Welcome to Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. Start your trip by checking into a family-friendly hotel near the Ganges River. Use this link to check hotel and flight prices. In the morning, visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the intricate architecture and witness the morning prayers. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the holy Ganges River, where you can witness the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony as the sun sets. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Banarasi dinner at a local restaurant.
Start your day with a visit to the Sarnath Archaeological Site, located just outside Varanasi. This is where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the ancient ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. In the afternoon, head to the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Indian art and artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance of classical music and dance at the Shri Ram Center for Performing Arts.
Begin your day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing morning rituals and the ghats come alive with devotees. After breakfast, visit the Ramnagar Fort, a magnificent 17th-century fort with a museum showcasing vintage cars, weapons, and artifacts. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the old city, known as the "galis," and visit the famous Vishwanath Gali and the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the main cremation ghats. In the evening, experience a traditional Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform rituals with fire, lamps, and chants.
While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to visit Assi Ghat, the southernmost ghat on the Ganges River. It is less crowded and offers a serene ambiance. Take a leisurely walk along the ghats during the early morning hours to experience the city's spiritual essence. Additionally, visit the Bharat Mata Mandir, a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. It features a large relief map of India carved out of marble, showcasing the country's geographical beauty. These hidden gems provide a different perspective of Varanasi and are great for family outings.