7-Day Banaras Itinerary for City Experiences in August 2024

1. Day 1: Explore the Ghats of Banaras
   10 minutes (3.6 km) from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

   Morning: Take a boat ride along the Ganges River to witness the city come to life as locals bathe and perform morning rituals. Afternoon: Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. Evening: Stroll along the ghats and witness the evening aarti ceremony.

2. Day 2: Discover the History of Banaras
   20 minutes (7.5 km) from Assi Ghat

   Morning: Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Afternoon: Explore the Ramnagar Fort, a stunning 17th-century fort located on the banks of the Ganges River. Evening: Attend a classical music concert at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple.

3. Day 3: Shop and Eat Like a Local
   15 minutes (4.5 km) from Ramnagar Fort

   Morning: Explore the bustling lanes of the city's markets, including the popular Thatheri Bazaar and Vishwanath Lane. Afternoon: Try local street food like chaat and lassi at the legendary Kachori Gali. Evening: Experience the city's vibrant nightlife scene at the popular Assi Ghat.

4. Day 4: Visit the Religious Sites of Banaras
   25 minutes (9.2 km) from Kachori Gali

   Morning: Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, home to a stunning collection of Buddhist artifacts. Afternoon: Explore the Dhamekh Stupa, one of the oldest and most impressive stupas in India. Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dasaswamedh Ghat.

5. Day 5: Experience Banaras' Art and Culture
   30 minutes (10.8 km) from Sarnath Archaeological Museum

   Morning: Take a guided tour of the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, home to an extensive collection of art, sculpture, and textiles. Afternoon: Attend a performance of the Banaras Gharana, one of the most renowned schools of classical music in India. Evening: Enjoy a traditional dance performance at the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre.

6. Day 6: Relax and Unwind in Banaras
   20 minutes (6.8 km) from Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

   Morning: Take a dip in the famous Banaras Hindu University swimming pool. Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage at one of the city's top spas. Evening: Attend a yoga class at the International Yoga and Meditation Centre.

7. Day 7: Explore the Outskirts of Banaras
   30 minutes (13.4 km) from International Yoga and Meditation Centre

   Morning: Take a day trip to the Chunar Fort, a historic fort located on the banks of the Ganges. Afternoon: Visit the Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Evening: Enjoy a picnic by the scenic Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls.

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to witness the traditional silk weaving of Banaras at the city's famous saree shops. Day trips to the nearby city of Varanasi and the ancient city of Allahabad are also highly recommended. For a unique experience, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Boat ride along the Ganges (2 hours, INR 300)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Ramnagar Fort (2 hours, INR 200)
• Classical music concert at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (2 hours, INR 500)
• Local street food at Kachori Gali (1 hour, INR 100)
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
• Dhamekh Stupa (1 hour, Free)
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (2 hours, INR 200)
• Performance of Banaras Gharana (2 hours, INR 500)
• Ayurvedic massage (1 hour, INR 1500)
• Yoga class at International Yoga and Meditation Centre (1 hour, INR 300)
• Chunar Fort day trip (6 hours, INR 1000)
• Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR 500)
• Rajdari and Devdari Waterfalls (2 hours, INR 200)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3700