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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Varanasi

Wednesday August 16: Arrival in Varanasi

Welcome to Varanasi! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and getting settled. In the morning, take a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River and witness the mesmerizing morning rituals and ceremonies. In the afternoon, visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to explore the ancient Buddhist artifacts. As the evening sets in, head to the Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony.

  • Boat Ride on the Ganges: Cost - INR 200 per person, Time - 2 hours
  • Sarnath Archaeological Museum: Cost - INR 30 per person, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Dashashwamedh Ghat: Free, Time - 1 hour
Thursday August 17: Varanasi Temples

Start your day by visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi and experience the local culture. In the afternoon, visit the Tulsi Manas Temple, known for its beautiful marble carvings depicting the Ramayana. As the evening approaches, take a sunset boat ride along the ghats and witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti.

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Tulsi Manas Temple: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Sunset Boat Ride: Cost - INR 200 per person, Time - 2 hours
Friday August 18: Cultural Exploration

Start your day by visiting the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Explore the campus and visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum to admire its extensive collection of Indian art and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Varanasi and visit the famous Weaver's Village, where you can witness the intricate process of silk weaving. In the evening, attend a classical music and dance performance at the Ganges Ghats.

  • Banaras Hindu University: Free, Time - 2-3 hours
  • Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum: Cost - INR 10 per person, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Weaver's Village: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Classical Music and Dance Performance: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
Saturday August 19: Day Trip to Sarnath

Take a day trip to Sarnath, located just outside Varanasi. Explore the ancient Buddhist ruins and visit the Dhamek Stupa, where Buddha gave his first sermon. In the afternoon, visit the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, a modern Buddhist temple with stunning frescoes and a peaceful meditation hall. Enjoy the serene surroundings and learn about the teachings of Buddhism. Return to Varanasi in the evening.

  • Dhamek Stupa: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Transportation to Sarnath: Cost - INR 500 round trip (taxi), Time - 1 hour each way
Sunday August 20: Varanasi Markets

Explore the vibrant markets of Varanasi in the morning. Visit the Chowk Market to shop for traditional Banarasi sarees, intricate jewelry, and handicrafts. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of the Old City, known as the Kashi Vishwanath Gali, and discover hidden gems like the Manikarnika Ghat and the Kashi Karvat. As the evening sets in, enjoy a sunset boat ride and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti.

  • Chowk Market: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
  • Guided Walking Tour: Cost - INR 500 per person, Time - 2-3 hours
  • Sunset Boat Ride: Cost - INR 200 per person, Time - 2 hours
Monday August 21: Varanasi Cuisine

Embark on a culinary adventure and explore the diverse flavors of Varanasi. Start your day with a visit to a local tea stall and savor a hot cup of Masala Chai. In the afternoon, take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional dishes like Aloo Tikki and Malaiyyo. In the evening, visit the popular street food stalls near the Godowlia Crossing and indulge in local delicacies like Kachori, Chaat, and Lassi.

  • Tea Stall: Cost - INR 10 per cup, Time - 30 minutes
  • Cooking Class: Cost - Varies, Time - 2-3 hours
  • Street Food Stalls: Cost - Varies, Time - 1-2 hours
Tuesday August 22: Varanasi Ghats

Explore the famous ghats of Varanasi in the morning. Start at Assi Ghat and take a leisurely walk along the riverfront, visiting important ghats like Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, and Dasaswamedh Ghat. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Manikarnika Ghat and witness the cremation rituals. As the evening approaches, attend a mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat.

  • Assi Ghat: Free, Time - 1 hour
  • Manikarnika Ghat: Free, Time - 1-2 hours
  • Ghats Boat Ride: Cost - INR 500 per boat, Time - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a hidden gem, visit the Ramnagar Fort, located on the other side of the Ganges River. Explore the beautiful architecture and witness the daily evening ceremony performed by the royal family. Locals love to spend time at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the early morning hours, experiencing the peaceful ambience and offering prayers. It's a great opportunity to connect with the local community and witness their devotion.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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