Varanasi, India-7-day-itinerary

November 5, 2024

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Varanasi, India

Arrival: Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) or Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
Check-in: Check into a hotel like Hotel Ganges View or Palace on Ganges.
Explore: Spend the day exploring the nearby ghats (riverfront steps) and alleys of Varanasi. Visit the famous Dasaswamedh Ghat and enjoy a sunset boat ride on the Ganges River.
Eat: Try some local street food at Kachori Gali or Bharat Mata Dhaba.

Visit: Start the day with a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Ghats: Explore the various ghats along the Ganges River, including Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and Assi Ghat.
Eat: Try some local cuisine at Raju’s Café or The Lotus Lounge.

Visit: Take a day trip to Sarnath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site located about 13 km from Varanasi.
Museums: Visit the Archaeological Museum at Sarnath and the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum at Banaras Hindu University.
Eat: Try some local street food or visit The Dining Room.

Explore: Spend the day exploring the various ghats and alleys of Varanasi, including the famous Tulsi Ghat and Bengali Tola.
Boat Ride: Take a morning boat ride on the Ganges River to see the ghats from a different perspective.
Eat: Try some local cuisine at Dosa Junction.

Visit: Take a day trip to the Ramnagar Fort, located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River.
Museum: Visit the Ramnagar Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Varanasi.
Eat: Try some local cuisine at Ramnagar Ki Chaat.

Visit: Take a day trip to the Benares Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia.
Temple: Visit the New Vishwanath Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, which is located within the university campus.
Eat: Try some local cuisine at Kashi Chat Centre.

Checkout: Check out of your hotel and spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights.
Departure: Depart from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) or Varanasi Junction Railway Station.

Things to Know

Dress Code: Dress modestly and comfortably, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the local culture.
Currency: The Indian Rupee is the local currency. You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs to withdraw cash.
Language: Hindi is the official language, but many locals speak English. You may also encounter some Bengali and Bhojpuri speakers.
Weather: Varanasi has a tropical savanna climate with high temperatures during the summer months (April-June) and mild winters (December-February).
Safety: Be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night and use licensed taxis or autos.

Transportation

Airport Transfer: You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to your hotel.
Local Transport: Use auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, or walking to get around the city.
Boat Ride: Take a boat ride on the Ganges River to see the ghats from a different perspective.

Tips

Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes before entering temples and respect the local dress code.
Haggle: Haggle at markets and shops, but be respectful of the vendors.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated in the hot climate.
Try Local Cuisine: Try local street food and cuisine, which is a major part of Varanasi’s culture.

Other Things of Interest

Ganga Aarti: Attend the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat or Assi Ghat.
Sarnath Museum: Visit the Sarnath Museum to learn about the history and significance of Buddhism in India.
Banaras Hindu University: Take a stroll through the campus of Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia.