8-Day Adventure Itinerary in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Cultural Awakening

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at this cozy café that offers a range of freshly-baked goods and organic options.
Walk to the Ganges River's banks
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Sunrise Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing morning Ganga Aarti by the riverbank while the sun rises, an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Stay at the ghat
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Visit the most famous cremation ghat in Varanasi to understand the local beliefs surrounding life and death.
Walk along the river to Manikarnika Ghat
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Narrow Streets of Old Varanasi

Wander through the bustling alleys filled with shops selling local handicrafts, silk saris, and spices.
Continue walking from Manikarnika Ghat
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Savor local street food delicacies like chaat and lassi at this popular spot loved by locals.
Walk back towards the main streets
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Sarnath

Take a rickshaw to Sarnath, the site of Buddha's first sermon, and explore the archaeological museum and monuments.
Rickshaw ride to Sarnath (10 km)
INR 100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to the city for some relaxation.
Rickshaw back to Varanasi
INR 100, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at The Brown Bread Bakery

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local dishes paired with refreshing drinks in a relaxing ambiance.
Short walk back to the café
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a traditional Indian breakfast at your hotel, preparing you for the day ahead.
Have breakfast at your hotel
Free, 1 hour

7:30AM

Yoga Session by the Ganges

Join a yoga class overlooking the Ganges, connecting you to the spiritual essence of this sacred city.
Walk to the setup area
INR 500, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Enjoy a tranquil boat ride at sunrise, witnessing the rituals and life surrounding the river.
Rent a boat at the ghat
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore this famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered as a major pilgrimage site.
Walk to the temple
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Café

Taste the local vegetarian cuisine with dishes like Baida Roti and Paneer Tikka.
Walk to Varanasi Café
INR 400, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Marvel at this unique temple dedicated to Lord Rama and glorifying the Ramayana through intricate carvings.
Rickshaw to the temple
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Ghats of Varanasi

Take a walking tour along the various ghats, each with its own history and significance.
Continue walking along the river
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the sunset Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual with lights, chants, and chants, wonderful to witness.
Stay along the Ghat
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Spice Box

Indulge in a variety of Indian dishes with a modern twist in a sophisticated setting.
Walk to Spice Box
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Historical Exploration

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Coffee Day

Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and pastries to fuel your day ahead.
Short walk to the café
INR 250, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore this historic fort, home to the Maharaja of Varanasi and known for its sprawling architecture and museum.
Take a taxi (13 km)
INR 200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Bharat Mata Mandir

See the unique temple even dedicated to Mother India, with a marble relief map of undivided India.
Taxi to the temple
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ashish Café

Savor the local thali set, offering a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes.
Rickshaw to Ashish Café
INR 400, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Stroll through this prestigious university campus and admire the ancient grounds and architecture.
Rickshaw ride to the university
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Explore the rich history of Varanasi through ancient artifacts and sculptures at this fascinating museum.
Rickshaw to the museum
INR 200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Evening Walk along the Ganges

Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the Ganges as the sun begins to set, creating a picturesque scene.
Walk along the riverside
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Dosa Cafe

Relish South Indian delicacies like Dosas and Uttapams in a relaxed atmosphere.
Rickshaw to Dosa Café
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Local Interactions

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a fulfilling breakfast spread at your accommodation.
Breakfast at your hotel
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit a Local Silk Weaving Factory

Discover the traditional art of silk weaving, and possibly purchase a few unique items.
Rickshaw ride to the factory
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Attend a Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes with a local chef.
Rickshaw to the class location
INR 1200, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The City of Lights Café

Enjoy a delightful lunch with various local specialties on the menu.
Walk nearby to the café
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Ghat Temples

Visit temples located along the Ganges, such as the Scindia Ghat and Tulsi Ghat.
Explore by foot along the ghats
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Gyanvapi Mosque

Understand the historical significance of this mosque and its coexistence with Hindu temples.
Rickshaw to the mosque
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Experience the grand evening aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Walk to the ghat
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Varuna Restaurant

Experience North Indian cuisine including Butter Chicken and Samosas.
Rickshaw to Varuna Restaurant
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature & Serenity

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Savor a hearty breakfast to begin your day.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ramnagar Zoo

Take a trip to the zoo, home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region.
Take a taxi to the zoo (20 km)
INR 100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Street Stalls

Taste a variety of street food for a basic taste of local fare.
Walk to nearby stalls
INR 200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Relax at Assi Ghat

Spend your afternoon lounging or meditating at the quieter Assi Ghat.
Rickshaw to Assi Ghat
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Chet Singh Fort

Explore the historic fort with panoramic views over the Ganges.
Rickshaw to the fort
INR 100, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to the hotel

Head back for freshening up and relaxation.
Rickshaw back to the hotel
INR 100, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Great Indian Kebab Factory

Enjoy an unforgettable meal featuring an assortment of delicious kebabs.
Rickshaw to the restaurant
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Arts & Culture

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Feast on a nourishing breakfast before the day's activities.
Breakfast at your hotel
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Discover the art, artifacts, and cultural history of Varanasi in this esteemed museum.
Rickshaw to the museum
INR 200, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the local Artisans at the Pottery Workshops

Interact with local artisans creating beautiful pottery and learn about their craft.
Walk to the pottery workshops
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Casa Rosa

Enjoy a contemporary twist on Indian cuisine in a chic indoor restaurant.
Rickshaw to Casa Rosa
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Attend a Classical Music Concert

Experience traditional Indian classical music in a local concert setting.
Check local listings for concert locations
INR 500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Local Markets

Browse through local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs to take home.
Rickshaw to local markets
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Pind Balluchi

Relish regional delicacies served in a unique, rustic environment.
Rickshaw to The Pind Balluchi
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Farewell

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Eatery

Grab a traditional breakfast featuring puri and aloo sabzi at a local favorite spot.
Walk to the eatery
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Local Pottery Market

Explore the vibrant local pottery market to buy unique handmade souvenirs.
Rickshaw to the pottery market
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore this revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and witness the daily rituals.
Rickshaw to the temple
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gharana Restaurant

Enjoy a final lunch featuring classic North Indian dishes before your departure.
Rickshaw to Gharana Restaurant
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Browse the local market for souvenirs including silk, spices, and handcrafted items.
Rickshaw or walk to local markets
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel for Check-out

Head back to your hotel to check-out and prepare for onward travel.
Rickshaw to your hotel
INR 100, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Kerala Kitchen

Indulge in a farewell dinner with a mouthwatering selection of South Indian dishes.
Rickshaw to Kerala Kitchen
INR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Departure Day

Varanasi, India

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel for the journey ahead.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
Free, 30 minutes

7:15AM

Check-out from Hotel

Finalize your check-out process, preparing for your departure.
Check-out at the front desk
Free, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Varanasi Airport/Railway Station

Head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Arranged taxi to departure point
INR 300, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability