Varanasi, India 7 Day Itinerary

Varanasi 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
  • Check into your hotel (recommended: Suryauday Haveli, Benares Heritage Hotel or Tulsi Ganges).
  • Take a short rest and then explore the local area around your hotel.
  • Evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat - a must-see cultural event.
  • Enjoy dinner at Blue Lagoon Cafe or Brown Bread Bakery.

Day 2: Explore Old Varanasi

  • Early morning boat ride on the Ganges to witness sunrise and various rituals.
  • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites.
  • Lunch at Hanuman Cafe or Shivoham Rooftop Restaurant.
  • Afternoon visit to the archaeological museum, Bharat Mata Temple, and Durga Temple.
  • Evening Aarti at Harishchandra Ghat.
  • Dinner at Triveni Terrace Restaurant or Sagar Ratna.

Day 3: New Varanasi & Sarnath

  • Morning visit to the bustling markets of New Varanasi, including Vishwanath Lane (known for silk and metalwork).
  • Afternoon trip to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit Dhamek Stupa and Mulgandha Kuti Vihar.
  • Return to Varanasi for an evening boat ride and Aarti at Assi Ghat.
  • Dinner at The Grand Orient Hotel or Kaikhana Restaurant.

Day 4: Boat Ride & Local Experiences

  • Spend the day leisurely exploring different ghats, interacting with locals, and observing various rituals.
  • Lunch at Ganga Beach Resort or The Corner House.
  • Afternoon visit to Ramnagar Fort for a glimpse of royal Varanasi.
  • Evening Aarti at Manikarnika Ghat and dinner at Casa Boccella or Thai Smile Restaurant.

Day 5: Temples & Ashrams

  • Morning visit to the lesser-known temples like Monkey Temple (Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple), Annapurna Temple, and Tulsi Manas Mandir.
  • Lunch at Ganga Beach Resort or The Corner House.
  • Afternoon spend time at an ashram for spiritual experiences. Recommended: Parmarth Niketan or Bharat Mata Ashram.
  • Evening Aarti at Daswamedh Ghat and dinner at Sunlight Cafe or Kesar Bagh Restaurant.

Day 6: Excursion to Mirzapur

  • Full-day trip to Mirzapur, known for its temples (Vindhyachal Temple, Kali Mata Temple), handmade carpet industry, and the historic fort.
  • Return to Varanasi in the evening. Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your last morning at leisure, soaking in the spiritual vibes of Varanasi or shopping for souvenirs.
  • Check out from your hotel and depart for Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport/Varanasi Junction Railway Station.