaswamedh Ghat

Walk along the ghats to experience the vibrant atmosphere, soaking in the spirituality and culture unique to this city.
It's a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat, a spiritual and visual spectacle that shouldn't be missed.
Find a good spot at the ghat to view the ceremony.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Dum Biryani House

Savor a delightful dinner at Dum Biryani House, renowned for its aromatic biryanis and delicious curries.
It’s a short auto-rickshaw ride from the ghat.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Local Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi Cafe

Relax with a farm-to-table breakfast at Varanasi Cafe, offering a variety of international and local dishes.
Walking distance from many hotels.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Head to Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort on the banks of the Ganges, exploring its intriguing architecture and museum.
Take an auto-rickshaw to the fort, approximately 14 km from the city center.
INR 600 (round trip taxi), 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Samosa Center

Experience delicious snacks at the Samosa Center, famous for their crispy samosas and refreshing beverages.
Travel back to Varanasi and find the eatery nearby.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Visit the beautiful Tulsi Manas Temple, constructed in white marble and dedicated to Lord Rama, offering a peaceful environment.
After lunch, take an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali for shopping unique souvenirs, silk fabrics, and local crafts.
It’s a walkable distance from the temple.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Enjoy a vibrant dinner at The Kashi Chaat Bhandar, celebrating the local street food scene with several delicious options.
It’s a short walk from Vishwanath Gali.
INR 500, 1 hour
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