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A Week in Varanasi and Baba Banyanath Dham: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

Friday, August 18: Arrival in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi! Start your trip by visiting the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River in the morning. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship, as the sun sets. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the Old City, known as the heart of Varanasi, and experience the vibrant local markets. Enjoy a boat ride along the Ganges in the evening, taking in the panoramic views of the city and its ghats.

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, 2 hours
  • Old City Exploration: Free, 3 hours
  • Boat Ride on the Ganges: INR 200-500 (approx. $3-7), 1 hour
Saturday, August 19: Baba Banyanath Dham

Embark on a day trip to Baba Banyanath Dham, located around 15 kilometers from Varanasi. Start your morning with a visit to the ancient Baba Banyanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the serene surroundings and offer prayers at this sacred place. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful picnic at the nearby Ramnagar Fort, a beautiful fort overlooking the Ganges River. In the evening, return to Varanasi and relax at your hotel.

  • Baba Banyanath Temple: Free, 2 hours
  • Ramnagar Fort: INR 20-50 (approx. $0.30-0.70), 2 hours
Sunday, August 20: Sarnath Excursion

Discover the ancient city of Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. In the morning, visit the Dhamek Stupa, a massive structure dating back to the 5th century, and explore the ruins of the ancient monasteries. Learn about the life of Lord Buddha at the Sarnath Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk in Deer Park, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Return to Varanasi in the evening.

  • Dhamek Stupa: Free, 2 hours
  • Sarnath Museum: INR 5-100 (approx. $0.07-1.40), 1 hour
  • Deer Park: Free, 1 hour
Monday, August 21: Varanasi Silk Shopping

Indulge in a shopping spree for authentic Varanasi silk products. In the morning, visit the local silk weaving workshops to witness the intricate process of silk production. Explore the bustling markets around Godowlia, where you can find a wide range of silk sarees, shawls, and fabrics. In the afternoon, visit the Banaras Hindu University and explore its beautiful campus. Don't miss the Bharat Kala Bhavan, an art and archaeological museum within the university premises. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the serene Assi Ghat.

  • Silk Weaving Workshops: Free, 2 hours
  • Godowlia Market: Cost varies, 3 hours
  • Banaras Hindu University: Free, 2 hours
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan: INR 20-50 (approx. $0.30-0.70), 1 hour
  • Assi Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Tuesday, August 22: Ghat Exploration

Explore the different ghats of Varanasi and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. Begin your morning at the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the most sacred cremation sites in Hinduism. Witness the ancient ritual of cremation and gain a deeper understanding of the cycle of life and death. In the afternoon, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the tranquility of Tulsi Ghat and enjoy a boat ride along the river. Wrap up the day with a visit to the charming Chet Singh Ghat.

  • Manikarnika Ghat: Free, 2 hours
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Tulsi Ghat: Free, 1 hour
  • Boat Ride: INR 200-500 (approx. $3-7), 1 hour
  • Chet Singh Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Wednesday, August 23: Varanasi Cuisine

Delve into the culinary delights of Varanasi. Start your morning with a visit to the famous Kachori Gali, known for its mouthwatering kachoris (deep-fried bread stuffed with lentils). Explore the local street food stalls and try delicacies like lassi, chaat, and paan. In the afternoon, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Varanasi dishes. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring the panoramic views of the city at night.

  • Kachori Gali: Cost varies, 2 hours
  • Cooking Class: INR 500-1000 (approx. $7-14), 2 hours
  • Rooftop Restaurant: Cost varies, 2 hours
Thursday, August 24: Ganga Aarti and Shopping

Experience the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti ceremony once again at a different ghat. In the morning, explore the markets around Vishwanath Gali, where you can find an array of handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Visit the Nepali Temple, known for its exquisite woodwork and intricate carvings. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the serene beauty of the ghats. End your trip by attending the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Harishchandra Ghat.

  • Market Exploration: Cost varies, 2 hours
  • Nepali Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Riverfront Stroll: Free, 1 hour
  • Evening Ganga Aarti at Harishchandra Ghat: Free, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a temple dedicated to Mother India. Explore the eight floors of the temple, each representing a different aspect of India's culture and heritage. Enjoy a boat ride to the nearby Chunar Fort, located on the banks of the Ganges. The fort offers breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding landscapes. Lastly, don't miss the chance to savor the delicious street food at Kashi Chat Bhandar, a popular local eatery known for its flavorsome chaat.

Check hotel and flight prices here.

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