5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Varanasi: Exploring Kashi Vishwanath and Beyond

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Start your day with delicious aloo puri and chai at this popular local eatery.
Walk to the nearby bathing ghats after breakfast.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the vibrant rituals on this historic ghat, where pilgrims come to bathe in holy waters.
Walk along the riverbank, enjoying the serene vibe.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Discover the spiritual core of Varanasi at this sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Short walk from the ghat.
Free (donations welcomed), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Varuna Restaurant

Savour authentic North Indian thali plates featuring regional dishes.
Take a short rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Assi Ghat

Spend the afternoon enjoying the peaceful riverfront atmosphere and perhaps a boat ride.
Take a rickshaw to Assi Ghat.
Boat ride INR 200, 3 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ritual, a highlight of visiting Varanasi.
Head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat on foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dosa Cafe

Savor a delicious mix of South Indian and local dishes in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
Walk back to the cafe.
INR 350, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historical Exploration

Sarnath, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Surya

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast with selections for everyone in the family.
Catch a taxi to Sarnath.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Sarnath Archaeological Museum

Explore ancient relics that tell the story of Buddha's first sermon.
Short walk from the parking area.
INR 10, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Dhamek Stupa

Discover this striking monument and learn about its significance in Buddhism.
Short walk from the museum.
INR 5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at the Buddha Vihar Cafe

A peaceful place to enjoy light meals and snacks with an Asian twist.
Walk to the café by the museum.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Chaukhandi Stupa

Witness another important Buddhist site featuring stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere.
Take a short taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi and Explore the Local Markets

Spend the afternoon shopping for traditional silk, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Take a taxi back to Varanasi.
Free (shopping as per individual budget), 2 hours

5:30PM

Sunset Boat Ride

Experience the magic of Varanasi's ghats at sunset on a family boat ride.
Book a boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 600, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pind Balluchi

Enjoy traditional North Indian cuisine in a delightful dhaba-style setting.
Rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Family Fun Day

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Munnu's Café

Start the day with tasty pancakes and fresh fruit in a family-friendly spot.
Walk to the café nearby.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir

Marvel at the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and enjoy the intricate carvings.
Short taxi ride to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Take a stroll through the expansive campus of one of India's oldest universities.
Taxi to the university.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Brown Bread Bakery

A health-conscious spot with delicious sandwiches and baked goods.
Taxi ride back towards the city centre.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Varanasi Zoo

Spend the afternoon observing various animals in a well-maintained zoo, perfect for families.
Taxi to the zoo.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Venture to this historic fort along the banks of the Ganges and enjoy the view.
Taxi to Ramnagar Fort.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bharawon Da Dhaba

Finish the day with hearty Punjabi fare in a casual, family-friendly environment.
Taxi back to Varanasi.
INR 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Kshetra Restaurant

Delight in traditional Indian breakfast with poha and chai.
Walk to the restaurant in the locality.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Spend the morning soaking in the local atmosphere and watching the morning rituals.
Short walk from breakfast to Assi Ghat.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Take a Yoga Class

Engage the family in a relaxing yoga session, suitable for all ages.
Join a local yoga class at Assi Ghat.
INR 500 per person, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Blue Lassi

Taste the famous lassis and light snacks in this popular spot.
Taxi or walk from Ghat to the café.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore this revered temple and witness its devotional atmosphere.
Take a rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Durga Temple

Admire the unique architecture and cultural significance of this ancient temple.
Rickshaw to Durga Temple.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Dashashwamedh Ghat for Evening Aarti

Experience the spiritual ambiance of the Ganga Aarti once again.
Taxi or rickshaw back to the ghat.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Suryauday Haveli

End the day with a scenic riverside dinner featuring local delicacies.
Take a rickshaw to the haveli.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Farewell Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Café

Enjoy an array of breakfast options, including continental and Indian cuisines.
Walk to Café Café.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Dedicate the last morning to purchase souvenirs to remember your visit.
Walk to the local market areas.
Free (shopping as per individual budget), 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Gyanvapi Mosque

Experience the historical and architectural beauty of this mosque.
Short walk from the marketplace.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Haldiram's

Indulge in North Indian snacks and thalis at this popular fast-food chain.
Walk to Haldiram's.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Final Stroll along the Ghats

Enjoy a reflective last walk by the river, taking in the sights and sounds of Varanasi.
Walk along the ghats.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure

Prepare for departure, reminiscing about the beautiful memories made in Varanasi.
Taxi to the train or bus station/airport.
Varies, 1 hour
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