3-Day Varanasi
Varanasi · 3 days · 2 travelers · culture
A 3-day culture/spirituality trip to Varanasi for 2 travelers — mid-range budget, ~₹2,067/day per person. Highlights: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Ji Temple, BHU Campus (Varanasi), Ramnagar Fort, (Varanasi), Rani Laxmibai Janmasthali Varanasi.
Estimated budget
Total: ~₹13,020
- Stays: ~₹2,500
- Food: ~₹7,200
- Transport: ~₹0
- Experiences: ~₹2,700
- Miscellaneous: ~₹620
Weather
26-31°C · Thunderstorm with hail
Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, Sunscreen, Light rain jacket / umbrella, Light breathable clothing, 3 T-shirts/tops, 2 pairs of bottoms (jeans/trousers/shorts), 3 sets of innerwear & socks, Sturdy waterproof footwear or sandals that dry quickly for navigating flooded, muddy cobblestone ghats, Ziploc bags or dry sacks to protect your electronics and documents from heavy downpours
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Golden gateways, ancient temples & evening café lights
Things to do
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Shri Kashi Vishwanath Ji Temple, BHU Campus (Varanasi)
A modern replica of the Kashi Vishwanath temple situated within the Banaras Hindu University campus.
2 hours · ₹150
-
Assi Ghat Varanasi
A prominent southern ghat famous for morning Ganga Aarti and cultural gatherings.
2 hours · ₹150
-
Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
One of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the holiest shrine in Varanasi.
2 hours · ₹150
Where to stay
-
The Golden Palace Varanasi
hotel · ~₹2,500/night
An upscale hotel featuring well-appointed rooms and traditional hospitality in the heart of the city.
Food
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De Once More Cafe & Restaurant | Best Restaurant in Varanasi | Best Cafe in Varanasi |
Breakfast · ₹500
Ask the staff for their specialty.
-
Hungry Heads cafe
Lunch · ₹500
Ask the staff for their specialty.
-
RASTAA CAFE
Dinner · ₹275
Ask the staff for their specialty.
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹5,950
Day 2: Fortresses, sacred ghats & hidden culinary corners
Things to do
-
Ramnagar Fort, (Varanasi)
Historic 18th-century sandstone fort on the eastern banks of the Ganges housing a quirky museum of royal memorabilia, vintage cars, and an astrological clock.
2 hours · ₹150
-
Tulsi Ghat, (Varanasi)
Historical ghat named after the saint-poet Tulsidas, associated with classical music and Ramlila traditions.
2 hours · ₹150
-
Shree Annapurna Mandir
Historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food and nourishment, located near the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
2 hours · ₹150
Food
-
Kriva ~ Cafe & Fine Dining
Breakfast · ₹275
Ask the staff for their specialty.
-
Roma's Cafe Diner
Lunch · ₹500
Ask the staff for their specialty.
-
Terracotta Cafe
Dinner · ₹500
Ask the staff for their specialty.
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹3,450
Day 3: Heritage walks, riverfront ghats & rooftop farewells
Things to do
-
Rani Laxmibai Janmasthali Varanasi
Birthplace and memorial site dedicated to Rani Laxmibai, a prominent hero of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
2 hours · ₹150
-
Chet Singh Ghat, (Varanasi)
A fortified ghat featuring a historic riverside palace with notable battlements and architecture.
2 hours · ₹150
-
Namo ghat, (Varanasi)
A modern, well-developed riverfront ghat featuring large iconic folded-hands sculptures and boardwalks.
2 hours · ₹150
Food
-
MYSTERIA Café, Diner & Games
Breakfast · ₹275
Ask the staff for their specialty.
-
Charcoal Fine Dining
Lunch · ₹500
Ask the staff for their specialty.
-
Cubic cafe rooftop
Dinner · ₹275
Ask the staff for their specialty.
Estimated cost for the day: ~₹3,000
Travel tips
- Keep cash handy for small vendors, boat rides, and temple donations since digital payments can occasionally fail in crowded alleyways.
- Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms daily, so plan your visits to outdoor sites like Ramnagar Fort and the Ganges ghats during morning weather lulls.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when visiting Shri Kashi Vishwanath Ji Temple and other sacred sites.
- Negotiate boat ride rates along the Ganges clearly before stepping onto the wooden vessels.