Varanasi, India-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) or take a train/bus from Delhi/Other cities
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India
    • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the old city, known as the Bazaars of Varanasi
    • Try some local street food at Thaggu Ke Hatti for a snack
  • Evening:
    • Take a stroll along the Ganges River Ghats, where you can see people bathing and performing rituals
    • Enjoy the sunset at Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi
  • Where to stay: Stay at Hotel Hindusthan International or Hotel Surya, both located close to the city center
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the old city
    • Try to avoid visiting during peak festival seasons (e.g. Navratri, Diwali)
    • Don’t drink tap water and stick to bottled or filtered water

Day 2: Spiritual Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Rama
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a Sunset Boat Ride on the Ganges River, where you can see people bathing and performing rituals from a different perspective
    • Explore the Annapurna Temple, one of the most important temples in Varanasi
  • Evening:
    • Attend a Puja (Prayer) Ceremony at the Durga Kunda temple, which offers a unique spiritual experience
    • Enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at Banaras Rolling Restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in India
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Varanasi Museum, which showcases a wide range of artifacts from Indian history and culture
    • Attend a traditional Indian dance performance at the Ravindra Natya Mandir theater
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on the Ganges River, where you can see the city come alive in the evening
    • Try some local snacks at Shiv Temple Street Food, which offers delicious and authentic Indian cuisine
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1

Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful palace located on the outskirts of Varanasi
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a Jeep Safari to the nearby Sarnath Temple, where you can see ancient Buddhist ruins and artifacts
    • Enjoy some relaxation time at your hotel or take a leisurely stroll along the Ganges River
  • Evening:
    • Attend a traditional Indian music performance at the Kala Mandir theater
    • Try some local cuisine at Ganga Cafe, which serves delicious and authentic Indian food
  • Where to stay: Same as Day 1

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute attractions
  • Afternoon: Depart from Varanasi by train, bus, or flight
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos at the airport/train station/bus station
    • Make sure to leave enough time for check-in and security procedures
    • Don’t forget to take some last-minute photos with your fellow travelers!

Transportation:

  • Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) is located about 22 km from the city center. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to your hotel.
  • Public Transportation: Varanasi has an extensive network of buses and rickshaws that connect different parts of the city.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Varanasi, but be prepared for crowds and chaos.

Tips and Other Things:

  • Weather: Varanasi experiences a hot and humid climate during the summer months (April-June). The best time to visit is from October to February.
  • Language: Hindi is the official language of India, but many locals in Varanasi speak English. You may also encounter some local dialects and slang.
  • Safety: Be mindful of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Respect Local Customs: Varanasi is a sacred city for Hindus. Respect local customs and traditions by dressing modestly and avoiding public displays of affection.

Additional Resources:

  • Tourist Information Office: The official Tourist Information Office is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
  • Local Guides: Hire a local guide to explore Varanasi and get insider tips on the best places to visit, eat, and shop.
  • Apps: Download local apps like Maps.me or Google Maps to navigate the city and find your way around.

I hope this helps! Enjoy your trip to Varanasi!