2 Nights 3 Days Varanasi Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
- Arrival: Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport or Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check-in and freshen up.
- Accommodation: Choose from options like BrijRama Palace (luxury), Radisson Hotel (mid-range), or Zostel Varanasi (budget).
- Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional North Indian breakfast at the hotel, including options like puri-sabzi, parathas, and fresh fruits.
Late Morning: Varanasi Temples
- Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Post-breakfast, visit the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Spend time exploring the temple complex.
- Visit Annapurna Temple: Just adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the Annapurna Temple, dedicated to Goddess Annapurna.
- Visit Sankat Mochan Temple: A short drive from the Vishwanath Temple is the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, where you can offer prayers and seek blessings.
Lunch: Local Cuisine
- Restaurant: Enjoy lunch at Baati Chokha, a local restaurant known for serving traditional Bihari and UP-style dishes like baati chokha, litti chokha, and north Indian thali.
Afternoon: Explore Local Markets
- Visit Godowlia Market: Post-lunch, explore Godowlia Market, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Varanasi. Shop for Banarasi silk sarees, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Visit Vishwanath Gali: This narrow lane near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is famous for its street food, religious items, and local artifacts.
Evening: Ganga Aarti
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: By evening, head to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The ritual involves chanting hymns, fire offerings, and rhythmic drumming.
- Boat Ride: Before the Aarti, take a boat ride on the Ganges River to experience the ghats from the water. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of Varanasi’s spiritual side.
- Dinner: After the Aarti, have dinner. You can also taste famous Kashi Chat Bhandar, where you can savor local delicacies like chaat, tamatar chaat, and dahi puri.
Overnight: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Explore Varanasi
Early Morning: Boat Ride and Sunrise
- Morning Boat Ride: Start your day with an early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Witness the sunrise over the ghats, as locals perform their morning rituals. Visit significant ghats like Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Harishchandra Ghat.
- Tea Break: Post the boat ride, enjoy a cup of masala chai at a riverside stall.
Breakfast: South Indian Cuisine
- Breakfast at Kerala Cafe: After the boat ride, head to Kerala Cafe for a hearty South Indian breakfast, featuring idli, dosa, vada, and coconut chutney.
Morning: Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Visit BHU: After breakfast, visit the sprawling campus of Banaras Hindu University. Explore the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art, textiles, and ancient manuscripts.
- Visit New Vishwanath Temple: Located within the BHU campus, this temple is a modern architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Lunch: Vegetarian Meal
- Restaurant: For lunch, visit Tandoor Villa, which offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, including paneer tikka, dal makhani, and naan.
Afternoon: Visit Ramnagar Fort
- Ramnagar Fort: In the late afternoon, visit Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges. Explore the fort’s museum, which houses vintage cars, weapons, and royal artifacts.
- Activity: Enjoy a scenic view of the sunset over the Ganges from the fort’s ramparts.
Dinner: Riverside Dining
- Restaurant: Dine at Varuna Restaurant in The Gateway Hotel, which offers a blend of Indian and Continental cuisines with a view of the river.
Overnight: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Sarnath and Departure
Morning: Visit Sarnath
- Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit Sarnath: After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to Sarnath, located about 10 km from Varanasi. This is the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Key attractions include the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Archaeological Museum.
- Activity: Walk around the serene ruins and visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple to witness beautiful murals depicting Buddha’s life.
Lunch: Final Meal in Varanasi
- Restaurant: Have a farewell lunch at The Great Kebab Factory in Radisson Hotel, where you can savor delicious kebabs and Mughlai dishes.
Afternoon: Check-out and Departure
- Transfer to Airport/Railway Station: After visiting Sarnath, you’ll be dropped off at the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
End of Tour