7-Day Family Friendly Temple and Ghat Adventure in Varanasi

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Varanasi, India

9:00AM

Breakfast at Brown Bread Bakery

Start your journey with freshly baked bread and homemade jams at this popular local eatery.
From Varanasi Junction, take an auto-rickshaw to Brown Bread Bakery, which is about a 15-minute ride.
INR300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore the famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a spiritual highlight of Varanasi.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the bakery to the temple, a journey of about 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sri Annapurna Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal with authentic flavors of Varanasi cuisine.
A short 5-minute walk from the temple.
INR600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Vishwanath Gali

Wander the narrow lanes to discover local handicrafts, silk sarees, and more.
This shopping area is just a short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Variable, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual experience not to miss.
A quick 15-minute walk from the shopping area.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Dum Pukht Bukhara

Savor authentic Awadhi dishes in this elegant setting with views of the Ganges.
Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw, approximately 10 minutes away.
INR2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Heritage and Culture

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The 3 Sisters

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with a range of Indian and Western options.
A 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from your accommodation.
INR400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Sarnath

Visit this significant pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Travel 30 minutes by taxi or local bus to Sarnath.
INR100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Tandoor

Enjoy a variety of tandoori dishes and traditional Indian meals.
Return to Varanasi and head to Café Tandoor, around a 30-minute ride.
INR800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan

Explore this museum that showcases a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.
A short 15-minute drive from the café.
INR100, 2 hours

4:30PM

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a scenic boat ride that offers stunning views of the ghats and temples.
Proceed to the ghats; boat rides are available for booking there.
INR500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy delicious vegetarian pizzas and Italian delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
A 15-minute walk back from the ghats.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Temples and History

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy local breakfast treats like kachoris and chai to fuel your day.
A quick 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from your accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of one of the oldest ghats, known for cremation rituals.
Walk to the ghat, just 15 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Tulsi Manas Temple

Explore this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama, admired for its serene environment.
A 20-minute walk from Manikarnika Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Varanasi Chaat Cafe

Indulge in local street food favorites like chaats and panipuri.
A short 10-minute walk from the temple.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Durga Temple

Admire the striking architecture of this well-known temple, often referred to as the monkey temple.
A 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride from Varanasi Chaat Cafe.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Ghats on Foot

Stroll along the ghats, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful views of the Ganges.
From the Durga Temple, walk back towards the ghats.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel Ganges

Dine on exquisite Indian and international cuisine overlooking the Ganges.
Take a 15-minute walk from the ghats.
INR1500, 2 hours
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Day 4: River and Rituals

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shree Varanasi Chaat

Taste some of the best street food breakfast options like aloo poori and jalebi.
A 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride from your accommodation.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ganga Snan (Holy Bath)

Experience a cleansing ritual at the Ganges, believed to purify the soul.
Head to the ghats, just a few minutes' walk away.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Assi Ghat

Spend time at the popular ghat that’s perfect for locals and tourists alike.
A 15-minute walk from your current location.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Varanasi HomeMade

Relish home-cooked meals made by local chefs, offering a taste of authentic Varanasi fare.
Around a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride to this local gem.
INR700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kedar Ghat

Visit another significant ghat, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
Taxi or auto-rickshaw ride of 15 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Explore this vibrant temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, famous for its architecture.
Take an auto-rickshaw; it's about a 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Varanasi King

Close the day with delicious Indian cuisine showcasing rich, regional flavors.
A short 15-minute ride from the temple.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Open Hand Cafe

Enjoy an organic breakfast in a serene environment, perfect to start your day.
A 10-minute ride from your accommodation.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sarnath Museum

Learn about Buddha's teachings and the history of Buddhism in India through various exhibitions.
Return to Sarnath, about a 30-minute journey.
INR50, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Dhamek Stupa

Discover this prominent structure that marks the site of Buddha’s first sermon.
Just a 5 minutes walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Golden Chilies Restaurant

Relish delicious North Indian cuisine in a cozy ambiance.
Take a short drive back to Varanasi; approximately 30 minutes.
INR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to Dasaswamedh Ghat

Take time to relax and reflect while watching life unfold on the sacred ghats.
A ride back to the ghat takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Attend Yoga Class

Experience a calming yoga class overlooking the Ganges, ideal for families.
Nearby yoga studios can be reached by foot.
INR600, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Spice Court

Indulge in a range of North Indian flavors, served in a lovely garden setting.
A 10-minute walk from the yoga class location.
INR1000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Leisure and Local Life

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi Dosa

Enjoy traditional South Indian dosa and filter coffee to kickstart your day.
A short 10-minute auto-rickshaw ride away.
INR350, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Gyanvapi Mosque

Explore this historic mosque that reflects the architectural blend of Hindu and Muslim influences.
Head over in a 15-minute auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the local markets

Wander through the busy markets, filled with traditional textiles and handicrafts.
The market is located close to the mosque, about a 10-minute walk.
Variable, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Spiritual Café

Enjoy refreshing meals with a health-conscious focus and a lovely ambiance.
A quick walk back from the market, 10 minutes away.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Scindia Ghat

Relax at this picturesque ghat and soak in the beauty of the Ganges.
An auto-rickshaw ride, approx. 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Participate in a Cooking Class

Learn how to prepare traditional Indian dishes in a fun family-friendly environment.
Nearby cooking classes can be found easily; most are a short walk away.
INR1200, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Kashi Cafe

Try varied global cuisines while enjoying the cozy café atmosphere.
A quick walk back after the cooking class.
INR800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Reflections and Departure

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Momo Cafe

Delight in a variety of savory and sweet breakfast delights.
A short taxi ride of around 10 minutes.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last Minute Ghat Visit

Take a peaceful stroll at your favorite ghat and soak in the atmosphere one last time.
Return to the ghats from the café, approximately 15 minutes away.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Assi Ghat again

Enjoy the final moments of your journey and reflect by the riverside.
Take a short walk over, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Taj Ganges

Celebrate your journey with a meal featuring local specialties in a beautiful setting.
A taxi ride takes around 15 minutes.
INR2000, 2 hours

2:30PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Pick up some local handicrafts and mementos to take back home.
Nearby local shops can be found around the ghat area.
Variable, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Departure from Varanasi

Prepare to board your train, reflecting on the beautiful memories you've created.
Head to Varanasi Junction Railway Station, about a 15-minute taxi ride.
Free, N/A
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