Exploring Varanasi: A Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary

Tuesday, August 22: Discovering the Spiritual City

Start your Varanasi adventure by visiting the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the morning. This revered Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the holiest sites in Varanasi. Afterward, take a boat ride along the sacred Ganges River in the afternoon. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening, where priests perform rituals with fire and chanting. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as the lamps are floated on the river, creating a stunning spectacle.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: INR 0 (Entry is free), 2-3 hours
• Boat Ride on Ganges River: INR 500-800 per person, 1-2 hours
• Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ganga Aarti: INR 0 (Free to observe), 1-2 hours

Wednesday, August 23: Cultural Exploration

Embark on a heritage walk in the morning to explore the narrow lanes and ancient buildings of Varanasi. Visit the Banaras Hindu University, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, and explore its beautiful campus. In the afternoon, head to the Sarnath Archaeological Site, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Explore the ruins, Buddhist stupas, and the famous Dhamek Stupa. In the evening, enjoy a classical music and dance performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Varanasi.

• Heritage Walk in Varanasi: INR 0 (Self-guided), 2-3 hours
• Banaras Hindu University: INR 0 (Entry is free), 2-3 hours
• Sarnath Archaeological Site: INR 250-500 per person, 3-4 hours
• Classical Music and Dance Performance: INR 300-500 per person, 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 24: Exploring Varanasi's Intriguing Sights

Start your day with a visit to the Ramnagar Fort, located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River. Explore the museum inside the fort, showcasing artifacts and vintage cars. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Manikarnika Ghat, the main cremation ghat in Varanasi, to gain insights into Hindu funeral rituals. End your day by experiencing a mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Assi Ghat, a less crowded ghat offering a serene atmosphere.

• Ramnagar Fort: INR 50-200 per person, 2-3 hours
• Manikarnika Ghat: INR 0 (Free to observe), 1-2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat: INR 0 (Free to observe), 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Varanasi, don't miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum within the Banaras Hindu University campus, showcasing a vast collection of art and artifacts. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the morning along the lesser-known ghats of Varanasi, such as Chet Singh Ghat and Scindia Ghat, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience. These off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals will provide a unique perspective of Varanasi's rich history and cultural heritage.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices on Kayak.