10-day itinerary for Varanasi

  1. Day 1: Sarnath
    11 km (30 minutes) from Varanasi

    Visit the site where Buddha first taught the Dharma. Explore the Archaeological museum & ancient stupas.

  2. Day 2: Manikarnika Ghat
    4 km (15 minutes) from Sarnath

    Take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the ancient ritual of cremation at one of the oldest & busiest ghats.

  3. Day 3: Dashashwamedh Ghat
    3 km (10 minutes) from Manikarnika Ghat

    Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony where priests perform rituals with fire & music as you watch from a boat or the ghat steps.

  4. Day 4: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
    2 km (10 minutes) from Dashashwamedh Ghat

    One of the 12 Jyotirlingas & the most revered Shiva temple in India - explore the narrow lanes leading up to it as well.

  5. Day 5: Ramnagar Fort
    14 km (40 minutes) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Step into an 18th-century fort belonging to the Maharaja of Varanasi. View the vintage cars, museum, and historic artifacts.

  6. Day 6: Durga Temple & Monkey Temple
    3 km (15 minutes) from Ramnagar Fort

    Visit the Durga Temple, which is famous for its bright red color and intricate architecture. Later, relax at the Monkey Temple situated atop a hill.

  7. Day 7: Bharat Kala Bhavan & Banaras Hindu University
    4 km (15 minutes) from Durga Temple

    Explore the art & cultural exhibits which showcase Indian history dating back to the Indus Valley era. Take a stroll around the picturesque Banaras Hindu University campus.

  8. Day 8: Raja Ghat, Chunar Fort & Vindhyachal
    70 km (2 hours) from Bharat Kala Bhavan

    Visit the lesser-known but scenic ghats for a private boat ride experience. Then take a short drive to see an ancient fort and enjoy the serene environment of Vindhyachal.

  9. Day 9: Chaukhandi Stupa & Tibetan Temple
    4 km (15 minutes) from Vindhyachal

    Visit the bell-shaped Chaukhandi Stupa, one of the important Buddhist sites in India. Then, head to the Tibetan Temple known for its colorful paintings and sculptures.

  10. Day 10: The Blue Lassi Shop & Ganges River Sunrise
    3 km (10 minutes) from Chaukhandi Stupa

    Start the day with a delicious lassi that is a local specialty. Catch the sunrise on the banks of the Ganges before departing from Varanasi

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Sarnath (2-3 hours, free)
  • Manikarnika Ghat (1-2 hours, boat rides available for ₹200-600)
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat (1-2 hours, free)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • Ramnagar Fort (1-2 hours, ₹50-200)
  • Durga Temple & Monkey Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan & Banaras Hindu University (2-3 hours, ₹30-100)
  • Raja Ghat, Chunar Fort & Vindhyachal (6-7 hours, boat for ₹500-1500, car for ₹2000-4000)
  • Chaukhandi Stupa & Tibetan Temple (2-3 hours, free)
  • The Blue Lassi Shop & Ganges River Sunrise (1-2 hours, lassi for ₹30-50, sunrise free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹800-3000 (excluding transport and lodging)

Useful tips

If you have less time, consider skipping the Chunar Fort and/or Vindhyachal. Alternatively, plan 2 days at Sarnath and 1 less day at other locations. If you have more time, consider visiting nearby cities like Allahabad and Chitrakoot or taking a multi-day boat ride down the Ganges.

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