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8-Day Cultural Journey Through Varanasi

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Day 1: Arrival Exploration

Varanasi, India

10:00AM

Arrival and Hotel Check-In

Arrive in Varanasi and check in to your hotel, settling into the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient city.
Varanasi airport to hotel.
INR 1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Breakfast at Aum Cafe

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Aum Cafe, offering a range of local dishes with a modern twist.
Walk to Aum Cafe.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Sarnath

Travel to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon—a place rich in history and spirituality.
Auto-rickshaw to Sarnath.
INR 400, 3 hours

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Gather at Dashashwamedh Ghat for the enchanting Ganga Aarti ceremony, an unforgettable experience.
Head back to Varanasi by aut0-rickshaw.
Free, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kashi Chaat

Indulge in local street food delights like Kachori and Chole Bhature at Kashi Chaat.
Short walk from the hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Ghats

Stroll along the ghats, taking in the morning rituals and the serenity of the Ganges River.
Self-walk along the ghats.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Experience authentic Bihari cuisine at Baati Chokha, famed for its signature dishes.
Rickshaw ride to Baati Chokha.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Hinduism.
Rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk through the Old City

Take a guided walking tour of Varanasi’s Old City, filled with narrow alleys and vibrant markets.
Join a local guide.
INR 1000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Varanasi Italian Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a twist at Varanasi Italian Restaurant, offering fusion dishes.
Rickshaw ride to the restaurant.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 3: Spiritual Experience

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bread of Life Bakery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of freshly baked goods at The Bread of Life Bakery.
Walk to the bakery.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Yoga Session by the River

Participate in a rejuvenating yoga session by the Ganges, a perfect way to connect with the energy of Varanasi.
Join a local yoga class by the river.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Manikarnika Ghat

Explore the Manikarnika Ghat, the most famous cremation ghat in Varanasi, reflecting the city's spiritual essence.
Walk to Manikarnika Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Vishnu Tea Shop

Savour a simple yet delicious meal at Vishnu Tea Shop, known for its chai and snacks.
Short walk from the ghat.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Silk Weaving Workshop

Experience the art of silk weaving at a local workshop and understand the significance of this craft in Varanasi.
Rickshaw to the workshop.
INR 600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Boat Ride on the Ganges

Embark on a dreamy boat ride during sunset, offering stunning views of the ghats and local life.
Boat docking area.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Patnaia Restaurant

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at The Patnaia, offering a fine mix of local and international cuisine.
Rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Art and Craft

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Little Cafe

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with various options, including vegan and organic choices at The Little Cafe.
Walk to the café.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit to Local Art Galleries

Explore Varanasi’s flourishing art scene at various galleries showcasing local artists' work.
Walk to the galleries.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Open Hand Shop and Café

Enjoy a unique dining experience where you can browse hand-crafted items before your meal.
Walk to the café.
INR 700, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Leather Goods Crafting Experience

Participate in a workshop to create your own leather goods, a skill you can take home.
Rickshaw to the workshop.
INR 900, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Ramnagar Fort

Explore the historical Ramnagar Fort, home to Varanasi's royal family and rich in history.
Rickshaw to the fort.
INR 300, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Spice By Nature

Indulge in a culinary journey at Spice By Nature, known for its local and regional flavours.
Rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Historical Varanasi

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Varanasi Cafe

Start your day with a mix of western and Indian options at Varanasi Cafe.
Walk to the cafe.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visiting Bharat Mata Temple

Visit Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, and its unique map of India relief.
Auto-rickshaw to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Banaras Hindu University

Wander the expansive campus of Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
Short auto-rickshaw ride.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Mango Tree

Having lunch at The Mango Tree offers a delightful taste of local vegetarian dishes.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Ramnagar Museum

Discover the collection at the Ramnagar Museum, featuring a variety of artifacts from the royal family.
Visit by auto-rickshaw.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Ganga River Boat Tour

Enjoy a quieter perspective of Varanasi on a late-afternoon boat tour of the Ganges.
Find a local boat captain.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

Enjoy a delicious meal at Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe, known for its wood-fired pizzas and variety of toppings.
Rickshaw ride to the cafe.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Local Life and Traditions

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dosa Cafe

Savour traditional South Indian dishes at Dosa Cafe, known for its crispy dosas.
Walk to Dosa Cafe.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Local Markets

Explore bustling local markets, experiencing the vibrant colours and lively atmosphere.
Self-guided tour of the markets.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aam Papad Restaurant

Try some local delicacies at Aam Papad Restaurant, popular for its unique offerings.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cooking Class

Join a cooking class to learn about traditional Varanasi recipes and enjoy your self-made meal.
Class organised by a local chef.
INR 1200, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Attend a Local Craft Workshop

Participate in a workshop on making traditional handicrafts and explore local artistry.
Short auto-rickshaw ride.
INR 800, 2 hours

6:30PM

Evening Ganga Aarti

End the day with the spectacular evening Aarti by the Ganges, filled with lights and chanting.
Walk to the Ghat.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at The Gateway Hotel

Savour a splendid dining experience at The Gateway Hotel, offering a luxurious evening meal.
Rickshaw to the hotel.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Varanasi

Day 7: Day Trip

Varanasi, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a day trip.
Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant.
INR included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Day Trip to Bodh Gaya

Travel to Bodh Gaya, approximately 250 km from Varanasi, the place of Buddha's enlightenment.
Hire a taxi for a round trip.
INR 4000, 8 hours, including travel

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery in Bodh Gaya

Taste local delicacies at a humble eatery in Bodh Gaya.
Choose a recommended local eatery.
INR 500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Mahabodhi Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabodhi Temple, and witness the sacred Bodhi tree.
Walking distance from the eatery.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Varanasi

Stroll through the lush premises of Bodh Gaya before heading back to Varanasi.
Taxi back to Varanasi.
INR included in the taxi fee, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at One of Varanasi's Popular Dhabas

Indulge in a vibrant food experience at a beloved local dhaba (restaurant) in Varanasi.
Auto-rickshaw to the dhaba.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Wrapping Up

Varanasi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Corner House Cafe

Savour a memorable breakfast at The Corner House Cafe, known for its refreshing drinks and meals.
Walk to the café.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shopping at Local Handicrafts Markets

Purchase souvenirs and traditional handicrafts at the vibrant local markets to take a piece of Varanasi home.
Self-guided retrieval of items.
Varies, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shree Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Shree Cafe, famous for its thalis and platters.
Short walk from the markets.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Free Time to Explore Further

Spend your last afternoon wandering the lanes of Varanasi or revisiting favourite spots.
Self-guided exploration in Varanasi.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The 1960 Restaurant

End your Varanasi journey with an unforgettable dinner at The 1960 Restaurant, offering a variety of cuisines.
Rickshaw to the restaurant.
INR 800, 2 hours
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