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Varanasi: Hindu priest saluting the sun in the Ganges
Photo: Jorge Royan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Destination template · 13 days

Varanasi & Kochi in 13 days

6 sightseeing days in Varanasi, a dedicated relocation day, then 6 days in Kochi. Includes Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Thirumala Devaswom Temple, with guide-listed dining suggestions.

Adapted from community travel guides · Researched Sources & notes

The stops are drawn from the guides below; daily order, times and durations are our suggested adaptation. Available map pins are approximate, not provider-verified; missing coordinates remain unset. Prices are left unknown; check tickets, opening hours and transport before booking.

Route data adapted from Wikivoyage contributors, with our own selection and suggested timing; shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source pages link to contributor histories. This is an editorial multi-day schedule; the source community has not rated this itinerary.

  • Stay in Varanasi for the first 6 sightseeing days; move to Kochi on day 7, then stay for 6 sightseeing days. Book accommodation in both bases rather than returning each night.
  • The 1847 km figure is approximate straight-line separation, not transit distance. The relocation day reserves room for travel and check-in without promising a direct service or a same-day connection. Verify the journey before booking this two-base plan.
  • City visits and restaurants are adapted from the linked retained community-guide material, not newly verified opening hours, live menus or first-hand visits. Suggested times are editable planning blocks. Check closures, reservations, accessibility and dietary needs.
  • Cover photo shows the first city. Original source and photo credits remain attached. Adapted community route selections retain CC BY-SA 4.0 attribution; source research dates remain in the individual stop and dining notes.
6 local dining picks added to this itineraryDining sources

These picks have positive travel-guide coverage or a named professional recommendation; they are not live customer ratings. Suggested times are not reservations. Confirm service days, dietary needs and prices. Other days remain open for your own food discoveries.

  • Day 1 · Madhur Milan Cafe — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 2 · Varuna — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 3 · Nice cafe — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 8 · Sree Krishna Cafe — Vegetarian. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 9 · Itty's Place — Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 10 · Amaara Maradu — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗

Sources checked 2026-10-30. Community-guide dining data is adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; source pages link to contributor histories.

Varanasi & Kochi itinerary: 13 days at a glance

Review the original daily plan before editing below. Times and durations are suggested planning blocks; dining stops are not reservations. Your personal edits appear in the editor and downloads.

Day 1: Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Manikarnika Ghat

  • · Kashi Vishwanath Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Manikarnika Ghat · 30 min
  • · Manikarnika Ghat · 75 min
  • · Dinner: Madhur Milan Cafe (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 2: Varanasi: Bharat Mata Temple & Gauri Matha Temple

  • · Bharat Mata Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Gauri Matha Temple · 30 min
  • · Gauri Matha Temple · 90 min
  • · Dinner: Varuna (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 3: Varanasi: Kaal Bhairav Temple & Nepali Hindu Temple

  • · Kaal Bhairav Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Nepali Hindu Temple · 30 min
  • · Nepali Hindu Temple · 90 min
  • · Dinner: Nice cafe (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 4: Varanasi: Tulsi Manas Temple & Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

  • · Tulsi Manas Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple · 30 min
  • · Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple · 90 min

Day 5: Varanasi: Jantar Mantar & Dashashwamedh Ghat

  • · Jantar Mantar · 75 min
  • · Transfer to Dashashwamedh Ghat · 30 min
  • · Dashashwamedh Ghat · 75 min

Day 6: Varanasi: Rajghat & Lal Khan Tomb

  • · Rajghat · 75 min
  • · Transfer to Lal Khan Tomb · 30 min
  • · Lal Khan Tomb · 75 min

Day 7: Varanasi → Kochi: travel and check-in

  • · Relocate: Varanasi → Kochi · 600 min

Day 8: Kochi: Thirumala Devaswom Temple & Dutch Palace

  • · Thirumala Devaswom Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Dutch Palace · 30 min
  • · Dutch Palace · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Sree Krishna Cafe (Vegetarian) · 75 min

Day 9: Kochi: Cherai Beach & Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple

  • · Cherai Beach · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple · 30 min
  • · Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple · 90 min
  • · Dinner: Itty's Place (Traditional) · 75 min

Day 10: Kochi: Hill Palace Museum & Poornathrayeesa Temple

  • · Hill Palace Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Poornathrayeesa Temple · 30 min
  • · Poornathrayeesa Temple · 90 min
  • · Dinner: Amaara Maradu (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 11: Kochi: Chottanikkara Devi Temple & Nadamel St. Mary's Church

  • · Chottanikkara Devi Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Nadamel St. Mary's Church · 30 min
  • · Nadamel St. Mary's Church · 90 min

Day 12: Kochi: International Pepper Exchange & Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue

  • · International Pepper Exchange · 75 min
  • · Transfer to Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue · 30 min
  • · Jew Street and Paradesi Synagogue · 90 min

Day 13: Kochi: Indian Naval Maritime Museum & Indo-Portuguese Museum

  • · Indian Naval Maritime Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Indo-Portuguese Museum · 30 min
  • · Indo-Portuguese Museum · 120 min

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Day 1
  • 09:3090m
    Varanasi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Varanasi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.35 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    Varanasi

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Dashashwamedh Road

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5384246; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 2
  • 09:3090m
    Varanasi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Varanasi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.55 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Varanasi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Varanasi, India

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5384246; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 3
  • 09:3090m
    Varanasi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Varanasi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Varanasi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Bengali Tola

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: 7AM - late. Recheck with the restaurant. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5384246; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 4
  • 09:3090m
    Varanasi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Varanasi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.42 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    27, Durgakund Rd, Jawahar Nagar Colony, Bhelupur

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 5
  • 09:3075m
    Terrace of Man Singh Ghat

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Varanasi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.09 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    Varanasi

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 6
  • 09:3075m
    Varanasi

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Varanasi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.08 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    Varanasi

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Varanasi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 7
  • 08:00600m
    Varanasi → Kochi

    Dedicated relocation day from Varanasi to Kochi; no transport is booked. The city centres are approximately 1847 km apart in a straight line, not a measured road or rail route. Choose and book a suitable flight, train, bus or ferry; confirm operating days, total door-to-door time, luggage rules and arrival before making reservations. This full-day block is reserved time, not a timetable. Move the following day if your journey needs longer.

Day 8
  • 09:3090m
    Mattancherry

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kochi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.04 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Palace Rd, Mattancherry

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Gujarathi St, Mattancherry

    Vegetarian. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. About 0.5 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5407471; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 9
  • 09:30120m
    North of Vypin Island

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Goshree (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kochi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.73 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Kochi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Goshree (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    G31, Panampally Nagar

    Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: 11AM-11PM. Recheck with the restaurant. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Ernakulam (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5407468; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 10
  • 09:30120m
    Hill Palace Rd

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Thrippunithura (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kochi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (2.55 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Kochi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Thrippunithura (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Petta-Maradu Rd, Tripunithara

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: 10AM-9PM. Recheck with the restaurant. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Ernakulam (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5407468; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 11
  • 09:3090m
    Kochi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Thrippunithura (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kochi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (4.83 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Kochi

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Thrippunithura (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 12
  • 09:3075m
    Jew town, Fort Kochi

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kochi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.1 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Jew Town, Mattancherry

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 13
  • 09:30120m
    KJ Herschel Rd, Fort Kochi

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kochi

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.65 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Fort Kochi

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kochi/Old_Kochi (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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