Discovering Banaras: A 7-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dashashwamedh Ghat
   15 minutes (3.2 km) from Varanasi Junction Railway Station

   Witness the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a spectacular ceremony filled with lights, flowers, and prayers as the sun sets over the Ganges.

2. Day 2: Sarnath
   30 minutes (10.5 km) from Dashashwamedh Ghat

   Explore the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, and visit the Sarnath Museum to learn about the history and culture of Buddhism in the region.

3. Day 3: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
   10 minutes (2.8 km) from Sarnath

   Join the devotees in one of the holiest places in Hinduism, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and soak in the spiritual energy of the city's most famous landmark. Note that the temple is closed for non-Hindus.

4. Day 4: Banaras Hindu University and Ramnagar Fort
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Kashi Vishwanath Temple

   Take a walk in the sprawling and scenic Banaras Hindu University campus, visit its museums, and then drive to Ramnagar Fort to appreciate its ornate architecture, museum, and history.

5. Day 5: Manikarnika Ghat and Golden Temple
   15 minutes (2.5 km) from Ramnagar Fort

   Watch a unique view on life and death in Indian culture at Manikarnika, a massive open-air cremation site on the banks of the Ganges. The Golden Temple, a stunning Sikh shrine, is also nearby.

6. Day 6: Bharat Mata Temple, Alamgir Mosque and Chunar Fort
   60 minutes (30 km) from Manikarnika Ghat

   Explore some of the lesser-known yet important monuments outside Banaras, such as Bharat Mata Temple and Alamgir Mosque, and then head to Chunar Fort, an imposing fortress with centuries of history.

7. Day 7: Assi Ghat and Banarasi Saree Bazaar
   20 minutes (4.5 km) from Chunar Fort

   End your trip by catching sunrise at Assi Ghat, one of the oldest river ghats in the city, and shop for beautiful Banarasi silk sarees at the crowded yet charming bazaar nearby.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dashashwamedh Ghat (2 hours, free)
• Sarnath (4 hours, Rs. 50 for Indian citizens, Rs. 600 for foreign nationals)
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, free)
• Banaras Hindu University and Ramnagar Fort (3 hours, Rs. 30 for Indians, Rs. 500 for foreign nationals)
• Manikarnika Ghat and Golden Temple (2 hours, free)
• Bharat Mata Temple, Alamgir Mosque and Chunar Fort (6 hours, Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 250 for foreign nationals)
• Assi Ghat and Banarasi Saree Bazaar (2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 905 for Indian citizens, Rs. 1,350 for foreign nationals

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting more of the city's Ghats or the nearby wildlife reserve, Rajaji National Park. For food lovers, do not miss the mouthwatering street food, especially the signature Banarasi chaat or snacks. If you have less time, prioritize the Ganga Aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath.