Varanasi-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

Places to Go:

  • Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)
  • Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to your hotel
  • Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most sacred ghats on the Ganges River

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the Ghats and observe the local life
  • Wash your face and hands in the Ganges (if you’re feeling brave!)

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Have some delicious parathas and tea at a local stall near your hotel
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Indian cuisine at Shivam Restaurant

Where to Stay:

  • Check-in at Hotel Riverview, with stunning views of the Ganges River

Things to Know:

  • Varanasi is a sacred city for Hindus, so be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos near the ghats

Day 2: Exploring Varanasi

Places to Go:

  • Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest universities in India
  • Explore the beautiful Annapurna Temple

Activities:

  • Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River (optional)
  • Try your hand at some traditional Indian crafts, like weaving or pottery

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Have some fresh fruit and yogurt at Kesar Restaurant
  • Lunch: Try some delicious street food at Jugal Kishore

Where to Stay:

  • Same hotel as yesterday

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for the heat and sun during the day
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Day 3: Spiritual Varanasi

Places to Go:

  • Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest temples in India
  • Explore the beautiful Man Mandir, a 17th-century temple

Activities:

  • Take part in some spiritual activities, like meditation or yoga
  • Visit the Ganga Aarti (evening prayer) at the Dashashwamedh Ghat

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Have some traditional Indian breakfast at Ganesh Restaurant
  • Lunch: Try some delicious street food at Radha Krishna

Where to Stay:

  • Same hotel as yesterday

Things to Know:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions during your visit to the temples
  • Don’t forget to bring a small donation for the priests

Day 4: Varanasi’s Hidden Gems

Places to Go:

  • Visit the Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory
  • Explore the beautiful Tibetian Temple

Activities:

  • Take a walking tour of the city and explore its hidden gems
  • Try your hand at some traditional Indian games, like Kabaddi or Carrom

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Have some fresh fruit and yogurt at Pooja Restaurant
  • Lunch: Try some delicious street food at Brijesh

Where to Stay:

  • Same hotel as yesterday

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for the heat and sun during the day
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Day 5: Day Trip to Sarnath

Places to Go:

  • Visit the Sarnath Museum, which houses some of India’s most important archaeological finds
  • Explore the beautiful Ashoka Pillar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Activities:

  • Take a day trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha first taught his disciples
  • Try your hand at some traditional Indian crafts, like pottery or weaving

Where to Eat:

  • Lunch: Try some delicious street food at Rakesh

Transportation:

  • Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Varanasi to Sarnath (around 20-30 minutes)

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for the heat and sun during the day
  • Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Day 6: Shopping in Varanasi

Places to Go:

  • Visit the Chowk, a bustling shopping street
  • Explore the beautiful Sant Tukaram Market

Activities:

  • Shop for some traditional Indian handicrafts, like silk or pottery
  • Try your hand at some local cuisine, like cooking classes

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Have some delicious breakfast at Pooja Restaurant
  • Lunch: Try some street food at Radha Krishna

Where to Stay:

  • Same hotel as yesterday

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the shopping streets
  • Don’t forget your bargaining skills!

Day 7: Departure from Varanasi

Places to Go:

  • Spend your last day exploring the city or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat one last time

Activities:

  • Take a final stroll along the Ghats and observe the local life
  • Say goodbye to the city and head back home!

Where to Eat:

  • Breakfast: Have some delicious breakfast at Shivam Restaurant
  • Lunch: Try some street food at Brijesh

Transportation:

  • Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from your hotel to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS)

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for the crowds and chaos in the airport
  • Don’t forget to bring your passport and any necessary documents!

Tips and Tricks:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions during your visit to Varanasi.
  • Try to learn some basic Hindi phrases, like “Namaste” or “Dhanyavad”.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat for the heat and sun!
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the shopping streets.
  • Don’t forget to bargain when shopping!

Other Things of Interest:

  • Varanasi is famous for its silk and handicrafts, so be sure to shop around for some traditional Indian crafts.
  • The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Be sure to check out any local events or festivals during your visit!
  • Try to learn about the history of Varanasi, which dates back thousands of years.

I hope you have a great time in Varanasi!