3-Day Itinerary for Banaras in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
   15 minutes (3.2 km) from Varanasi Junction

   The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the holiest places for Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Morning is the best time to visit as the temple is less crowded and you can attend the morning aarti. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the temple. For lunch, head to the nearby Kachori Gali where you can enjoy local street food. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Ganges River and witness the evening aarti ceremony, a truly awe-inspiring experience. End the day by exploring the Banaras Hindu University campus.

2. Day 2: Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort
   30 minutes (10.2 km) from Varanasi Junction

   Start the day by visiting the famous Buddhist pilgrimage site, Sarnath. Here, you can visit the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, and the Chaukhandi Stupa. For lunch, head to the nearby Japanese Temple for some delicious Japanese food. In the afternoon, visit the Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River. This fort was built in the 18th century and houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the fort and the royal family of Benares. End the day by watching the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Ramnagar Fort.

3. Day 3: Manikarnika Ghat and Banaras Hindu University
   20 minutes (5.4 km) from Varanasi Junction

   Start the day by visiting the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest ghats in Varanasi. This ghat is known for its cremation ceremonies and is considered a gateway to salvation. Take a walking tour of the ghat and learn about the customs and rituals of the cremation ceremonies. For lunch, head to the nearby Blue Lassi shop where you can enjoy a variety of lassi flavours. In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Here, you can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the New Vishwanath Temple. End the day by taking a stroll along the Dashashwamedh Ghat and watching the evening aarti ceremony.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby Chunar Fort or the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also attend the Dev Deepawali festival, which is celebrated in November and is one of the most popular festivals in Varanasi. To maximize your fun, try taking a guided food tour to try out some of the best street food in Varanasi.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Boat ride on the Ganges (1 hour, INR 150)
• BHU Campus (2 hours, free)
• Sarnath (3 hours, INR 300)
• Ramnagar Fort (2 hours, INR 200)
• Manikarnika Ghat (2 hours, free)
• BHU Museum (1 hour, INR 50)
• Food expenses (INR 500 per day)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1600

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.