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3-Day Itinerary for Varanasi in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
    18 minutes (4.7 km) from Varanasi Airport

    Morning: Start your day early in the morning by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The morning aarti at the temple is a must-see experience. Afternoon: Head to the Ramnagar Fort, located on the opposite bank of the Ganges River. Built-in the 18th century, the fort is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. You can also visit the museum inside the fort, which houses a collection of vintage cars, royal carriages and weapons. Evening: End your day with a boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The aarti is a daily prayer ritual that involves fire offerings to the river Ganges.

  2. Day 2: Explore Sarnath and Dhamekh Stupa
    30 minutes (12.8 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Morning: Visit Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is believed that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon here after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamekh Stupa is a must-visit attraction in Sarnath. The stupa is a massive cylindrical structure that dates back to the 5th century. Afternoon: Explore the Chaukhandi Stupa, a beautiful monument made of brick and stone. The stupa was built in the 5th century and is believed to mark the site where Lord Buddha met his first disciples. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum in Sarnath, which houses a collection of Buddhist artifacts and sculptures. Evening: Visit the Banaras Hindu University and explore the campus. The university is one of the largest residential universities in Asia and is known for its stunning architecture. You can also visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum that houses a collection of Indian art and artifacts.

  3. Day 3: Take a Sunrise Boat Ride and Shop at the Local Markets
    20 minutes (6.5 km) from Banaras Hindu University

    Morning: Start your day early by taking a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River. It is the best time to experience the tranquility and beauty of the river. You can also witness the morning rituals of the locals at the ghats. Afternoon: Shop at the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. The markets are famous for silk sarees, wooden toys, jewelry, and handicrafts. You can also visit the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred ghats, and witness the cremation rituals. Evening: End your day by attending a classical music and dance performance at the Shri Ram Center for Performing Arts. The center hosts daily performances by local artists and is a must-visit for art lovers.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, you can consider taking a day trip to Chunar Fort, located 45 km from Varanasi. The fort is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and offers stunning views of the Ganges river. You can also try some local street food like chaat, lassi, and kachori. Make sure to visit the famous Blue Lassi Shop, which is a popular spot among locals and tourists. To maximize your fun, consider hiring a local guide who can provide you with more information about the history and culture of Varanasi. Lastly, don't forget to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River, which is believed to wash away all sins and purify the soul.

For booking hotels and flights, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.

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