4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Varanasi

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning

• Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or take a train to Varanasi Junction Station
• Check-in at Hotel Surya or similar, located in the heart of the city

Afternoon

• Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM)
• Explore the nearby streets and alleys to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Varanasi
• Try some traditional Indian sweets at Ravishankar Sweets

Evening

• Witness the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ceremony that takes place on the banks of the Ganges River (open from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM)
• Enjoy dinner at The Little Chef, a cozy restaurant serving delicious Indian and international cuisine

Day 2: Spiritual Experiences

Morning

• Take a boat ride on the Ganges River to explore the city from a different perspective
• Visit the Dasaswamedh Ghat, one of the most sacred ghats in Varanasi, where you can see devotees taking a dip in the holy river (open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM)
• Explore the nearby streets and alleys to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Varanasi

Afternoon

• Visit the Annapurna Temple, dedicated to the goddess of food and nourishment (open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM)
• Enjoy a traditional Indian lunch at Shree Ram Restaurant

Evening

• Attend a Satsang, a spiritual gathering where you can experience the rich cultural heritage of India (open from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM)
• Enjoy dinner at The Gateway Hotel Ganges, a luxurious hotel with an excellent restaurant serving delicious Indian and international cuisine

Day 3: Exploring the Countryside

Morning

• Visit the Sarnath, a sacred site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment (open from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM)
• Explore the nearby deer park, where you can see deer and other animals roaming freely
• Enjoy a traditional Indian lunch at The Sagar Restaurant

Afternoon

• Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum showcasing a wide range of Indian art and artifacts (open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Explore the nearby streets and alleys to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Varanasi
• Enjoy dinner at The India Kitchen, a cozy restaurant serving delicious Indian cuisine

Day 4: Shopping and Departure

Morning

• Visit the Chowk, a bustling marketplace where you can find a wide range of traditional Indian goods, including handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry
• Explore the nearby streets and alleys to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Varanasi
• Enjoy a farewell lunch at The Little Chef

Afternoon

• Check-out of your hotel and depart for the airport or train station
• Return home with memories of a wonderful trip to Varanasi!

Tips and Reminders

• Always wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking extensively throughout the city.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or other sacred sites.
• Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) to minimize traffic congestion.
• Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water instead.
• Bargain at markets and stalls, but be polite and respectful.

Transportation

• The most convenient way to get around Varanasi is by rickshaw or auto-rickshaw. You can also take a taxi or walk.
• Be sure to hire a reputable driver or rickshaw puller who knows the city well.

Language

• Hindi is the primary language spoken in Varanasi, but English is widely understood.
• Try to learn a few basic Hindi phrases, such as “Namaste” (hello) and “Dhanyavad” (thank you).

Currency

• The Indian rupee (INR) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at banks or currency exchange centers.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Varanasi!