7-Day Family Friendly Varanasi Itinerary in October 2023

1. Day 1: Ganga Aarti
   20 minutes (3.5 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

   Start your Varanasi trip with the famous Ganga Aarti held during the evening on the banks of the Ganges River. The mesmerizing experience will leave you feeling enchanted.

2. Day 2: Sarnath
   1 hour (11 km) from Ganga Aarti

   Visit the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Marvel at the ruins and explore the museum.

3. Day 3: Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat
   15 minutes (3.2 km) from Sarnath

   Begin your day with a visit to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Later, witness the hustle and bustle of life and death at the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the oldest and busiest cremation ghats.

4. Day 4: Ramnagar Fort and Museum
   30 minutes (6.8 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

   Explore the magnificent Ramnagar Fort and Museum, which has a vast collection of vintage American cars, palanquins, and arms and ammunition from the 18th and 19th centuries.

5. Day 5: Assi Ghat and Banaras Hindu University
   20 minutes (5 km) from Ramnagar Fort and Museum

   Visit the Assi Ghat, where the River Assi meets the Ganges, and take a boat ride to witness the beauty of the ghats. Later, explore the sprawling campus of the Banaras Hindu University, the largest residential university in Asia.

6. Day 6: Chunar Fort and Waterfall
   2 hours (45 km) from Assi Ghat

   Take a day trip to the Chunar Fort, a historical fort on the banks of the Ganges, and hike to the nearby waterfall. Enjoy the serene surroundings and soak in the beauty of nature.

7. Day 7: Varanasi Food Tour and Shopping
   30 minutes (9 km) from Chunar Fort and Waterfall

   End your trip with a food tour of Varanasi, trying out the local delicacies like chaat, paan, and lassi. Later, indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets and take home some souvenirs.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to experience a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges or explore the hidden alleyways of Varanasi on foot. For day trips, you can visit the nearby city of Allahabad or explore the holy site of Chitrakoot.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ganga Aarti (1-2 hours, free)
• Sarnath (2-3 hours, ₹50-200)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Manikarnika Ghat (1-2 hours, free)
• Ramnagar Fort and Museum (2-3 hours, ₹10-50)
• Assi Ghat (1-2 hours, free)
• Banaras Hindu University (2-3 hours, free)
• Chunar Fort and Waterfall (4-5 hours, ₹100-500)
• Varanasi Food Tour and Shopping (3-4 hours, ₹500-1000)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹660-1750

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