3-Day Itinerary for Varanasi

  1. Day 1: Dashashwamedh Ghat
    10-minute walk (0.5 miles) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    Begin your day by witnessing the daily evening aarti ceremony at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The ceremony is a spectacular display of light, sound, and devotion as priests offer prayers to the river Ganges. After the ceremony, take a boat ride on the river to get a peaceful view of the ghats at night

  2. Day 2: Sarnath
    50-minute drive (7.5 miles) from Varanasi city center

    Spend the day exploring the Sarnath archaeological site, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Marvel at the ancient ruins of stupas, monasteries, and temples, and visit the Sarnath Museum to see exhibits of Buddha statues and artifacts dating back to the 3rd century BC.

  3. Day 3: Assi Ghat
    15-minute drive (3 miles) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

    End your trip by experiencing the local culture and visiting the Assi Ghat, where locals come to bathe, pray, and meditate. Take a stroll through the bustling alleys of the old city and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, take a cooking class to learn how to make local delicacies such as chaat, thandai, and lassi.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Dashashwamedh Ghat (1.5 hours, free)
  • Sarnath archaeological site and museum (4 hours, ₹250 for foreigners)
  • Assi Ghat visit and cooking class (3.5 hours, ₹1500 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹1750 per person

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider a day trip to the nearby Chunar Fort or Ramnagar Fort. For those with less time, skip the cooking class and spend more time exploring the ghats or visiting the Bharat Mata Temple. Remember to dress conservatively and be respectful of local customs and religious practices. Finally, be cautious about taking photos of locals without their permission, as some may find it offensive.

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