4-Day Family-Friendly Banaras Itinerary with Morning Aarti, Early Kashi Vishwanath Darshan, and Hidden Gems

Day 1: Evening Arrival

Varanasi, India

8:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Varanasi and check into your pre-booked hotel, ensuring your family is settled for the trip.
A taxi ride from the airport or railway station to your hotel will suffice.
INR2000, 1 hour

9:30 PM

Dinner at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy a delightful dinner of local specialities such as chaat and kachoris at this renowned spot popular among locals.
A quick tuk-tuk ride from your hotel.
INR500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Varanasi, India

5:30 AM

Early Morning Kashi Vishwanath Temple Darshan

Start your day with an early morning visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple to experience the peaceful ambiance and avoid crowds.
Head out before dawn for a short walk to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 AM

Morning Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the enchanting morning Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the rituals performed by priests create a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
A short walk to the ghat following your temple visit.
Free, 1 hour

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Varanasi Cafe

Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast, featuring masala dosa and steaming filter coffee to energise your family.
Walk to the café nearby your hotel.
INR400, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Sarnath

Travel to Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, and explore its ruins, museums, and the Dhamek Stupa.
Hire a cab or take a tuk-tuk for the 10 km trip to Sarnath.
INR300, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Return to Varanasi

Head back to Varanasi, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city.
Same cab or tuk-tuk for the return journey.
INR300, 30 minutes

12:00 PM

Explore Tulsi Manas Temple

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its exquisite marble inlays and vibrant culture surrounding Lord Rama.
A short cab ride from your previous stop.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Vishnu Tea Shop

Savour a delicious vegetarian thali at this popular local eatery, filled with various Indian dishes that the whole family will enjoy.
Just a short walk from the temple.
INR450, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Underrated Place: Durga Temple

Explore the scenic Durga Temple, known for its beautiful setting and peaceful environment, away from the usual tourist hustle.
A short cab ride from the tea shop.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Evening Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take an enchanting boat ride on the Ganges River during sunset, witnessing stunning views and the vibrant life along the ghats.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat to hire a boat.
INR800, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

Witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a magical experience filled with local devotion.
Stay at Dashashwamedh Ghat for an unforgettable view.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Aum Cafe

End the day with a family-friendly dinner, featuring comforting Western and Indian dishes in a relaxed setting.
A short walk from the ghats.
INR600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Heritage & Tradition

Varanasi, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Bread of Life

Fuel up with freshly baked goods and an array of breakfast items at this charming café.
Walk to the café near your hotel.
INR350, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore Ramnagar Fort, the historic residence of the Maharaja of Banaras, and learn about its rich history & architecture.
Travel by cab for this short journey across the river.
INR200, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum showcasing art and artefacts highlighting the cultural heritage of Varanasi.
Located within the BHU campus, easy to find.
INR150, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Dosa Cafe

Enjoy South Indian cuisine at Dosa Cafe, particularly their famous dosas which the kids will love.
A quick tuk-tuk ride from the museum.
INR500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Banaras Hindu University

Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Banaras Hindu University, one of India’s largest residential universities.
Hire a local taxi for a short ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Relax at Assi Ghat

Spend some quality family time at Assi Ghat, perfect for relaxing and enjoying local snacks from stalls while soaking in the atmosphere.
A tuk-tuk ride or walk from the university.
Variable, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

End your day with pizza and delicious desserts at this family-friendly cafe overlooking the Ganges.
Just a short walk along the ghats from Assi Ghat.
INR700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Departure Day

Varanasi, India

7:00 AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel, preparing for your journey back home with fond memories of Varanasi.
At your hotel’s dining area.
INR300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Last-Gasp City Walk

Take a pleasant walk along the banks of the Ganges, soaking up the morning views one last time.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Checkout and Departure

Check out from your hotel and head to the airport or railway station for your departure.
Taxi arranged for transport to the airport or station.
INR250, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability