Explore the Spiritual Heart of India: 6-Day Varanasi Temple Itinerary

Day 1: Temple Exploration Begins

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Chopra Restaurant

Start your culinary journey with a warm plate of Aloo Paratha and a side of fresh curd to energise your temple explorations.
Located near the Ghats, this restaurant is a short rickshaw ride from most hotels.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Dive into the spiritual essence of Varanasi by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a short walk from The Chopra Restaurant to the temple, which is about 2 km away.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Gyanvapi Mosque

Adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath, this mosque adds to the rich tapestry of Varanasi's history and culture.
Walking distance from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Deena Chaat Bhandar

Savour the tangy and spicy local street food, especially the famous Chaat that Varanasi is celebrated for.
A brief walk back toward the ghats leads to the popular Deena Chaat Bhandar.
INR150, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Durga Temple (Durga Kund)

Known for its beautiful architecture and the legendary ‘monkey temple’ vibe, it’s immersed in local history and spirituality.
A 15-minute rickshaw ride from Deena Chaat Bhandar.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Tulsi Manas Temple

This stunning temple dedicated to Lord Rama is adorned with beautiful carvings and depicts the Ramcharitmanas.
A 10-minute walk from Durga Temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the hypnotic evening Aarti ceremony, where the spiritual energy of Varanasi comes alive with music and chants.
Return to the ghats; Dashashwamedh Ghat is a short walk from the Tulsi Manas Temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Finish your first day with a hearty dinner consisting of local delicacies and sweets that Varanasi offers.
Located close to your previous location.
INR250, 1 hour
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Day 2: More Temples and Traditions

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Fuel up with a sumptuous breakfast platter featuring parathas, eggs, and local sweets.
This restaurant is a short 10-minute walk from many hotels in the old city.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Known for its divine atmosphere and a legendary Hanuman idol, enjoy the serene chants and positive vibes.
A 15-minute rickshaw ride from The Breakfast Club.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore the Assi Ghat

Take a peaceful walk along the riverbank, soaking in the spirituality and beauty at one of the essential ghats.
A short 5-minute rickshaw ride from the Sankat Mochan Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Aum Cafe

Enjoy a delicious organic meal with an array of Indian and continental dishes overlooking the Ganges.
Located near Assi Ghat.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

An iconic temple featuring a relief map of India, symbolising the beauty and heritage of the country.
A 20-minute rickshaw ride from Aum Cafe.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Banaras Hindu University Campus

Stroll through the expansive university grounds and take in architectural marvels, including the Vishwanath Mandir.
A short rickshaw ride from Bharat Mata Temple.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Experience the captivating Ganga Aarti in an intimate setting with fewer crowds.
Walk back to Assi Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Ganga Fuji Restaurant

Indulge in a dinner offering tasty North Indian specialties along with an amazing view of the river.
Located nearby Assi Ghat.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 3: Immerse in Local Beliefs

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked bread and homemade jam along with hot coffee to start your day.
Located near Assi Ghat.
INR250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Sri Kashi Vishalakshi Temple

Delve into the vibrant atmosphere of this temple dedicated to the ferocious goddess, Vishalakshi.
A rickshaw ride will get you there in about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Manikarnika Ghat

A significant site representing the cycle of life and death; observe the intricacies of Hindu beliefs in practice.
A 10-minute walk from the Sri Kashi Vishalakshi Temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Kashi Chat Bhandar

Savour delectable street food like chaat and lassi for an authentic experience.
A brief rickshaw ride brings you there.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Site

A short trip invites you to witness where Buddha gave his first sermon, an essential part of Indian history.
A 30-minute rickshaw ride from The Kashi Chat Bhandar.
INR500 for entry, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Dhamek Stupa

Marvel at the grandeur of this ancient stupa, which is at the heart of Buddhist heritage and history.
Adjacent to the Sarnath site. You can walk there.
Included in Sarnath entry ticket, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Savour the relaxing ride back to Varanasi.
Board a rickshaw back.
INR100, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Pankaj Restaurant

