5-Day Cultural Exploration of Kashi (Varanasi), India

Day 1: Ganges Serenity

Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Morning Ganga Aarti

Start your day early by witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat, where the river seems to come alive with spirituality.
Walk to Dasaswamedh Ghat.
INR 0, 1.5 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy a traditional North Indian breakfast of chole bhature or kachoris at this popular local eatery.
Short rickshaw ride from Ghat.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Sarnath

Take a trip to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon, and explore the beautiful Dhamek Stupa.
Travel by taxi to Sarnath, approximately 10 km away.
INR 300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tandoor Villa

Savour delicious North Indian cuisine, with their tandoori dishes highly recommended.
Taxi back to Varanasi.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Engage in the spiritual atmosphere of one of the holiest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Short walk from lunch.
INR 0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Explore local shops selling silk sarees and handicrafts, a perfect place for souvenir shopping.
Walk through the narrow, bustling streets.
INR 1000 (recommended spending), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Café

Wind down your day with a delightful pizza and refreshing drinks at this café with a beautiful view of the Ganges.
Walk along the riverbank.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Start with a rejuvenating yoga session by the river, soaking in the tranquil vibes of Varanasi.
Walk to the yoga centre nearby.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Bread of Life

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with options like pancakes and freshly baked bread.
Short rickshaw ride.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Take a stroll through the expansive campus, visiting the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum for its intriguing artefacts.
Taxi ride to the university.
INR 0 (entry fee for museum INR 100), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the university canteen

Experience the local student cuisine at the university’s canteen, offering affordable thalis.
Walk to the canteen.
INR 150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cycle Rickshaw Tour

Explore the lanes of Varanasi on a cycle rickshaw, visiting local markets and witnessing everyday life.
Hire a rickshaw from the canteen.
INR 300, 2 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Assi Ghat

Relax by the banks of the Ganges and watch the vibrant sunset while enjoying a cup of chai.
Rickshaw ride to Assi Ghat.
INR 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Aangan

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring rich Indian dishes such as biryani and paneer tikka.
Short walk from Assi Ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

6:30AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the early morning serenity on a boat ride along the Ganges, observing the rituals performed at the ghats.
Hire a boat at Dasaswamedh Ghat.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sri Annapurna Restaurant

Savour traditional South Indian breakfast dishes like dosa and idli in a highly recommended local spot.
Walk from the ghat.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Observe the ancient cremation rituals at this ghats, considered sacred in Hindu society.
Short rickshaw ride.
INR 0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Tulsi Manas Mandir

Visit this famous temple dedicated to Lord Rama and admire its unique architecture and carvings.
Walk from Manikarnika.
INR 0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bhojanalay

Try authentic vegetarian thalis served in a traditional style at this renowned local eatery.
Taxi to Bhojanalay.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Pottery Workshop

Join a local potter for an engaging experience creating traditional clay pots, a significant craft of the region.
Short rickshaw ride to pottery studio.
INR 500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Admire the vibrant red architecture and inquisitive monkey population at this famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Rickshaw ride to the temple.
INR 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Spice by Nature

Relish a fusion of traditional Indian flavours with contemporary cuisine at this charming restaurant.
Rickshaw ride back to your hotel.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Culinary Delights

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bana Lassi

Try their famous lassi, a creamy yogurt drink, coupled with some local sweet treats.
Walk to Bana Lassi from your hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi's Silk Workshops

Witness the intricate process of silk weaving and shop for exquisite silk sarees and scarves.
Rickshaw ride to silk workshop area.
INR 0 (spending on purchases extra), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chaat Cafe

Enjoy tasty street food dishes like paani puri and aloo tikki chaat in a popular café setting.
Rickshaw ride to Chaat Cafe.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cooking Class

Attend a hands-on cooking class and learn to make traditional Banarasi dishes.
Short walk to the instructor's kitchen.
INR 1000, 3 hours

4:30PM

Stroll in Ramnagar Fort

Visit this historic fort located on the opposite bank of the Ganges, rich in history and scenic views.
Boat ride across the Ganges.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht

Indulge in royal Awadhi cuisine, famous for its Dum cooking style, offering an unforgettable dining experience.
Boat ride back and take rickshaw.
INR 800, 2 hours
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Day 5: Final Explorations

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chai Wala Cafe

Enjoy a refreshing chai with a simple breakfast of toast or sandwiches at this local café.
Walk to the cafe nearby.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ghats

Explore the famous ghats at your leisure, witnessing the daily life and rituals along the river.
Walk along the riverbank.
INR 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Cookbook and Spice Shopping

Visit local markets to purchase cookbooks and spices that represent the flavours of Varanasi.
Rickshaw ride to local market areas.
INR 1000 (recommended spending), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Kashi Kitchen

Enjoy a relaxed meal with an array of Indian and Continental dishes to satisfy every palate.
Rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit to Amla Vata Tree

Explore the sacred Amla Vata tree at the Ganges, believed to grant wishes.
Rickshaw ride to the site.
INR 0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Reflection Time

Take a moment for personal reflection by the river as your journey comes to an end.
Find a quiet spot along the Ganges.
INR 0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Varanasi Café

Savour a delightful farewell dinner featuring local delicacies and flavours of Varanasi as you reminisce your trip.
Short walk to Varanasi Café.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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