Varanasi-7-day-itinerary

Varanasi 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

• Morning: Arrive in Varanasi and check-in to your hotel. Recommended hotels:
  • Hotel Ganges View
  • Hotel Rivatas
• Afternoon: Visit the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station to get a feel of the city.
• Evening: Take a stroll along the ghats (riverfront steps) and enjoy the sunset. Recommended ghats:
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Manikarnika Ghat
• Dinner: Try some local street food at Kachori Galli or head to The Pizzeria for some Italian cuisine.

Day 2: Spiritual Varanasi

• Morning: Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River (₹300-500 per person). Book through Varanasi Boat Ride or Ganga River Cruise.
• Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples.
• Evening: Explore the narrow alleys and bustling streets of Varanasi’s old city. Try some local sweets at Banares Ki Chaat.
• Dinner: Head to Lotus Lounge for some international cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 3: Sarnath and the Buddhist Circuit

• Morning: Visit Sarnath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site (₹10 entrance fee).
• Afternoon: Explore the Dhamek Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa.
• Evening: Return to Varanasi and enjoy a peaceful evening at the ghats.
• Dinner: Try some local thalis (platters) at Tadka or Bhajan Sarovar.

Day 4: Ramnagar and the Fort

• Morning: Visit Ramnagar Fort (₹10 entrance fee), located on the opposite bank of the Ganges.
• Afternoon: Explore the fort’s museum and enjoy the views of the river.
• Evening: Return to Varanasi and explore the local markets, such as Vishwanath Gali.
• Dinner: Head to Open Window Cafe for some international cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Benares Hindu University

• Morning: Visit the Benares Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s largest residential universities.
• Afternoon: Explore the university’s campus, including the New Vishwanath Temple.
• Evening: Return to Varanasi and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or a local cafe.
• Dinner: Try some local street food at Chowk.

Day 6: Day Trip to Jaunpur

• Morning: Take a day trip to Jaunpur ( approx. 1-hour drive, ₹200-300 per person).
• Afternoon: Visit the Shahi Bridge, Jaunpur Fort, and other historical sites.
• Evening: Return to Varanasi and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or a local cafe.
• Dinner: Head to The India Cafe for some international cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
• Afternoon: Depart from Varanasi, bringing back memories of this spiritual city.

Things to Know

• Varanasi is a sacred city, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes when entering temples or ghats.
• The city can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take regular breaks.
• Be prepared for crowds and chaos, especially during peak season (October to March).
• Respect local customs and traditions, and avoid taking pictures of locals or sacred sites without permission.

Transportation

• Varanasi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS).
• Taxis, autos, and cycle-rickshaws are readily available for local transportation.
• Book your train tickets in advance through the Indian Railways website.

Tips

• Hire a local guide or join a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.
• Be prepared for power outages and internet connectivity issues.
• Try to avoid traveling during peak season (October to March) if you prefer smaller crowds.
• Respect the local environment and avoid littering or using single-use plastics.

Other Things of Interest

• Varanasi Museum
• Tulsi Manas Temple
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
• Ganga Aarti (a sacred Hindu ritual)

Remember to stay safe, respect local customs, and enjoy the spiritual energy of Varanasi!