End your day with a delightful Indian thali that offers a variety of local flavours.
Located in the old city, a short auto-rickshaw ride from the ghats.
INR350, 1 hour
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Day 4: Temples of Tranquility

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sarnath Coffee House

Kick start your morning with a cup of aromatic coffee along with tasty Indian snacks.
Located near Sarnath, where you’ll visit in the morning.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Jain Temple

Awaken your senses by exploring the richness of Jain beliefs and their exquisite architecture.
A rickshaw ride from Sarnath will take around 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Nepali Temple

Also known as the ‘Mini Pashupatinath’, this temple embodies stunning wood and stone carvings.
Just a 15-minute walk from the Jain Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Aum Cafe (Sarnath)

Enjoy fresh, healthy meals with a vegetarian focus overlooking a serene garden.
A short walk from Nepali Temple.
INR300, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Maan Mandir Observatory

An ancient astronomical observatory offering unique constructs and insight into astrology.
Return to Varanasi for a 30-minute rickshaw ride.
INR200 for entry, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Alamgir Mosque

Delve into the Islamic influence in Varanasi through grand architecture and serene surroundings.
A short 10-minute rickshaw ride from the observatory.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Attend a Classical Music Performance

Experience the enchanting sounds of Varanasi at a local venue showcasing classical music.
Check with your hotel for recommendations; most venues are within walking distance.
INR500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Varanasi's Indian Kitchen

Finish the day with delicious North Indian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Close to your previous location.
INR350, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Deep Dive

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi's Cafe

A delightful place for a continental breakfast with fresh juices and pastries.
A few minutes’ walk from the ghats.
INR200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit the Sankat Mochan Temple

Revisit this temple for its spiritual importance and serene environment.
A 15-minute rickshaw ride gets you there.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple

Admire the intricacies of this temple dedicated to Lord Rama and its beautiful gardens.
A 10-minute ride back to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kashi Chat Bhandar

Relish the flavours of local street food in one of Varanasi’s tastiest restaurants.
A short distance from the Tulsi Manas Temple.
INR200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Chowk area

Engage in some shopping and discover smaller temples and shrines hidden within this bustling marketplace.
Walk from The Kashi Chat Bhandar.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Vishwanath Mandir

Revere this temple's significance, located within BHU, which attracts many devotees and tourists alike.
A 30-minute rickshaw ride from Chowk area.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Attend a Yoga Class

Engage with your inner self through a calming yoga session that reflects the spiritual ethos of Varanasi.
Book a session near your accommodation, many yoga studios exist close to the ghats.
INR500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Benaras Restaurant

Enjoy an array of delicacies with a mix of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes.
Locate this restaurant close to the ghats.
INR350, 1 hour
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Day 6: Reflect and Relax

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aum Cafe

Indulge in a peaceful breakfast filled with wholesome food and fresh juices.
Conveniently located overlooking the Ganges.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Sarnath Museum

Deepen your understanding of Buddhism with this significant collection of art and artifacts.
A rickshaw ride to Sarnath will take around 30 minutes.
INR20 for entry, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Admire the beautiful frescoes and the serene Bodhi tree within this serene setting.
A short walk from the Sarnath Museum.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sarnath Restaurant

Savour a delightful meal, offering local and international dishes in a pleasant environment.
Located in Sarnath, a short distance from your previous site.
INR300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Take this time to reflect on your journey as you head back.
Catch a rickshaw back to Varanasi.
INR100, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Relax at a Riverside Cafe

Savour some coffee or tea while unwinding by the Ganges riverbank, reflecting on the profound experiences you’ve had.
Take a walk to the nearby riverside cafes.
INR150, 1 hour

6:00PM

Final Evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Watch the final evening Aarti and absorb the last of Varanasi’s magical sunsets.
A short walk from the riverside cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Silk Route Restaurant

Reflect on your spiritual journey with a memorable dinner featuring local cuisine and a warm ambiance.
Easily accessible from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR450, 1 hour
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