5-Day Family-Friendly Foodie Adventure in Varanasi on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

After arriving in Varanasi, check into Hotel Surya or Ganpati Guest House which are both located near the ghats and budget-friendly.
Hotel is a short rickshaw ride from the railway station.
INR800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Enjoy some famous chaat at this iconic local eatery, known for its spicy and tangy flavors.
Walk to the chaat shop from your hotel, just 15 minutes away.
INR100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit the Ghats

Stroll along the banks of the Ganges River, absorbing the spirituality and sights of the famous ghats.
The ghats are easily accessible by walking from your breakfast location.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Baidyanath Chaat Bhandar

Savor the unique flavors of Varanasi with a meal at this popular spot, particularly known for its kachoris.
Walk back towards the main bustle of Varanasi, a 20-minute walk.
INR150, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Silk Weaving Shops

Discover the exquisite silk weavings of Varanasi, perfect for souvenirs and local craftsmanship.
A rickshaw ride to the weaving area will take around 15 minutes.
Free to browse, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

Wrap up your first day with a meal at Aum Cafe, renowned for its decent vegetarian menu and rooftop view.
Cycle rickshaw ride back to the cafe, about 10 minutes.
INR300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread of Life Bakery

Start your day with fresh bread and pastries at this cozy bakery.
A short walk from your hotel will get you there in 10 minutes.
INR200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Sarnath

Take a rickshaw to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and explore the archaeological site.
15-minute rickshaw ride to Sarnath.
INR300, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sarnath Restaurant

Enjoy a simple but delicious vegetarian meal at this local spot near the Sarnath ruins.
It's located just a short walk from Sarnath.
INR250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to the city by rickshaw, soaking in the views.
15-minute rickshaw back to Varanasi.
INR300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Sunset Ganga Aarti

Experience the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, an iconic moment in Varanasi.
Walk to Dashashwamedh Ghat, just 15 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Varanasi Chaat

Indulge in some more traditional local snacks at this street-side chaat shop.
Just a short walk after the aarti from the ghat.
INR150, 1 hour
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Day 3: Temple Tour

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Assi Ghat

Start with a healthy breakfast at a local café by Assi Ghat, enjoying the morning serenity.
A 10-minute walk from your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Enter the most sacred temple of Varanasi, renowned for its majestic architecture.
Walk to the temple, about 15 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Bharat Mata Temple

See the unique temple with a relief map of India carved into marble.
A short 10-minute walk to Bharat Mata Temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Shree Annapurna

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian thali meal at this beloved restaurant in Varanasi.
A 10-minute walk from Bharat Mata Temple.
INR250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll Around the Old City

Enjoy wandering through the bustling bazaars and traditional shops in Varanasi.
Walking around Old City, just adjacent to the lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Maan Mandir Restaurant

Savor traditional Indian cuisine with a view of the Ganges at this lovely restaurant.
A 20-minute walk back to the riverside.
INR300, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Arts & Crafts

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Mad Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and coffee at this trendy cafe known for its ambiance.
A 10-minute walk from your hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit to a Local Pottery Shop

Experience Varanasi's traditional pottery making and potentially try your hand at it.
Take a rickshaw for a 15-minute ride to the pottery workshops.
INR0 (free workshop), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vishnu Tea Shop

Enjoy some traditional tea and flavorful snacks popular among locals.
Short rickshaw ride back to the city, 15 minutes.
INR150, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tulsidhar Temple

Explore the temple dedicated to the poet Tulsidas, surrounded by serene gardens.
A 10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping in Varanasi

Find beautiful silk sarees, handicrafts, and other traditional items in the local bazaars.
Explore the nearby markets on foot.
Free to browse, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dosa Cafe

End the day with delicious South Indian cuisine at this quaint cafe known for its dosas.
Short walk from the shopping area.
INR250, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Leisure & Farewell

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at this whitewashed café with great coffee and an inviting atmosphere.
10-minute walk from your hotel.
INR250, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit to the Ganga River

Have your last morning stroll along the Ganges and enjoy the peaceful vibes.
Walk to the ghats, just a few minutes from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Keshari Restaurant

Relish delicious North Indian cuisine at this laid-back evening restaurant.
A short walk from the ghats back to the nearby restaurant.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Free Time for Last-Minute Shopping

Explore some last-minute shops to grab souvenirs and gifts for friends back home.
Browse the markets within walking distance.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-out from Hotel

With your bags packed and memories made, it's time to check-out and say goodbye to Varanasi.
Head back to the hotel.
Free, 30 minutes
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