7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Varanasi in October 2024

1. Day 1: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
   25 mins (6 km) from Varanasi Airport

   Experience the evening Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Wake up early in the morning and go for a boat ride on the Ganges. You can visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the afternoon and enjoy some street food in the evening.

2. Day 2: Sarnath
   30 mins (13 km) from Dashashwamedh Ghat

   Visit the ancient city of Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. You can explore the temples, visit the archaeological museum and try some local cuisine.

3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort
   1 hour (7 km) from Sarnath

   Explore the 17th-century Ramnagar Fort. You can see the museum, visit the temple and take a boat ride on the Ganges. In the evening, see the Sound and Light Show at the fort.

4. Day 4: Manikarnika Ghat
   30 mins (7 km) from Ramnagar Fort

   Visit the Manikarnika Ghat, the main ghat for Hindu cremation ceremonies. Take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the rituals. You can also visit the nearby Kashi Vishalakshi Temple.

5. Day 5: Banaras Hindu University
   20 mins (6 km) from Manikarnika Ghat

   Explore the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. You can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, see the New Vishwanath Temple and take a walk in the university campus.

6. Day 6: Chunar Fort
   1 hour 40 mins (46 km) from Banaras Hindu University

   Take a day trip to the Chunar Fort, an ancient fort on the banks of the Ganges. You can explore the fort, visit the nearby Vindhya Vasini Temple and enjoy some local food.

7. Day 7: Assi Ghat
   35 mins (8 km) from Chunar Fort

   Visit the Assi Ghat, a popular ghat for tourists. You can take a boat ride, visit the Durga Temple and enjoy some street food. In the evening, enjoy the sunset and relax on the ghat.

Recommendations

You should also consider taking a day trip to the nearby city of Allahabad to visit the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Make sure to haggle when buying souvenirs and street food. Maximize your fun by taking walks around the city to explore the local culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dashashwamedh Ghat (2 hours, free)
• Sarnath (3 hours, Rs. 50 for Indian visitors, Rs. 500 for foreign visitors)
• Ramnagar Fort (3 hours, Rs. 10 for Indian visitors, Rs. 100 for foreign visitors)
• Manikarnika Ghat (2 hours, free)
• Banaras Hindu University (4 hours, free)
• Chunar Fort (6 hours, Rs. 25 for Indian visitors, Rs. 200 for foreign visitors)
• Assi Ghat (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 785 for Indian visitors, Rs. 1300 for foreign visitors

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to find affordable hotel and flight deals.