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Family-Friendly 2-Day Itinerary in Varanasi - July 2023

  1. Day 1: Assi Ghat
    Located by the banks of the River Ganges
    Approximately 10 minutes (2.3 miles) from Downtown Varanasi

    In the morning, visit Assi Ghat, one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi. Experience the spiritual atmosphere as devotees perform morning rituals and witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Ganges. Take a boat ride along the river to get a unique perspective of the ghats and the city.

    In the afternoon, explore the nearby temples. Visit the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and seek blessings. You can also visit the Annapurna Temple and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, both known for their religious significance.

    In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat. Watch as devotees, priests, and musicians come together to perform a beautiful ritual of offering prayers to the river. The enchanting atmosphere and the glowing diyas create a magical experience.

  2. Day 2: Varanasi City Tour
    Starting point: Assi Ghat
    Approximately 15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Assi Ghat

    In the morning, embark on a guided city tour. Visit the famous Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, showcasing a unique relief map of the country in marble. Explore the historic Ramnagar Fort, known for its stunning architecture, museum, and scenic views of the Ganges.

    For lunch, head to a local restaurant and savor authentic Varanasi cuisine. Try specialties like chaat, kachori sabzi, and malaiyyo.

    In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Explore the sprawling campus, visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, and stroll through the beautiful gardens. If time permits, you can also visit the New Vishwanath Temple, a modern replica of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

    In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the Ganges, witnessing the illuminated ghats and the vibrant evening aarti ceremonies. Absorb the serene ambiance and create lasting memories with your family.

Recommendations

Consider exploring the Sarnath archaeological site, located just 6 miles from Varanasi. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar temple, and the Sarnath Museum to delve into the rich history and spirituality of Buddhism.

For a day trip, you can visit the nearby Chunar Fort, located approximately 20 miles from Varanasi. This ancient fort offers panoramic views of the surroundings and is steeped in history. Explore the fort, stroll through the charming local village, and enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings.

To maximize your fun, consider participating in a traditional music and dance workshop, where you can learn about classical Indian music and dance forms like Kathak. You can also indulge in a boat ride during sunrise or sunset for a different perspective of the river and the ghats.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Assi Ghat (2-3 hours, free)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Annapurna Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat (1-2 hours, free)
  • Bharat Mata Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Ramnagar Fort (2-3 hours, INR 20 per person)
  • Banaras Hindu University (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10 per person)
  • New Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Boat ride along the Ganges (1-2 hours, INR 100-200 per person)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 30-40 per person

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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