Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for Varanasi

1. Day 1: Explore the Ghats
   30-minute drive from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

   Experience the vibrant and serene atmosphere of the ghats along the Ganges River. Witness morning Aarti ceremonies and a sunrise boat ride.

2. Day 2: Visit Sarnath and Dhamek Stupa
   30-minute drive from the Varanasi city center

   Learn about the history of Buddhism and visit the site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at the Deer Park. See the remarkable Dhamek Stupa and the Sarnath Museum.

3. Day 3: Discover the Ramnagar Fort and Museum
   20-minute drive from the Varanasi city center

   Explore the 17th-century Ramnagar Fort, the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Varanasi. Visit the museum showcasing a collection of vintage cars, weapons, and royal artifacts.

4. Day 4: Shop at the Chowk Market
   15-minute drive from the Varanasi city center

   Visit the busy and colorful Chowk Market for some souvenir shopping. Find unique items, including sarees, bangles, spices, and handicrafts. Try some local street food like chaat and lassi.

5. Day 5: Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple and Bharat Mata Mandir
   10-minute drive from the Varanasi city center

   Explore the beautiful Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its impressive architecture and religious significance. Visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India and showcasing a three-dimensional relief map of India.

6. Day 6: Tour the Banaras Hindu University and New Vishwanath Temple
   15-minute drive from the Varanasi city center

   Visit the prestigious Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and its grand Vishwanath Temple. Explore the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, popularly known as the New Vishwanath Temple, inspired by the original Jyotirlinga Shiva temple.

7. Day 7: Relax at the Deer Park and Tibetan Temple
   40-minute drive from the Varanasi city center

   Take a break from the city buzz and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Deer Park and its impressive Buddha Statue. Visit the nearby Tibetan Temple and souvenir shops. Try some momos, thukpa, and Tibetan tea.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ghat Visit (2 hours, free)
• Sarnath (3 hours, INR 500)
• Ramnagar Fort and Museum (2 hours, INR 300)
• Chowk Market (2 hours, INR 500)
• Tulsi Manas Temple and Bharat Mata Mandir (2 hours, INR 200)
• Banaras Hindu University and New Vishwanath Temple (3 hours, free)
• Deer Park and Tibetan Temple (2 hours, INR 100)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,600 per person

Useful Tips

Add more days to your itinerary to explore the nearby cities like Allahabad and Bodh Gaya. Consider staying at a hotel near the Ganges River for easy access to the ghats. Keep a water bottle and a face mask handy, especially during crowded places and summer months. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or shoes inside the religious places. Watch out for the monkeys around the temples and tourist spots.