Varanasi 4 Day Itinerary

Varanasi 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Ghats

Morning

  • Arrive in Varanasi and check-in to your hotel or hostel. Some popular options include:
    • Hotel Ganges View
    • Moustache Hostel
    • Zostel Varanasi
  • Start your day with a stroll along the ghats (riverfront) of the Ganges River.
  • Visit Assi Ghat, one of the most scenic and less crowded ghats.

Afternoon

  • Take a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness the spiritual significance of the city. You can hire a boat from Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat.
  • Stop at Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats, where you can see Hindu cremation rituals.

Evening

  • Watch the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, which takes place every evening around 6-7 pm.
  • For dinner, head to Kachoris, a popular spot for trying local street food like kachoris (deep-fried bread) and chaat.

Things to Know

  • Be respectful of the Hindu rituals and traditions at the ghats.
  • Dress modestly and remove your shoes when visiting temples or ghats.
  • Be prepared for crowded and chaotic streets.

Day 2: Temples, Museums, and Local Markets

Morning

  • Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India. Be prepared for a long queue and security checks.
  • Stop by the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum at Banaras Hindu University to learn about Indian art, culture, and history.

Afternoon

  • Explore the narrow alleys of Chowk, a bustling local market filled with shops selling everything from handicrafts to sweets.
  • Visit Tulsi Manas Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

Evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at Baati Chokha, a popular restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine.
  • Take a stroll around the Benares Hindu University campus, which is beautifully lit up in the evening.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowded markets and temples.
  • Try to avoid visiting temples during peak hours (usually between 11 am and 2 pm).
  • Don’t forget to bargain at local markets!

Day 3: Sarnath and Ramnagar

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Sarnath, a nearby town that’s a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Visit the Dhamek Stupa, a massive stone structure built by Emperor Ashoka.
  • Explore the Sarnath Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and relics from the Buddha’s life.

Afternoon

  • Return to Varanasi and visit Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful 17th-century fort located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River. Take a ferry ride across the river to reach the fort.
  • Explore the Vishal Garh museum within the fort, which showcases a collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.

Evening

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening with a sunset view at Panchganga Ghat, one of the most scenic ghats in Varanasi.
  • Try some local street food like tamatar chaat (a spicy snack made from tomatoes) or jalebi (deep-fried dough soaked in syrup).

Things to Know

  • Sarnath is about 10 km from Varanasi, and you can hire a taxi or take public transportation to reach there.
  • Ramnagar Fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Day 4: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport or railway station for your departure.

Transportation

  • Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS).
  • You can hire taxis, autos, or cycle-rickshaws to get around the city.
  • Be prepared for chaotic traffic and crowded streets.

Tips

  • Always negotiate prices before hiring a taxi or auto.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (usually between 8 am and 11 am) to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen, as the weather in Varanasi can be hot and humid.