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4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Varanasi, August 2023

  1. Day 1: Varanasi Ghats
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from City Center

    Start your day with a serene morning boat ride along the ghats of Varanasi. Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the Ganges River and observe the locals perform their daily rituals. In the afternoon, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's old city, exploring the bustling markets and sampling local street food. In the evening, experience the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

    • Boat Ride: INR 200, 2 hours
    • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free entry, 1 hour
    • Exploring Old City: INR 100 (approx.), 2 hours
    • Ganga Aarti: Free to attend, 1 hour
  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    30 minutes (9.6 miles) from City Center

    Embark on a spiritual journey to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the ancient ruins, visit the Dhamek Stupa, and marvel at the exquisite Buddhist art in the Sarnath Museum. Learn about the life and teachings of Buddha while enjoying the tranquil ambiance of this sacred site. In the afternoon, engage in a peaceful meditation session at a local meditation center.

    • Sarnath Ruins: INR 50, 2 hours
    • Dhamek Stupa: Free entry, 1 hour
    • Sarnath Museum: INR 100, 1 hour
    • Meditation Session: INR 300 (approx.), 2 hours
  3. Day 3: Ramnagar Fort and Banaras Hindu University
    25 minutes (7.2 miles) from City Center

    Visit the majestic Ramnagar Fort, a stunning 17th-century fort situated on the banks of the Ganges River. Explore its grand architecture, magnificent museum, and the vintage collection of royal carriages. In the afternoon, head to Banaras Hindu University, one of India's premier educational institutions. Roam around its beautiful campus, admire the intricately designed Vishwanath Temple, and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to witness an impressive display of Indian art and artifacts.

    • Ramnagar Fort: INR 100, 2 hours
    • Banaras Hindu University: Free entry, 2 hours
    • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: INR 50, 1 hour
  4. Day 4: Varanasi Zoo and Shopping
    15 minutes (3.8 miles) from City Center

    Start your day with a visit to the Varanasi Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife from around the world. Observe the fascinating creatures and enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy at the popular markets of Varanasi. Explore the bustling Godowlia Market, famous for its silk products, jewelry, and handicrafts. Don't forget to savor delicious local delicacies at the street food stalls scattered throughout the city.

    • Varanasi Zoo: INR 50, 2 hours
    • Shopping at Godowlia Market: Cost varies, 2 hours
    • Street Food: Cost varies, 1 hour

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider exploring the nearby town of Allahabad, famous for its religious significance and the confluence of three rivers. You can also take a day trip to the ancient city of Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, or visit the stunning Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary for a unique wildlife experience.

To maximize your fun, join a yoga or cooking class to learn traditional Indian practices, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride for breathtaking aerial views of Varanasi, or book a private guided tour for a more personalized experience.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices here.

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