Varanasi, India-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Ghats

Morning

  • 6:00 AM: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Ganges River from one of the many ghats.
  • 7:00 AM: Take a morning walk along the ghats, observing the local life and people performing their daily rituals.

Places to Visit

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. (Open 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
  • Dhamek Stupa: A Buddhist stupa with ancient history, said to be over 1,000 years old.
  • Man Mandir Ghat: A beautiful ghat on the western bank of the Ganges River.

Activities

  • Take a boat ride along the Ganges River (can be arranged through your hotel or local vendors)
  • Try some local street food at one of the many stalls near the ghats

Where to Eat

  • Ram Prasad Bihari: A popular restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine. (Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple)
  • Kashi Kitchen: A vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.

Where to Stay

  • The Gateway Hotel Ganges: A luxurious hotel located near the ghats, offering stunning views of the river.
  • Hotel Surya: A budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and a great location.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or holy sites
  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during your walks along the ghats

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Banaras Hindu University, a prestigious university with beautiful campuses and museums.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Chunar Fort, a medieval fort with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Places to Visit

  • Tulsi Manas Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, said to be over 1,000 years old.
  • Sarnath: A historic site where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment.
  • Varanasi Museum: A museum showcasing the art and history of Varanasi.

Activities

  • Attend a traditional Indian music or dance performance at one of the many cultural centers in the city
  • Take a cooking class to learn about local cuisine and recipes

Where to Eat

  • The Surya Hotel Restaurant: A restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Mangal Cafe: A popular cafe serving sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or holy sites
  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during your walks along the ghats

Day 3: Spiritual Experiences

Morning

  • 6:00 AM: Take a boat ride along the Ganges River to watch the sunrise (can be arranged through your hotel or local vendors)
  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Hanuman Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, said to have healing powers.

Places to Visit

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: A sacred ghat where devotees come to bathe in the Ganges River.
  • Shivpur Kashi Vishwanath Temple: A temple complex with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Varanasi’s oldest Jain temple: A historic temple said to be over 1,000 years old.

Activities

  • Take a yoga or meditation class at one of the many studios in the city
  • Attend a traditional Indian puja (prayer) ceremony at a local temple

Where to Eat

  • Kashi Kitchen: A vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Ram Prasad Bihari: A popular restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or holy sites
  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during your walks along the ghats