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Relaxing 2-Day Itinerary in Varanasi in August 2023

  1. Day 1: Sarnath
    8.5 km (25 minutes) from Varanasi

    Sarnath was where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. In the morning, visit the archaeological site and explore the ruins of monasteries and stupas. For lunch, try some traditional Indian cuisine at Ganges View or The Great Kabab Factory. In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath Museum and learn about the history of Buddhism in India. In the evening, watch the Aarti ceremony at the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple, where Buddhist monks chant prayers and light candles.

  2. Day 2: Assi Ghat
    5.5 km (20 minutes) from Sarnath

    Assi Ghat is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and take a dip in the holy Ganges river. In the morning, take a boat ride on the Ganges and watch the sunrise over the river. After breakfast, visit the Tulsi Manas Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. For lunch, try some local street food at Kachori Gali or Deena Chat Bhandar. In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University and see the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, which houses a collection of Indian art and artifacts. In the evening, take a stroll along the ghats and enjoy the views of the Ganges.

Recommendations

Don't miss the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a ritual of light and sound to honor the holy river. If you have time, take a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad to see the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. To maximize your fun, try some adventurous activities like paragliding or white-water rafting on the Ganges.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Sarnath Archaeological Site (2 hours, ₹30)
  • Sarnath Museum (1 hour, ₹5)
  • Ganges View (1 hour, ₹500)
  • The Great Kabab Factory (1 hour, ₹1000)
  • Assi Ghat Boat Ride (1 hour, ₹300)
  • Tulsi Manas Mandir (1 hour, free)
  • Kachori Gali (1 hour, ₹100)
  • Deena Chat Bhandar (1 hour, ₹200)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan (1.5 hours, ₹20)

Total Estimated Costs: ₹2155

Check hotel and flight prices here.

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