This itinerary covers some of the most popular and significant sights in Varanasi, but you can adjust it based on your interests and pace. It’s recommended to hire a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and culture.
Please note that the timings mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on your pace and preferences. Additionally, some attractions may have specific opening hours or be closed on certain days, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
Day 1:
5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Start your day early by taking a sunrise boat ride on the sacred River Ganges. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
After the boat ride, explore the famous Ghats (riverfront steps) like Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat, where you can observe various Hindu rituals and people bathing in the holy waters.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. (Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple, but you can see the exterior and nearby markets.)
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
– Vegetarian option: Sample the famous Banarasi delicacies like tamatar chaat, malaiyu, and matar kulcha at Deena Chaat Bhandaar or Madhur Milan.
– Non-vegetarian option: Indulge in the flavorful Banarasi kebabs, biryani, and kormas at Sage & Jokers or Kebab Bazar.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Spend time wandering through the narrow lanes and bylanes of Varanasi, known as Galis. Explore the vibrant street markets, such as Vishwanath Gali and Chowk, where you can find traditional handicrafts, silk sarees, and more.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Experience the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony again at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the evening ritual is more elaborate and captivating.
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Dinner
– Vegetarian option: Relish the famous Banarasi thandai (a creamy, spiced milk drink) and paan (betel leaf preparation) at Jew’s Thandai or Ram Bhandar.
– Non-vegetarian option: Savor the authentic Banarasi cuisine like Galawati kebab, Banarasi tawa chicken, and mutton curry at Ganga Vatika or Chhotu Motu Joshi.
Day 2
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses an excellent collection of Indian art, sculptures, and artifacts.
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Take a walking tour of the Buddhist sites in Varanasi, including the famous Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Archaeological Museum.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
– Vegetarian option: Enjoy a thali (platter with multiple dishes) at Maharaja or Chhotu Motu Joshi.
– Non-vegetarian option: Savor the Awadhi cuisine like Biryani, Korma, and Kebabs at Baati Chokha or Dosa Café.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Explore the Ramnagar Fort and Museum, a 17th-century fort and palace located across the Ganges, offering panoramic views of the city and the river.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Take a relaxing boat ride on the Ganges and witness the evening activities along the Ghats.
7:00 PM onwards: Dinner and Shopping
– Vegetarian option: Try the famous Banarasi sweets like Petha, Malaiyyo, and Gughiya at Shree Rathyatra Misthan Bhandar or Chandan Halwai.
– Non-vegetarian option: Indulge in the rich Awadhi cuisine at Ahmadabad Shahi Tukda or Baati Chokha.
You can also explore the local markets like Godowlia and Thatheri Bazaar for shopping and picking up souvenirs.
Day 3:
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Visit the Banaras Ghats, a unique experience of exploring the intricate network of steps and alleys along the Ganges riverfront. Witness the morning rituals and activities of the locals.
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Take a guided heritage walk or cycle tour through the narrow lanes and bylanes of Varanasi, exploring the rich history, architecture, and cultural traditions of the city.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
– Vegetarian option: Savor the delicious Banarasi chaat and sweets at Madhur Milan or Deena Chaat Bhandaar.
– Non-vegetarian option: Indulge in the authentic Mughlai cuisine like Biryani, Korma, and Kebabs at Baati Chokha or Dosa Café.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath, which houses a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts and sculptures.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water.
7:00 PM onwards: Dinner and Shopping
– Vegetarian option: Try the famous Banarasi sweets like Petha, Malaiyyo, and Gughiya at Shree Rathyatra Misthan Bhandar or Chandan Halwai.
– Non-vegetarian option: Savor the rich Awadhi cuisine at Ahmadabad Shahi Tukda or Baati Chokha.
You can also explore the local markets like Godowlia and Thatheri Bazaar for shopping and picking up souvenirs.
Day 4
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Visit the Tulsi Manas Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and the birthplace of the famous Hindu poet Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Explore the Benaras Sangeet Natak Academy, a renowned institution for the preservation and promotion of Indian classical music and dance forms. You can attend a performance or a lecture-demonstration if available.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Lunch Break
– Vegetarian option: Enjoy the flavors of Banarasi cuisine at Kashi Chat Bhandar or Deena Chaat Bhandaar.
– Non-vegetarian option: Savor the rich Mughlai and Awadhi dishes at Baati Chokha or Alamgir Kebab Corner.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum at BHU, which houses an excellent collection of Indian art, sculptures, and artifacts. You can also explore the beautiful campus of the university.
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Take a relaxing evening boat ride on the Ganges and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water.
8:30 PM onwards: Dinner
– Vegetarian option: Try the famous Banarasi sweets like Petha, Malaiyyo, and Gughiya at Shree Rathyatra Misthan Bhandar or Chandan Halwai.
– Non-vegetarian option: Indulge in the rich Awadhi cuisine at Ahmadabad Shahi Tukda or Baati Chokha.
Day 5
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
– Vegetarian option: Savor the delicious Banarasi chaat and sweets at Madhur Milan or Deena Chaat Bhandaar.
– Non-vegetarian option: Indulge in the authentic Mughlai cuisine like Biryani, Korma, and Kebabs at Baati Chokha or Dosa Café.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Visit the Bhadaini, a neighborhood known for its intricate silk weaving and textile industry. You can witness the skilled weavers at work and purchase authentic Banarasi silk sarees and fabrics.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony from the water.
7:00 PM onwards: Farewell Dinner and Shopping
– Vegetarian option: Relish the famous Banarasi thandai (a creamy, spiced milk drink) and paan (betel leaf preparation) at Jew’s Thandai or Ram Bhandar.
– Non-vegetarian option: Savor the authentic Banarasi cuisine like Galawati kebab, Banarasi tawa chicken, and mutton curry at Ganga Vatika or Chhotu Motu Joshi.
You can also explore the local markets like Godowlia and Thatheri Bazaar for last-minute shopping and picking up souvenirs.
Throughout the five days, you can opt for local street food like lassi (sweet yogurt drink), chaat (savory snacks), and jalebi (sweet pretzel-like snack) from the various street vendors.
