2-Day Varanasi Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Aum Cafe

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at Aum Cafe, where you can try their famous vegetarian omelette and fresh fruit smoothies that energize your adventure.
Located near the Ghats, about a 15-minute rickshaw ride from the city center.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Morning Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat

Experience the spiritual morning Aarti at Assi Ghat, a multicolored event with chanting and music that welcomes the dawn.
A short rickshaw ride from Aum Cafe, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a scenic boat ride on the Ganges River, enjoying views of the iconic ghats and energetic locals as the city comes alive.
Boats can be hired at Assi Ghat.
INR 500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient site.
A 20-minute rickshaw ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Varuna Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal at Varuna Restaurant, which is known for its scrumptious thalis and local delicacies.
10-15 minute rickshaw ride from the temple.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sarnath

Venture to Sarnath, the location of Buddha's first sermon, and explore its rich heritage of stupas and monuments.
30-minute taxi ride from Varanasi.
INR 500, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at a local tea stall

Take a break with a cup of Masala Chai and some snacks at one of the local tea stalls in Sarnath, mingling with locals and unwinding.
Many stalls are located around Sarnath.
INR 100, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Great Indian Thali

Savor a traditional Indian thali for dinner, featuring a variety of rich flavors and diverse dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of India.
Return via taxi to Varanasi city center.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Cap off your day with the mesmerizing evening Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, filled with chants and prayers to the river.
Easily accessible on foot from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historical and Culinary Journey

Varanasi, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery, where you can enjoy freshly baked bread, pastries, and their organic menu options.
Located in the heart of Varanasi, easily reachable by rickshaw.
INR 350, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi

Stroll through the ancient narrow lanes of Varanasi, discovering the rich tapestry of shops, temples, and the vibrant street life.
Walking tour around the ghats and neighborhoods.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Benares Hindu University

Take a tour of the prestigious Benares Hindu University, where the architecture and gardens provide a tranquil escape.
About 20 minutes via auto-rickshaw from the lanes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pehelwan Jaan Puri Wale

Taste the famous local chaat and Puri's at Pehelwan, a legendary eatery loved by locals and tourists alike.
Return to the hustle of the city center via rickshaw.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Learn about the traditions of cremation at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred ghats, where the rituals are poignant and profound.
10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax with a traditional Ayurvedic massage

Unwind with a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage at a local spa, which helps you feel restored after all the city exploration.
Book in advance at one of the local spas in the area.
INR 1200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Cooking Class with a Local Family

Engage in a hands-on cooking class, learning to make authentic Varanasi dishes with a local family, which deepens your culinary experience.
Pre-arranged with local family, transportation can be provided.
INR 1500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Wind down your day with dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar, indulging in mouthwatering chaat dishes alongside refreshing lassi.
Close to the city center, reachable via walking.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:00PM

Night Walk along the Ghat

Enjoy a peaceful night walk along the Ganges, under the stars, soaking in the serene atmosphere that Varanasi offers at night.
Walk along the ghats, starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
Free, 1 hour
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