10-Day Cultural Immersion Itinerary in Varanasi

1. Day 1: Manikarnika Ghat
   20 minutes (6.2 km) from Varanasi Junction railway station

   Observe ancient Hindu cremation rituals and learn about the history of the ghat.

2. Day 2: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
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   15 minutes (4.8 km) from Manikarnika Ghat

   Visit the Holiest of Holy Shrines in Hinduism where Lord Shiva is worshipped.

3. Day 3: Durga Temple
   10 minutes (3 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

   Explore the replica of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and goddess Durga's significance in Hindu mythology.

4. Day 4: Sarnath Buddhist Temples and Museum
   30 minutes (10 km) from Durga Temple

   Experience the ancient monastic ruins and artefacts showcasing the evolution of Buddhism.

5. Day 5: Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
   30 minutes (8 km) from Sarnath

   Delve into the history, culture, and art of India, including the historic Indian paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

6. Day 6: River Ganges Boat ride at Sunrise
   20 minutes (5 km) from Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum

   Take a scenic boat ride with the Sunrise view on the holy river Ganges.

7. Day 7: Banaras Hindu University
   20 minutes (4.4 km) from River Ganges Boat ride

   Visit the largest residential university in Asia, the heart of intellectual discussions and art performances in Varanasi.

8. Day 8: Ramnagar Fort and Museum
   25 minutes (6.3 km) from Banaras Hindu University

   Explore the architecture, weaponry, and cultural significance of the royal fort of Varanasi and the antique museum inside it.

9. Day 9: Tulsi Manas Mandir
   25 minutes (6.5 km) from Ramnagar Fort and Museum

   Visit the white-marbled temple, where the entire Ramcharitmanas epic is inscribed on the walls with messages from Lord Hanuman.

10. Day 10: Alamgir Mosque
    20 minutes (6 km) from Tulsi Manas Mandir

    Find peace in the architecture and significance of the unique blend of Hindu and Islamic culture at the famous mosque.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Manikarnika Ghat (1 hour, Free)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Durga Temple (45 minutes, Free)
• Sarnath Buddhist Temples and Museum (2 hours, INR 30)
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
• River Ganges boat ride at Sunrise (2 hours, INR 500)
• Banaras Hindu University (2 hours, Free)
• Ramnagar Fort and Museum (2 hours, INR 20)
• Tulsi Manas Mandir (1 hour, Free)
• Alamgir Mosque (45 minutes, Free)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 570

Useful tips

You can add more sites of religious, cultural, and historical importance during evening Aarti on Dasaswamedh Ghat. Other notables are the Ashoka Pillar, the New Vishwanath Temple, and the Chaukhandi Stupa. Keep extra days if you want to explore nearby places like Chunar Fort or Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary.