Explore the Hidden Treasures of Kashi: A 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Start your day with delectable aloo tikki and chaats at this famous local eatery, ideal for an energizing morning.
Walk or take an auto-rickshaw to Kashi Chat Bhandar.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Morning Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the serene beauty of Varanasi with a tranquil boat ride along the Ganges, watching the sunrise over the ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for your boat ride.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and immerse yourself in its spiritual atmosphere.
A short walk from the ghat to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Baidyanath Chaat Bhandar

Savor a variety of street food options like chole bhature and refreshing lassi at this beloved eatery.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Baidyanath Chaat Bhandar.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Ghats

Stroll along the famous ghats and soak in the vibrant cultural life, with opportunities to witness rituals and local life.
Walk along the riverbanks exploring different ghats.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Witness the unique spiritual ceremonies at one of the most active cremation ghats in the city.
Continue walking towards Manikarnika Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Aarti Ceremony

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual that lights up the river with oil lamps and chants.
Return to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the ceremony.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at Aum Cafe, where you can indulge in healthy international dishes and coffee.
Take an auto-rickshaw to Aum Cafe.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Bread of Life Bakery

Enjoy a fresh start with a selection of breakfast pastries and excellent coffee at this cozy café.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit the Tibetan Temple

Get a glimpse of Tibetan culture and Buddhism at this serene temple adorned with colorful murals and prayer flags.
An auto-rickshaw can take you there easily.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Darshan at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Take a pilgrimage to this famous Hindu temple dedicated to Hanuman and witness the local devotees.
Head to the temple via auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Dine

Enjoy a traditional North Indian thali for an authentic Varanasi lunch experience.
Auto-rickshaw ride to Varanasi Dine.
INR 350, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historical Ramnagar Fort, known for its beautiful architecture and rich history on the bank of the Ganges.
Take a boat ride or auto-rickshaw to the fort.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the local markets

Wander through the vibrant local markets of Varanasi, searching for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walk through the alleys from Ramnagar Fort.
Free (shopping cost varies), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at India Awaits

End your day with a delectable meal at India Awaits, featuring North Indian specialties and traditional ambiance.
Short auto-rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: The Path of Buddha

Sarnath, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with an energizing breakfast at your hotel with a variety of South Indian and continental options.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Sarnath

Take a short ride to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to Sarnath.
INR 300, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Explore the Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Visit this museum that showcases a vast collection of ancient artifacts related to Buddhism.
Walk to the museum from the parking area.
INR 20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Dhamek Stupa

Marvel at the iconic Dhamek Stupa, an important site marking Buddha's teachings in Sarnath.
A short walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ramu's Bhojanalay

Delight in a lunch of traditional vegetarian thali at this popular local eatery.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Mulagandha Kuty Vihar

An active Buddhist temple adorned with beautiful murals and tranquility, perfect for meditation.
Short drive back to Sarnath.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Asoka Pillar

See the National Emblem of India at the pillar commemorating the spread of Buddhism.
Short walk from Mulagandha Kuty Vihar.
Free, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi for a relaxing evening.
Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi back.
INR 300, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Evening Stroll by Ganges

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the Ganges, soaking up the local ambiance and serene views.
Walk towards Dasawamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vatan

Experience an Italian twist in Varanasi at this pizzeria, offering delicious wood-fired pizzas and pasta.
Auto-rickshaw ride to Pizzeria Vatan.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Final Explorations

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Window

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the Ganges, featuring options like omelets and pancakes.
Walk or use an auto-rickshaw to reach The Window.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit the Banaras Hindu University

Explore the expansive campus of one of India's oldest universities, renown for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Auto-rickshaw to Banaras Hindu University.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Visit this art museum within the university known for its vast collection of Indian paintings and sculptures.
Adjacent to the university, a short walk away.
INR 50, 1 hour

11:30AM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Shop for traditional Banarasi silk sarees and handicrafts in the famed Vishwanath Gali, a must-visit for souvenirs.
Walk from the museum into Vishwanath Gali.
Free (shopping cost varies), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Great Kabab Factory

Enjoy an authentic North Indian meal featuring mouth-watering kebabs and biryanis in a fine-dining setup.
Auto-rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 750, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Ganges Riverfront

Spend your afternoon relaxing by the river, perhaps taking time for introspection or leisure reading.
Return to the riverfront by walking.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chaat Trail in Varanasi

Join a local food tour and try various delicious street foods including chaat and paani puri.
Explore the local street food area.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Taj Gateway

Enjoy a luxurious dining experience featuring a multi-course Indian meal with splendid views of the Ganga.
Auto-rickshaw ride to The Taj Gateway.
INR 1000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability