4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Varanasi, Kashi, Ayodhya in August 2023

1. Day 1: Varanasi
   30 minutes (9.7 km) from Varanasi Airport

   In the morning, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then, head to the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the holiest places in Varanasi and a place where Hindus come to cremate their dead. In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum, which has a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts and sculptures. In the evening, take a boat ride along the River Ganges to witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual that involves a prayer to the river goddess.

2. Day 2: Kashi
   1 hour (20 km) from Varanasi

   Start your day with a visit to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Then, head to the Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful fort located on the banks of the River Ganges. In the afternoon, visit the Durga Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. In the evening, explore the local markets for some souvenirs and delicious street food.

3. Day 3: Ayodhya
   3 hours (150 km) from Varanasi

   In the morning, visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, a temple built at the birthplace of Lord Rama. Then, head to the Hanuman Garhi Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. In the afternoon, visit the Kanak Bhawan Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. In the evening, enjoy a cultural program at the Ramkatha Park.

4. Day 4: Varanasi
   3 hours (125 km) from Ayodhya

   Start your day early and take a trip to the Chunar Fort, an ancient fort located on a hilltop. Then, head back to Varanasi and visit the Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum, which has a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. In the afternoon, visit the Alamgir Mosque, a famous mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In the evening, take a stroll along the ghats and witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on a visit to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, a famous ghat where the Ganga Aarti ceremony takes place. You might also want to consider taking a day trip to the Chitrakoot, a holy town located 130 km from Varanasi. To maximize your fun, try some of the delicious street food like chaat, lassi, and paan.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Manikarnika Ghat (1 hour, Free)
• Sarnath Archaeological Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
• Boat ride on the River Ganges (1 hour, INR 100-200)
• Banaras Hindu University (2 hours, Free)
• Ramnagar Fort (2 hours, INR 15)
• Durga Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Local markets (2 hours, varies)
• Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Hanuman Garhi Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Kanak Bhawan Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Cultural program at Ramkatha Park (2 hours, INR 100-200)
• Chunar Fort (3 hours, INR 20)
• Bharat Kala Bhawan Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
• Alamgir Mosque (1 hour, Free)
• Street food (varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 375-575 (excluding hotel and transportation costs)

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