5-Day Spiritual Journey in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Start your day with delicious local breakfast options like kachori and jalebi.
Located centrally in Varanasi, easily reachable by taxi.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Close walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Ghats

Stroll along the iconic ghats of Varanasi, including Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat.
Take a 10-minute walk to the ghats.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Varuna Restaurant

Savor authentic north Indian cuisine in a relaxing environment.
A short taxi ride away from the ghats.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Sarnath

Take a short trip to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
30-minute drive from Varanasi.
INR 50, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a beautiful ritual performed nightly.
Return to Dashashwamedh Ghat with a taxi.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a cozy dining experience with a variety of dishes, highlighting local flavors.
Nearby the ghats, a short walk will get you there.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pind Balluchi

Indulge in an array of traditional Indian breakfast options in a charming setting.
Located in the city center and easy to access.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Take a tour of the prestigious university and its beautiful campus, including the Bharat Kala Bhavan.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir

Explore this stunning temple that commemorates the epic Ramcharitmanas, a version of the Ramayana.
Close to the university; the taxi will take about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Blue Lassi

Try their famous lassi variety while enjoying a colorful ambiance.
A short drive from Tulsi Manas Mandir.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Craft Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Wander the narrow lanes of Vishwanath Gali exploring local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Back to the city center, a quick taxi ride.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Participate in a Yoga Class

Join a local yoga class to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Nearby yoga studios are a short walk from the shopping area.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Enjoy a peaceful dinner featuring a variety of vegetarian dishes with an emphasis on health and wellness.
A short walk from the yoga studio.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ganesh Café

Start the day with a hearty breakfast in a lively atmosphere.
Central location makes it easy to get to.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges River

Experience the serenity of Varanasi with an early morning boat ride on the holy Ganges.
Board boats rented near Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Relax and enjoy the ambiance at Assi Ghat, a popular spot frequented by visitors and locals.
Take a short walk to reach Assi Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit the Banaras Silk Weaving Center

Learn about the ancient craft of silk weaving unique to Varanasi.
Short taxi ride from Assi Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Varanasi Gharana

Enjoy regional specialties with a savory twist at this local eatery.
A taxi ride will take you there in about 15 minutes.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Gyanvapi Mosque

Explore this historical mosque that coexists with the sacred sites of Varanasi.
A quick taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

Take some time for spiritual reflection at this peaceful ashram.
A taxi will take you there in 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Corner House

This multi-cuisine restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and great food after a spiritually enriching day.
Taxi back to the city center.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Local Culture & Heritage

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Elchai

Enjoy a great variety of teas and light meals made with local ingredients.
Located in the heart of Varanasi.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Explore this fort built in the 18th century, rich in history and architectural beauty.
A taxi ride will get you there in about 30 minutes.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the famous cremation ghat and understand the spiritual customs of Varanasi.
A taxi back to the ghats takes about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Sri Annapurna Restaurant

Feast on local vegetarian dishes full of flavors and spices.
Short walking distance from Manikarnika Ghat.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Shop for Handicrafts

Spend time exploring shops selling local crafts like silk and brass items.
A quick taxi ride to Vishwanath Gali.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Discover a collection of ancient artifacts, paintings, and sculptures at this academic museum.
A taxi ride to the university area.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Vishnu Tea Emporium

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a great selection of teas and comfort food.
Nearby the university, a short taxi can get you there.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Leisure and Relaxation

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day

Grab a quick and convenient breakfast at this popular café chain.
Easily accessible in Varanasi.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Relaxation at Assi Ghat

Spend some leisure time at Assi Ghat reflecting by the river or meditating.
A short walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Experience the serenity of this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
A short taxi ride will take you there.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor traditional Bhojpuri cuisine in an authentic setting.
A taxi ride from the temple to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Ganges River Dolphin Sanctuary

Learn about conservation efforts for the endangered Ganges river dolphins.
Requires a short taxi ride to get there.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping at Godowlia Market

Wander through the bustling market to find unique items and local specialties.
Take a taxi back to the city center.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at The Kashi Restaurant

Conclude your journey with a delightful dinner showcasing the flavors of Varanasi.
Located centrally near Godowlia Market.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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