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Ayodhya Banaras 7-Day Itinerary - August 7, 2023

Monday, August 7: Arrival in Ayodhya

Start your trip in Ayodhya, a sacred city in Hinduism, known for its rich history and heritage. In the morning, visit the Ram Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Rama, and seek blessings at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Hanuman Garhi, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and enjoy panoramic views of Ayodhya from its hilltop location. As the evening sets in, take a serene boat ride on the Saryu River and witness the beautiful aarti ceremony at the ghats.

  • Ram Janmabhoomi: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Hanuman Garhi: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Saryu River Boat Ride: INR 100 per person, 1 hour
Tuesday, August 8: Ayodhya Exploration

Embark on a spiritual journey in Ayodhya. In the morning, visit the Kanak Bhavan Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita, and marvel at the intricate architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Nageshwarnath Temple, one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya, known for its beautiful carvings. In the evening, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Saryu River and enjoy the serene ambiance.

  • Kanak Bhavan Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Nageshwarnath Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Saryu River Walk: Free, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, August 9: Travel to Varanasi

Leave Ayodhya and travel to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. In the morning, arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city by visiting the famous ghats along the sacred Ganges River. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire and incense.

  • Ghats of Varanasi: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Thursday, August 10: Varanasi Heritage Tour

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi. In the morning, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Ganges River and witness the fascinating rituals and ceremonies taking place at the various ghats. In the evening, visit the famous Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus and enjoy a leisurely walk through its picturesque gardens.

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Ganges River Boat Ride: INR 200 per person, 2 hours
  • Banaras Hindu University: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Friday, August 11: Sarnath Excursion

Take a day trip to Sarnath, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site near Varanasi. In the morning, visit the Dhamek Stupa, an impressive structure marking the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the afternoon, explore the Sarnath Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist artifacts. In the evening, visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple known for its beautiful frescoes and serene garden.

  • Dhamek Stupa: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Sarnath Museum: INR 10 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners, 1-2 hours
  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Saturday, August 12: Varanasi Cultural Experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Varanasi. In the morning, attend a classical music and dance performance at the famous Sankat Mochan Temple. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the old city, known as Varanasi's galis, and discover traditional crafts and local delicacies. In the evening, attend a mesmerizing Ghat Arti performance, where artists showcase their talent through various art forms.

  • Sankat Mochan Temple Performance: Free entry, 1-2 hours
  • Exploring Varanasi's Galis: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Ghat Arti Performance: Free, 1 hour
Sunday, August 13: Departure

On your last day, take some time to explore the local markets and buy souvenirs. In the afternoon, check out from your hotel and depart from Varanasi with unforgettable memories of your spiritual journey.

  • Shopping in Local Markets: Cost varies, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While visiting Ayodhya and Varanasi, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. In Ayodhya, make sure to visit the Treta Ke Thakur, a hidden temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. In Varanasi, explore the narrow alleys of the Manikarnika Ghat, a cremation ground, where you can witness the unique rituals associated with death and rebirth.

Experience the local street food scene in Varanasi by trying the famous Banarasi paan and kachori. Don't forget to visit the Assi Ghat, a lesser-known ghat with a peaceful ambiance and beautiful sunrise views over the Ganges River.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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