Family-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary in Banaras (Varanasi), India

Day 1: Explore the Ghats

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Start your day with delicious organic breakfast options at Brown Bread Bakery, known for its wholesome pastries and smoothies.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the bakery from your hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you can witness the morning rituals of pilgrims and locals soaking in the spiritual energy.
Walk approximately 15 minutes to the ghat from the bakery.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Join a family-friendly boat ride on the sacred Ganges River, offering a unique perspective on the city and its famous ghats.
Several boatmen will be waiting at the ghat to arrange rides.
INR500, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Aum Cafe

Enjoy a healthy lunch at Aum Cafe, which offers a variety of Indian and international vegetarian dishes in a serene atmosphere.
Walk back to Aum Cafe, located near the ghat.
INR600, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Sarnath

Take a short drive to Sarnath, the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, featuring important historical and religious sites.
Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to Sarnath, approximately 10 km away.
INR300, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Sarnath Museum

Explore the Sarnath Museum, which houses important artifacts from the Buddhist era, including statues and relics.
Walk to the museum from Sarnath's main sites.
INR20, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi and take some time to relax at your hotel before dinner.
Taxi or auto-rickshaw back to Varanasi.
INR300, 30 minutes

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Coast Café

End your day with a delightful dinner at The Coast Café, offering a blend of Indian and seafood dishes with a riverside view.
Short walk or auto-rickshaw ride to the cafe.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Savor the local flavors with a traditional breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar, famous for its kachoris and chai.
Brief auto ride to the eatery.
INR250, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Immerse your family in the spiritual experience by visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines for Hindus.
Walking distance from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Narrow Lanes

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, discovering local shops offering handcrafted items and souvenirs.
Continue walking through the labyrinth of streets.
Free (shopping optional), 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Baba Lassi

Try the famous lassi and enjoy a refreshing lunch at Baba Lassi, renowned for its creamy yogurt drinks.
Walk back towards the main road where Baba Lassi is situated.
INR200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, noted for its beautiful stone carvings and tranquil surroundings.
Short auto ride to Tulsi Manas Temple.
Free, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Rest at Hotel

Return to your hotel for some relaxation as the midday sun can be intense.
Taxi or auto-rickshaw back to your accommodation.
INR200, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spectacular ritual performed with lamps, chanting, and music.
Head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat by foot or auto-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Varanasi Heritage Hotel

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at Varanasi Heritage Hotel, offering a variety of Indian dishes with a cultural setting.
Short walk or auto-rickshaw to the hotel restaurant.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature and Culture

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Ginger Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Ginger Café, offering both traditional and continental options in a cozy atmosphere.
Short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Take a short ride to Ramnagar Fort, an ancient fort along the Ganges, exploring its museum and stunning architecture.
Auto-rickshaw ride from the cafe, about 14 km away.
INR150, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Botanical Garden

Visit the nearby Parshvanath Park, a serene botanical garden perfect for a family stroll and observing local flora.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Kashi Restaurant

Have lunch at The Kashi Restaurant, known for its traditional Indian thali offerings which are perfect for families.
Short ride back towards Varanasi.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Explore the scenic campus of Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, with beautiful architecture.
Take a taxi to the university, around 5 km away.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Kushwaha Ghat

Visit the less crowded Kushwaha Ghat, ideal for a peaceful experience away from tourist hotspots.
Taxi or auto-rickshaw ride from the university.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Relax and Play

Allow the kids some time to play and unwind at the ghat, encouraging them to enjoy their surroundings.
Stay at Kushwaha Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to your hotel to refresh before dinner.
Taxi or auto-rickshaw back.
INR200, 30 minutes

7:30 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Café

Indulge in delicious pizzas and other Italian delicacies at Pizzeria Vaatika Café, always a hit with the kids.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Last Day Adventure

Varanasi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Café at Kashi

Savor a delectable breakfast at The Café at Kashi, offering a good mix of Indian and Western options.
Walk to the café from your hotel.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Hanuman Ghat

Enjoy a stroll down to Hanuman Ghat, a popular spot for pictures and peaceful views of the river.
Walk to the ghat from the café.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Local Markets

Visit the bustling local markets of Varanasi, ideal for picking up souvenirs and experiencing local lifestyles.
Walk 15 minutes to local markets.
Free (shopping optional), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Refuel at Shree Cafe, which offers a variety of vegetarian options and quick snacks perfect for families.
Auto-rickshaw ride to the cafe.
INR400, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Assi Ghat

Spend your afternoon at Assi Ghat, enjoying the scenic beauty while letting the kids explore the grassy areas.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride from Shree Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Sunset Boat Ride

End your trip with an unforgettable sunset boat ride on the Ganges, capturing unforgettable family memories.
Return to Dashashwamedh Ghat to board the boat.
INR600, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Return to Hotel & Pack

Head back to your hotel to freshen up and prepare for your departure.
Taxi or auto-rickshaw back to the hotel.
INR200, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Early Dinner at Chula Restaurant

Enjoy an early dinner at Chula Restaurant with its quaint ambiance and mouthwatering Indian cuisine.
Short walk to the restaurant.
INR600, 1.5 hours
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