5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Banaras, India

Day 1: Exploring the Ghats

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat

Start your day with delicious aloo puri and chaats, a local favorite that will fill you with energy for the day ahead.
Head towards the ghats for a scenic walk after breakfast.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the serene beauty of Banaras as you glide along the holy river on a boat ride.
Boat rides start at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the holiest temples in Hinduism.
It's a short walk from the ghats.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Savor the traditional Banarasi meal of baati and chokha at this family-friendly restaurant.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Sarnath

Travel to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment, featuring beautiful stupas and museums.
Take a taxi to Sarnath.
INR 800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Sarnath Museum

Discover the rich history and artifacts from Buddhism at this informative museum.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Great Indian Thali

Enjoy an authentic Indian thali filled with a variety of local dishes.
Return to Varanasi by taxi.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Heritage

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Banaras House

Start with a hearty breakfast and try their delicious poha or idli.
Walking distance from your hotel.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the Local Markets

Stroll through the vibrant markets of Varanasi, shopping for silk products and local handicrafts.
You can walk to the nearby Vishwanath Gali.
Variable, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir

Marvel at the beautiful architecture and the serene atmosphere of this temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Varanasi Cafe

Enjoy a quick meal of pasta or sandwiches in this cozy café.
Take an auto-rickshaw there.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historic fort that offers amazing views of the river and a glimpse into the royal past.
It’s about 14 km from Varanasi; you can hire a taxi.
INR 300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a ceremony filled with music and spirituality.
Walk to the ghat from your location.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Café

Treat yourselves to some delicious pizza in a family-friendly ambiance.
Short walk from the ghat.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi's Bhelpuri

Have a light breakfast of bhelpuri and tea from a local vendor.
Easily found near your accommodation.
INR 200, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit the All India Sanatan Sansthan

Take part in interactive sessions and learn about Hindu culture and rituals.
Short auto-rickshaw ride to the center.
INR 300, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Understand the significance of this famous ghat clearings and its role in the Hindu lifecycle.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Spice by Nature

Taste authentic Indian flavors with a family-friendly menu.
A short walk from the ghat.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Explore this vibrant red temple dedicated to the goddess Durga amid the chaos of city life.
Take a taxi to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Cooking Class Experience

Join a local family to learn how to prepare traditional Varanasi dishes.
Coordinate with a local cooking class provider.
INR 1500, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dosa Cafe

Wonderful South Indian cuisine that the whole family will love.
Return to the main market area.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Relaxation

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Parador

Enjoy a delightful Continental breakfast to keep you energized for the day ahead.
Located near the ghats.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Reconnect with nature through a family yoga session alongside the Ganges.
Check schedules for yoga classes at the ghats.
INR 500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Spend some leisure time walking along Assi Ghat, a lively place for local art and activities.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi's Kashi Kebab

Enjoy tasty kebabs and local cuisine in a family setting.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from Assi Ghat.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Walk through the calm campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum showcasing art and architecture.
Taxi ride to the university.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Lalita Ghat

Explore the serene atmosphere of this quieter ghat, ideal for a peaceful afternoon.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Tadka Family Restaurant

A convenient family-friendly option, perfect for trying a mix of Indian dishes.
Return to your accommodation area.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Explorations

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Lassi

Indulge in a variety of flavorful lassis and quick bites, a great start to your day.
Walking distance from your hotel.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Vishalakshi Temple

Explore this lesser-known temple that offers a peaceful environment away from the crowds.
Short walk from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Walk along the Ghats

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the ghats, appreciating the stunning views and atmosphere of Varanasi.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Paras Dham

Relish a pure vegetarian buffet that offers a variety of dishes to suit everyone.
Auto-rickshaw ride to the location.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Last-minute Shopping

Visit local shops for silk sarees, textiles, and souvenirs to bring home.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Variable, 2 hours

4:30PM

Farewell at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Spend your last evening reflecting on your journey while enjoying the sunset at the iconic ghat.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rawat Kachori

Finish off your trip with a family favorite, delightful kachoris and various local snacks.
Head back to the city center.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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