8-Day Cultural Journey Through Kashi, India

Day 1: Explore Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Start your day with the famous Kashi Chaat, a delightful mix of spices and flavors.
Located at 12/34 B Mangal Pandey Nagar, a 15-minute walk from most central hotels.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sarnath

Explore the birthplace of Buddhism, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, with stunning ruins and the Dhamek Stupa.
Take a taxi from Varanasi (30 minutes).
INR 500 (taxi fare), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Most Famous Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal of vegetarian Indian cuisine at this local favorite.
Located near Sarnath, a short walk from the ruins.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Archaeological Museum

Learn about the history of Buddhism and view ancient artifacts collected from the area.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
INR 100, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to your hotel for a short break.
Taxi back to Varanasi (30 minutes).
Included in INR 500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Ganga Darshan

Stroll along the Ganges River and enjoy the serene evening atmosphere.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat, a major ghat in Varanasi.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Savor organic wood-fired pizzas and fresh bakery items in a bohemian setting.
A 10-minute walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Benaras Cafe

Enjoy traditional Indian breakfast options with a view of the Ganges.
Located on the ghats.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Temple Tour

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Short walk from Benaras Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Silk Weaving Workshop

Join a local weaver to learn about Banarasi silk production, a traditional craft of Varanasi.
Pre-arranged tour; check local listings.
INR 500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy healthy dishes, with options for vegetarians and vegans alike, in a serene garden setting.
A 15-minute walk from the workshop.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Walk around the campus of one of the oldest universities in India, enriched with culture and knowledge.
Take a short taxi ride from the cafe.
INR 200 (taxi fare), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Assi Ghat

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, vendors, and local artists at this important ghat.
Walk from BHU (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Open Hand Shop

A unique dining experience that combines a restaurant with a social enterprise, offering tasty meals.
A short walk from Assi Ghat.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Visit Sarnath Again

Sarnath, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a local spread at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
On-site dining at your accommodation.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Return to Sarnath

Explore more sites of historical significance including the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Taxi from Varanasi (30 minutes).
INR 500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Tibetan Temple

Admire the beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings of this serene temple.
Walking distance from Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Sarnath Restaurant

Savor a buffet of Indian cuisine featuring local specialties.
Right near the Tibetan Temple.
INR 350, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Dhamek Stupa again

Take a moment of reflection at this iconic structure, a symbol of Buddhism.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to your accommodation to rest before exploring more.
Taxi back to Varanasi (30 minutes).
Included in INR 500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Boat Ride

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges at sunset for stunning views.
Book a ride at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Vishwanath Restaurant

Delight in flavorful traditional Indian dishes in an inviting restaurant.
Located near the Temple.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Pilgrimage and Culture

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Indulge in a local breakfast of parathas and chai at your hotel.
On-site dining.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kedar Ghat

Explore this ghat known for its ambiance, temples, and historic significance.
Head to Kedar Ghat via walking.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Attend the Morning Aarti

Participate in the serene morning aarti ceremony along the ghats.
Kedar Ghat has morning ceremonies.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Parathe Wali Gali

Try out the famous Parathas in this bustling alleyway that offers various types.
Centrally located; just a short walk.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dumraon Palace

Visit this heritage palace amidst local culture and art.
Take a taxi (15 minutes) from the restaurant.
INR 200 (taxi fare), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts, especially the famous Banaras silk.
Short taxi ride back to the city center.
Free (souvenirs extra), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Varanasi Food Cafe

Enjoy mouth-watering North Indian dishes as you relax after a long day.
A 10-minute walk from shopping area.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Spiritual Evening

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Relish a wholesome breakfast, fueling your exploration ahead.
On-site dining.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the local rituals and cultural practices at this principal cremation ghat.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit an Ashram

Spend some time at an ashram participating in meditation or yoga sessions.
Pre-arranged visit; check local listings.
INR 500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ram Bhandar

Savor local snacks and light meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
A 15-minute taxi from the ashram.
INR 250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Assi Ghat Area

Relax by the river, visit local shops, or just enjoy the vibrant bazaar.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Attend Ganga Aarti Ceremony

Experience the mesmerizing evening aarti with lights, music, and prayers on the banks of the Ganges.
At Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Diwan Cafe

Step into a beautiful ambiance while enjoying delicious food.
Close to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Ayodhya

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a delightful breakfast to start your day.
On-site dining.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ayodhya

Head for the sacred city by booking a taxi or train early in the day.
Approximately a 6-hour taxi ride.
INR 2000 (taxi fare), 6 hours

3:00PM

Check into your hotel

Relax at your hotel, preparing for the afternoon's explorations.
Hotel check-in process.
Varies by hotel, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Hanuman Garhi

Explore this popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, attracting many devotees.
Short taxi ride (15 minutes from central hotels).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening Walking Tour of Ayodhya

Discover the ancient city and its historical and spiritual significance through a guided walking tour.
Starts from your hotel.
INR 500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Chaat Wale

Savor local street food of Ayodhya with various chaats.
Walking distance from the tour end point.
INR 200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Ayodhya Sightseeing

Ayodhya, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off for the day.
On-site dining.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ram Janmabhoomi

Explore the birth place of Lord Ram, which holds immense religious significance.
Short taxi ride (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kanak Bhawan Temple

Admire the exquisite architecture and art dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita.
Walking distance from Ram Janmabhoomi.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shakti Restaurant

Taste traditional Indian vegetarian fare with a local flair.
Short taxi ride (10 minutes).
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Nageshwarnath Temple

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with beautiful views.
Short taxi ride (10 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore local markets

Wander through the markets and shops to experience local crafts and food.
Walking distance from Nageshwarnath Temple.
Free (souvenirs extra), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dine in Ayodhya

Enjoy your final dinner in Ayodhya at a cozy restaurant with Indian cuisine.
Close to your hotel.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Refuel with a hearty breakfast to start your journey back.
On-site dining.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Varanasi

Return to Varanasi by booked taxi or train.
Approximately a 6-hour taxi ride.
INR 2000 (taxi fare), 6 hours

3:00PM

Check into your accommodation

Rest and refresh at your chosen hotel in Varanasi.
Check-in process.
Varies by hotel, 1 hour

4:30PM

Final Evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Revisit this iconic spot to capture your last sunset in Varanasi.
Walking from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Kashi Grill

Indulge in a farewell dinner featuring rustic barbecue and delicious Indian dishes.
Walking distance from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 700, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability