Varanasi 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Varanasi

Day 1 - Arrival & City Orientation

  • Activities: Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Junction. Check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Take a short orientation tour around the local area.

    • Where to Stay: Tulsi Ghat, Dasaswamedh Ghat, or Sankat Mochan Guest House offer comfortable stays with great views of the Ganges.

  • Must-Visit: Visit the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat for the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening.

Day 2 - Exploring Ancient Temples & Ghats

  • Activities: Start your day early and explore the ancient temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, and Monkey Temple.

    • Where to Eat: Try local cuisine at Kaashi Chat Bhandar for street food or Blue Lassi for a variety of lassis.

  • Must-Visit: Spend the evening at Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat, cremation ghats where you can witness an integral part of life in Varanasi.

Day 3 - Boat Ride & Sarnath

  • Activities: Take a boat ride at sunrise to experience the serene beauty of the Ganges and see the various ghats. Later, visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

    • Where to Eat: Enjoy a peaceful lunch at Agnisagar Restaurant with a view of the Ganges.

  • Must-Visit: Explore the archaeological museum and the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath.

Day 4 - Spiritual Immersion

  • Activities: Witness the morning prayers at any ghat, followed by a yoga class overlooking the Ganges. Spend the day immersed in spiritual activities like meditation or attending satsangs (spiritual discourses).

    • Where to Eat: Dine at Ganga Beach Restaurant for a romantic dinner along the riverbank.

  • Must-Visit: Visit Ramnagar Fort, which offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of the Maharajas of Banaras.

Day 5 - Departure

  • Activities: Spend your last morning wandering through the narrow lanes of Varanasi’s old city, shopping for souvenirs or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Depart from either Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Junction.

Tips:

  • Transportation: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are common modes of transport within the city. Bargain before starting your journey.

  • Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing shorts or skirts that expose too much skin.

  • Safety: Keep your valuables safe and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

  • Scam Alert: Be cautious of people offering to take you to special prayer ceremonies or temples for a fee, as they may try to scam tourists.

Enjoy your spiritual journey through Varanasi!