Varanasi, India-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Varanasi, India

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City

Morning

  • Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) or take a train to Varanasi Junction Railway Station
  • Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to your hotel (approximately ₹100-150)
  • Check-in at Hotel Hindusthan International or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India (free entry)
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some local snacks at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or similar

Evening

  • Enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Ganges River (approximately ₹150-200)
  • Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi
  • Try some street food at Bharat Bhavan or similar

Day 2: Hindu Temples and Spiritual Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, a sprawling complex with several temples and gardens
  • Explore the BHU Museum, which houses a collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures
  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Bharadwaj Temple, one of the oldest temples in Varanasi

Afternoon

  • Visit the Man Mandir Temple, a beautiful example of Mughal architecture
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens of the BHU campus
  • Try some local snacks at Kesar Da Dhaba or similar

Evening

  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some street food at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or similar

Day 3: Ganges River and Ghats

Morning

  • Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River (approximately ₹150-200)
  • Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city

Afternoon

  • Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, a beautiful example of Rajput architecture
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens of the BHU campus
  • Try some local snacks at Bharat Bhavan or similar

Evening

  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some street food at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or similar

Day 4: Sarnath and the Buddhist Connection

Morning

  • Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Sarnath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (free entry)
  • Explore the Dhamekh Stupa, one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism
  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihara Temple, a beautiful example of Buddhist architecture

Afternoon

  • Visit the Archaeological Museum of Sarnath, which houses a collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens of the BHU campus
  • Try some local snacks at Kesar Da Dhaba or similar

Evening

  • Return to Varanasi and enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Ganges River (approximately ₹150-200)
  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some street food at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or similar

Day 5: Local Markets and Crafts

Morning

  • Visit the local markets, such as the Chauri Chaura Market or the Vishwanath Mandir Market
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some local snacks at Bharat Bhavan or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Banaras Handicrafts Emporium, which sells a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs
  • Take a stroll through the tranquil gardens of the BHU campus
  • Try some local snacks at Kesar Da Dhaba or similar

Evening

  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some street food at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or similar

Day 6: Spiritual Experiences and Relaxation

Morning

  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some local snacks at Bharat Bhavan or similar

Afternoon

  • Take a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges River (approximately ₹150-200)
  • Visit the Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats in Varanasi
  • Try some local snacks at Kesar Da Dhaba or similar

Evening

  • Attend a prayer ceremony at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some street food at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or similar

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Check-out from your hotel and head to the airport or railway station for departure
  • Take a final stroll through the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city
  • Try some local snacks at Bharat Bhavan or similar

Tips and Reminders:

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or ghats.
  • Try to avoid eating street food during peak hours (usually between 12 pm and 3 pm).
  • Don’t forget to try some of the local handicrafts and souvenirs on sale in the markets.
  • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the narrow streets and alleys of Varanasi’s old city.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Varanasi is by auto-rickshaw or taxi. You can also take a cycle rickshaw or walk, but be prepared for the heat and traffic.
  • If you want to visit Sarnath, it’s better to hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw, as public transportation options are limited.

Accommodation:

  • The best places to stay in Varanasi are the Hotel Hindusthan International or similar. They offer comfortable rooms and good amenities.

Food:

  • Try some of the local snacks at Shiv Shakti Bhojan or Bharat Bhavan. They serve delicious food and have a wide range of options.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the local sweets and desserts, especially the famous Varanasi jalebi!