Varanasi India 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Varanasi, India

Day 1: Arrival and City Orientation

  • Arrival: Benia International Airport (BIX) or Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) are the nearest airports. Taxis are readily available outside the airport.
  • Check-in: Stay at one of Varanasi’s best hotels like Tulsi Ganges, Suryauday Haveli, or Benares Hamlet. These properties offer comfortable stays with excellent service and river views.
  • Lunch: Try local delicacies at Blue Largo, a popular restaurant near Assi Ghat.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Bharat Mata Mandir and BHU (Banaras Hindu University).
  • Evening: Attend the evening Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat or Durga Ghat.
  • Tips: Carry cash, as many places in Varanasi don’t accept cards. Also, respect local customs and traditions.

Day 2: Exploring the Ghats and Temples

  • Breakfast: Grab a bite at Café Ganga, offering a variety of Indian and Western dishes.
  • Morning: Start your day early and explore various ghats like Manikarnika, Assi, and Scindia.
  • Lunch: Savor local vegetarian thalis at Shri Kavichandrapur Bhim Rao Ambedkar Sabha.
  • Afternoon: Visit temples such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.
  • Evening: Boat ride on the Ganges to watch the beautiful sunset and witness the evening Aarti ceremony at another ghat.
  • Dinner: Dine at Riverside Ganges, a serene rooftop restaurant with delicious food and stunning views of the river.

Day 3: Spiritual Experiences and Shopping

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or try Parathas at New Vishwanath Cafe.
  • Morning: Visit Vishalakshi Temple, Jantar Mantar, and the ancient observatory Sarnath.
  • Lunch: Have a meal at Sagar Ratna for a taste of South Indian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the local markets like Vishwanath Lane, Thatheron Bazaar, and Gilbert Lane for shopping traditional silk sarees, silver jewelry, and more.
  • Evening: Attend the evening Aarti at the Ganga aarti hall or visit Tulsi Manas Temple.
  • Dinner: Dine at Brown Bread Bakery, known for its pizzas and pasta, or opt for a meal at Lassi Corner & Restaurant, famous for lassis and North Indian dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sarnath

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel.
  • Morning: Take a day trip to Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants near Sarnath.
  • Afternoon: Return to Varanasi for some relaxation and exploration of lesser-known ghats like Man mandir Ghat or Shivala Ghat.
  • Evening: Spend a quiet evening on the banks of the Ganges, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
  • Dinner: Dine at Café Sher-e-Punjab for some North Indian delicacies.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
  • Check-out: Check out from your hotel and head to the airport or railway station for your journey ahead.