7-Day Varanasi City and Nature Experience on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Aloo Tikki

Start with a traditional Indian breakfast featuring aloo (potato) tikki and chai.
Walk to Aloo Tikki from your accommodation.
INR 100, 1 hour

09:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, an iconic landmark that showcases stunning architecture.
A short walk from Aloo Tikki.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll the Ghats

Wander along the banks of the Ganges River, interacting with local vendors and observing rituals.
Follow the river pathways from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a vegetarian pizza or local thali with a view of the Ganges.
Located conveniently along the ghats.
INR 300, 1 hour

02:00PM

Explore Local Markets

Venture through the busy local bazaars, perfect for finding handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walk to the nearby market area.
Cost of purchases varies, 2 hours

04:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Join the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where prayers are offered to the river.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat on foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at Benaras Chat House

Savor the local chaats like panipuri and chole bhature for an authentic experience.
A short walk from the ghat.
INR 200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Bhelpuri Stall

Indulge in a local breakfast of bhelpuri, a savory snack, with a steaming cup of chai.
Walk to the stall near your accommodation.
INR 50, 1 hour

09:00AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Walk around the prestigious campus and check out the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum.
Take a local rickshaw to the university.
Free, museum INR 10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Travel to Sarnath, the site where Buddha gave his first sermon, to see ancient ruins and stupas.
Local bus or shared rickshaw to Sarnath.
INR 20 bus fare, 3 hours

02:00PM

Lunch at The Corner Cafe

Try some delicious Indian curry with rice while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Located near Sarnath's monuments.
INR 250, 1 hour

03:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum to delve deeper into Buddhist culture.
Walking distance from the café.
Museum INR 10, 2 hours

05:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi to relax at your accommodation.
Take a local bus or rickshaw back.
INR 20 bus fare, 1 hour

07:00PM

Dinner at Sri Ram Bhandar

Enjoy a traditional thali meal that offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from your stay.
INR 200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature and River Adventures

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day

Kickstart your day with a coffee and pastries at this popular cafe.
Walk or take a rickshaw.
INR 150, 1 hour

09:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on Ganges

Experience the tranquility of Varanasi with a serene boat ride on the Ganges River.
Boat rides can be found at the ghats.
INR 300 for shared boat, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore this beautiful temple dedicated to the epic Ramayana, surrounded by lush gardens.
Rickshaw ride from the ghats.
Free, 1.5 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Try some famous chaats and local snacks for a light meal.
Short walk from the temple.
INR 150, 1 hour

02:00PM

Explore Assi Ghat

Spend time relaxing or participating in yoga sessions by the Assi Ghat area.
Walk or take a rickshaw to Assi Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

04:00PM

Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

A famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, often buzzing with devotee activity.
Rickshaw ride to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at Loco Caffe

End the day with dinner featuring a mix of Indian and Western fusion dishes.
Short rickshaw ride from the temple.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Activities and More Sights

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at The Great Indian Thali

Enjoy a hearty thali featuring various local dishes to fuel up for the day.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 250, 1 hour

09:00AM

Learn to Make Local Sweets and Snacks

Join a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional sweets.
Arranged through local cooking schools.
INR 800, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Niyati Cafe

Sample north Indian curries and parathas in a comfortable setting.
Walk to the café.
INR 250, 1 hour

01:00PM

Explore the Benares Hindu University Campus

Visit the university art and photo exhibitions if available.
Rickshaw ride to BHU.
Free, 2 hours

03:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Explore this beautiful temple known for its striking architecture and tranquil surroundings.
Rickshaw ride from the university.
Free, 1.5 hours

05:00PM

Relax at a Local Park

Take some time to unwind in a local park while enjoying the sunset.
Walk towards the nearby park.
Free, 1 hour

06:00PM

Dinner at Deena Chaat Bhandar

Taste a variety of famous street food chaats in a bustling atmosphere.
Short walk from the park.
INR 150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Sarnath

Sarnath, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a simple breakfast before your day trip to Sarnath.
At your accommodation.
INR 100, 1 hour

09:00AM

Travel to Sarnath

Head out early to get the most out of your visit to this historical site.
Local bus to Sarnath.
INR 20 bus fare, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins and Stupas at Sarnath, absorbing the rich history.
Walking around the archaeological site.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnath Restaurant

Enjoy South Indian fare like dosas or idlis in a local eatery.
Near the archaeological site.
INR 200, 1 hour

01:00PM

Visit Sarnath Museum

View numerous artifacts and informative displays about Buddhism.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
INR 10, 1 hour

02:00PM

Explore More of Sarnath

Visit the Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar.
Short walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

03:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back after a day immersed in history.
Local bus back to Varanasi.
INR 20 bus fare, 1 hour

05:00PM

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Relax at this charming café with organic food options and a warm ambiance.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
INR 350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: More Cultural Discoveries

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi Tea Cafe

Start your day with a selection of teas and light snacks.
Short walk from your stay.
INR 100, 1 hour

09:00AM

Visit the Weaver's Village

Explore the traditional weaving techniques that are famous in Varanasi.
Rickshaw ride to the village.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Attend a Local Craft Workshop

Take part in a workshop to make your own handmade crafts.
Book through local artisans.
INR 500, 2 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Lassi Shop

Sample delicious lassi – a yogurt-based drink along with light snacks.
Located conveniently nearby.
INR 150, 1 hour

02:00PM

Scenic Walk through Varanasi

Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow lanes, enjoying the local architecture.
Walk around Varanasi.
Free, 2 hours

04:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the authentic cremation ghats and understand the significance in Hindu culture.
Walk to the ghat.
Free, 1 hour

05:00PM

Relax at Your Accommodation

Take a moment to reflect on your experiences throughout the week.
Back to your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

06:00PM

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Experience authentic Indian food at a local dhaba, focusing on traditional dishes.
Walk to a nearby dhaba.
INR 200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day and Departure

Varanasi, India

08:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, savoring your last morning in Varanasi.
At your accommodation.
INR 100, 1 hour

09:00AM

Last Chance Shopping

Pick up any final souvenirs and local crafts from the markets.
Explore nearby market streets.
Cost of purchases varies, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Gyanvapi Mosque

Explore this significant mosque known for its unique architecture.
Short rickshaw ride from the market.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Haat

Enjoy a variety of some local delicacies at this food court.
Walk to Varanasi Haat.
INR 250, 1 hour

01:00PM

Relax and Reflect

Spend your afternoon reflecting on your trip while enjoying a final walk by the river.
Stroll along the Ganges.
Free, 2 hours

03:00PM

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure, ensuring you have captured all your memories.
Pack and ready your belongings.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability