4-Day Adventure and Cultural Immersion in Varanasi on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Cultural Awakening

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Visit the Ghats

Start your day with a serene walk along the majestic Ganges River, taking in the spiritual essence of the various ghats.
Head towards Dashashwamedh Ghat; it's one of the most popular and accessible ghats.
0, 2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Indulge in local street food with a plate of Aloo Tikki and Chaat for a truly Varanasi morning.
The restaurant is a short walk from the ghats.
INR 100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Sarnath

Visit the significant Buddhist site at Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.
Take a cycle rickshaw from Varanasi for a 10 km ride.
INR 200 (rickshaw), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Roadhouse Café

Savor a delightful Indian thali with a fusion twist in this cozy atmosphere.
Return to Varanasi and head to The Roadhouse Café.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Banaras Hindu University

Take a stroll through this historic university campus, marveling at its architecture.
It's a short auto-rickshaw ride from the café to BHU.
0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Immerse yourself in the spiritual experience of the Ganga Aarti as hundreds gather to witness this mesmerizing ceremony.
Walk back to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the evening event.
0, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Vishnu Tea Shop

Try their famous local meal of kachori with sabzi, a flavorful yet budget-friendly delight.
A short walk from the ghat.
INR 150, 1 hour
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Day 2: Spiritual Journey

Varanasi, India

6:00AM

Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

Experience the tranquility of Varanasi with an early morning boat ride, witnessing the sunrise and rituals along the river.
Head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for boat rentals.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baba Lassi

Enjoy a refreshing lassi and poha for breakfast in this local favorite spot.
Located a few minutes' walk from the boat ghat.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Marvel at one of the most sacred temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Walk to the temple; it's centrally located.
0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through the old city

Wander the narrow winding lanes of the old city, soaking in the vibrant culture and local life.
Explore on foot around the temple area.
0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aum Cafe

Relish organic vegetarian dishes at Aum Cafe, with a variety of satisfying options.
From the old city, take a short walk to the café.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Manikarnika Ghat

Experience the unique cultural significance of the burning ghat, witnessing life and death in a daily cycle.
Walk from Aum Café to the ghat.
0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historical Fort which served as the residence for the Maharaja of Banaras.
Take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to reach the fort.
INR 50 (entry fee), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Banaras House

Enjoy simple yet delicious vegetarian Indian dishes that won't break the bank.
Take a rickshaw back to the city center.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 3: Culinary Exploration

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pahalwan Lassi

Savor the famous sweet lassi and a plate of samosas to start off your day.
Located in the heart of the city, accessible by foot.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cooking Class Experience

Join a local cooking class learning to prepare traditional Varanasi dishes.
Many classes can be found around the city; inquire at your accommodation for recommendations.
INR 600, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch with Cooking Class Teacher

Enjoy the dishes you've prepared during the cooking class alongside your teacher and fellow participants.
Included as part of the class.
0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple

Admire the exquisite marble work and the serene atmosphere of this beautiful temple dedicated to the Ramayana.
Short auto-rickshaw ride from the cooking class location.
0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore the local markets

Wander through bustling lanes filled with vibrant spices, textiles, and local crafts.
Head back towards the old city and explore on foot.
0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Evening Snack at Chaat Shop

Grab a quick snack of Pani Puri to satiate your cravings after a long day of exploration.
Find a popular chaat shop in the market area.
INR 50, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Brown Bread Bakery

Taste delicious organic meals such as wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads.
Located not too far from the Ganges.
INR 350, 1 hour
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Day 4: Final Discoveries

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Relish more local breakfast items and soak in the familiar atmosphere one last time.
Return to one of the favorite local spots.
INR 100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Bharat Mata Temple

Marvel at the unique map of India carved in marble, along with beautiful architecture.
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride from your breakfast spot.
0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the local silk weaving workshops

Learn about the traditional Banarasi silk weaving process and possibly purchase some local silk products.
Walk to the nearby lanes as many workshops are clustered together.
0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mangi Ferra

Enjoy a delightful meal featuring local and international cuisine in a vibrant setting.
Located close to the weaving workshop areas.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Alamgir Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture and panoramic views of Varanasi from the mosque.
A walk or an auto-rickshaw can take you to the mosque easily.
0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Pick up some local handicrafts and souvenirs as mementos of your Varanasi adventure.
Head back to the bustling markets near the ghats.
Your budget, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Varuna Café

Toast your journey with some delightful Indian cuisine in this cozy café overlooking the river.
Located near the ghats, accessible by foot.
INR 400, 1 hour
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