Varanasi-6-day-itinerary

Varanasi 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Morning: Arrive in Varanasi and check-in at Hotel Alka or similar.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ganges River and take a stroll along the ghats (steps leading to the river). Start from Assi Ghat and walk northwards.
• Evening: Explore the narrow alleys of Varanasi and visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Dinner: Try some delicious street food at Chowk area or head to The Lotus Lounge for a relaxing dinner.

Day 2: Spiritual Experiences

• Early Morning: Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the morning prayers at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Afternoon: Visit Sarnath, a Buddhist pilgrimage site located 10 km from Varanasi. Explore the Dhamek Stupa and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar.
• Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
• Dinner: Savor some local cuisine at Bread & Chocolate Cafe.

Day 3: Temples and Alleys

• Morning: Visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, which houses the New Vishwanath Temple.
• Afternoon: Explore the narrow alleys of Varanasi and visit the Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at Rivatas Spa or take a yoga class at Yoga House Varanasi.

Day 4: Excursion to Sarnath and Ramnagar

• Morning: Visit the Sarnath Museum and explore the ancient artifacts.
• Afternoon: Head to Ramnagar Fort located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River. Explore the fort, museum, and enjoy the scenic views.
• Evening: Return to Varanasi and enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at Ganga Fuji Restaurant.

Day 5: Local Markets and Cuisine

• Morning: Explore the local markets of Varanasi, such as Godowlia Market and Thatheri Bazaar.
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class at Varanasi Cooking Classes and learn how to make local delicacies.
• Evening: Enjoy a rooftop dinner at Open Window Cafe.

Day 6: Departure

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
• Afternoon: Check-out from the hotel and depart from Varanasi.

Things to Know

• Varanasi is a sacred city, so dress modestly and respect local customs.
• Be prepared for crowded streets and alleys.
• Try to avoid visiting during peak summer months (May-June) when temperatures can be extreme.
• Hindi and English are widely spoken in Varanasi, but it’s always helpful to learn some basic Hindi phrases.

Transportation

• The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS), which is 25 km from the city center.
• Varanasi Junction Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India.
• Local transportation includes autos, cycle rickshaws, and taxis. You can also hire a private car or driver for the day.

Tips

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Bargain while shopping at local markets.
• Try to avoid eating from street vendors and opt for restaurants or cafes instead.
• Respect the Ganges River and do not litter or pollute it.

Other Things of Interest

• Varanasi Weavers: Explore the traditional weaving industry of Varanasi.
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: A museum showcasing Indian art, culture, and history.
• Sant Ravidas Ghat: A scenic ghat with a beautiful temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas.