7-Day Enchanting Journey through Varanasi

Day 1: Cultural Introduction

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Start your day with some delicious Aloo Chaat and a refreshing Lassi at this famous local joint.
Take a 15-minute walk to the Dashashwamedh Ghat after breakfast.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat

Experience the hustle and bustle of this ghat where pilgrims come to perform rituals.
Head east along the riverbanks, finding serene spots to enjoy the view.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Varuna Vihar

Enjoy a traditional North Indian thali featuring a variety of local delicacies.
Just a 10-minute auto ride from the ghat.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Sarnath

Visit this significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.
Take a taxi, about 10km away; costs around INR 200.
INR 300, 3 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Boat Ride on the Ganges

Witness the surreal sunset views and evening aarti along the ghats.
You can book a boat from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 500, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Baithak Cafe

Try their exquisite vegetarian dishes while overlooking the river.
Walk back about 10 minutes from the ghat.
INR 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Spiritual Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at South Indian Coffee House

Indulge in idli and filter coffee, a perfect start to your exploration day.
A 10-minute rickshaw ride will get you here.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Marvel at one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A 15-minute walk will take you to the temple entrance.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Observe the funeral rites and rituals performed at one of the sacred ghats.
Walk approximately 10 minutes from the temple.
FREE, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Brown Bread Bakery

Relish fresh organic food, salads, and handmade breads in this cozy café.
A 15-minute walk from the ghat.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Bharat Mata Temple

A unique temple with a map of India carved in marble, symbolizing unity.
Take a taxi, about a 20-minute ride.
FREE, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll through the Old City

Wander the narrow lanes and experience the vibrant local life of Varanasi.
Simply walk around the temple area.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Aum Café

Relax and enjoy some delicious vegetarian dishes with a peaceful ambience.
A short 15-minute walk back from the old city.
INR 350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Art and Heritage

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dilli Chat Bhandar

Start with delectable chaat and chai to energize your day.
A quick 15-minute rickshaw from your hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Banaras Hindu University

Explore the sprawling campus and check out the museum dedicated to Hindu culture.
Take a taxi, about 5 km away.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Art of Weaving

Visit local weaving factories to see the making of the famous Banarasi silk.
Stay around the university area.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Varanasi Biryani

Savour the rich, aromatic biryani that Varanasi is famous for.
A quick 10-minute auto ride from the weaving sector.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Ramnagar Fort

Explore this grand fort overlooking the Ganges, rich in history and architecture.
Take a taxi, around 14 km from the restaurant.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Be mesmerized by the spiritual evening ritual performed at this holy ghat.
Head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy an Italian meal in a stunning setting near the river.
Just a 10-minute walk from the ghat.
INR 500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: River and Rituals

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Lassi

Try the famous lassi along with some light snacks before the day begins.
Walk through the narrow lanes from your hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Yoga by the Ganges

Join a local yoga session and rejuvenate your mind and body amidst calming river views.
Check with your hotel for nearby classes.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Local Markets

Purchase handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs in the bustling markets.
Spend the day exploring around your yoga location.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Uttaransh

Enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal featuring local ingredients.
Near the local market area.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tulsi Manas Mandir

A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its stunning architecture.
Take a rickshaw to the temple, about 3 km away.
FREE, 1 hour

3:00PM

Afternoon Tea at Mother India Café

Relax with a warm cup of tea and tasty snacks after your temple visit.
Nearby on your way back.
INR 200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit the Kedar Ghat

Experience the tranquillity of one of the lesser-known ghats, away from the crowds.
A short ride from the cafe, about 2 km.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kashi Restaurant

Feast on delightful vegetarian dishes in a serene environment.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Kedar Ghat.
INR 450, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Adventure and Sights

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast with a variety of options to choose from.
About a 10-minute walk from your hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the ancient Ghats

Spend time walking along the ghats, soaking in the spirit of the holy city.
Start from Dashashwamedh Ghat and walk.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

An important pilgrimage site famous for its devotion to Lord Hanuman.
Take an auto from the ghats, roughly 5 km away.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sri Dinesh Mishthan Bhandar

Dig into extremely popular local snacks like chaat and sweets.
A short 10-minute auto ride.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Ride to the Ghats on the Assi Ghat

Enjoy a delightful boat ride on the Ganges heading to Assi Ghat.
Start from Dashashwamedh Ghat.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax at Assi Ghat

Unwind by the river and watch the local students and artists at work.
This is the destination of your boat ride.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Assi Ghat Temple

A quaint spot to learn about local Hindu beliefs and devotion.
Located on Assi Ghat itself.
FREE, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Ram Bhog

Conclude the day with an array of lavish vegetarian dishes.
About a 15-minute walk from Assi Ghat.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Shopping and Leisure

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mamu’s Naan

Start with delicious tandoori naan and curries in this popular breakfast spot.
Take a 10-minute rickshaw ride from your hotel.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Local Handicraft Shops

Wander through vibrant local shops for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Explore areas near the ghats.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Indulge in another round of their famous chaat before your afternoon activities.
A 15-minute walk from the shops.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Ramnagar Fort Museum

Discover the royal collections and artifacts held at this historical fort.
Take a taxi, approximately 14 km from the restaurant.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tea at Tehzeeb Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with chai and biscuits in a stylish setting.
Located near the fort.
INR 150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Varanasi

Make your way back to the city and prep for dinner.
Taxi ride back to the city, roughly 14 km.
INR 200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Great Indian Thali

Experience a traditional thali while enjoying festive vibes.
A 15-minute walk from your hotel.
INR 500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Reflection and Relaxation

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Cafe

Savour a fusion breakfast comprising traditional dishes with a modern twist.
A short walk from your hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Gyanvapi Mosque

Explore this historical mosque and its intertwining history with Hindu temples.
Just a short distance from Kashi Cafe.
FREE, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit to the Tulsi Ghat

Experience the serenity of another less crowded ghat often missed by visitors.
Walk around 20 minutes to reach Tulsi Ghat.
FREE, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sharma Tea Stall

Steeped in local culture, enjoy a simple and hearty meal here.
Head back towards the main city area.
INR 100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Free Time for Reflection

Spend your afternoon at leisure, reflecting on the past week and the experiences you gathered.
Find a comfortable place by the river.
FREE, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the ISKCON Temple

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and partake in prayers or meditation.
A taxi ride, about 6 km from your reflection area.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at The Gateway Hotel

Enjoy a lavish farewell dinner while cherishing the memories of Varanasi.
A short taxi ride from ISKCON.
INR 800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability