Itinerary for 2 day trip to Varanasi

Varanasi is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and it can be a fascinating experience for kids too. Here’s a fun and engaging 2-day itinerary that’s family-friendly and packed with activities that everyone will enjoy!

Day 1: Exploring the Ghats and Culture

Morning: Sunrise at the Ghats

Start Early: Wake up early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over the . The kids will love the boat ride on the river, and it’s a magical experience to see the city wake up.
Boat Ride: Hire a boat for a family ride. The gentle waves and the sight of the ghats coming to life will be a hit with the little ones. Don’t forget to bring along some snacks for a mini breakfast picnic on the boat!

Breakfast:

After the boat ride, head to a local café or a dhaba for a hearty breakfast. Try some aloo parathas or poha, which are usually a hit with kids.

Mid-Morning: Visit to

Excursion: Take a short drive to , where Buddha gave his first sermon. The kids can explore the ruins and the . There’s also a museum with interesting artifacts that can spark their curiosity.
Fun Fact: Tell the kids about how is one of the four main pilgrimage sites for Buddhists!

Lunch:

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at a restaurant in . Look for places that offer a mix of Indian and continental dishes to cater to everyone’s taste.

Afternoon: Return to Varanasi

Explore the Ghats: Head back to Varanasi and take a leisurely stroll along the ghats. Kids can enjoy watching the local life, and you can even let them dip their toes in the river (under supervision, of course!).
Visit : If the kids are up for it, visit this famous temple. The architecture is stunning, and it’s a great way to introduce them to local culture.

Evening: Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti Ceremony: In the evening, head to for the Ganga Aarti. The colorful lights, chanting, and the atmosphere will be captivating for the kids. It’s a beautiful way to end the day!
Tip: Arrive early to get a good spot, and maybe bring along some light snacks to keep the kids energized.

Dinner:

After the Aarti, enjoy dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Look for places that offer a variety of cuisines, so everyone can find something they like.

Day 2: Culture and Crafts

Morning: Breakfast and

Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
Visit : Take a stroll through the local markets. Kids will love the vibrant colors and the variety of items. You can pick up some souvenirs or local handicrafts.

Mid-Morning: Visit to a

Handloom Weaving: Visit a local weaving workshop to see how the famous Banarasi sarees are made. Kids can watch the weavers at work and even try their hand at weaving a little bit!

Lunch:

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery. Try some chaat or a thali for a taste of local flavors.

Afternoon: Visit to the

: Head to , which is located on the opposite bank of the Ganges. The fort has a museum that showcases royal artifacts, and the kids will enjoy exploring the fort’s architecture and grounds.
Fun Activity: If time permits, you can also take a short boat ride around the fort area.

Evening:

: Check if there’s a local puppet show happening in the evening. These shows are entertaining and often tell stories from Indian mythology, which can be both fun and educational for the kids.

Dinner: