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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Varanasi in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Varanasi Ghats
    20 minutes (5.2 km) from Varanasi Airport

    In the morning, witness the sunrise at the Ghats and take a boat ride along the river. During the afternoon, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. In the evening, experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    35 minutes (10 km) from Varanasi Ghats

    In the morning, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum and explore the ruins of the ancient city. In the afternoon, visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple and Chaukhandi Stupa. Spend the evening walking around the Deer Park and experiencing the light and sound show.

  3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort
    30 minutes (8 km) from Varanasi Ghats

    In the morning, take a walk around the fort and visit the museum inside. In the afternoon, visit the Durga Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple. Spend the evening at the Shivala Ghat and enjoy the local street food.

  4. Day 4: Manikarnika Ghat
    15 minutes (3.8 km) from Varanasi Ghats

    In the morning, take a boat ride along the river and visit the Manikarnika Ghat, the largest cremation ground in Varanasi. In the afternoon, explore the Tulsi Manas Temple and the New Vishwanath Temple. Spend the evening at the Assi Ghat and watch the sunset over the river.

  5. Day 5: Banaras Hindu University
    20 minutes (5 km) from Varanasi Ghats

    In the morning, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum and the Kashi Naresh Palace. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the campus of Banaras Hindu University and visit the Vishwanath Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple. Spend the evening at the Panchganga Ghat and enjoy the local street food.

  6. Day 6: Alamgir Mosque
    15 minutes (3.5 km) from Varanasi Ghats

    In the morning, visit the Alamgir Mosque and the Gyanvapi Mosque. In the afternoon, explore the Ramnagar Palace and Museum and the Jain Temple. Spend the evening at the Chet Singh Ghat and experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

  7. Day 7: Dhamekh Stupa
    45 minutes (13 km) from Varanasi Ghats

    In the morning, visit the Dhamekh Stupa and the Thai Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Tibetan Temple and the St. Mary's Cathedral. Spend the evening at the Man Mandir Ghat and enjoy the local street food.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the Chunar Fort or the Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary. To maximize your experience, try attending a local festival, such as the Ganga Mahotsav or the Dev Deepawali, if they are happening during your visit.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Boat ride at the Ghats (2 hours, INR 200)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Ganga Aarti ceremony (1 hour, free)
  • Sarnath Archaeological Museum (1.5 hours, INR 20)
  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Chaukhandi Stupa (1 hour, free)
  • Light and sound show at Deer Park (1 hour, INR 100)
  • Ramnagar Fort (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Durga Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Bharat Mata Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Manikarnika Ghat (2 hours, free)
  • Tulsi Manas Temple (1 hour, free)
  • New Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Assi Ghat (2 hours, free)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (1 hour, INR 20)
  • Kashi Naresh Palace (1 hour, INR 25)
  • Banaras Hindu University campus (2 hours, free)
  • Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Alamgir Mosque (1 hour, free)
  • Gyanvapi Mosque (1 hour, free)
  • Ramnagar Palace and Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
  • Jain Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Dhamekh Stupa (2 hours, free)
  • Thai Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Tibetan Temple (1 hour, free)
  • St. Mary's Cathedral (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (7 days): INR 415
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